Interviews
Katy Bohinc
Are you a right brain or left brain? Katy Bohinc says: Why choose! We loved speaking to Katy about her two unusual careers, working as both a data scientist and a published poet. Now, if we could just figure out when she finds time to sleep….
Melissa Villaseñor
A life full of laughter has been comedian Melissa Villaseñor’s destiny. She talks to us about starting young, how her work has evolved, and why you shouldn’t rely on one thing to make you happy.
Marialuisa Ernst
Personal loss opened the door for filmmaker Marialuisa Ernst to share the stories of other families whose loved ones have been “disappeared” throughout Latin America. As an immigrant, mother, and artist, Marialuisa talks about her long journey—both literal and spiritual—to make her upcoming documentary, A Place of Absence.
Reshma Gajjar
Sometimes the world just isn’t ready for you. Dancer and actress Reshma Gajjar learned that early on, when she struggled to book gigs because of her ethnicity. But eventually the universe caught up—after a transformative experience working with children in India, Reshma returned stronger than ever to forge a career that has included film, television and touring with Madonna.
Xiaoyu Weng
Xiaoyu Weng has been surrounded by art her entire life, from growing up in her dad’s studio in Shanghai and winning a scholarship to study curating in San Francisco. Now working at New York’s famed Guggenheim Museum, she is transforming the way the world looks at the relationship between curators and creators.
Ness Okonkwo
A first-generation American, Ness Okonkwo has balanced a life between two cultures, pushed through barriers to build a successful career in finance, and worked passionately for grassroots change in the city she loves. In our conversation, she teaches us about finding inner grace and seeing life as a work in progress.
Ann Shoket
Ann Shoket has always connected in a very real way to a generation of young women, from helping to launch CosmoGirl to becoming the youngest editor-in-chief of Seventeen. Now, she’s published a book for women growing into adulthood and searching for “The Big Life.”
Jules Muck
When Jules Muck, muralist and street artist, was tagging her name all over New York City's streets she never thought it would lead her to a successful career as an artist and a home in Venice beach.
Pamela Bell
Pamela Bell has always worked best as her own boss. Combine that independence with a remarkable ability to predict trends, and you’ve got a powerhouse entrepreneur. Her latest venture, Prinkshop, allows Bell to support causes she believes in, by sharing their messages in new ways.
Kiran Gandhi
Kiran Gandhi has a story or two to tell. She’s toured the world drumming with MIA, graduated from Harvard with an MBA, and just released her debut EP under her solo moniker, Madame Gandhi. Get ready for a fascinating discussion about gender roles in families and society, growing up between two cultures, and the power of living in the now.
Jean Chandler
Jean Chandler loves to build things—whether that means sketching the perfect workspace, getting under the hood of her beloved ‘67 Ford Econoline, or teaching other women to use power tools through her Womanufacture workshop series. For Jean, design isn’t an abstract concept, but a hands-on way to bring ideas into the real world.
Lauri Kranz
Lauri Kranz, founder of Edible Gardens LA, found herself volunteering in the vegetable garden of her son’s school many years ago. Little did she know that moment would pave the way for her life, her business, and her passion moving forward.
Isabel Urbina Peña
We’re told never to judge a book by its cover, but that’s exactly what you need to do to appreciate Isabel Urbina Peña’s work. Isabel talks to us about her longtime love of reading, finding the courage to go freelance, and how she’s taken on sexism in the design industry.
Natalie Johns
Natalie Johns is an Emmy-nominated director who has devoted her life to sharing the stories of those without a voice. Her highly personal work has brought her profound understanding of the human experience—plus some compassion for herself along the way.
Elle Ginter
On the surface, Elle Ginter’s road to directing seems pretty unusual. After all, not many people get their start in the film business by working on a whale-watching boat. But once you hear Elle’s story, it makes sense that her incredible work ethic and ability to connect with people have established her as a director to watch.
Jessie Kawata
At NASA’s historic Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jessie Kawata has forged a unique path for herself through her love of art and science. Convinced that the two are intertwined, she has applied design thinking to planning research missions, building spacecraft, and telling more compelling stories about why science matters.
Leigh Batnick Plessner
Leigh Batnick Plessner’s family has a rich history in the Brooklyn neighborhood she calls home. But although she’s stayed in one place geographically for most of her life, professionally she’s been on quite a journey. Her story illustrates how finding a fulfilling career can be a process of trial and error—and ultimately worth every moment along the way.
Wendy Egyoku Nakao
According to Zen Buddhist Wendy Egyoku Nakao, life is not a straight line, or even a circle—it’s a spiral. In this fascinating conversation, we go deep about living in the present while recognizing past experiences, developing “spiritual muscles,” and the importance of choice.
