“Cutting sponges is nothing new, but what I did was build a business from it.” Dive into the inspiring journey of Rea Ann Silva, the brain behind the game-changing Beautyblender brand, in this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur."

Get ready to hear the incredible story of how Rea Ann went from doing makeup for music videos in the MTV era to becoming the Founder and CEO of the category creator Beautyblender.

In this podcast, we talk about her journey with experimenting with various sponge shapes and stumbling upon the accidental yet iconic neon pink color, which ultimately became Beautyblender's pivotal marketing strategy. She also shares the raw, unfiltered moments of entrepreneurship - from working with the one person who believed in her, to the nerve-wracking decision to mortgage her house to kickstart Beautyblender.

We'll explore how Rea Ann navigated the beauty industry, Beautyblender’s influencer marketing strategy, her journey of refocusing during COVID, and the most challenging part of entrepreneurship: managing a team.

Come along for an honest, inspiring chat about the adventurous journey of Beautyblender, Rea Ann's incredible leadership, and the vital lessons she's learned about entrepreneurship and the beauty industry.

Connect with Rea Ann on Instagram @reaannsilva and visit beautyblender.com to learn more about the brand’s latest offers.

In this "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur" podcast episode, we explore the captivating journey of Danessa Myricks, a makeup artist whose career took a transformative turn when she opted to leave the corporate world following the closure of her company. Juggling life as a single mother and drawing inspiration from her upbringing in a large family, Danessa shares invaluable lessons she learned from her parents, particularly creating and sustaining something as your own.

Amidst her journey, Danessa emphasizes that much of her career has unfolded through unexpected opportunities, encouraging a mindset of saying "yes" even when unsure of the outcome. She also reflects on the impact and importance of having people around you who also journey with you.

Danessa candidly shares the journey and growth of Danessa Myricks Beauty, emphasizing the importance of hard work and creation. She also touches on her experiences and strategies in building her brand alongside her team as well as her insights and lessons from her background in photography.

To learn more about Danessa Myricks Beauty, head over to danessamyricksbeauty.com.

To stay updated with Danessa, follow along on @danessa_myricks.

In this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur", we sit down with Yanely Espinal, a Brown University graduate, Brooklyn native and trailblazer who's making personal finance engaging and accessible. As the first college graduate in her family, Yanely realized the stark absence of financial education in her academic journey. This revelation led her on a mission to empower young individuals with the financial knowledge they need to succeed.

Yanely's remarkable career journey took her from Teach For America to creating a YouTube channel, where she breaks down budgeting, credit management, savings, investments, and more. She serves as the Director of Educational Outreach at Next Gen Personal Finance and contributes her expertise to CNBC's Financial Wellness Advisory Council.

Join us as we explore Yanely's inspiring story as a first-generation achiever, her transformative understanding of money psychology, and the profound wisdom found in her book, "Mind Your Money," filled with stories and strategies to guide you on your financial journey. Join us as we dissect our own spending habits, taking on Suze Orman's "90 Days of Spending Habits" challenge and gain valuable insights from the concepts and tips shared in her book.

For more financial wisdom and inspiration, follow Yanely at @missbehelpful on Instagram.

Welcome to a world where beauty meets individuality, and makeup is a form of self-expression. In this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur", we journey with Violette, a seasoned makeup artist, CEO of VIOLETTE_FR, and the Global Creative Director of Makeup at Guerlain. But titles only scratch the surface of this creative trailblazer.

Get ready for a delightful and inspiring conversation as we venture into Violette's world. We'll explore how makeup in France is more than skin deep – it's a fashion statement. Discover how Violette masterfully balances her role as CEO of her own brand and as Guerlain's Creative Director.

Violette reveals her secrets to building a dream team, her fearless move from France to New York, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is a must. We'll also find out how she maintains calm strength, navigates married life and motherhood, and embarked on the incredible journey of launching VIOLETTE_FR, a brand that bridges the gap between minimalism and all-out glamour.

Violette walks us through her favorite product creations and the magic behind them, her calling had she not pursued makeup, and so much more.

Join us for an intimate and fabulous chat that redefines beauty. To stay in the loop, follow Violette on Instagram and TikTok: @violette_fr.

