Handle Your Business & Shine: BlogHer Health ‘19
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the BlogHer Health Conference in Los Angeles. As a new blogger and businesswoman, I was looking forward to meeting and networking with others in the health and wellness space. The conference took place at Hudson Loft, a beautiful event space in the heart of Downtown LA, and I had a blast representing our Fit with Finesse community.
Day 1
BlogHer offered attendees an opportunity to attend pre-conference special, private events. One of which was a cooking class sponsored by IBS-D Up Close and a panel discussion with migraine expert JP Summers. I love to cook, so I am always down to learn something new about the healing power of food.
The class was really amazing. We tried three different recipes, all with ingredients that help heal stomach issues. I have to say my favorite recipes were the Kale Salad and the Almond Chocolate Energy Balls . They were simple to make and still tasted indulgent. (Be on the lookout for the recipes in future posts :-)
My favorite part of the evening was the 2019 Voices of the Year Ceremony, which highlighted women who have used their platforms to produce tangible and meaningful impact in women’s health online and around the world. I was happy the audience had an opportunity to celebrate these health advocates who were standing up for women of all races, ages, and cultures. Aja Brown, mayor of Compton, CA, was one of the honorees. Being a born-and-raised LA girl, and woman of color, I felt a personal sense of pride watching her walk across the stage. Talk about the sentiment, “she ran (literally) so I could walk.”
I was incredibly moved by the speeches and thoroughly impressed that SheMedia brought light to real life issues affecting women all over the world. I had a moment to speak with the CEO of SheMedia, Samantha Skye, and she expressed that she was most proud of the ceremony. It was great to see social justice aspects of women's health intentionally highlighted.
Day 2
If you follow us regularly, you know we both stan for trainer and fitness influencer, Massy Arias (she is also a CoverGirl!). I was excited to hear her speak on the second day of the conference. Some takeaways from her, and other speakers of the day included:
“We are goddesses who unapologetically shine”
Authenticity is key when it comes to working with brands. Your authentic voice is what they will look at when it comes to identifying partnerships.
Relationship building is the most important part of building a brand. This goes for not only bloggers, but any woman in her career. Networking can be overwhelming for some, but think about ways you can make authentic connections like a meeting for coffee or at a juice bar for a way to connect minus the pressure.
Partner with others. We can make our reach and impact stronger together. Look for friends, bloggers, colleagues that you can partner with and watch the creativity and ideas begin to flow. It will be beneficial for the both of you.
“The Pitch,” a competition sponsored by FedEx, was also a great addition to the program. It was inspiring to hear three entrepreneurs share their elevator pitch. They were judged by a panel and the audience.
BlogHer also did an amazing job providing a fabulously comprehensive program that put a spotlight on women’s health while hosting smaller #BlogHer U Sessions that provided strategies and best practices on brand partnerships, generating profits, marketing, and the business side of being an influencer.
I walked away from the conference rejuvenated, empowered, and inspired. Also, the swag bag was the best I’ve ever received. Stay tuned to @_fitwithfinesse for an upcoming video of all the goodies I took home.
