What Really Went Down at ShiftCon 2018! Shift Happens!
Let's start out with what ShiftCon is: "ShiftCon is an eco-wellness influencer conference focusing on food, wellness, health, sustainability and platform growth. Shifters are part of an online influencer community that seek healthier and more sustainable lives, promote brands that mirror their values, and help causes that speak to their soul. ShiftCon influencers span between newbies, light and deep green."
This was the 4th annual event, and it happened to be my first time attending. To say that I loved it would be an understatement! There's a sense of feeling at home when you are surrounded by so many incredible, like-minded, empowering people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and from all over the country. I LOVE this community! I love being a part of something where we, as bloggers, influencers and brands, can link arms and grow TOGETHER. There is no competition, in my opinion, because we all are working towards the same goal: to become better people, healthier people, more knowledgeable, eco-friendly, learn from each other, to teach others about health and wellness and to raise awareness about the benefits of living a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.
They offered very informative sessions with topics like:
How To Monetize Your Blog, How To Become Comfortable In Front Of The Camera, How to get more people to read your emails and engage with them, How to get a book deal, Protecting Children from Pesticides, and so much more.
If you are able to go to ShiftCon with a friend or your spouse, I definitely recommend that you go to separate classes, take notes and share them with each other to get the most out of the conference. I am so thankful that my hubby attended with me. We chose all the classes that would apply to us then split up and went to separate classes, took notes and at the end of each day went over what we learned and figured out how to apply it to us in the best way possible.
The Keynotes were fantastic, and my favorite was from Ed Begley Jr. I grew up watching him as Dr. Hank Hastings on 7th Heaven! I also ran into him at the grocery store a few months ago and told him how excited I was that he was speaking at ShiftCon and he was so kind. He said he was thrilled and happy to meet me.
During his keynote, he talked about Healing the Planet and shared common sense tips that will not only help us save money but also keep the environment safe. He is the greenest guy around, and I love that he has such an amazing platform in Hollywood to share his wisdom. It's more than just tips like B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bag) to the grocery story and how to save water. (Here are some tips on how to save water from Delicious Living).
He makes "GOING GREEN" make sense. If more people listened to his approach to healing the planet, our planet would be much greener as a whole. One thing that I appreciated was that he didn't bring politics into his keynote. He didn't put those with beliefs other than his own down just to make a point or get a laugh and that was refreshing.
He was funny, warm, and so friendly. I am so thankful that we had the chance to learn from him as well as purchase his book and get it signed at ShiftCon. I want to take more steps in my own home after hearing him speak.
Here's the deal: ShiftCon is a great place to connect with your favorite brands, learn about new ones and get some good quality time with people from brands that you love and respect, as well as get some good quality time with people from brands that you just learned about. I am so grateful for all of the brands that we there. It was wonderful getting to sit and break bread (gluten-free, of course!) with many of the lovely people from all the different brands. That is the truly unique setting that is provided at ShiftCon.
I really enjoyed sitting with Brittany from YouPlusCBD for a few meals. We had met prior to ShiftCon, but it's nice to not only be able to talk and ask questions about the company, but have a meal together on a personal level... not as brand and influencer, but as like-minded people.
It was also way cool sitting with Shannon and Lauren from Goddess Garden and getting to learn about their company. I had obviously heard of Goddess Garden many times before, but I hadn't even tried their products before, and now I am a fan. Once again, talking business is great over a meal, but it's a great chance to connect with everyone in a super casual, low-key, let's-cheers-it-out sort of way.
Another awesome group that we got to sit with was the team from Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss (Emily & Elizabeth) during the final Keynote and Awards Ceremony. I'm also pretty sure we had the cool table, and not just because dessert that night was the new Coconut Bliss ice cream bars -- yeah, they were beyond delicious. Erica (CeliacAndTheBeast.com) and I definitely enjoyed these bars.
Something extra special this year was the Awards Ceremony. This was the first year that ShiftCon had an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of influencers in 15 different categories, including Rising Star. I was so stoked to be nominated alongside the incredible Paleo Boss Lady, Diane Capaldi. Her story is amazing, check her out!
I was nominated a few months back and then was voted by my peers as the 2018 Rising Star. I still get giddy about this, to be honest! I had no idea that I was going to win, and was beyond thrilled just to be nominated for this category. I had nothing prepared when they called my name, so there is so much more that I wanted to say. I love that my hubby was there with me to see me win this award. He's my biggest cheerleader, encourager, best friend, love of my life and, as he always says, "the Official Taste Tester in Krysten's Kitchen" a title that he holds proudly, hah!