Anne Geddes
At age 60, photographer Anne Geddes has found herself exploring new creative endeavors and a new life in New York City. Anne talks to us about breaking down artistic barriers, forging her own path and the power of babies.
Dr. Tiffany Perry
When does natural talent turn into a calling? Dr. Tiffany Perry discovered that being good with your hands can really take you places—that’s how she switched from a career as a professional pianist to one of Cedars-Sinai’s most sought-after neurosurgeons. Besides nimble fingers, all it took was an open mind and some serious dedication.
Shira Wheeler
Need inspiration on how to forge your own path? Strategist and entrepreneur Shira Wheeler has already forged several over her lifetime—from starting a new life in France, to launching not one, but two businesses from scratch.
Marie-Françoise Chesselet
Marie-Françoise Chesselet has spent the past 40 years working in neuroscience. She has been the Chair of Neurobiology at UCLA for 11 years, she has been a part of some of the biggest breakthroughs in the study of Parkinson’s disease, and she’s currently embarking on her next chapter: life after work. This interview is a reflection of her time in the field and her hopes for the future.
Divinity Roxx
Divinity Roxx is a double-threat musician, combining bass and rap into a sound all her own. Over her career, she’s gone from being the only “girl” in the band, to being a part of Beyonce’s all-female touring band. After talking with her, it’s pretty clear why she named her 2016 solo album, I’m Possible.
Ann Friedman
Ann Friedman, journalist and co-host of the popular podcast Call Your Girlfriend, talks to us about how diversity in her friendship circle has helped her career, figuring out what's really important to you, and why she fell in love with Los Angeles.
Daniela Soto-Innes
A passion for cooking has been in Daniela Soto-Innes' family for generations, but it’s her own drive and work ethic that led her to become chef de cuisine at New York’s Cosme at the age of 25. Daniela’s desire to keep learning proves there are no boundaries that can’t be broken.
Kippy Miller
As the founder of LA’s first organic, non-dairy ice-cream shop, Kippy Miller has found her calling. Her amazing path to success has been long and winding, marked by chance encounters, world travel, broken bones, unemployment and incredible determination along the way.
Danielle Ribner
Danielle Ribner, fashion designer and founder of Loup, gives us a step by step look at how she developed her career and fashion line. An insightful look into starting your own business and the things to consider along the way.
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen has come a long way from her birthplace in Da Nang, Vietnam, to find herself with a successful directing career in Los Angeles. Along the way, she discovered her love of teaching, writing, and the responsibility of being a role model.
Deborah Schwartz
Deborah Schwartz, President of the Brooklyn Historical Society, talks to us about her love of museums and lets us in on some of the city's secrets. Her career has spanned some of New York's finest establishments and has landed her in the highly regarded position she is in today.
Lisa Butterworth
Have you ever thought your dreams were so out of this world that you’d never achieve them? That’s what LA-based writer and editor Lisa Butterworth thought, before she quit her high-paying human resources job to take an internship at a magazine across the country. And she has never looked back.
Erica Weiner
Starting and running your own business provides its fair share of challenges. New York native Erica Weiner has learned on the go as she successfully forged her own path in the jewelry industry. Erica Weiner’s jewelry and brand reflects her unique perspective, her drive and innate sense of style.
Julie Pinzur
Julie Pinzur, the brainchild behind Mokuyobi, is as bubbly, fun and energetic as her brand. She shares with us her journey from sewing as a child, to raising $25k in a Kickstarter campaign, to having one of the coolest brands around. All you fashion entrepreneurs out there will learn a thing or two from this talented bird.
Eliza Blank
Eliza Blank, founder of the inspirational plant store The Sill, is the perfect example of what giving things a go can accomplish. When you're driven, inspired and curious you can do almost anything.
Paula Mallis
We are all capable of manifesting the life we want. When doula Paula Mallis came to Los Angeles, life was dark—but through a journey of self-discovery inspired by our capacity to give birth, her life has taken an unexpected turn.
Tiffany Lee
From riding vintage motorcycles in sunny LA to being the voice of some of the biggest brands in the fashion industry, copywriter Tiffany Lee, says she's found her home in New York. And she's not looking to leave anytime soon.
Katrina Leno
Sometimes, you have to give it all up to get what you want. That’s what happened with Katrina Leno, who went all in to turn her lifelong goal to be an author into a reality. This is an inspiring story for anyone who’s wondered what life could be like if…
Alejandra Sabillon
From Honduras to the life of the party in New York City, DJ and photographer, Alejandra Sabillon, shares with us her journey and how she turned her passion into everyday reality.