In this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur", we take another step into the world of beauty and artistry with Jessica Smalls, a New York-based Emmy-nominated makeup artist, esthetician, and groomer with an inspiring journey. Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Harlem, Jessica's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer at just 18. This pivotal moment led her on a remarkable path into the beauty industry, where she discovered not only her calling but also a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment. Jessica's impressive clientele includes names like Janelle Monae, Mary J. Blige, Daniel Kaluuya, and many more. She's graced the pages of renowned publications such as Vanity Fair and Marie Claire, collaborating with iconic photographers like Annie Leibovitz. In this conversation, we delve into Jessica's journey from being an aspiring MAC makeup artist to becoming a trusted celebrity makeup artists with long-lasting relationships. We touch on topics such as the importance of self-care, embracing change, the profound power of manifestation, valuing your worth, staying open to feedback, and why getting nervous can be a good sign. Jessica’s journey is an inspiring story of transforming adversity into a meaningful career, the importance of mentorship, and how one person can change the course of your life. Follow Jessica and her journey on Instagram: @jessicasmalls

Meet Raisa Flowers in this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur." Raisa is a creative director and visual artist who has turned makeup into her canvas for creative expression. Raisa's multi-cultural background and transracial experiences have shaped her unique artistic perspective, allowing her to draw inspiration from every corner of life.

In this episode, we dive into Raisa's incredible journey, from initially aspiring to be a fashion designer to finding her true calling as a makeup artist. She candidly shares her experience of dropping out of college three times and the philosophy she lives by: "Never be thirsty, always be hungry."

Discover the intricacies of choosing your team, the importance of skill-building, and the transformative process of becoming an assistant. Raisa also sheds light on the significance of creating a supportive community backstage, redefining beauty standards, and challenging gender stereotypes in the fashion industry.

As a powerhouse in the world of fashion and pop culture, Raisa Flowers is reshaping how we perceive beauty and fashion. Her artistry, tenacity, and radically progressive perspective are making her a prominent figure in the new digital landscape of fashion and beyond.

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Raisa Flowers, where we explore her path to becoming a groundbreaking makeup artist and a trailblazer in redefining beauty and fashion.

To stay updated with Raisa's extraordinary work, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @raisaflowers.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Raisa's artistic journey and her powerful message of pushing boundaries and embracing individuality.

In this episode of "It Takes a Village to Raise an Entrepreneur," we're jumping into the lively world of health and wellness with the amazing Tiara Howard, affectionately known as "T-How." Tiara, who once coached me on the secrets of mood balance and increasing happiness through movement, shares her inspiring journey from track and field athlete to certified personal trainer, powerlifter, and strength coach.

We chat about the ups and downs of this fitness journey, and Tiara reminds us that it's all about the process. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to level up, you'll find valuable insights here. Tiara also shares the importance of inspiring people to get up and move their bodies. She highlights the significance of working with dedicated clients and emphasizes that motivation has to come from within. You can't force someone to make a change, they need to meet you halfway.

We also take a peek behind the scenes of the coaching business, from assembling the right team to help you get started, to the nitty-gritty of building a website, navigating the nuances of online coaching versus in-person training, and mastering the art of effective marketing to grow your fitness empire.

And for those itching to kickstart their fitness journey, Tiara introduces her GetWaisted Fitness program. Learn more at getwaistedfitness.com.

For daily fitness inspiration and a glimpse into Tiara's world, don't forget to follow her on Instagram @t.hoowww.

Step into the world of beauty and makeup with Katie Jane Hughes, a remarkable British celebrity and editorial makeup artist nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Katie boasts an impressive list of clients, including Ashley Graham, Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and Lily Allen, among others. But her influence reaches far beyond her makeup artistry.

In this episode of "It Takes A Village To Raise An Entrepreneur", we explore how Instagram has served as Katie’s manager throughout her career, serving as a unique canvas where she could curate her own editorial content and connect directly with her audience.

Katie also shares insights into the delicate balance between being a makeup artist and a content creator, emphasizing the key to growing a loyal following: people follow you for what you can offer, but they stay for you and your unique personality.

Discover the invaluable role of social media as a portfolio for makeup artists and how it helps create a profound connection with the audience.

And, here’s some exciting news! Katie lets us in on the KJH brand's FIRST product, launching this month—an innovative 2-textured highlighter that encourages users to explore their creativity and play around with the makeup they already own.

Throughout our conversation, Katie underscores the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, especially when navigating the freelancing world of the beauty industry. She shares invaluable advice for budding makeup artists, highlighting the differences between her generation and the current one. Her wisdom is a testament to the power of being a "yes" person, having a genuine desire to learn and grow, and using information to grow your skills.

Whether you're a makeup enthusiast, aspiring artist, or simply intrigued by the world of beauty and influence, this episode offers a glimpse into the artistry, passion, and dedication that drive Katie Jane Hughes in her extraordinary journey.

Stay connected with Katie Jane Hughes on Instagram: @katiejanehughes and @kjh.brand.