In Our Network

Ally Courtnall, Former UCLA Athlete, Mental Health Advocate & Sports Illustrated Model on Transitioning from NCAA Athlete to Model & Opening up about Mental Health

Mon, 31 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Ally is a former two-sport college athlete at UCLA where she played soccer and track & field. She has now dedicated her time to being a full-time model, shooting for companies like Lululemon, Nike, H&M. Most recently, Ally shot with Sports Illustrated, being the brands newest face of the magazine. Aside from her modelling career, she is dedicated to continuing the conversation around mental health which we touch on during our conversation, along with pressures she's experienced from the modelling industry.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Ally on Instagram @allycourtnall!

Follow In Our Network on Instagram at @inournetwork!

Blair McGregor, Partnerships & Public Figures at TikTok on Community Building and Growing Your Engagement on TikTok

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:39:18 +0000

Blair was born and raised in Toronto and has spent the better part of her career working in the community building space, both online and offline at companies like Soho House, Kit and Ace, and now TikTok. She started out in the fashion industry, with short stints in New York and Vancouver, and ultimately ended up back in Toronto. She is currently a Partner Manager on the TikTok Canada team, working primarily with entertainment talent and public figures on the platform.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Blair on Instagram @blairmcgregor!

Lilly Scott, Founder of Electric Collective on Building Confidence, Incorporating Mindfulness & Meditation into Workouts, and Maintaining a Consistent Habit

Wed, 12 May 2021 03:00:16 +0000

Lilly Scott is the founder of Electric Collective Fitness, a modern fitness community that focuses on the way fitness makes us feel, not editing the way we look. Her classes combine cardio, barre, pilates, strength training, dance, and yoga to deliver highly challenging fitness workouts that leave you feeling mentally stronger, happier, and ready to take the world by storm.

The Electric Collective was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic out of necessity. Before the lockdown, Lilly worked as a lawyer-lobbyist in an energy and environmental firm in Washington, DC. After work she taught group fitness classes at Equinox and Core Power Yoga, and was a lead teacher trainer in DC for the latter. When gyms and studios closed, she knew her students needed her. What she didn’t know is that others did too.

She taught free classes on Zoom for three months and they got popular quickly. At her height, she had over 300 people in her zooms. The word spread and she realized she could turn these classes into a business. It went so well that she quit her firm a month later.

Lilly loves to connect with and inspire people of all ages, facilitating their connections with their bodies and souls.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Lilly on Instagram @lillyscott and @electriccollectivefit! Be sure to visit the Electric Collective website for more information.

Ilona Selina, Founder of Route Marketing on Running a Digital First Business, Content Ideas for 2021 & Her Take on the Importance of Follower Count

Mon, 03 May 2021 16:30:50 +0000

Ilona Selina is a driven entrepreneur that geeks out on strategic collaboration. Ilona founded Route – a boutique social media and influencer marketing agency providing strategic marketing initiatives tailored to meet the needs and goals of luxury lifestyle brands and female founded businesses. As a content creator and digital marketing expert with demonstrated history in integrated partnerships across digital and experiential platforms, Ilona is constantly finding new ways in which her clients can stand out in the digital space.

In today's episode, Ilona shares her journey in the world of social media, how she's navigated building a digital and remote first marketing agency, and her tips and tricks to content creation and building authentic engagement.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Ilona on Instagram @ilonaselina and @route.marketing! Be sure to visit the Route Marketing website for more information.

Azora Zoe, Founder of Goldune on Sustainable Living & Supporting BIPOC Lead Businesses

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Azora Zoe is the Iranian-American female founder behind Goldune. Goldune is an e-commerce marketplace where you can find the best sustainable brands in home, lifestyle and personal care, all in one place. The company focuses on prioritizing working with brands that are Female and/or BIPOC owned, lead or helmed. As of Q1 2021, 72% of the brands whose products are sold by Goldune are helmed by women, and 39% are lead or founded by BIPOC.

Before Goldune, Azora Zoe worked at e-commerce companies like Food52 and BaubleBar. She is an ex-New Yorker, a maximalist, and a solopreneur.

In today's episode, Azora shares her journey in the world of sustainability, how Goldune came to life by way of identifying a lack of diversity in the sustainability industry, and how others can educate themselves on being more mindful about the products we purchase.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Azora on Instagram @goldune.co! Be sure to visit the Goldune website for more information.

