TypA Co. is a company focused on supporting the new era of impact entrepreneurship and the founders who are redefining what it means to build a business in the modern world. Each week we will sit down and chat with these impact entrepreneurs who are "Type A" - both ambitious and altruistic in their…
Phoebe Yu is the Founder and CEO of ettitude, a sustainable lifestyle brand made from the world's first 100% organic bamboo lyocell fabric. Phoebe spent over 10 years helping international companies develop and source textiles and saw first hand the lack of sustainability within the industry. She knew there was room for change and decided to be an agent of it. She launched ettitude 9 years ago and is leading by example on how to build a truly circular business model. In our conversation we discuss: The responsibility of brands to help educate consumers How it's easier to stay true to values when when there is integrity in the DNA of the brand Why offsetting is not a solution Her thoughts on AI and how she sees it as an opportunity for more creativity and overall why she believes in community and collaboration over competition Phoebe and her team at ettitude are paving the way for a more sustainable future while creating the framework to show why and how all businesses can - and should - embody an ‘eco attitude'. Connect with Phoebe LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebeyu2008/ Website https://www.ettitude.com Socials https://www.instagram.com/ettitudestore/
Emily Kane Miller is the Founder and CEO of Ethos Giving, a philanthropic services firm, and Ethos Tracking, a related social impact data management tool that allows businesses, nonprofits and foundations to more effectively track their impact. The central theme for Emily's life has always been “how can I be an agent of good for my community”, a question that has followed her throughout her career in public policy and law, corporate infrastructure and ultimately what led her to become a tech founder. In our conversation we discuss: The process of creating, iterating and launching a tech product Why she believes change is a collaborative process The importance of social impact as part of company culture The historical framework of social good vs. her thoughts on where we are headed Her top 3 tips for starting / building a career in the social impact space And ultimately why she created her company Emily and her team are utilizing metrics and data to help companies create meaningful and effective social impact in ways that make sense for their respective business models. Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-kane-miller-32272286/ https://ethos-giving.com/
Gabrielle Stone is the author of Eat, Pray, #FML, a book that recounts her epic path towards healing that has resonated with countless women across the world. In our conversation we discuss: The events that led up to her journey towards healing Learning how to be by yourself - and how to love yourself The process of writing and self-publishing her book Navigating internet trolls and protecting your peace And her advice for people who want to make an impact There's a reason why Gabrielle's story has resonated with so many of us: at some point in our lives we will all venture down the path towards self love and more often than not it will be one of the best things that we ever do. Connect with Gabrielle: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellestone/?hl=en https://www.eatprayfml.com/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Megan Sheldon is the Co-Founder & CEO of Be Ceremonial, a wellness app that draws on the power of ritual to help you create ceremonies to acknowledge times of change in your life. Megan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and path towards creating a company. Her passion started with writing meta narratives for brands and has evolved into helping people create moments of meaning and significance. In our conversation we discuss: Creating social impact through secular rituals Building a brand's narrative How to engage in ceremony without cultural appropriation Celebrating what is, what was and what will be Why you need to let go of perfection in order to launch something And reimagining what growth looks like There are so many moments in life that are worthy of being recognized and Megan is helping people to do so in ways that make sense for them. Connect with Megan: https://www.instagram.com/beceremonial/?hl=en https://www.beceremonial.com/ Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/be-ceremonial/id1582513679 Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Jackie Dalius is the Founder and CEO of MuzicSwipe, a platform that is disrupting the music industry by giving smaller artists the recognition they deserve. The app allows potential fans to discover new music by swiping and matching with upcoming artists that often get over looked on larger streaming platforms. Jackie started her journey in entrepreneurship when she launched her own PR firm and worked in talent management. Noticing how hard it was for smaller artists to be seen, she sought out to help solve the problem. In our conversation we discuss: Problems that exist in the music industry and how difficult it is for smaller artists to be seen How their platform is giving power back to artists & consumers The evolution of MuzicSwipe - from where it started to where it is now Why it's important to have confidence in your vision And how your dreams can become a reality Having only launched their beta in January 2022, MuzicSwipe has already hit the top 100 in the App Store, showing that consumers and artists alike are ready to disrupt the music industry through swiping. Connect with Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/muzicswipe/ Download MuzicSwipe: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/muzicswipe/id1563012935 Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Corinna Bellizzi is a natural products industry executive who pioneered the growth of the omega-3 giant, Nordic Naturals, from less than $1 million in annual revenue to over $100 million. As a mom of two young boys, podcaster, and executive, her mission is to leave the world a little better than she found it, while inspiring others to do the same. Her podcast Care More. Be Better., is focused on building a community of individuals who want to create positive change in the world at both the local and global level and The Mediacasters is a platform focused on supporting content creators to become their best selves. In our conversation we discuss: The power of podcasting and why meaningful conversations can lead to meaningful action Why you can reinvent yourself - or your brand - at any time The power of incrementalism and local level action Her advice for those looking to start a podcast And why entrepreneurship can be isolating - but you don't have to go it alone Corinna is working to pave a realistic roadmap towards a better future by helping people take action in ways that actually fit into their lives. Connect with Corinna: https://caremorebebetter.com/about/ https://themediacasters.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbellizzi/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Michelle Egger is the Co-Founder and CEO of Biomilq, a woman-owned, science-led, and parent-centered biotech startup developing novel technology to make human milk outside the body. They're on a mission to nourish healthier babies, empower parents through choice and contribute to a healthier planet. In our conversation we discuss: Her career path and why combining food science and entrepreneurship made sense The struggles modern parents face and why it should be a human right to access human milk and nutrients The importance of having mission-aligned investors and why partnership criteria is helpful in finding the right people to support your business Why staying intellectually humble is important when building a social impact business And why this isn't just a women's issue; it's a family issue Michelle and her team are doing incredible work to not only support healthy infant development and modern parents, but are working to remove stigma in the business space by focusing on capability & vision instead of gender. Connect with Michelle and Biomilq: https://www.biomilq.com/ https://www.instagram.com/biomilq/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Jane Mosbacher Morris founded TO THE MARKET (TTM) with a vision of democratizing access to the global supply chain and providing makers around the world with the economic empowerment that comes from safe, dignified, fairly paid work. TTM is a turnkey solution for ethical manufacturing, that connects people with their syndicated network of sustainable, story-rich suppliers. They are on a mission to empower people, protect the planet, and promote better business - and they do it without sacrificing speed, innovation, or digitization. Jane also wrote, Buy The Change, an insightful book on how the purchasing power of consumers can ultimately make the world a better place. In our conversation we discuss: Her career trajectory from working in public service and government to disrupting the retail manufacturing industry Why sustainable resources and job creation are better than temporary aid Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how it relates to impact Why affordability has been the biggest challenge to date in relation to sustainable and ethical products And ultimately the power of market forces / purchasing power Jane is working to help both consumers and business owners alike recognize their responsibility in building a better future while also recognizing that it's not about perfection - it's about progress. Connect with Jane and To The Market: https://tothemarket.com/ https://www.instagram.com/letsgottm/ Buy the book: https://tothemarket.com/pages/buy-the-change-you-want-to-see Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Olivia Owens is the creator of IFundWomen of Color, the go-to funding resource for diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs. IFundWomen