Sarah Dubbeldam
Sarah Dubbeldam started Darling magazine to bring images of everyday women to the public eye. A brief career in modeling, and a perspective grounded in reality, lay the foundations of what would become Darling.
Judith Bernstein
Pick any day in the 72 years of Judith Bernstein's life to walk in her shoes and you'll find yourself in world that's so unique and inspiring, and definitely not for the faint of heart. From a young artist dealing with discrimination against women in the 1960s, to not showing her work for 25 years due to that infamous "censorship" incident, Judith is a woman who finally is getting the recognition she deserves. It was an honor to sit with Judith in her Chinatown studio and hear her story.
Lyndsay Siegel
From managing some of the music industry's hottest talent at MTV in New York City to flipping houses in Highland Park, Real Estate Investor and Design Consultant, Lyndsay Siegel, has a few stories to tell! Did we mention she's also a triplet?
Whitney Landa Hall
There’s nothing not to like about this cool, calm and sophisticated Bird from Iowa. Whitney shares with us her journey through fashion and beauty, learning to enjoy the moment and the downtime she spends with husband, Alex, in their beautiful Prospect Park home.
Zebek Nazarian
Jiu-jitsu, Playboy parties, long-lost fathers, and discovering family heritage. Zebek Nazarian has an appetite for life that's nothing but contagious. She has filled her youthful years with an abundance of knowledge, adventure and compassion that few of us will experience in a lifetime.
Heather Luipold
Finding a work-life balance is something that most of us struggle with. Google Creative Heather Luipold is taking it in her stride by finding fulfillment in all aspects of her life. Heather talks to us about the soothing sounds of Ira Glass, personal style and the best wings in New York.
Jane Chen
The life of an artist is full of trial and error, confidence and defeat, highs and lows. Jane Chen started out as a working child actor, reinvented herself as a theatrical clown, and now, to her surprise, is building a business as a sought-after singing coach. Along the way, we talk about how “success” is a constantly shifting concept.
Magdalena Wielopolska
Bird co-founder and art director, Magdalena Wielopolska, shares her lifelong dream of living in New York City. From Australia to London to Montreal to the Big Apple, it's been a long and winding road full of love, laughter and adventure.
Sister Mary Sean Hodges
Sister Mary Sean Hodges chose a lifetime of serving others when she was 17 years old. At the age of 60, she charted a new path of service, working with prison inmates to help them integrate back into society. She shares with us the things she’s learned along the way, including the universal need for balance and forgiveness.
Marie Southard Ospina
From the Jersey Shore to traveling the world to teaching people how to love themselves, Marie is one inspiring young woman. Her enthusiasm and passion about the way we perceive ourselves and our bodies, and the media’s influence on that, is helping to shape the lives of many of people across the globe.
Coco Kislinger
Sometimes your life’s calling has been right before your eyes all along. Despite growing up in the kitchen with her mom, Coco Kislinger never thought she’d become a professional chef. But her instinct to help others led her down an unlikely path to running her own healthy baking company.
Alexandra Fine & Janet Lieberman
When Alexandra Fine and Janet Lieberman met, they had both unknowingly been working towards the same goal: to change how sex toys are made, perceived and used by women. Alexandra and Janet talk to us about the different paths that led them to start their own business together—and how having two vaginas is an asset in product development.
Kate Mayerson
The Valley isn't just the birthplace of such colloquial exclamations as “like, totally!”—it's also the birthplace of urban planner, Kate Mayerson. Now, calling Los Angeles her home, Kate shapes the lives of thousands of Angelenos everyday working for the City of West Hollywood.
Rachel Fleit
If you're looking for a role model then you can't find a better one than Rachel Fleit. From writing and producing her own films, to co-founding the luxurious women's fashion label Honor, to finding time each day for the cult fitness regime Physique 57. Rachel is one bird we all want to be like one day.
Charlene Bagcal
Even when you’re not sure where you’re headed, creativity coupled with drive will lead you in the right direction. No one knows this better than Charlene Bagcal, who has jumped from designer to photographer to director over the past two decades.
Frances Tulk-Hart
New York City draws creatives from all over the world. When Frances Tulk-Hart arrived almost two decades ago she knew this is where she was supposed to be. From a styling career to photography, Frances has excelled in her field to be one of the city's most inspiring talents.
Milena Mallory
Finishing college is one of the most exciting life moments for many of us but what happens next is not always what we imagined. We talk with visual director, Milena Mallory, about managing expectations and adapting to life in the "real world".
