We asked some very talented folks to tell us about the most innovative thing they’ve done in their career.

Miya Brown

Starting my MERCH. The best decision I made . My brand is a platform for all entrepreneurs/ business owners/creatives When I first started my business in 2018, my goal was to create a space for minority entrepreneurs to network and gain business partnerships .During the pandemic ; however , I was challenged to change how I help and network with like minded entrepreneurs. I used my social media platform to interact and also host virtual events during this time . I was asked to think about selling merchandise , but I declined because I didn’t see the vision on what it could do for my brand . Later, I decided to go for it– and it’s the best decision I made. My merch consisted of hoodies and t- shirts, which sold out fast . I’m going on my 3rd year now . Our fall merch launches in October 2023 partnering with Out of Hiding Company , founded by Latoya Hill. Read more>>

Natori Arrindell

Throughout my career as a business and trademark lawyer, I’ve been deeply committed to not only providing top-notch legal services to my clients but also to revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs perceive and approach the legal aspects of their businesses. The most innovative endeavor I’ve undertaken is the creation of a comprehensive educational platform that extends beyond traditional legal services. I recognized that many entrepreneurs, especially those in the startup phase, faced significant challenges when it came to understanding the importance of a solid legal foundation for their ventures. So, I decided to take a bold step by integrating education and empowerment into my legal practice. I didn’t want my clients to merely receive legal solutions; I wanted them to understand the ‘why’ behind each legal decision. Read more>>

Ryosuke Arichi

There were several moments throughout my career as a UX designer where I worked with augmented reality and location-based services, and ever since I started working on these realms I focused on designing interactions that deeply rooted in our tangible reality and meaningful memories, rather than simply trying to project flashy content. My first attempt in doing this was when I designed an app during my student years that allowed users to create and share location-based markers that capture their real-world experiences. As I recognized AR’s true value in its fusion with reality, I carried this insight into my work on Pikmin Bloom in my current role. This game rewards players’ real-world exploration by transforming their experiences into characters and recording their memories within the game’s universe. Read more>>

Alanna Zabel

I created The World’s First Yoga Doll®, the first moveable plastic fashion doll on the market. For two decades I persistently reached out to toy manufacturers and corporate buyers, advocating for greater mindfulness in the selection of toys for our children. I am a firm believer that the nature of play that our children enact significantly influences their development of essential relational skills, compassion and empathy – qualities that are pivotal to upcoming generations participating in a healthy society. I have met with every major toy company, network media executives and mass retail buyers, urging them to choose wisely what toys they place on the shelves and what kinds of shows they produce. We are seeing a huge shift in these trends and choices, and I know that I have had a great influence on this positive change. Read more>>

Rae Lashea

I started out as a writer and decided to self publish my first book, Black Geisha, written under the name Rachel Blaze. I then self-published two more books You Are a Star, a children’s book under Rachel BB and then Fifty-Two Weeks of MIRACLES under Rae Lashea. As Rae Lashea, my fourth book, Hot Tea and Mercy, was picked up by a book boutique called Thought Catalog and as it made its way through the publishing circuit, I joined a group called Women of Color Filmmakers to begin to learn more about writing scripts. I wrote, directed and produced a short film called Filly and afterwards was inundated with scripts and ideas that people wanted me to bring to life. Read more>>

Ayanna Muhammad

Starting my business has been the most creative thing I have done. Motorcycle industry is a male dominated industry, as a woman in the game I thought it was important I design safety apparel for women. Being able to not just design it but find a company that could manufacture them in sizes for all women has been a GREAT accomplishment. Read more>>

Stephanie Farsht

We recognized a gap in the market that inspired us to develop an innovative solution — Small Wonder’s powder-to-foam hair care concentrates. We could not understand the rationale behind shipping large single use plastic bottles filled with mostly water. So we embarked on a mission to transform the way people think about shampooing. We envisioned a product that combined salon performance, sustainability, and a bit of magic. The result is Small Wonder, a salon formulated hair care line that offers a unique sensory experience while minimizing our carbon footprint. Read more>>