of Color was created with their founding partner Caress to help diverse entrepreneurs bring their dreams into reality through raising capital via crowdfunding and providing grants, coaching, and the connections needed to launch and grow successful businesses. In our conversation we discuss: Why her purpose in life is to help people become a better version of themselves What sustainability, in terms of support, looks like for women of color entrepreneurs Her #1 piece of advice for women looking to invest and build wealth The questions to ask to figure out the need-movers for your business And why living in a way that is authentic to us is the best way to add value to the world Olivia is helping women re-write the story of what it means to build a successful business by helping them find not only alignment with their customers, but alignment within themselves and showing that “you never lose - you only learn”. Connect with Olivia & IFundWomen: https://ifundwomen.com/woc https://www.instagram.com/ifundwomen/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Jaclyn and Michelle are Co-Founders of The Verticale, a human-centric marketplace where consumers can conveniently and consciously shop and support better businesses. What originally began as a media site has evolved into a commerce platform that focuses on building the emotional connection between digitally native brands and consumers by focusing on verification and transparency in lieu of greenwashing. In our conversation we discuss: The Verticale Values and their vetting process for potential vendors Why they prioritize giving 1% of all sales to rotating causes The most important traits to embody when building a business Their human centric tone about trying to make better choices everyday but understanding that the process isn't going to be perfect And why they're focused on eliminating the concept of greenwashing altogether Convenience at times can cause us to think in the short-term, but what Jaclyn and Michelle are building creates a convenient and conscious shopping experience, allowing people to buy according to their values and support the businesses that are doing the work to create long-term change. Connect with Jaclyn & Michelle: https://www.theverticale.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theverticale/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Kathryn Elizabeth Gregg is an author and the founder of Amant House. Born in Washington, D.C., politics were her original North Star. The quintessential overachiever, she is a graduate of Duke University and earned her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. As she climbed the golden staircase towards success, however, there was a moment she describes as “the lights coming on” and suddenly she realized that the narrowly defined pathway of “success” wasn't what she was meant to be doing. In our conversation we discuss: The courage it takes to carve an authentic path that is true to your story The art of story-telling and how it helps us get through trying times Why she decided to create her own publishing house The importance of personal responsibility and how choosing herself every day allows her to create larger impact in the world And why she made the main character of her novel a woman Kathryn is representative of the fact that society's definition of success doesn't necessarily create a happy and fulfilling life. It's up to you to step into the life that is authentically you and she inspires us all to reject what doesn't serve us, to embrace what does, even if that means going against the current - at least you're riding your own wave. Connect with Kathryn: http://kegregg.com/bio https://www.instagram.com/k.e.gregg/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Kimberly and Brittany are more than co-founders; they are friends building a digital platform for sexual wellness where Black women are seen, heard and celebrated. Coming from extensive educational backgrounds in public health, gender studies and psychology, they didn't want to just advocate for this space - they decided to build Kimbritive not as an attempt to correct to the current system, but to create their own. In our conversation we discuss: The discrepancies Black women experience in sexual and reproductive healthcare How they've built rest into their company culture Their top 4 tips to start identifying and implementing boundaries into your life And the power of personal story-telling for confronting stigma and shame Kimberly and Brittany are doing the work to de-stigmatize sexual health and center Black women because not only do they deserve this space - they deserve great sex. Connect with Brittany & Kimberly: https://www.kimbritive.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kimbritive/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Liz Eddy has always been passionate about building products and businesses that can tangibly help others. At 15 she created her first company that was focused on educating others about dating abuse and domestic violence, she also led communications from inception for the nation's first free, 24/7 crisis support line, Crisis Text Line, and most recently is the co-founder and CEO of Lantern, a single source platform that provides step-by-step guidance for navigating life before and after death. Lantern was born from personal experience. Liz lost her dad at a young age and was the caretaker for her Grandmother who passed away more recently. In the midst of navigating grief, Liz had to handle the logistics of what you do when someone you love passes away, and found there was no singular place to find the answers she needed. In our conversation we discuss: Why being aware of our own mortality can actually make us happier people Her journey through entrepreneurship and how many different ideas she had before finally finding the right one The difficulty of raising venture capital as a woman and why women are judged on progress while men are judged on promise And why having healthy, happy, and cared for employees is of the utmost importance to Liz and her team Liz isn't shy about having conversations with taboo topics that the rest of society hides away from and her ability to do so has produced tangible results for people when navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Connect with Liz: https://www.lantern.co/ https://www.instagram.com/followlantern/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Alexia Akbay is one of Forbes' 30 under 30 in the social impact space for 2021 and the founder of Symbrosia, a climate tech company that is reducing livestock methane emissions with seaweed. Alexia comes from a family of entrepreneurs which allowed her to become familiar with taking risks. Receiving both her undergrad and graduate degrees in Chemistry, Alexia discovered a paper during grad school that brought her attention to this incredible seaweed. She believes in translating research and conversations into action, which is why she launched Symbrosia where they've been addressing climate change mindfully since 2018. In our conversation we discuss: How Symbrosia is providing a solution without exploiting the ocean environment The importance of respecting, perpetuating and uplifting Indigenous knowledge when it comes to sustainable practices Why she believes that it's not a money issue in terms of solving climate change And why it's important to promote yourself and your company in ways that feel authentic to you As a leader in the social impact space, Alexia believes that “change is inevitable but adaptation is optional” and in order to solve the most pressing problems in our rapidly changing world, you need to be willing to continuously learn and adapt. Connect with Alexia: https://symbrosia.co/ https://www.instagram.com/symbrosia.co/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Amy Divaraniya is the founder of Oova, a women's health tech company that is responsible for inventing the first fertility translator. With a PhD in the medical field, Amy never wanted to be an entrepreneur but ended up creating a company and product that is setting a new standard for women's health. Oova is a test that monitors multiple hormones through urine and tracks the data over time. Clinician approved and completely personalized, Oova is giving women the power to be their own advocate. In our conversation we discuss: Amy's journey and why we need to normalize conversations around fertility Why it took 3 years to develop a product that was not a bandaid solution, unlike other products available on the market today Her experiences raising VC money And why trusting your vision will get you far as a founder Amy and Oova are taking the women's health tech space by storm. With plans for new products and growth in the near future, her definition of success isn't about profit margins but rather how she can truly help women take control of their health at every stage of life. Connect with Amy: https://oova.life https://instagram.com/oovalife?utm_medium=copy_link Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Amy Divaraniya is the founder of Oova, a women's health tech company that is responsible for inventing the first fertility translator. With a PhD in the medical field, Amy never wanted to be an entrepreneur but ended up creating a company and product that is setting a new standard for women's health. Oova is a test that monitors multiple hormones through urine and tracks the data over time. Clinician approved and completely personalized, Oova is giving women the power to be their own advocate. In our conversation we discuss: Amy's journey and why we need to normalize conversations around fertility Why it took 3 years to develop a product that was not a bandaid solution, unlike other products available on the market today Her experiences raising VC money And why trusting your vision will get you far as a founder Amy and Oova are taking the women's health tech space by storm. With plans for new products and growth in the near future, her definition of success isn't