We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emani Figaro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Emani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
There are moments when I reflect on whether I’m happier as a business owner or if life would be simpler with a regular job. The last time this thought crept into my mind was during my transition back to Atlanta this September. After graduating from Spelman College in 2021, I returned to pursue my MBA. The move itself felt like stepping into an unknown space—uncertainty about financial stability was at the forefront of my mind. I had no idea how I would sustain this new chapter of life, and honestly, I still don’t. But I do know that God hasn’t taken me this far to leave me stranded.
Before starting my own consulting firm, Mogul Mani Consulting, and later founding Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation at the end of 2022, I worked at Deloitte Consulting. I was fortunate to work on incredible projects that aligned with my purpose of creating spaces for underrepresented communities. I was the first analyst to be accepted into the Monitor Institute, a boutique division that worked exclusively with nonprofits. I worked on projects with UNCF, The Black Economic Alliance, and The Ocean Cleanup, helping them strategize ways to better the world. I had essentially reached the pinnacle of my corporate career at an accelerated pace, and on paper, it looked like I had it all. But deep down, something was missing.
Even though I was grateful to work with a fantastic team, to travel the world, and to be on projects that I believed in, I wasn’t fulfilled. I realized that the corporate world, while offering many opportunities, couldn’t provide the creative freedom I craved. So in 2021, I began freelancing through my LLC, Mogul Mani Consulting. There, I found true fulfillment in helping creatives realize their dreams. This sense of purpose led me to start Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between creativity and business, almost two years ago. Since then, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey—yet far from easy.
The hardest times, and the moments when I wonder about returning to a “regular job,” are always tied to financial uncertainty. When projects slow down, when a product drop doesn’t meet expectations, or when I’m staring at bills without knowing where the next client will come from—that’s when doubt creeps in. The allure of a steady paycheck, corporate perks like company-sponsored travel, corporate cards, and even the comfort of structured work hours, starts to seem enticing. I recently had to battle these thoughts during my move back to Atlanta. Navigating the financial strain of entrepreneurship, especially after having experienced the security of corporate life, can feel overwhelming at times.
But while I sometimes envy the stability of a traditional job, my heart knows that freedom is priceless. God freed me from a life of imposed stress, inflexible timelines, and the constant need to assimilate. Now, I live a life full of peace, joy, autonomy, and alignment with my purpose. I get to create my own schedule, embrace long, intentional mornings, and dedicate myself to work that genuinely excites me. Despite the uncertainty, I know I’m on the right path.
Ultimately, my faith in the mission I’ve been assigned—this work of helping creatives build sustainable futures—is what keeps me going. Though I face doubt from time to time, the promise of living in alignment with my purpose always outweighs the challenges.
Emani, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Emani Figaro, a creative entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation and Mogul Mani Consulting. My journey into consulting, community programming, and creative entrepreneurship began during my time at Spelman College, where I majored in economics. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling through data, which I first discovered in my statistics class. This love for data led me to Deloitte Consulting, where I was staffed on projects that aligned with my values of community impact and social good.
At Deloitte, I had the opportunity to work with incredible organizations like UNCF, The Black Economic Alliance, and The Ocean Cleanup, helping them develop strategies for creating lasting positive change. I was even the first analyst accepted into Monitor Institute, Deloitte’s boutique division that focused solely on nonprofits. Despite reaching the pinnacle of my corporate career in a short time, I realized that something was missing. In 2021, I began freelancing through my LLC, Mogul Mani Consulting, and found my true passion for helping creatives actualize their dreams. This inspired me to launch the Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation in late 2022.
The Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation bridges creativity and business, offering educational programming for creative entrepreneurs aged 18-35. We’ve curated events and community programming that empower underrepresented creatives with the tools they need to build sustainable careers. Since launching in October 2023, we’ve impacted over 350 creatives through our workshops and initiatives, which cover a wide range of services including project management, event production, branding, marketing, and community programming.
One of our proudest accomplishments is the VIRTUE Exhibition, held as part of the upcoming first official Chicago Fashion Week in October 2024. This two-day event brought together four designers and four artists to create an immersive exhibition exploring themes of sustainability, streetwear, and luxury. One of the highlights of the event was our collaboration with the incredible artist Tuan Jones, who curated the exhibition and show. The VIRTUE Exhibition also featured a youth design competition, panel discussions, and a series of fashion-based workshops, including part two of our Mogul Minds fashion workshop, where participants learned hands-on skills in fashion design and business. Tuan and I were also recently selected as Delta Pitch Competition winners for our ideas on how travel organizations can show up in underrepresented spaces key cultural moments.
Our mission is not only to provide creative entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed but to foster a community where they can thrive. We host workshops and events at venues like Soho House Chicago, Spelman College, and The Altar Community, Hyde Park Art Center, and Hyde Park Bank where we tackle the real-world challenges creatives face. From managing projects and marketing to navigating the business side of their craft, our programming offers a holistic approach to solving problems and helping creatives grow their businesses.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of corporate and creative experience. I’ve worked with large organizations, nonprofits, and individual creatives, helping each find ways to achieve their goals while staying true to their purpose. This dual perspective allows me to bridge the gap between strategy and creative execution, ensuring that both are equally prioritized in all of my projects.