Jordana Kier & Alexandra Friedman
Jordana Kier and Alexandra Friedman are the founders of LOLA, a revolutionary company that's bringing women 100% natural tampons straight to their door. We had a candid discussion with these Birds about opening the door to healthier choices for women, and the challenges of starting a business in a field that’s still often considered taboo.
Supria Rosner
Are you obsessed with crime shows like CSI? Well, life as a forensic scientist isn’t quite like it appears on TV—it’s better. We talk to DNA Technical Lead Supria Rosner about life in the LAPD, her role in solving a 20-year murder mystery, and the importance of always trying.
Flynn Coleman
Flynn Coleman is a true global citizen who’s spent her life making the world a better place. Whether she’s working with local artisans in South America or building a socially progressive law practice in New York, Flynn shows us that change starts close to home - wherever that is at the moment.
Laura Hyatt
After bouncing between the East and West Coast, Laura Hyatt, Associate Director at Los Angeles Nomadic Division, finally gave in to the pull of Los Angeles and found a career that allowed her to bring beauty and art into the city she loves. She shows us how following your heart, working hard and pursuing connections can open up amazing opportunities.
Roxie Darling
You can see Roxie Darling’s artwork on the heads of some of New York’s most creative and inspiring people. Her journey to becoming Hairstory’s head colorist has had some bumps along the way, but Roxie has forged a path that is uniquely her own.
Dominique Pruitt
The road to being a successful singer is a long and windy one. The challenges and accomplishments you face help mold you into being the person you're supposed to be. Take it from singer, Dominique Pruitt, she's one bird that knows what she's talking about.
Ksenia Avdulova
Ksenia Avdulova, founder of the super popular Breakfast Criminals, teaches us a thing or two about living life to the fullest, taking chances, and doing what you love. From growing up in Russia, to practicing ballet in NYC for a student visa, to starting her own food movement, Ksenia is an energy that inspires.
Keri Smith
Keri Smith, talent manager and producer, takes us on a journey through primate researching in Tanzania, the life of managing a comedian, and liberal gun views in America, to name just a few. This is a conversation that will make you think about the world around you...
Wen-Jay Ying
Create the community you want to live in. That’s Wen-Jay Ying’s motto for both life and business. That’s why she founded her company, Local Roots, to connect busy New Yorkers with fresh, farm-grown foods—and each other. We talked to Wen-Jay about going for what you really want, powering through the panic attacks, and why money isn’t the only metric for success.
Maytal Gilboa
Maytal Gilboa is woman who seems most comfortable working outside of her comfort zones. She opens our eyes to the world of independent comics and the rich stories within them. She also shares her key to success: kindness.
Grace Bonilla
Grace Bonilla knows how to get things done. As Administrator of the country’s largest social services organization, she makes sure nonprofits and government agencies get the resources they need—which means struggling New Yorkers get the resources they need. We talk to Grace about the need to serve, the shame of poverty, Law & Order, and the importance of betting on yourself.
Brooke Rewa
From growing up in rural upstate New York to becoming an entrepreneur in LA, Brooke Rewa shares her story of feeling out of place, finding purpose, and healing herself and others through her company, Renew Juicery.
Danielle Florio
From hosting some of New York's hottest supper clubs to teaching kids mathematics, co-founder and CEO of City Smarts, Danielle Florio, talks about how she found her passion in helping kids get through school and raising a few glasses along the way.
Amanda Meixner
Social media and fitness expert Amanda Meixner talks to us about the importance of eating well and sharing that with young girls, the upsides of getting into a new industry, and creating genuine content that people love.
Kerry Diamond
A passion and drive for writing led Kerry Diamond to forge a successful career in the beauty and fashion world. Love would later lead her into the New York restaurant scene. Now she combines food, fashion, beauty and feminism in a beautifully designed bi-annual magazine, Cherry Bombe.
Leah Taylor
Leah Taylor, senior content manager at Flavorpill, found herself starting NYU just two weeks before September 11. She shares with us that incredible experience and how it unified the citizens of New York. Now, she works to bring cult classic films, like Ace Ventura, to life in an unique interactive film viewing experience.
Ashley Mann
Ashley Mann left a government job to pursue her dream of becoming a graphic designer in New York City. Ashely shares with us her shifting perspectives and changing vision of what she wants from life.
Eleanor Kagan
Radio, as we know it today, has manifested itself into many forms, but the primary goal has always been to tell stories. Eleanor Kagan shares with us her love of radio, what it means to her and how one of our favorite sites, Buzzfeed, has hopped onto the podcast bandwagon and her role in making that happen.