about profit margins but rather how she can truly help women take control of their health at every stage of life. Connect with Amy: https://oova.life https://instagram.com/oovalife?utm_medium=copy_link Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Anastasia White is the founder of Crescent Bleu, a sustainable swimwear line that focuses on building timeless and eco-friendly products for women to celebrate themselves in. Born and raised in New Orleans, Anastasia discovered her love of fashion when her mother taught her how to sew at just 5 years old. She fell in love and knew that being a fashion designer was her calling. She moved to NYC after college and worked in corporate fashion for over 20 years. Throughout that time she saw the fashion industry transform and evolve but eventually left the corporate world to pursue her dream of starting her own swimwear line. In our conversation we discuss: Her experiences in the corporate fashion world and what she learned from it Launching her company in the midst of the pandemic and how she persevered Why it's important to build safe spaces where Black women can be represented and celebrated The importance of building your community as a social entrepreneur And why no business has the capacity to do sustainability“perfectly” yet, but why it's important for business owners to be committed to taking small steps and doing what they can through their own particular business model / product Anastasia is hopeful about the future of the fashion industry and is doing her part to set a higher standard, not just by creating a sustainable product, but by creating a safe space where Black women and diverse bodies can be celebrated. Connect with Anastasia: https://crescentbleu.co https://instagram.com/crescentbleu?utm_medium=copy_link Support their crowdfunding campaign with iFundWomen crescent bleu™ a perfect fit for you & the planet! | IFundWomen Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Madlyn McArn is a freelance producer who specializes in both live and digital events, a role that she created for herself in the midst of what is being referred to as the “Great Resignation”. Maddy has spent the majority of her career in NYC, navigating the publishing world in roles at Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Time Out New York. When an opportunity arose to lead the events department, she challenged herself to take on the role. This career move led to her transition into the events exclusively, an industry that took quite the hit in the midst of the global pandemic. In our conversation, we discuss: Why it's important to have women in your corner who aren't afraid to help you (9 min) Learning to recognize if there is opportunity to challenge yourself - or if it's time to walk away from a specific role (16 min) The difference between having will vs. skill (18 min) How to start the process of detaching your identity from your work (25 min) And why it's ok to ask for help (25min) At a time when the world of work is being redefined and people are reassessing what is important to them, Maddy is emblematic of how the future can be even better than you could've imagined if you're willing to look beyond what has been conventionally labeled “success” and be willing to redefine your career on your own terms. Connect with Maddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madlynmcarn/ Email: maddymcarn@gmail.com Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Alexandra Cohl is a writer, social media strategist and founder of POD.RALAND, a space dedicated to amplifying diverse women's voices in podcasting. Alexandra has spent the majority of her career in education but has always been inspired by the women who have carved out non-linear career paths. As an advocate for women's stories and diverse voices, her journey finding her own voice has given her the strength to help uplift and amplify others and ultimately created the foundation for her company. In our conversation, we discuss: Why every job we have is integral to our career path (6 min) Why stability and the ‘safe' choice can be limiting (8 min) Why building a business can be like writing a thesis Her thoughts on podcasting vs. Clubhouse (27 min) And why you shouldn't underestimate the power of smaller media outlets (46 min) As our society progresses and detaches from linear definitions and storylines, Alexandra is helping to diversify the landscape of storytelling by amplifying voices that need to be heard and helping to ensure that more women are being listened to in every industry. Connect with Alexandra https://www.poddraland.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pod.draland/?hl=en Listen to the Pod Broads https://www.poddraland.com/the-pod-broads-a-podcast-about-women-in-podcasting Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Kelly Travis is a certified health and success coach who helps ambitious people to recognize their individual value and worth as they reach big goals. Kelly was a competitive athlete, earning a scholarship to college but had to eventually drop out due to internal and external pressures to be perfect. After becoming hospitalized, Kelly realized that although she was applauded for seeming healthy on the outside, internally she was truly struggling. In our conversation, we discuss: Her journey with prioritizing her mental health How she built her own business after slowly being pushed out of a male dominated space The courage it took to leave her abusive marriage Why so many women struggle with self-trust - and why she’s made it her goal to help them build that trust And why perfection isn’t the goal - but healing is. As a woman who has first hand struggled with many issues that women face, Kelly aspires to be the support system she desperately needed for her 20-year old self. By promoting self-acceptance and detaching from the idea of perfectionism, Kelly believes that to in order to have an impact on the world, we have to first start with ourselves. Connect with Kelly: http://www.kellytravis.net/about https://www.instagram.com/kellythealth/ Listen to the She Doesn’t Settle Podcast http://www.kellytravis.net/podcast Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Kirn is a conscious brand mentor who is the founder of Elume. Breaking away from traditional ideas about business, Kirn is working to help entrepreneurs build human-centered brands that align with their personal values. Having spent 7 years climbing the corporate ladder, Kirn cultivated an impressive skillset helping corporations with business strategy and optimization. However, the traditional idea of success always felt out of alignment with who she was and what she wanted. As she began to unpack and unlearn the linear ideas of success that society has prescribed to us, she realized that she wanted to create a life that felt in alignment with her values - and help others do the same. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship The internal work / healing required to build an intentional and impactful business Why it’s important to challenge norms and systems to build a successful business in today’s landscape and why we need to normalize putting humanity back into business Kirn is doing the work to redefine what business looks like by helping others build conscious brands that fit their lifestyles. Connect with Kirn & Elume https://www.elume.co/ https://www.instagram.com/elume._/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Melissa Loh and Joy Souligny are on a mission to get more women investing. With a similar passion of helping women become economically empowered, they became the cofounders of Investera, an educational platform and community designed to help women build their financial intelligence. Although money is a relevant topic for everyone, for so long women have been left out of the conversation. Joy and Mel are working to rebrand what financial education looks like by making it relatable and accessible so that women know how to invest in themselves and their futures. In our conversation we discuss: Their incredible, serendipitous cofounder story Why learning about finance isn’t just about money - it’s about participating in the global economy Why it’s important to reset your money mindset and to know your net worth Why building wealth doesn’t have to conflict with your values And why it’s never to late to start investing in your future As advocates for empowerment and sustainability, Mel and Joy are leading the way for a new era of investing, one that is inclusive, impactful and accessible. LEARN MORE: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jsouligny https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaloh/ Instagram: investera.io Website: www.investera.io WORKSHOP: Bitcoin for Beginners April 13, 2021 Promo code “TMAbitcoin” https://www.investera.io/events Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Stacy Anderson is the founder of KENT, a sustainable super natural basics company that is elevating the standard of slow fashion. Not only are the products made with organic, plant-based materials, but their supply chain is ethical and transparent. A product that makes an impact everyday, because they are 100% Pima cotton, they are compostable and breakdown in 3-4 months, compared to other intimates that include synthetic materials and plastics that can take 100’s of years to breakdown. Stacy is Canadian born but has worked globally in fashion, architecture and sustainability, eventually settling in Los Angeles to bring KENT to life. In our conversation we discuss: The shift we are seeing in the fashion industry in regards to sustainability How to authentically market progress without misleading consumers (i.e. bye greenwashing) Why sustainability can always be in alignment with your brand identity Her process building a slow-growth startup and why it’s important to embrace the process, not just the end product And why you should think of your business as a piece of clay Stacy has worked hard to build a business that is not only sustainable, but circular in nature. In social impact, the problems we face are often complex but Stacy has found a way to address each issue related to her business with innovation and intentionality. She has created the ultimate business model for ethical consumption and is truly paving the way for a new standard in slow fashion. Connect with Stacy & KENT https://www.wearkent.