Here's the video : Accepting the ShiftCon Shifter Award for Rising Star 2018
The was the first big show that he attended with me, and we both agreed that this event was so beautifully executed. Every moment of every hour between 8am until 7pm-ish was scheduled. Even our mealtime was filled with fellowship while we ate and then a keynote -- no wasted time! They made sure that you were able to take advantage of so many incredible opportunities. The sessions wen't too long and were super informative, to the point and were taught by many of our peers that actually excel in what they are teaching you. The keynotes were spot on, encouraging, empowering, had useful information and were so perfectly handpicked for this event. We have never seen an event that was done so well! Even the food was outstanding, nonGMO, grass fed, sustainably grown and legit tasty!
Leah Segedie is the CEO and Founder, Creator, Amazeballs, Empowering Boss Babe that started ShiftCon (as well as Mamavation & Bookieboo). She honestly has designed such a perfect conference that benefits everyone on the green spectrum. I am not as "GREEN" as I would like to be, but I am a work in progress. I never once felt (from anyone at the event, brands, teachers, etc.) "little" for my "greeness".... or lack thereof. BUT - I am a work in progress. I am eager to learn. I am anxious to put new practices into motion in our household thanks to Leah, as well as Ed Begley Jr.
Their approach to wanting to "going green" is so warm, inviting, informative and just plain old makes sense! It's realistic goals that we can put into motion one step at a time. Also -- something BIG is coming. Leah's new book, two years in the making, Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!) is about to launch on March 20th! You can preorder Leah's book RIGHT THIS SECOND (okay realistically when you are done reading my super amazing blog)!
Here's more about Green Enough:
Green Enough is a real, no-holds-barred take on making smart, healthy choices for you and your family. I uncover the truth behind the food and household products that are misleadingly labeled “all-natural” and healthy but are actually filled with harmful chemicals. From furniture to packaged food, let me guide you through detoxifying your home, diet, and lifestyle, showing you how to make the best choices possible for your family. While at the same time showing you how to also “chill out” without guilt. Here are some things you can look forward to in Green Enough:
Several exposes on thousands of brands and products containing toxic and hormone-disrupting ingredients
Guidelines on choosing safer products and produce that are free from toxic persistent pesticides
Advice on how to find meat, diary, and eggs that are free from antibiotics, GMOs, growth hormones, and dangerous pathogens
A break-down of what phases of childhood children are most vulnerable and need more protection and when you can just “chill out” and let it fly
50 delicious and kid-approved recipes
And much much more…
This book will keep you entertained, laughing, sometimes a bit peeved, and always learning about how to best protect your family. But remember, It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being green enough.
I am very thankful for my time at ShiftCon. I loved every second of it. I even said on stage in that video "I don't want ShiftCon to end! Can we do this every day?" and goodness I meant it!
Let's talk about swag. The swag bags were so insane! This photo below is literally only .001% of what I brought home! The photo just shows some of the brands and products that I am highlighting in this post. I literally couldn't believe all the goods that we got in our bags.
A big thank you to all of the companies that added goodies, as well as Leah and the ShiftCon Team, for putting all of this together! Also, thank you to Mark Segedie (Leah's husband), as well as their kiddos, for allowing all of the swag to pile up in your house, bedrooms, office, hallway and life leading up to ShiftCon.
Here's some of my favorite swag from ShiftCon:
Like I said before, I have known about Goddess Garden for awhile now from my friend, Christine, but I haven't tried any of their products until ShiftCon. I am LOVING my eye cream and serum so much! I have been using the Bright Eyes – Firming Eye Cream every night (just about) to keep the skin around my 30 year old eyes extra soft, hydrated and moisturized. I am also using the Under the Sun – Hydrating Vitamin Serum in the morning, and it leaves my skin nice and soft without feeling too oily. Thank you Goddess Garden! Learn more.
This is a fairly brand new product from Vital Proteins. Their Collagen Creamer is legit my favorite product from Vital Proteins next to their regular Collagen Peptides. I use their creamer every single day in my coffee, and now that they have on-the-go travel packets of creamer, my life is complete! It's also Whole 30, Paleo, Gluten-Free, has no cane sugar and is great to make muffins with, too. I'm just saying!
A few years ago I noticed that I was losing my hair. It's a long story that you can read here. I have seen some big changes since taking the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides every day. Learn more.
I have already been using YouPlusCBD balm for a year now (since Expo West 2017) when Brittany gave me a jar of the balm to try. An hour later I sprained my knee at the expo and was miserable for the rest of the show. Okay that's not the end to my story. I whipped out the jar and used it on my knee throughout the show and it made my expo a lot better! I think it's one reason I actually made it through the show without crying.
I am newer to their liquid drops, and my husband and I have been taking the Peppermint CBD in our Four Sigmatic Mushroom Hot Cacao almost every night since the beginning of the year. We are sleeping better, and I am waking up a lot better in the morning. Learn more.