Daisy & Elizabeth
When you figure out your passion you're set, but when you find someone who shares that passion you're living the dream. Daisy Hartmann and Elizabeth NeSmith are the co-founders and designers behind the beautiful lingerie line, Daisy & Elizabeth.
Swati Vauthrin
After discovering a passion for computers at a young age, Swati Vauthrin has excelled in a traditionally male-dominated field. She is now a leader in the Engineering team at BuzzFeed, where she strives to create a career that will inspire her young daughter to be a leader one day, too.
Vanessa Golembewski
Rising up the ranks from intern to Refinery29's features writer, Vanessa has come a long way from her days as a text book editor in Boston. When she's not busy living the dream at everyone's favorite blog she can be found perfecting her comedic timing on stage or enjoying her lovely surroundings in Park Slope.
Maeve Higgins
Ambition, energy, and the people are some of the things that spark curiosity about New York City. And those are the things that Irish comedian and writer, Maeve Higgins, has found during her time here. With an upcoming book and a monthly comedy show based in Brooklyn this hilarious bird is one to keep an eye on.
Lauren Rosenberg
Growing up, Lauren Rosenberg, Vice President of Development at Trooper Entertainment, always struggled to find a place where she belonged. Now she has a successful career in entertainment shaping stories into reality television, and helping women along the way.
Brooke DiDonato
Brooke arrived in New York City from Ohio, bright eyed and bushy tailed with nothing but $800 and a very loud GPS to help her navigate the city streets. Her beautiful photography can now be found all over the place, from the New Yorker to the streets of Germany.
Adda Birnir
A decade ago, Adda Birnir was an arts major who discovered her love of coding by chance. Her next big discovery: That she could turn her love into a business, by teaching other women the same skills she learned. With Skillcrush, Adda is crushing the boys’ club in tech, one class at a time.
Chloe Vichot
Chloe Vichot digs being different from the crowd. She’s a Frenchwoman who feels most at home in New York City. She’s a professional chef with a background in finance. And she’s the brains behind Ancolie, an adorable eatery that’s revolutionizing takeout by using no disposable packaging. We talked to her about how to succeed by swimming upstream.
Saidah Blount
Music has always been close to Saidah Blount’s heart, but moving to New York made her realize she could turn her passion into a career. From The Fader magazine to NPR and now Sonos, she has consistently worked at the forefront of the industry. Saidah talks to us about owning your smarts and building communities that matter.
Noor Gharzeddine
Born from a long line of female artists, it’s no surprise that Noor Gharzeddine has forged her own creative path as a film director. More surprising was her gutsy decision to shoot her first movie, not in her hometown of New York City, but in her ancestral homeland of Lebanon more than 5,000 miles away.
Erin Wahed
Everything happens for a reason and those reasons took Erin from Montreal and dreams of photography to New York City and a successful career as a talent representative. Did we mention that she’s also a ridiculously talented jewelry designer? And she used to work at Pentagram? No bigs.
Basia Grocholski
If it’s got anything to do with design, Basia has done it / is doing it / will do it. From Miami to Switzerland, to Poland, to New York City, it’s been one hell of a ride for this creative talent. If you want to know how to run your own business, work with the biggest names in the biz, redesign a restaurant on a reality TV show in 24 hours, raise a kid in the city, then this is the gal for you.
Bianca Cox
There isn’t much this 22 year old cannot do. At 14 Bianca decided to leave her home in upstate New York to live in the Big Apple with her grandma. Since arriving here she has become a successful hairstylist, published rap artist and has just launched her own brand of denim shorts. Basically, she’s killing it.
Erin Lee Carr
Erin Lee Carr has a knack for digging up the fascinating, complex and deeply dark stories found at society’s edges. Erin talks to us about the dual sides of creative success, the inspiring mentorship of her late father, and the hustle she needs to live in New York City.
Jeralyn Gerba
We talk to New York native and travel editor, Jerayln Gerba, about how she turned her dreams into reality, preparing to raise a child in New York City, and some of her (very awesome) favorite places in NYC.
Anne Kohlhagen
Ever had one moment that changed the course of your life? Well, one encounter with one lady shaped the future of makeup artist, Anne Kohlhagen. From living it up in San Francisco during the dot-com boom, to waiting tables, to shooting her first cover of international Vogue, Anne has a story or two to share...
Denise Porcaro
Life is never predictable. No one knows this better than Denise Porcaro, who came from the streets of Queens via an education in film and broadcasting to become one of New York's favorite flower girls.