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wearkent/ https://www.facebook.com/wearkent Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Alexa Bussmann is the Founder of Novel Hand, the place where activism meets impact. They are a community bringing awareness to global humanitarian issues through writing & content creation. Alexa built Novel Hand when she noticed a disconnect in her generation. While there exists concern for current humanitarian issues, it can be difficult to find ways to actually make an impact, especially when taking into consideration how complex many of these problems actually are. She wants to bridge the gap between the passion people have for social issues and turn that into actionable steps for innovative solutions. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship The difficulty of impact measurement How to make an impact through technology The importance of humility vs. ego when leading a team in the social impact space The importance of adopting a growth mindset. Alexa aspires to encourage meaningful impact and believes that education and awareness is the first step towards that. Connect with Alexa & Novel Hand: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovelHand/ Instagram: @novel.hand Twitter: @novelhand Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7KjTCGlC21rEOaP61UN0Ri?si=Mc7dBHunThuxwKGSEwA6JA Subscribe to newsletter: https://novelhand.com/subscribe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novel-hand-dot-com/
Nikita Chatterjee is the Co-Founder of Paani Solutions, a company dedicated to promoting the accessibility of clean water for low-income communities in rural India. Nikita grew up in a family that prioritized giving back. Formerly on the pre-med track, she changed her field of interest to entrepreneurship in the realm of public health after a trip to India. Although the concept of providing clean drinking water is not new, the product they are developing at Paani Solutions bridges the gap between new technology and everyday cultural behaviors because they hope to refine, not change, the methods of water filtration that already exist. Ultimately they want to decrease the prevalence of water-borne illnesses. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship Her inspiration to start Paani Solutions The process of product development The importance of respecting tradition and culture Their strategic method for distribution so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay for it And why alignment with mission is integral to building a strong team Water should be a basic human right and Nikita alongside her team at Paani Solutions are doing the work to ensure that people have access to the resources they deserve. Connect with Nikita: https://www.paanisolutions.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paanisolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/paanisolutions/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Tazin Khan Norelius, also known as Taz, is a data rights activist, cybersecurity specialist and the Founder of Cyber Collective, a Cyber Security, Privacy, & Data Ethics Research Company. They are a community-centered research organization that hosts events to teach and understand the ways data and privacy impact consumers. An interesting fact about Taz’s career in Cybersecurity - she didn’t choose cyber security - it chose her. As she worked within the industry, she noticed that there was a serious disconnect between the industry and what consumers actually understood about their rights. She launched “Tech with Taz”, a video series to educate the public about their rights when it comes to data, a project that ultimately laid the foundation for Cyber Collective. In our conversation we discuss: How a chance encounter led to her career in Cybersecurity Why corporate culture stifles growth and why she needed a break from it in order to find her voice again Why cybersecurity should not be an afterthought, especially for small businesses. Her advice to consumers on how to “consciously click’ How why her Self-care routine includes a digital detox - every week A multifaceted and brilliant woman trailblazing through a predominantly white - and arguably dull - space, Taz is successfully blending two worlds - creativity & policy - in a way that will undoubtedly transform the landscape of her industry. Connect with Taz: https://techwithtaz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/techwithtaz/?hl=en https://twitter.com/techwithtaz https://www.cybercollective.org/ Support Cyber Collective’s iFundWomen Campaign! https://ifundwomen.com/projects/cyber-collective Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Dr. Tara Shirazian is working to build a global community for women’s health. She is an OB/GYN and founder of both a non-profit, Saving Mothers, and for-profit company, Mommy Matters. While in medical school she had the opportunity to travel and participate in mission programs, giving temporary resources to communities with great need. Uncomfortable with this model, she decided to develop and implement sustainable programs through her non-profit Saving Mothers that would serve the communities long-term. The success of her programs has empowered women, both in terms of their health and their livelihoods. Because of the limitations of the non-profit model, she launched Mommy Matters to not only create better health products for women, but to have a more sustainable and reliable source for funds in order to grow Saving Mothers. In our conversation we discuss: Her journey into medicine & becoming a global women’s health advocate Building up resiliency The why and how behind her organizations Why she believes change can come if businesses implement social impact at the inception And why her legacy is training next generation of women’s health providers As a true advocate for women’s health, Tara is creating a community to support, uplift and empower women. Connect with Tara https://savingmothers.org/ https://www.instagram.com/savingmothers/?hl=en https://mommymatters.com/ https://www.instagram.com/becausemommymatters/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Lauren Malone is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs succeed. Growing up with her mother as a role model, she witnessed firsthand that women can be successful at anything they choose to do - despite what society may say. With a strong work ethic and a history of coaching people, Lauren decided she wanted to launch her own business to help others. While planning her launch & timeline, Lauren found out that she was expecting her first child. Like any of us would do, she hopped on Google, typed in “starting a business while pregnant” and the results were “don’t do it”. So, despite the resounding no’s, she ignored the noise and did it anyway. She proceeded to build a successful coaching business and write her own book about being an expecting entrepreneur. She wanted to be a pioneer in changing the narrative that when you become a mother, suddenly you are the side character in your own story. Lauren aspires to remind women that they are multifaceted, they are the main characters in their stories, and that all it takes is a change of mindset. In our conversation we discuss: Finding the right career path for you personally vs. what others tell you Why traditional education isn’t right for everybody How to rid yourself of limiting beliefs Learning how to be the main character in your own story The power of affirmations Why being “busy” can be destructive to your progress Lauren is empowering women to confidently step into who they are meant to be as they build a business. Connect with Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmalone_ee/ https://www.lemontreecd.co.uk/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Sunny Wu is the founder of ourCommonplace, an ethical marketplace for the conscious, fashion-forward consumer. As a first generation Taiwanese-American, Sunny grew up seeing her community, and specifically her own mother, excel at entrepreneurship by tapping into the needs of the community. With a background in fashion & luxury, Sunny decided to tap into the needs of the fashion community by curating a one-stop marketplace for all things ethical. At ourCommonplace they believe that it is their responsibility to create a space where consumers can feel confident about how they allocate their purchasing power. By supporting socially eco-conscious companies, they are accelerating the movement towards a more conscious society in an effort to be in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In our conversation, we discuss: Her journey from luxury and fashion into ethical consumerism The negative impacts of the fast fashion industry Holding brands accountable to higher standards Creating affordable impact for people at different price points The responsibility of the private sector to work towards the UN’s Sustainable Development goals Why ultimately she hopes in the future their company won’t exist Sunny envisions a world where the values and standards that they are upholding at ourCommonplace become the norm industry-wide - and she is doing the work to make that happen. Connect with Sunny & ourCommonplace https://www.ourcommonplace.co/ https://www.instagram.com/ourcommonplace.co/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Valerie Smith is the Founder of Klei Beauty, a sustainable self-care brand based in Brooklyn, NY. They believe that taking care of self should never be at the expense of others. For that reason they are 100% 1. Cruelty-free, 2. Water-free, 3. Natural, 4. Recyclable and 5. Charitable. They are on a mission to provide affordable self care while operating with a social impact business model giving 10% of their profits back into the Brooklyn community at three different non-profits. Valerie started her career in the fashion industry in buying and planning. Although her roles in fashion gave her insight into how manage data & strategically plan, the industry wasn’t right for her. She started Klei as a side project without the expectation of it becoming its own company. Unhappy at her corporate job, the growth of her company allowed her to plan her exit from fashion. She set a date and financial goal, working & saving for an entire year before making the leap from a 9-5er to being a full-time entrepreneur. In this episode we discuss: Why taking a leap of faith can be the best thing to do for your mental health How she bootstrapped her business & the moment that changed everything How she creates her sustainable, water-free formulations The tools she uses to help grow & scale her business And why she believes that there’s never a “good time” to start a business & if you want it, you can never start soon enough Valerie’s story shows that it’s important to give yourself the green light to take risks - even if you are incredibly risk-averse - and proves that you can give back to your self while giving back to your community. Connect with Valerie & Klei Beauty https://kleibeauty.