Alexandra Lawrence, Founder of Digital Brand Stylist & Align Skin on Building Your Personal Brand & Diving Deep into Skincare Ingredients

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:00:18 +0000

Alexandra Lawrence is a digital brand builder who has spent 5 years working with fashion & lifestyle brands to hone their aesthetic, vision, voice, and digital presence. She worked in house at Hermes of Paris and Stuart Weitzman and now runs her own creative studio, Digital Brand Stylist. She recently ventured into launching a brand of her own — Align Skin, a skin oil that is on a mission to simplify skincare and be gender and skin inclusive.

In today's episode, Alexandra shares how she transitioned from her corporate job to freelancing and creating Digital Brand Stylist, the importance of diving deep into skincare ingredients, and how skincare is not a one size fits all.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Pre-Order for Align Skin is coming April 2021

Follow and connect with Alexandra on Instagram @etreinspire, @digitalbrandstylist & @align_skin! Be sure to visit her website for more information on Digital Brand Stylist!

Adeela Carter, Founder of The Carter Strategy Group & Co-founder of Pitch Better on Pitching Your Company & Transitioning Careers

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:58:21 +0000

Adeela Carter is the founder of The Carter Strategy Group, a global consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning and business development for entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate clients. She is also the co-founder of Pitch Better, a Canadian startup that connects Black female entrepreneurs to funding. After a decade-long career in criminal law with the Ministry of the Attorney General in the Ontario Court of Justice, Adeela decided to take a leap of faith, leaving her 9-5 to pursue her passion for business and entrepreneurship.

In today's episode, Adeela shares the key steps founders need to take before searching for funding, how she balances being a full-time entrepreneur and mom, and how she left her career in criminal law to pursue building her companies.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

www.pitchbetter.ca

www.instagram.com/adeelacarter

www.instagram.com/inournetwork

How to be Meaningful with Social Media with Rachel Karten | Social Media Consultant & Formerly Associate Director of Social Media at Bon Appétit Magazine

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Rachel Karten is a leader within social media who has experience both growing brands from the ground up and managing accounts with millions of followers. She was most recently the Associate Director of Social Media at Bon Appétit and Epicurious where she won social Webby’s three years in a row and received a coveted National Magazine Award for best social at a magazine. There she built the social media presence for verticals Healthyish and Basically—two of Condé Nast’s most successful sub-brand launches. Before Bon Appétit she was at meal kit delivery startup Plated. She now consults with brands, helping them create value-driven social strategies that delight.

In today's episode, Rachel shares how she balances working in social media, how she's used her platform and social media presence to speak up about important issues, and what it takes to work in the industry.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Rachel Karten:

https://www.instagram.com/milkkarten

https://milkkarten.substack.com/

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Growing Successful Brands & Paring Down with Minimalist Makeup with Aila Morin | Marketing, Creative & Product at MERIT Beauty, Formerly Brand Marketing & GTM Director at Mejuri

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Aila Morin is a Marketing & Advertising vet - Currently, Aila leads the Marketing, Creative, and Product at MERIT Beauty, a minimalist, clean, luxury beauty brand founded by Katherine Power. Formerly the Brand Marketing and Go-to-Market Director at Mejuri, Aila was one of the few early hires responsible for the growth of Mejuri from an early startup to a successful fine jewelry company.

In today's episode, Aila shares how she worked her way through the industry building her career and network through experience with multiple startups, her experience growing Mejuri's media presence as the former Brand Marketing and GTM Director, and how she has honed in on her strengths in her vertical to help grow the MERIT Beauty brand.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Aila Morin:

https://www.instagram.com/ailamorin

MERIT Beauty

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Creating Sustainable Alternatives & Staying Informed as a Consumer with Isabel Aagard | Founder and Designer of LastObject

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:16:35 +0000

Isabel Aagard is the Founder and Designer at LastObject. Frustrated by all of the single-use waste, she decided to design innovative solutions to wasteful habits that make a lasting impact, starting with LastSwab — the world’s first sanitary, reusable cotton swab. LastSwab was followed by LastTissue, and most recently by LastRound. One by one, Isabel is tackling the single-use items that have become an unfortunate part of our daily routine. As an eco-fighter and power-mom Isabel stands by her products and hopes to inspire others to be the change and adapt to living sustainably..