Brigitte Reiss-Andersen
From Paris, to New York, to the covers of Vogue, Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, is one of the fashion industry's most accomplished makeup artists. She shares her experiences about the industry, raising children in the city, and her love for the Big Apple.
Allison Fleece & Danielle Thornton
Allison and Danielle met through an unlikely shared goal: to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. That experience changed both their lives so profoundly that their friendship blossomed into a business partnership. Find out how they took a leap of faith to found their own adventure-travel company, which brings women together around the world.
Shana Fried
A passion for music led Shana Fried, paradoxically, to law school. Today she straddles the best of both industries, running her own creative law firm and also a record label. Shana’s desire to create inclusive, non-elitist spaces makes her a uniquely positive force in whatever circles she moves in.
Jamie Lee
How do you ask for what you’re worth? How do you even figure out what you’re worth? Jamie Lee knows that the answers depend on how you frame the conversation. After navigating the corporate world for 10+ years, she now works full time teaching other women to speak up for what they deserve.
Ruby Nichols
Ruby Nichols’ beautiful online shop, Almanac of Style, is a tribute to her wanderlust and the artists she’s met on her travels. But no trip has been as real or raw as her quest to find herself. In this deeply personal interview, Ruby tells an epic story of launching her site that spans death, birth, depression, healing—and, ultimately, joy.
Magali Duzant
Self described "stereotypical New Yorker", Magali admits that the neurosis and anxiety the city fosters pushes her to make better art. From having a studio space in Bushwhick that forces her to put on pants, to live streaming sunsets from around the world, Magali has turned her dream of becoming a working artist in New York into a reality.
Gianna Maria Galli
Tattoo artist Gianna Maria Galli is about as New York as you can get. Raised in Brooklyn and influenced by a lineage of strong Sicilian women, Gianna didn’t stop looking for her true passion until she found it. At age 27, she started a new career as a tattoo artist that combined her love of illustration, art history, and the city itself.
Erin Stanton
In true New York style, it was a friendship forged from a neighbor’s stoop that would start a ripple effect of change. A senior dog named Susie came into Erin’s life, and inspired her to help older, overlooked dogs find homes. With a background in marketing and a passion for animals, Erin Stanton has created an online community that helps share the stories of dogs in need.
Alex Daly
Known as ‘The Crowdsourceress’, Alex Daly changed the digital crowd-sourcing landscape by founding her own company Vann Alexandra. From their cozy offices in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Alex and her team work to fund diverse original projects with creative entrepreneurs. Alex talks to us about the Neil Young project that led her to found her own company at the age of 26, and the valuable lessons she has learned in the process.
Anna Balkrishna
Anna Balkrishna, Editorial Director, started her career during the dot com boom in San Francisco. After work dried up she found herself producing tours for a successful string quartet. Her love of music eventually lead her to New York and back to her writing roots.
Lily Ray
Keeping up with a full-time job plus a side hustle is a balancing act. Lily Ray makes it work by being equally passionate about both. Leaving her life as a drummer in the Bay Area, Lily moved to New York to build two successful careers—as a digital marketer by day, and a DJ by night.
Christine Baez
Christine Baez is uniquely connected to her Brooklyn community. Not only does she do a job that only exists in New York, but she lives in the home she was born and raised in, now with a daughter of her own. As a School Safety Officer, Christine is responsible for the wellbeing of every child and teacher in the building. A responsibility she thrives on.
Angela Lee
Since she was a girl, Angela Lee pictured herself as a businesswoman, briefcase and all. But that’s not to say her career path was straight and narrow. Despite having no traditional plan (or maybe because of it?), Angela has forged a career that combines education, technology, and investing in a way that’s uniquely her own.
Michelle Poler
What are you afraid of? Michelle Poler realized that her biggest fear was fear itself. Her online project to face 100 fears in 100 days led her to a new career as a public speaker, while inspiring countless people to find their own stories of courage.
Vanessa Vallarino
A passion for textiles and design led Vanessa Vallarino into fashion. But sometimes, the reality of an industry is much different than what we imagine. After years of trial and error, Vallarino has re-invented her dream on her own terms, creating a thriving business that allows her to share her knowledge with other talented designers.
Titania Inglis
They don't get much cooler than Titania Inglis. The fashion designer from Brooklyn shares with us her journey as an artist and the creation of her line, how she's changing the fashion industry one beautiful sustainable item at a time and what she does to unwind.
Rebecca Bullene
Sometimes you have to abandon your true love to know how important it really is to you. Rebecca Bullene grew up gardening, but it took a successful publishing career for her to realize plants were her passion. Now Rebecca brings nature to the concrete jungle through her botanic design company, Greenery.