Okay, one of my favorite goodies was a trio set from BeautyCounter that features a No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask, face No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil and No. 3 Balancing Facial Mist. I am beyond obsessed. I must say, I am very kind because I totally shared about 1/3 to 1/2 of my bottle of the No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil with the countertop at the Hilton in Del Mar when I was at the GFAF Expo. So if you stay there in room 320, then you will notice how hydrated the bathroom counter really is!
I love their mission: To get SAFER products into the hands of everyone. There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today, and many don't even have any safety data. The people at BeautyCounter are committed to health and safety standards that go above and beyond what is required by U.S. law. They have banned 1500+ questionable or harmful chemicals in their products, all while ensuring that their products work, stay top-of-the-line and luxurious. Learn more.
This is a newer company to me... well sorta. My doctor even recommended one of them to me when I was dealing with grief after losing my cat a few years ago. I have also seen their products everywhere, and now I can say that I have tried a few products and love what they are doing. Boiron is a homeopathic company based in France. They are the largest homeopathic company in the world. The company was founded by brothers in the 1930s who happened to be pharmacists. I have been using their Calendula Ointment as of lately to help heal some tired, dry, (not quite a rash) skin and it has worked BEAUTIFULLY. I am so thankful to have met the team! Learn More.
Okay, I need to start with telling you that I am very picky with deodorant -- so much so that I make my own and it works really well. So I was a bit hesitant to try their deodorant because literally nothing has ever worked for me until I started making my own. I even wrote two blogs: why I make my own deodorant and a blog about B.O. I have to say I LOVE EARTH MAMA! Finally a deodorant that works for me. I prefer the unscented, though they all smell nice, and have even put it to the test during workouts and it works! I still make my own, BUT I travel a lot and use Earth Mama on-the-go, keep it in my travel bag or use it when I run out of my homemade deodorant and am too lazy to make more. I am a BIG fan of this company! I 100% recommend this product! Learn More.
I found a super cool company that I have gotta tell you about. Oral Essentials is seriously making some great products. The first day I took one of their whitening strips and gave it a try (not expecting much) and I was in awe of how much whiter my teeth were after one use. No chemicals! No dyes! No bleach! No crap! They use real ingredients like aloe vera, dead sea minerals, essential oils, nonGMO xylitol and coconut oil. Definitely give these whitening strips a try! Learn More.
Nutrigold was a big sponsor at the event and it was so great learning from them. They are a family owned, mission driven wellness company that goes above and beyond to ensure that their products are of highest quality. Their mission is to help create a healthier and more sustainable future by making nourishing products, embracing planet-friendly practices, and empowering consumers through education. Their commitment to people and planet is reflected in their use of non-GMO and organic ingredients, in the sugarcane scraps used to craft our product cartons, and in uncompromising efforts to avoid chemical additives and preservatives. I learned all about the new label that you will be seeing more of. I am grateful for the Women's Multi that they gave me, as well as the Men's Multi that they gave me to give to my daddy. NutriGold sponsored our Awards Ceremony and the Ceo Priya Khan gave the final Keynote and it was powerful! Learn More.
I am way thankful that I won this skincare set from AnnMarie at ShiftCon! Annmarie Skin Care was started in 2009. They have searched high and low to be able to provide clean ingredient skincare where all of the ingredients are hand-selected, infused in base oils and aloe juice and then crafted using additional plant extracts and ingredients to make them as effective as possible. The result is beautiful, glowing skin. I think my favorite of the 4 products is the Citrus Mint Cleanser, though I have been enjoying them all. Learn More.
Last and most definitely not least, and quite possibly one of the most fascinating companies at ShiftCon, was Replenology. This gluten-free, vegan, natural, 100% drug-free-with-no-unwanted-side-effects company is changing the game when it comes to hair loss. Hair loss is affecting men and women of all different ages, races, backgrounds and for many different reasons. It can be very frustrating. Replenology has developed a 4-Part Solution and the first of its kind. Their ingredients and products work together around the clock INTERNALLY and directly on the affected areas of your scalp to promote a return to healthy hair. Learn more.
I also want to note that they sponsored our banquet for the Finalists where we got to learn more about their story, their products and they gifted each of us finalists with this GORGEOUS trophy. It is very special to me, thank you!
Well, that's a wrap! I can't wait until ShiftCon 2019! I hope to see you there! Follow ShiftCon on Twitter to stay up-to-date on all things ShiftCon and stay tuned for the next event. Also, follow Leah Segedie as she is always posting valuable information to help you, teach you and empower you!
All opinions are my own. I only share my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links which means that I, at no additional cost to you, may receive a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.
