13
Mar
It’s been a week since the inaugural #GIRLBOSSRALLY took place in Los Angeles and I’m back in London now, still buzzing from the event! I heard about the event online, via founder and ultimate #Girlboss, Sophia Amoruso’s social media channels.
At $300 + taxes and fees for a general admission ticket, plus flights and accommodation, my decision to attend was not made lightly. The line-up looked incredible however, and $300 was a reasonable price to pay for an all day conference jam packed with seminars. Something was calling me to this event, and I had committed to attending at least one business, networking or work-life event in 2017 so I followed my instincts and booked.
I knew instantly I had made the right decision when I pulled up to the Hudson Loft space in Downtown LA. It was 7.45am and there was a long line of fellow #Girlbosses waiting patiently. I met 3 lovely ladies in the queue; Linda, Tiffany and Calla. Like me, they were all attending the #GIRLBOSSRALLY alone, eager to get inspired and learn how to be a true #girlboss – a theme throughout the day.
On registration, we received a holographic tag with our personalised schedule for the day (we had the option of choosing which seminars we wanted to attend prior to the event) and took the elevator up to the fourth floor. A nutritious vegetarian breakfast was provided by Sweetgreen and healthy smoothies/coffee by MoonJuice – a great way to start the day.
Sophia Amoruso opened the Rally, reinforcing the message that we can be and do whatever we want. She also reminded us that with 500 successful and ambitious #girlbosses in attendance, we shouldn’t look to each other with envy – “comparison is the thief of job. Don’t compare your hustle”. Gabby Bernstein continued to motivate us and got us amped up for the day with her “Commit to Something session”:
Each session left me motivated and ready to take on the world. There were too many favourite moments and speakers to mention (although I did love Lilly Singh’s session!) but here are a few recurring bits of advice and themes from the day:
What else was going on at the #GIRLBOSSRALLY?
The Squarespace Studio gave attendees 1:1 consultation sessions and shared practical tips on how to create an amazing website/blog.
The Bumble App hosted a photo studio and gave us amazing headshots (thanks guys, these are going up on the Nails by Mets website!)
We ended the day with cocktails courtesy of Aperol:
I met so many inspirational ladies from all over the country and world, with diverse backgrounds. We all had an instant bond, the #Girlboss bond, and we were unafraid to share our aspirations. There was a warmth and openness that to be honest, I have never experienced at London networking/entrepreneurial/womens events. It was so refreshing and whilst I did feel a little awkward and introvert at times (I’m not so great at the networking game), everyone was absolutely lovely and I met some wonderful people who I will keep in touch with.
The best part about the #GIRLBOSSRALLY? All attendees get acess to a digital ticket which give us access to view ALL of the sessions from the day! How amazing? I get to rewatch my favourite sessions AND catch up
Congratulations to Sophia and team for putting on an amazing event! Before you ask, no, Sophia did not discuss (the rise & subsequent fall) of her company Nasty Gal but without mentioning it, we all knew one thing; Sophia is one determined boss and will be bouncing back with the #Girlboss brand. The #GIRLBOSSRALLY was just the start!
A few other things I got up to in LA:
Pre-networking event at the West Hollywood Breather space, organised by Anna from Lucky Sixpence Bridal – a fellow Londoner who did an amazing job pulling this together from the other side of the world! Cupcakes courtesy of Vanilla Bake Shop. This was a great event which really helped us ladies travelling to the #GIRLBOSSRALLY alone!
I spent one day shooting with an incredibly talented team and photographer, Nathalie Gordon. Nathalie also happens to be a #girlboss and one third of the UK’s only (all female-owned!) nail polish subscription box in the UK, Meebox. Hair Stylist Richard Grant, Make-up Artist Bethany Garita & Model Melinda Elvenes.
FOP Magazine Issue Launch Party:
Sunday Brunch at Soho House (shame I’m not a member, it was fab!)
Gracias Madre – a DELICIOUS plant based (veggie/vegan) Mexican in West Hollywood which sources products locally.
E.P L.P Rooftop – Views of the Hollywood Hills, beautiful people and yummy cocktails.
A hike up Runyon Canyon will give you beautiful views over LA (I could even see snow at the top of the mountains) and a view of the Hollywood sign.
If I had more time, I definitely would have visited: Venice Beach, The Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center and Sephora for all my beauty needs (and wants!)
L.A. and the #GIRLBOSSRALLY was definitely the boost I needed! Would you go to the next Rally?
Metta Francis
Twitter: @NAILSBYMETS
Instagram: Nailsbymets