Alexandra Loulias
From film production in China to art curation in New York City, life is constantly evolving for curator, Alexandra Loulias. With her goals and passions lying in the future of the art world we're excited to see where this year takes her...
Alice Lancaster
Her controversial ‘Period Power’ t-shirt for American Apparel made waves across the art and fashion worlds but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this incredibly talented artist from St Louis. Alice talks to us about the evolution of her early portrait work, the abstract style that’s landed her an amazing new opportunity and the artists that inspire her.
Bettina May
"Alien of extraordinary talent" is what's stamped on Canadian, Bettina May's, passport. And extraordinary she is, from Hollywood music video shoots, to burlesque performances in Germany, Bettina has an energy about her that's infectious.
Melanie Moss
Pastry chef Melanie Moss has done what so many New Yorkers strive for: She has created something truly original. Inspired by her grandma, Melanie runs her own business selling unique, beautiful jeweled cakes and truffles that taste as good as they look.
Victoria Zagami
Great things were inevitable for this young baker from Staten Island. Taking over the family cake business, Made in Heaven Cakes, in her early 20's, she has turned it into everyone's go-to cake spot, even a little somebody called Oprah... Need we say more?
Dr. Laurie Kirstein
Dr Laurie Kirstein came full circle when she decided to go into medicine, returning to study at the same campus where she was born. As a surgical oncologist Dr Kirstein treats breast cancer not only with modern medicine but also by taking into account each woman as a whole person. In her work and life, she embodies her favorite motto; treat others as you would like to be treated.
Mara Binudin-Lecocq
Mara Binudin-Lecocq is changing the game by inspiring young girls to kick ass through technology. Growing up outside of “normal” in the Philippines and France, Mara has found power and passion in the diversity of New York.
Siheun Song
Sometimes the best business ideas are personal. When Siheun Song and her partner tried to organize a bus trip in college, they needed a simpler way to let people to chip in. That’s how the rideshare service, Rally, was born. Siheun gives us the real scoop on how to start a company (hint: lots of fundraising!), and shares the highs and lows of connecting strangers together.
Sophie Shackleton
We're all constantly dissecting our roles in the world, how we fit in socially, personally and professionally. Sophie Shackleton shares with us her experiences of living as a white American woman in Mali, the growth of cultural intersection in Crown Heights and how growing up as a tall woman will be leading her to the stage of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival...
Martha Thomases
Raised by two passionate members of the ACLU with a strong literary foundation, Martha Thomases lives her life between the pillars of media and social justice. Martha talks to us about working in the male-dominated field of comics, the changes she’s seen in New York since the late ‘70s, and why every generation has something worth fighting for.
Nicole Centeno
Figuring out what you love to do is so important to a happy life. Nicole Centeno, founder of Splendid Spoon, is a perfect example of following your heart and creating a life you want to live.
Amy Rothstein
When passion and determination mix they can create anything. Amy Rothstein, founder of Dona Chai, was never a big chai drinker before she started her Brooklyn based company. However, her love of the food industry led her to see a gap in the market, and she jumped on it.
Annie Morton
From outback Australia to co-owner of beautiful Benson's bar in the Lower East Side comes a talented, driven and hard working bird. Annie Morton shares with us her story of opening a bar in one of New York's trendiest neighborhoods, the power of saying 'yes' and doing what you love.
Camilla Zhang
After taking an English class in college, Camilla knew she had to write for a living—even if that meant overcoming financial instability and her mom’s misgivings. Camilla talks to us about her Chinese heritage, the difference between writing copy and writing comics, and the freedom she finds in the diversity of New York.
Alexandra Kalinowski
Using opera as a stepping stone to get into college, this musically talented lady has landed herself gigs as a piano teacher, lead singer in a band and she just scored her first feature film. The sky's the limit in the world of a creative artist and we can't wait to see what she does next.
Clementine Desseaux
It can be hard to grow up feeling different from those around you. For model and activist Clementine Desseaux, those beautiful differences led to a career promoting body positivity for all women. Clementine tells us how a ticket to Miami changed the course of her life, and what it’s like to go viral online just by being yourself.
Jess Salomon
It’s not easy growing up in Montreal as an Anglophone, let alone a Jewish, half Peruvian, half Egyptian, English speaking comedian Anglophone. To make things a little harder, Jess didn’t start her career there, it started long before the stage and in the gloomy city of The Hague, where she worked as an International War Crimes lawyer... Intrigued much?