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kleibeauty/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Amrita Thadani is the Founder of NEOCOCO, a mission-driven apparel company that creates jobs for women refugees and displaced women. Amrita was born in India but moved to the United States to study fashion at Parsons in NYC. Working in both NYC and LA in the fashion industry, Amrita always knew she wanted to create something herself and that she wanted to work directly with small groups and artisans. Her involvement with a non-profit allowed her to connect with women refugees but as the attendance of group meetings slowed down, the reality became clear: what the women truly needed were jobs. Utilizing the women’s skillset of hand embroidery, they collaborated to create the designs you’ll see on NEOCOCO’s products today. What started as a community building event evolved into NEOCOCO, a company that has expanded to employ eight women and exists as one of the few slow fashion businesses that gives women economic opportunity and freedom while being profitable themselves. You’ll learn: How to lead an impact-first business What constitutes a slow fashion company Why collaboration is one of the biggest ways to grow How economic empowerment can completely change a woman’s life and her confidence Why it’s important for small brands to build impact into their models at the start What it would take for big fashion brands to switch gears and expand their impact And why conversations of growth should be rooted in circulatory and sustainable practices With impact and economic empowerment at the forefront, Amrita & NEOCOCO are taking the fashion industry by storm. Connect with & support NEOCOCO https://neococo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/neococo_tribe/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Jacklyn Shenvar is the Founder of NUPRAVA, a yoga mat & yoga essentials company. With a background in Sales & Marketing at Fortune 500 companies, her strategic mind paired with a need she saw firsthand in the wellness industry created the foundation of which her company is built upon. During a time in her life that consisted of a jam-packed daily schedule, Jacklyn’s hour long yoga practice was the time when she could “return to herself”. Despite being a saturated industry, Jacklyn hadn’t found a mat that checked all of her boxes around cleanliness, sustainability, durability, functionality and design. So, she made one that checked every box. In our conversation, we discuss: Why customer satisfaction is vital to any business How to up-level the standard in a saturated industry Why it’s important to do the research and find all of your options so that you’re always making the most informed decisions The process of sourcing sustainable materials & finding the right supplier The importance of validating your claims around your product The positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on her company Whether or not sustainability is becoming a more accessible space The importance of networking as you build a company And how she balances working full-time while starting a company With a vision of eventually becoming a circular company, Jacklyn’s aspirational growth for her company starts with the concept of returning to self. At a time when the need for self-care is at an all-time high, NUPRAVA is leveling up the standard of products that are being sold in the yoga space. Connect with Jacklyn: https://nuprava.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nuprava/?hl=en Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Dr. Amanda Long wants you to invest in your relationship with your self. Amanda’s journey to becoming a mental health professional had ups and downs, but ultimately brought her to where she needed to be and taught her both the benefit of being patient and resilient in this world. Throughout her training she noticed the lack of diversity within her colleagues and recognized the clients that weren’t being served because of it. Amanda created TRUE Space Counseling and Psychological Services to bridge this gap and offer comprehensive care that empowers individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Her approach to therapy is integrative and comprehensive, acknowledging the person as a whole being from a multicultural lens. In our conversation we discuss: What cognitive behavioral therapy is The lack of diversity in the mental health field The concept of “weathering” and why therapy is a means of self-preservation, especially for women of color How to navigate the fear of pursuing therapy How to prioritize your mental health for every budget, including free resources you should start using now How to mindfully engage in social media Why you should set boundaries and practice self compassion How she takes care of herself as a mental health professional and What her vision of the future is Amanda is bridging the gap of representation in the mental health space and helping to build a future that is both inclusive and accepting. Connect with Amanda: https://www.atruespace.com/ https://www.instagram.com/atruespace_/ Our intro theme song is “Pico & Westwood” by Esbie Fonte. Check her out here: https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Rukayatu “Ruky” Tijani is the Founder and Chief Esquire Officer of Firm for the Culture, which is a virtual law firm designed to help social entrepreneurs and innovative founders protect their brand as they scale their social impact. Drawing on her extensive experience as an intellectual property attorney in Silicon Valley, Ruky provides extensive, detail-oriented and comprehensive trademark education, strategy, and application services at accessible flat-fee prices. As a Social Entrepreneur herself, Ruky knows what it’s like to seek social change while learning to protect a business’s assets. Ruky is the Founder and Creator of the First Generation Purpose Project ("FGPP"), an initiative designed to help First Generation Professionals and Entrepreneurs navigate life and career by utilizing the grit and tenacity that is already on the inside of them. We discuss her life story, how she shows up authentically in the spaces that she navigates and how she leads by example in the impact space. You’ll learn: Why your history is integral to the person you’re becoming and to own it How to authentically show up in the spaces that you navigate, especially as a woman of color Why it’s important to protect your brand in order to scale your impact & examples of those who did / didn’t protect their brands and the outcomes The timeline of the trademarking process Low cost alternatives to hiring an attorney Self care, mental health and how it’s intrinsically tied to how you show up in your work The power of delegation, letting go of control and setting your team up for success Ruky’s advice for social entrepreneurs & what her vision of the future is As her love letter to the culture shifters and creators, Ruky’s impact is leading the way to help us scale up social impact and raise the standard of how our society operates. Connect with Ruky: https://www.firmfortheculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/firmfortheculture/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukayatu-tijani-a7821114/ https://www.facebook.com/firmfortheculture/ Text “Culture” to 33777 for free resources on Trademarking, protecting your brand & more Our podcast theme song is "Pico & Westwood" by Esbie Fonte. For more info, visit https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Helen Phelan is a body neutral pilates instructor, Usui Reiki practitioner, intuitive eating coach, prenatal + postpartum corrective exercise specialist, and the creator of the Helen Phelan Studio app. Featured in Well + Good, HuffPost, Bustle, InStyle, Gotham Magazine,and more, Helen specializes in breath centric, high sensation, athletic workouts that strengthen every type of body and calm the mind. She began her movement journey as a dancer and received a BFA in dance performance and psychology from Elon University. After college, Helen moved to NYC to pursue dance professionally. Teaching pilates started as a side job while attending auditions but eventually it was pulling her attention and became her main focus. Helen is a breath of fresh air in the wellness industry as her method promotes body acceptance and emphasizes the importance of exercising for functionality and mental health versus solely the physical outcomes. In our conversation we discuss the power of words, our fat phobic culture and how she balances her energy when giving so much of herself to the health of others. We also discuss why movement should be an empowering experience, why bodies shouldn’t be viewed as ‘business cards’ and