In today's episode, Isabel shares how her professional experience led to her sustainability journey with LastObject and the importance of staying informed on sustainability practices and issues like greenwashing.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Isabel Aagard:

https://www.instagram.com/isabelaagaard/

LastObject Website

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Pushing The Limits in OCR & Competing in the Toughest Race with Rea Kolbl | Professional OCR Athlete, Spartan Ultra World Champion & Eco-Challenge Fiji

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 22:03:46 +0000

Rea Kolbl is a former gymnast and Stanford alum turned Professional OCR athlete, Spartan Ultra World Champion, and competitor on Amazon Prime's Original Series, World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, where her team, Team Canada Adventure, placed second.

Rea grew up in Slovenia where she spent most of her childhood in the gym, competing for 10 years on the Slovenian National Gymnastics Team. In 2010 she moved to United States for college where she picked up trail running. Between 2012 and 2016 she competed in several trail ultramarathons, winning 6 races, setting 5 course records, and winning her age group at a 50 mile trail race. Most recently, Rea participated in an expedition adventure race hosted by Bear Grylls in Fiji, a 700-kilometre-plus journey that taught her so much about herself, life and what a true adventure can be like.

In today's episode, Rea shares how her passion for sports evolved throughout the years, her experience competing in the Eco-Challenge in Fiji, and advice she has for someone hoping to follow a similar path.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Rea Kolbl:

https://www.instagram.com/reakolbl/

KAPE - Kolbl Athletic Performance & Endurance

Rea Kolbl Spartan Race Feature

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Building a PR Powerhouse & Uplifting BIPOC Content Creators with Priya Chopra | President & Founder of 1Milk2Sugars and Double Shot Agency

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:23:58 +0000

Priya is the founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars, an award-winning digital marketing and public relations agency with a portfolio that includes top international lifestyle brands including NIVEA, Coppertone, L’Oréal and Centrum.

Under Priya's leadership, 1Milk2Sugars has grown by over 200 percent in the last two years alone and was just named one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by the 2020 Growth List.

Priya has weaved her passions for diversity, social awareness and female empowerment into the fabric of her agency’s DNA. This includes her most purpose-driven initiative yet: the 2020 launch of double shot, a talent and influencer management agency aimed at broadening representation and inclusivity in lifestyle marketing.

In today's episode, Priya shares how she has navigated through the industry, from consulting to building a PR powerhouse, and how it's lead her to become the founder of 1Milk2Sugars and Double Shot agency. We also touch on the lack of diversity in the influencer industry and how Double Shot is championing a broader range of voices in lifestyle marketing.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

1Milk2Sugars

Double Shot.

https://www.instagram.com/1milk2sugarspr/

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Launching a Business While Leading with Purpose with Polly Payne | Founder of Horacio Printing

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:23:49 +0000

Polly Payne is the founder of Horacio Printing, a Christian based planner designed to give structure, accountability and encouragement. Polly migrated to the big apple and became the Senior Sales Director of an award winning Ad:Tech company. She left her career in advertising to run Horacio Printing full time and pursue her God given purpose. She now lives in Tennessee with her family and hosts the Dream Planning Podcast.

In today's episode, Polly shares how she turned her side hustle into a full-time career, how to launch a business while leading with purpose, and tips for launching a product based business on platforms like Kickstarter.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Horacio Printing Promo Code: INOURNETWORK

https://www.instagram.com/HoracioPrinting/

https://www.horacioprinting.com/

Horacio Printing: Dream Planning Podcast

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Navigating the Beauty Industry as a Filipina & Making Meaningful Industry Connections with Kristina Rodulfo | Beauty Director, Women's Health & Formerly Senior Beauty Editor, ELLE Magazine

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 21:57:47 +0000

Kristina Rodulfo is a multimedia journalist specialized in beauty reporting. Currently, Kristina is the Beauty Director at Women's Health where she oversees coverage across print and digital. Prior to Women's Health, Kristina was a Senior Beauty Editor at ELLE Magazine where she co-produced the Webby Award-nominated documentary Beat: How Drag Queens Shaped the Beauty Industry and hosted the millions-viewed video series "Beauty Haul."

