This past weekend I had the chance to attend Create & Cultivate Chicago thanks to JCPenney. The full-day event was packed with inspiration, fun exhibits and women who are looking to make a difference.

I met women from all over - Washington, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, and California - as well as women who work in a wide variety of fields - real estate, politics, blogging, marketing, retail, food and beverage. For me, it was really impressive to see hundreds of women coming together to learn, to share and to grow both personally and professionally. One of Create & Cultivate’s main mantras is ‘Collaboration not competition’ and was was more than clear in the panels they put together and even in the break-out mentoring sessions in which women who were influencers in their field shared with others who hope to be an influencer.

Panelists and keynote speakers at Create & Cultivate shared personal stories of overcoming adversity and their advice on how to pursue a dream. Some of the nuggets I took away from the day:

• Better yourself every day.
• You are your own competition, no one else.
• To be an entrepreneur (business woman) in 2018, you need hustle, passion and no fear.
• Practice the art of ruthless exclusion.
• Pick a lane, choose who you want to be, and focus on that.
• There’s a reason horses race with blinders on.
• Feedback is a gift.

While there, in between panel discussion and keynote speakers, I had the chance to wander around all the various booths and pop-up shops that were spread throughout the area. JCPenney had a spot for you to get a little makeup touch-up, which was certainly much needed when the sun came out and the temperatures heated up in the middle of the day. They also were doing adorable braids and updos. I went with my hair down but the humidity soon made my curls into a lion’s mane, so one of the gals pulled part of it back with a simple braid, and helped calm some of the frizz.

JCPenney also hosted the Happy Hour, which included some delicious cocktails, cotton candy (my FAVORITE) as well as fresh guac and chips, and cookie monster ice cream! It was the perfect refreshing break before the final keynote of the day began. It also gave all the attendees a chance to mix and mingle a little more before the entire event wrapped up and we all went back to our normal everyday tasks.

My look for the day - all JCPenney apparel from my earrings down to my shoes - received a number of compliments. The shoes were by far, the most popular, and I’m pleased to say my feet didn’t hurt at all after being in them the entire day and spending hours on my feet! The thick heel made them effortless to wear. And you can bet that jean jacket is going to be a frequent flyer in my fall wardrobe. If you need an update for this Fall, check out all JCPenney has in store for you here.

With all that being said, I had a wonderful time at the Create & Cultivate conference and am looking forward to attending next year!

The post is sponsored by JCPenney. All opinions are my own.