I’m also incredibly proud of the success stories that have come from our programs. One of our Spelmanites, Nyla Choates, attended our educational sessions and was referred to Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), where she took part in their Retail Readiness Academy. Through this program, she successfully placed her book, “My Roots Are Rice,” in Walmart stores—a testament to the power of our educational programming and community support. Including staffing creatives on projects with Essence, Everyday People, McDonald’s, Amazon, and more.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Maison Mogul is more than just a consulting firm—we’re a community. Our goal is to help creatives build sustainable futures, offering practical business solutions while nurturing their artistic talents. Whether you’re a creative looking to scale your business or an organization in need of impactful community programming, we’re here to help you bridge the worlds of creativity and business.
Our latest initiative, VIRTUE, is just one example of how we’re pushing boundaries, blending art, fashion, and community impact. Through thoughtful programming and hands-on support, Maison Mogul is dedicated to creating lasting change in the creative world.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments in my journey of resilience came during a whirlwind year—2021, when I was graduating from Spelman College. At that time, life threw some unexpected challenges my way. My father was diagnosed with dementia, which was heartbreaking for my family, and I was simultaneously fighting a judicial case brought against me by a childhood best friend, despite being innocent. This period was one of the toughest times I’ve ever faced. I had just graduated, but rather than celebrating the achievement, I found myself navigating legal battles and family health crises.
By the end of 2021, I moved back to Chicago and had to move in with my mother, becoming the sole caretaker for my father while transitioning into my new role at Deloitte. The responsibility was immense—balancing the weight of family duties with the pressure of starting my career in corporate consulting.
As I navigated these personal struggles, I found outlets for creativity and professional growth that reignited my passion. In 2022, I became part of the inaugural Nike School Chicago Capstone Project, where I designed an AirMax 90 shoe titled “Legacy” based on the sisterhood and history of Spelman College. This project was a highlight of that year, representing my love for my alma mater and a sense of purpose that carried me through difficult times. That same year, I took on a year-long client with Nascent Group, a boutique consulting agency, supporting local Chicago brands like LDRS1354 with branding, marketing, and event production. It was a hectic but fulfilling time.
In late 2022, I purchased my first condo and founded Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation, which focuses on bridging the gap between creativity and business for emerging entrepreneurs. I was hitting milestones, but resilience was still being tested. In June 2023, I made the bold decision to quit my corporate job at Deloitte to fully pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors. Just one month later, in July 2023, I was in a car accident that totaled my car right before my birthday. If that wasn’t enough, in October 2023, my mother had a near-death experience due to a stroke. I had to take time off to care for her, which temporarily halted my income, bringing me to financial zero for the month of October 2023.
Despite these setbacks, that same October, I curated the Mogul Minds Creative Entrepreneurs Program, hosting our first workshop at Soho House Chicago. The irony was that during some of the darkest times, I was still able to produce meaningful work, launch new initiatives, and keep moving forward. A creative our power is transforming darkness into light through the creations we put out into the world. From the depths of our darkness we envision light and from that space we create new possibilities for not only ourselves but others.
My journey has shown me that life’s challenges are not meant to break us, but to test our commitment to our purpose. Even when you feel like everything is falling apart, things have a way of working out. Resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about staying committed to your goals and pushing through every obstacle that stands in the way. This journey has taught me that resiliency is built through tenacity, through showing up even when it’s hard, and through trusting that every challenge is just another stepping stone to success.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing my team effectively while maintaining high morale is essential for our success, especially in community programming and event production. Through my experiences with projects like Everyday People and Essence, I’ve learned the importance of creating an inclusive environment where each team member feels valued and heard. I encourage open dialogue by regularly checking in with my team, making it clear that their ideas and concerns are always welcome.
In my non-profit, Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation, we have a staffing component that focuses on bridging business and creativity through project staffing, education programming, and events. Since we are a space that aids in staffing creatives, it’s crucial to operate with integrity and advocate for the individuals we represent. Whenever there is mistreatment of creatives, our organization holds other organizations accountable for fair treatment and proper compensation for their work. This commitment reinforces the value of empowering team members by delegating responsibilities based on their strengths, allowing them to take ownership of their tasks and contribute creatively.
Recognizing both individual and collective achievements is crucial for boosting morale, so I make it a point to celebrate milestones, big and small, to highlight everyone’s efforts. Additionally, I provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration, which strengthens team bonds and enhances their skills. From my work on various projects, I’ve also realized the significance of adaptability and flexibility in team dynamics, allowing us to navigate challenges more effectively. By nurturing a supportive culture that values individual contributions and teamwork, I aim to cultivate a motivated and engaged team ready to tackle challenges together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mogulmanillc.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogulmanii/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mogulmanii/?_rdr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emani-figaro-750353143
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWObE8ZWdia0nq2gEHzds_A
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/emani-figaro
Image Credits
@kayodidthat