July 02, 2019 I started the company as a side/passion project during my full-time job working as a design lead on Healthcare.gov. At the time, I felt really burnt out. I also felt a ton of anxiety from the 2016 election and news cycle. I wanted to build something that brought a ton of joy into people’s lives, so I did a lot of brainstorming on what I was personally passionate about. I love bringing my friends together more than anything, so I decided to start a company that helps you have or host a “girls’ night in”.

June 25, 2019 We need to continue to invest in the pipeline of women, not just focus efforts on senior/C level, or just creatives or entrepreneurs. We’ve been able to create opportunities for women that will help them develop themselves and their careers. If we don’t invest in our pipeline and provide access for women (and men) to come together and cross-pollinate for learning, idea generation, community building and revenue opportunities, the numbers at the top will not change. Luminary was born out of these gaps to deliver a physical space for community.

June 12, 2019 As a celebrity hairstylist, I have created waves, braids, and iconic red carpet styles on the most talented and beautiful women in the world. Over the years, beauty editors would interview me to help everyday women recreate these celebrity looks. One day, I was on the phone with an editor explaining how to create the perfect beachy wave and I said, “Hold the curling iron upside down, wrap the hair backwards and away from your face!” She laughed and said, “It sounds so complicated, upside down and backwards!”

May 21, 2019 When I first decided to start pursuing photography as more than a hobby, I suffered from a severe case of imposter syndrome. I refused to even call myself a photographer because I thought, what gives me the right?? What I didn’t realize at the time is to get better you have to start. There’s no way to improve and to get to the level you want to be at without starting. 

April 30, 2019 I have spent 20 years in the field of consumer insights and brand strategy, consulting for some of the top liquor producers in the world. I created Pomp & Whimsy in response to what I felt was extreme gender inequality in the marketing landscape of spirits. I was tired of seeing women either talked down to or ignored as consumers by spirits brands, and money being left on the table by not taking them seriously. I wanted to create spirits that speak to women with an inspiring and authentic voice, designed around their occasions and needs.