her advice for others trying to make a positive impact in the Wellness industry. Although her method is rooted in the concept of body neutrality, Helen’s legacy is anything but neutral. Check out Helen’s 5 Steps To Stop Using Exercise as Punishment + Learn To Love Your Movement Practice Special Offer for TypA Podcast listeners to Helen Phelan Studio 1) Go to https://tv.helenphelanstudio.com/ 2) Choose monthly membership (not valid on annual) 3) Enter code: TYPAPOD at checkout (on right side of page, under the image) for 50% off your first month after a 10 day free trial Connect with Helen @helenvphelan helenphelanstudio.com Our intro theme music is Pico & Westwood by Esbie Fonte. Check her out at https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Daynelle (Day) Bibb is creating inclusivity within the wellness industry while simultaneously supporting survivors of domestic violence. The founder of Om Thrive Foundation, their mission is to provide wellness services to under-served and under-represented communities to support healing from trauma and abuse. The idea for Om Thrive came from Day’s personal experience of coping with health problems that resulted from physical and emotional trauma. Yoga had a profound effect on Day, helping her to heal and find her strength, an element that she wanted to share with those who are underrepresented in the wellness community. In order to sustain the operations of Om Thrive, Day launched Helen Rose Skincare, named after her late mother in honor of living her life according to her own terms - and being happy along the way. With organic, vegan and handmade products that are beautifully packaged and celebrate the diversity of all skin tones and body types, it’s no wonder that her business has been able to scale from being solely e-commerce to opening a store front - all in the midst of a global pandemic. Not only are her products successful, but she is changing the landscape of self-care by showcasing people of color in ways that have never been done before. In our conversation we discuss her career trajectory prior to becoming a founder, the difficulty of raising capital, especially as a Black woman, and how she is making yoga accessible to all. We also discuss the biggest advice she has for founders and why it’s important to invest and take care of yourself so that others want to invest in you. Bonus: Day gives us the ultimate skincare routine - simple and effective, as demonstrated by her glowing and flawless skin! Helen Rose Skincare is currently crowdfunding until October 31, 2020 in order to scale their operations and to expand Om Thrive into having a physical space, providing free yoga and wellness classes to survivors of domestic violence and 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification classes for people of color. Support the crowdfunding campaign here: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/natural-skincare-fighting-domestic-violence https://helenroseco.com/ https://omthrive.org/whoweare https://www.instagram.com/helenroseskincare/
Brittany Edwards and Khiana Lowe are the Cofounders of IncorpHERated, a diversity and inclusion agency that bridges the gap between communities and representation within creative spaces. Friends since middle school, their friendship developed naturally into a business partnership as they were both passionate about making the world a better place. Their mission with IncorpHERated is to create equitable and lasting change for underrepresented communities by facilitating partnerships with brands that have the resources to invest into these communities in an impactful way. In order to achieve sustainable change, their business model is focused on creating an opportunity pipeline that will eventually sustain itself rather than procuring solely monetary investments. By removing barriers of entry, the foundation for the future will be more equitable as the members of the community, specifically youth and women, build a future filled with opportunities rather than limitations. Brittany and Khiana emulate this equitable framework within their own company by empowering their team to take ownership and valuing each team member’s opinion. We discuss how they are able to maintain their friendship while growing their business, why communication and boundaries are crucial to both, and why there is always an opportunity to be responsible with the influence that you have. We also discuss how they take care of themselves, their plans for growth and why in 15 years they hope a company like IncorpHERated won’t have to exist because it will be the new normal for business. As they build a new standard of business that supports real change, Brittany and Khiana are emblematic of the social impact entrepreneurs we need more of in order to build a better future. https://incorpherated.com/ https://www.instagram.com/incorpherated/?hl=en
Lauren Petersen is the founder of Travel Patterns, a fair trade lifestyle brand focused on traditional global textiles, economic empowerment and long-term sustainable change. Lauren grew up in a creative household and followed her father’s footsteps (he had his own architectural firm) by pursuing interior design in college. Post college and the start of her career was also the Fall of 2008 - which we all know was the year the economy crashed. Having to go back to the drawing board, Lauren moved from Chicago back to Alabama and eventually landed a job with the army for almost 10 years. This job enabled her to travel around the world where she developed partnerships with local artisans. She originally founded her company in 2014 while working full-time, but it was hard to give her company as much attention as it needed while working full-time. Leaving her job was not an easy decision because she actually loved her career, but she knew that she wanted to make a bigger impact. She finally took the leap from a stable job she loved to becoming a founder. She then re-branded and re-designed her business model in a way that could be more economically sustainable for the artisans she was partnering with. In our conversation we discuss what it was like to leave a job she loved to pursue something bigger, why pivoting and learning should always be integral to a social impact business model, and why she is passionate about the preservation of traditional textiles and patterns from around the world. We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries as a form of self-care, and why this is includes setting boundaries with technology. With big goals for growth, Lauren is helping to create sustainable change on multiple levels in the textile industry. https://www.shoptravelpatterns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shoptravelpatterns/?hl=en
Deanna Cook is the founder of LIYA Collective, a sustainable fashion accessory brand. Canadian born, Deanna was always curious about the world and different cultures and pursued a multidisciplinary degree in International Management, International Development, French and Spanish. After college, she taught English in Taiwan, but felt more drawn to working to support international educational initiatives rather than being a teacher herself. She worked for a non-profit in rural Tanzania, followed by a US aid project in Southeast Asia. Her travels and work experience allowed her to learn about brands, global supply chains, as well as the negative effects of globalization, like where the things that we discard end up. With an increasing interest in sustainability, the seeds for LIYA Collective were planted. Deanna wanted to build a company that promoted sustainable living on the side of the consumer, but also maintained beneficial partnerships with the experts in production around the world. Wanting to find the balance between modern and traditional, her first collection of Thai silk scarves embodies that balance beautifully. In our conversation, we discuss the parallels between traveling and building a social impact company, how to develop sustainable partnerships, and what it’s like running a startup with global supply chains remotely. We also discuss the value of routine, her advice to other founders in the ecommerce / social good space, and why it’s important to stop overthinking, and start doing. In Deanna’s words, “Something I suffered from was just spending time thinking about it, and not actually doing, but it’s in the doing that we learn and grow.” If you’re looking for inspiration to start making an impact, this is the conversation for you. https://liyacollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/liyacollective/?hl=en
Ayarpi Reganyan is the founder of BodyBar Protein, a wellness company simplifying nutrition to offer healthier and convenient options for people living life on the go. Born in Armenia, her family immigrated to the US in 1988. Their work ethic demonstrated for Ayarpi the importance of hard work, solidifying her own mentality towards her goals. Her original goal was to become a registered nurse, one of which she is still working towards while building a company, working full-time and being a mother. Her health journey began in 2007 when she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Learning what allowed her body to be successful boiled down to a simple formula: exercise, limiting stress, and eating well. She realized that most protein bars are filled with additives, chemicals and sugars - ingredients that can slow you down rather than sustain you. She started doing her own research on how to create a protein bar that gave people a better option at a similar price point. A feat that proved to be more difficult than she initially thought, rather than conforming to the mediocre standards that currently exist in the food industry, she decided to set a new standard by providing an organic, health-conscious and affordable option for people living busy lives. In our conversation we discuss the process of creating a healthier alternative for people, her personal wellness routine and how COVID-19 has had a positive impact on her company. We also discuss why it’s important, especially as an impact entrepreneur, to constantly re-position yourself to evaluate if you are truly in alignment with your goals. In Ayarpi’s words, “you really have to find your purpose - and stick to it”, a mantra she applies to not only her company, but to the way she approaches life in general. https://www.instagram.com/bodybar_protein/ https://bodybarprotein.com/about-us/