In today's episode, Kristina shares her experience navigating the beauty industry as a Filipina-American, how to make lasting and meaningful professional connections, and the importance of advocating for diversity inclusion within the industry.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kristinarodulfo

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance & Building an Authentic Brand with Brooke Milo | Founder of NGNG Agency

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 18:59:52 +0000

Brooke Milo is the founder of NGNG Agency, a digital marketing agency based in New York. Starting the agency in her early 20's, Brooke has always been a natural-born entrepreneur. NGNG Agency now focuses on being an authentic partner to their clients by providing strategy, creative, and social media management services.

In today's episode, Brooke shares how she founded her company in her early 20's, how to avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care, and how to maintain an authentic brand.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

https://www.ngngagency.com/

https://www.instagram.com/brookemilo

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Supporting the Black Community & BTS of a Magazine Editor with Kayla Greaves | Senior Beauty Editor, InStyle

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 19:12:35 +0000

Kayla Greaves is an award-winning journalist and senior beauty editor at InStyle. She was previously the fashion & beauty features editor at Bustle and a lifestyle editor at The Huffington Post. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, ELLE, FASHION magazine, and more. Kayla has interviewed the likes of Academy award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, supermodel Naomi Campbell, TIME 100’s Most Influential People, and women’s rights activist Jaha Dukureh, Viola Davis, Chaka Khan, and many more.

In today's episode, Kayla and I discuss the behind the scenes of being a beauty editor at a major publication, the importance of highlighting and supporting black-owned businesses, and what it takes to break into the industry.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kaylaagreaves/

https://twitter.com/KaylaAGreaves

https://www.instyle.com/

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Networking & Building Relationships in the Industry with Clio de la Llave | Founder of Booje Media and Podcast Nation

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 17:00:00 +0000

Clio is a full-time entrepreneur, founding Booje Media, a digital marketing agency based in Vancouver, BC, and Podcast Nation, a podcast agency that focuses on production, advertising, and branding. Clio is also the co-founder of the accessory brand, Dew Edit, and the wine label, Spade and Sparrows. Both of which she co-founded with Kaitlyn Bristowe.

In today's episode, Clio and I discuss how she got started in the digital marketing agency back when social media was just getting started, how she's maintaining healthy relationships and setting boundaries with her co-founders, and how to get your foot in the industry with little to no experience.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/cliodelallave/

https://www.instagram.com/boojemedia/

https://www.instagram.com/podcast.nation/

https://www.instagram.com/spadeandsparrows/

https://www.instagram.com/dewedit/

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Creating Experiences at Glossier & Addressing "Sober Curiosity" with Melanie Masarin | Founder and CEO of Ghia & Formerly Head of Retail at Glossier

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Melanie Masarin was previously the Creative Director and Head of Marketing of Dig Inn, where she led the rebrand of the company, overseeing everything from messaging, communication, store design, branding, digital presence, paid advertising, and offline marketing. Most recently, Melanie was the Head of Retail and Offline Experiences at Glossier where she led the offline and experiential strategy including the creative direction of their showrooms, developing pop-ups, and conceptualizing permanent spaces. Now, Melanie has bottled up her hospitality and lifestyle experience to create Ghia, a spirit-free aperitif designed to change the way we think about drinking and socializing.

Melanie shares her experience navigating the industry in New York, the story behind Ghia, and the importance of social media marketing and audience analysis.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Mentioned Links:

Melanie's Instagram

Ghia's Instagram

Shop: Ghia

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/

Starting an Agency at 24 & Social Media Pressures with Ali Grant | Founder and CEO of Be Social Group

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 19:08:05 +0000

Ali Grant is the founder of Be Social Group, an influencer marketing agency based in Los Angeles. Be Social is an awareness-building powerhouse with a built-in influencer network of millions of their closest connections.

From starting an agency at the age of 24 to now being the CEO of a company that has been recently acquired by one of the leading content production companies in the United States, Dolphin Entertainment. Ali shares her experience starting a company and growing as a leader, tips to overcome imposter syndrome, and how to set yourself apart during the job hunt.

I hope you enjoy the episode xx

Mentioned links:

Ali Grant & Be Social Group:

https://www.instagram.com/aligrant

https://www.besocialpr.com/

In Our Network Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inournetwork/