Stephanie Courtillier’s journey began with burnout - a situation many can resonate with. She found herself stuck in a place of striving for the typical ideas of success (i.e. money & material things) versus striving what she really wanted in life. Once Stephanie began asking herself the bigger questions, like what her purpose was or the reasoning behind what she was doing, her outlook began to change. She transitioned from striving for success to striving for significance, an idea intrinsic to what she is building with Integrous Women. Her mindset in her professional career switched from serving a specific business model to thinking of serving a person instead. Integrous Women was founded as a safe space for women to ascertain their personal power, develop professionally and engage in philanthropy. They aspire to create lasting impact that supports independence and growth. Community is number one and their sustainable business model emulates that with a 10/20/30 model, a concept Stephanie elaborates on in our conversation. As a membership platform, the women who are part of this community have a collective vision for a greater world. Stephanie not only is creating this space for women to give to themselves and to others, but learned along the way the importance of giving back to herself as well. In our conversation we discuss her personal journey, her experience with burnout, self-care and awakening the resilience she always had internally. We also discuss the power of sharing stories, her advice for founders in the social impact space and why things often align when you get out of your headspace and into your heart-space. A powerful story of resilience, redefining success and leaving a legacy of integrity, Stephanie’s journey and what she has built will inspire you to start building your own legacy in a way that makes the most sense for you. For more information about Stephanie and Integrous Women, check out https://integrouswomen.com/ Intro music is Pico & Westwood by Esbie Fonte For more information, check out https://www.esbiefonte.com/
Elizabeth Yarnell creates products that help people live better lives.The daughter of two doctors, health and wellness was always a topic of conversation in her household growing up. However, the importance of personal wellness wasn’t fully solidified until just before her 30th birthday when she woke up one morning and had gone completely blind in her right eye. The diagnosis? Multiple sclerosis. At the time, there were limited options. After having created a career path in video production and journalism, the sudden loss of eyesight made the prospect of her future uncertain. At the time, the data showed that 80% of MS patients would experience significant disability within 10 years of the diagnosis. A diagnosis that many could view as daunting, Elizabeth used it as her motivation towards a healthier life. Her then fiancé, who was a competitive athlete, suggested that what she was eating could have something to do with how her body was reacting. She started experimenting with cooking and strategizing ways to make healthy meals more convenient. After years of trial and successes with her friends and local community, she self-published Glorious One Pot Meals and ended up selling over 15,000 copies herself before selling to Randomhouse. Her second business, Digistars, is an e-learning portal to help strengthen 21st century skills for kids. Our world connects through visual media, and the intention behind Digistars is to equip today’s kids to be successful in their careers as adults. Elizabeth’s life story is inspiring in that it shows how thinking outside the box can get you farther than any box others try to put you in. We discuss the importance of innovative thinking, how technology can positively impact our future and why even when you are passionate about what you’re doing you shouldn’t submerge your whole identity into your work. We also discuss the most common ailment of our time and why sugar isn’t the main culprit. A story of innovation and defying the odds, Elizabeth’s story will inspire you to take the best care of yourself as you build your social enterprise. https://digistarsworkshop.com/ https://elizabethyarnell.com/glorious-one-pot-meals-recipe-videos/
Jovana Mullins is the founder of Alivia, a contemporary women’s brand with a unique social impact model. They work directly with artists with developmental disabilities to design collections, showcasing their work while giving back to the community - 10% of the proceeds go directly back to the Center of All Abilities in NYC where the creator receives art therapy. Their mission is to give purpose and voice to the previously unheard while showcasing their talents. They also hope to encourage a larger social movement of inclusivity and acceptance within the fashion industry. Originally from Kansas, Jovana’s love for art, fashion and social impact started at a young age. She was taught by her grandmother how to sew in 3rd grade, started her own non-profit dedicated to at risk youth in 8th grade, and used her yearly fashion shows in high school as a way to raise even more money for that cause. She went to the Parsons School of Design and her career launched after working for some of the biggest names in fashion, like Diane Von Furstenberg and Matthew Williamson. After working in fashion for over 10 years between London and NYC, Jovana felt that there was a bigger calling for her - she wanted to give back to the community. She started volunteering with Gifted Hands, a place where they conducted art therapy programs for underserved groups. When that non-profit shut down, Jovana took her fashion focused art therapy program to the Center of All Abilities in NYC and the rest is history. From there, Alivia was created. Jovana is truly making waves in the social impact space, from sustainable fabrics and environmentally friendly printing processes to supporting conscious consumers who invest in fashion for more than just a statement piece, but to be a part of a social movement. Jovana’s business model is truly emblematic of what an impact business should look like and any entrepreneur will be inspired by what she is building. For 10% off use the code TYPACO10 https://www.shopalivia.com/discount/TYPACO10 https://www.instagram.com/alivia__brand/?hl=en https://www.allabilities.org/
Kala Maxyn is the perfect example of both an artist & entrepreneur. She is the founder of Five Senses Tastings, an events company that brings the five senses into harmony with one another. Growing up in a classical household that valued music and travel, Kala always had an inherent sense of freedom which allowed her to easily accept the concept of change. A trained opera singer, she actually went to school to study political science which lead to a job with the US Department of Justice in which she assisted with the modernization of legal systems in Latin America. Consistently walking the line between the intellectual and artistic worlds, her experiences eventually culminated into curating the ultimate experiences for people through her company. In our conversation we discuss the importance of being present, how to convince others that what you are doing has value - especially when it hasn’t been done before, and why as an entrepreneur it’s important to take risks, say yes and it figure it out along the way. We also discuss what wellness looks like for an artistic entrepreneur, how she’s had to pivot during this pandemic and why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This conversation is filled with helpful tidbits for artists and entrepreneurs alike who aspire to create better experiences for people and who want to be innovative within their industry. Her advice to founders? Be willing to embrace change, get comfortable with pivoting and most importantly, stay humble even when pursuing big ventures. https://www.fivesensestastings.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fivesensestastings/
Laura Winberry has been a trailblazer in male dominated spaces for her entire life. She is the founder of Gold Snow, a centralized gear review site for women, by women, and a published author of her book of poetry, Bell Lap. Growing up in a household that supported creativity and freedom, Laura was never told she couldn’t do something because she was a girl - and so she did it all. With no concept of gender constructs to hold her back, Laura was empowered at a young age to take up space in typically male-dominated spaces: snowboarding, cycling, skateboarding and even writing. Laura is ambitious, athletic and emblematic of the kind of leader this world needs: humble, grateful, and overall a badass. Her mission with Gold Snow is to diversify and amplify voices by creating content that speaks to a more inclusive audience. In regards to monetization, profit without purpose doesn't fit into her vision in the slightest. She is inspired by impact and hopes to authentically make a difference without compromising integrity in all of her endeavors moving forward. A true impact entrepreneur, she is paving the way for others while simultaneously having gratitude for all of those who came before her. Laura is the inspiration we all need to help us awaken our inner goddess and to show us that we are ALL meant take up space - in every industry. https://www.eatgoldsnow.com/ https://www.indolentbooks.com/bell-lap-by-laura-winberry/ https://www.instagram.com/eatgoldsnow/
Amy Powell wants to empower individuals to make better choices today so that our planet can have a healthy tomorrow. Raised in Santa Cruz, CA and having grown up in a mindful household, the roots of sustainability were planted early but came to fruition later in her career. Working in the events world for over a decade, she was all too familiar with the cost efficiency of having “disposable events” and the waste they produced. Like the straw that broke the camel’s back, Amy’s inertia for the planet came unexpectedly one day when seeing a trash can that had been knocked over on a walk. Seeing trash everywhere, she vowed then and there to take action. Amy created Attainable in order to empower everyone to take action and recognize that we are all in this together. In order to understand how to move forward, she had to learn how we became a “disposable society” in the first place and how that has perpetuated a lack of value for the things that we have. We discuss sustainability as a three-tiered system, how we can create a new normal post COVID-19, and how we can reconnect with nature and our communities. We also discuss the logistics of being a founder, why taking space can be the most helpful thing when you’re building something bigger than yourself, and why we should approach the world, and ourselves, with more empathy. If you are interested in learning more about sustainability, Attainable or Earth Day, Amy wrote a great article highlighting our current environmental predicament and how we can initiate change. https://medium.com/the-quilt-thread/the-planets-sigh-unexpected-lessons-of-social-distancing-2ba78d910399 https://www.attainable-af.com/ https://www.instagram.com/attainable_af/ Earth Day Resources https://www.earthday.org https://www.wedonthavetime.org/event/earthdayweek
Priyanka Varzirani is the co-founder of not one, but two socially impactful companies. She was born and raised in India but received her bachelor’s in the United States and her Master’s in England. Although she started her first job in asset management, she did not curate her career with the idea of “how can I make money”, but rather “how can I help people”. Help, in her case, refers to changing the way in which people perceive the world around them. Finance served its purpose by enriching her research and analytical skills, which were the backbone to both of her companies. Benefactory is a social enterprise that raises awareness to global crises as they happen to increase the impact consumers can have. Her research demonstrated that consumers are more willing to donate to a cause if it 1) more closely impacts them and 2) if it is a current crisis. Most donations come within the first four weeks and so by recognizing the need for streamlining the process, Benefactory was born. However, Priyanka also recognized that the way in which you are being informed on certain topics will always play a vital role in the actions that you take. With the influx of fake news and fiction being presented as fact, Priyanka created Volv - a revolutionary news app that delivers unbiased news in 9 second story bits. How are they different than other media sources? They are currently building the AI software that detects opinion and bias by recognizing patterns in writing from both sides of the political spectrum. This results in concentrated, factual news that allows you to form your own opinions and perspectives, instead of blindly adopting those from others. Her two companies go hand in hand as Volv, through its efficiency and concentrated nature, forces users to think critically, develop opinions, and support the causes that are important and current in the world while Benefactory delivers the place that makes it easier to have an impact. In our conversation we discuss the development and interrelation of her two companies, how she manages her daily schedule and her grassroots approach to building partnerships when just starting out. We also discuss the advice she has for social impact entrepreneurs and how ambition and altruism are inherently building the future models of business. Follow along @ https://www.volvmedia.com/ https://www.benefactory.live/
Claire A. Pettibone has always prioritized doing what is best for the group instead of solely thinking about the self, a concept our world is beginning to recognize amidst our global pandemic. As a 1st generation Filipino American, she saw the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to be a leader and put it upon herself to fill the hole that exists within the online fashion space. As a consumer, Claire was always intrigued by ethical and purposeful business and this inspiration served as the model from which the Madison Grace Boutique was founded upon. Madison Grace exists to inspire women to give-a-care and to prove that you can be ethical and sustainable in your choices - while still looking effortlessly chic. Claire’s journey towards becoming a founder was unconventional and painful, but she chose to take the lemons life had handed her and create socially-impactful lemonade. Her objective with Madison Grace is to be a part of the movement of impact entrepreneurs who are helping to restore a broken system, redeem marginalized communities and create a better future. In our conversation we discuss the five G’s that are the foundation of her business model, how to cultivate successful business partnerships, and why it’s important to do your own due diligence when setting new standards in any industry. We also discuss the future of fashion and how self-care can look different each day - and why that is okay. Claire’s insight is beneficial to both new and seasoned impact entrepreneurs and her efforts remind us of the good we can do both as consumers and business owners. Embrace your inner Madison Grace girl and enter promo code “typaco” for 10% all purchases. Visit https://sh2915.ositracker.com/151322/10820 for more information. Follow along @ https://www.claireapettibone.com/ https://www.madisongrace.co/ https://www.instagram.com/madisongraceco/?hl=en
Amy Giddon wants to redefine how our society engages with social media. Amy started her career with a completely different trajectory than being a founder. She went between management consulting, finance and even dabbled in women’s leadership before she gave up the stability of the jobs that played to her strengths in order to pursue the job that played to her passion. Amy’s initial inspiration for Daily Haloha came from the Sticky Note Project that was focused on spreading positivity after the presidential election of 2016. She saw what positivity and support could do for human kind and decided instead of the polarization and dehumanization that was perpetuated at that time, she wanted to recreate that experience of positivity, affirmations and overall love for other human beings evident during the length of the project. Daily Haloha in 2019 launched as an unbiased safe space where people can connect and replace reactivity with reflection and support. Basically, she is creating what social media was meant to do before becoming convoluted with competition, judgment and comparison. In our conversation we discuss her journey creating tech as a non-technical founder, her dedication to ambition womxn in their careers, and overall her desire to help rekindle empathy. We also discuss the importance of self care and how tech can serve a bigger purpose beyond ourselves. A two minute daily ritual that is meditative, though provoking and refreshing, Amy is at the forefront of the mindful tech movement. https://dailyhaloha.com/
Kemi is the Cofounder of Alveo Creative, a digital community for artists that provides resources for both creativity and business. With a diverse background as a vocal artist and a lawyer, Kemi defies the antiquated idea that you have to ‘choose’ one path: either you are a creative or you are an intellectual. She has been able to balance the two worlds throughout her career, not by giving up one or the other, but by ‘shifting percentages’. Our lives are multifaceted and Kemi is exemplary of how to embrace variety in a way that facilitates continuous learning and growth. She has been a long-time impact entrepreneur, starting with the launch of her production company and leading up to the founding of Alveo Creative. Their mission is to be a resource where artists can learn how to be savvy business people without losing their heart and vulnerability. In our conversation we discuss why it’s always important to put in the work, that you must hold yourself to higher standards each day and why boundaries are important for facilitating growth and self care. Kemi also elaborates on the concept of payment in exposure, the opportunity cost of every experience, and why overall the goal is be happy and enjoy your life. “The two most valuable currencies in the world are time and money. Out of the two, time is more valuable because that’s the one you can never get back”. As a true business woman and artist, it is inspiring to see someone who lives by those values and inspires others to do so as well. https://alveocreative.co/ https://www.instagram.com/alveocreative/?hl=af
Hannah Austin wants sustainability to be more accessible for all audiences. Her passion about the environment came to fruition in college when she became more aware of climate change and of the responsibility each individual has in making a difference. With a BFA in graphic design, she decided to create a database curated with the products that are essential to living a lower waste lifestyle. As the founder of Earthical, she wanted this to be the starting point for people who are looking to take action, but don’t know where to start. In our conversation we discuss small changes you can make to be more sustainable, staggering statistics about the reality of recycling, and how companies can mislead consumers by ‘greenwashing’ their products. We also discuss the privilege of consuming more intentionally and that ideally better products made by more ethical companies will become the societal norm. As a young entrepreneur, Hannah’s vision for the future is both inspirational and tangible. By making it easier for consumers to take action and be more accountable for their everyday choices, larger scale impact is undeniable.
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