Wearable Media
Wearing a piece of clothing that can detect the movements of asteroids seems like a concept straight from a science-fiction film, but the women of Wearable Media are making it a reality. As a female-owned fashion technology business, Yuchen Zhang, Jingwen Zhu and Hellyn Teng are changing the way we perceive women in tech, the clothing we wear, and the world around us.
Quyn Duong
A school project assigned by an inspiring high-school teacher showed Quyn Duong the power of photography to tell compelling stories. Quyn went on to shoot weddings as a side passion in her spare time—until last year, when she realized that nothing held her back from a full-time career except fear of the unknown.
Sam Giordano
We sit down with Sam Giordano, the talent behind fashion label, Dolores Haze. Sam tells us why the main character from Nabokov's classic, Lolita, inspires not only her fashion line but the way we portray archetypal images of femininity in modern society.
Maria Lizardo
Maria Lizardo has lived and worked in Washington Heights for over 40 years, so she knows a thing or two about building a strong community. As Executive Director of the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, Maria supports local families to not just help them survive, but thrive.
Mashia Baldwin
From touring with The Grateful Dead to co-founding the beverage consulting company Behind The Wood, Mashia Baldwin tells us about her unusual journey to becoming one of New York’s finest cocktail connoisseurs.
Erika Floreska
Executive director jobs don’t come along every day, especially in the small world of performing arts. So Erika Floreska knew the path to the top would require some professional zig zags, hardcore networking, and a pay cut before the payoff. She stayed the course by staying true to things she loves: music, teaching, and community.
Laura O’Neill
A chance meeting in London would eventually lead Australian Laura O’Neill to Brooklyn, where she would become a co-founder of Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream. Growing the business from two food trucks to shops on both coasts, Laura talks to us about the hectic life of an entrepreneur and “fitting it all in.”
Amalia Ramos
Growing up in Nicaragua, Amalia Ramos was passionate about two things: moving to New York City and working as a creative. Now the co-founder of her own design studio MA’AM Creative, Ramos is the embodiment of the success that comes from raw talent and incredibly hard work. Amalia talks to us about earning her design chops, learning to live a more balanced life, and turning fear into a force for growth.
Ashley Yergens
From small town Minnesota to America's oldest Performing Arts Institute, it's easy to see how this enthusiastic young Bird has captivated the hearts of all those around her. Ashley Yergens shares with us her experience of growing up queer in rural America and the leap to the bright lights of NYC.
Ashley Nease
“Tanuki, is a raccoon dog that has a massive scrotum…” is just one little nugget of intrigue that Ashley shares with us from her time in rural Japan. The Vermont native moved to New York a few years ago to pursue her dream in theater, along the way she’s landscaped terraces for the rich, learned to make a killer sazerac and is spreading the love of whiskey with some spunky gals at Whersky.com
Amanda Forte
Amanda Forte, a Cognitive Science graduate from Brown University, a world class equestrian champion, and the director of user experience at one of America's largest digital agencies. We follow her rollercoaster story to leave her pursuing her dream of breeding world-class horses and continuing her horseback riding passion.
Cherisse Ketchum
A passion for food and drink lead Cherisse Ketchum away from a job in politics and strategy to a career in beer. Now a certified cicerone, Cherisse has succeeded in making a name for herself in a previously male dominated industry - and is even creating her own brews.
Tessa Davies
Art director, Tessa Davies, shares with us her love of Wes Anderson, her favorite places in NYC, and how she wouldn't be where she is today without her husband, Mark.
Lorien Miller
A chance meeting in New York by her parents decades ago lead South African, Lorien Miller, to move to the city where her parents fell in love. Here she discovered her passion for user experience design and she shares with us the journey she took to get to where she is today.
Jee-Won Yang
Finance is such an elusive subject to most of us, and women in finance feels like another subject all together. Investment banker, Jee-Won Yang, sheds a light on the topic for us as well as sharing some tips she has on staying sane and creative in her downtime.
Joanna Lisowski
Software developer, Joanna Lisowki, has successfully navigated her own path to success by choosing her steps carefully and surrounding herself with positive people. Joanna talks to us about the advice she would give her younger self and the stress, and joys of being a mother in New York.
Kath Wannan
Studying abroad in Normandy, crazy flatmates in London, safaris in Africa, human capital in New York City. Sydney-born Kath Wannan has seen a few things and has some great stories to tell.
Fiona McIndoe
The life of an ex-pat is full of excitement, adventure, nostalgia and misplacement. Fi talks to us about her globetrotting adventures, calling New York home, what's next, and where to go when you get the craves.
Erin LeForce
Growing up in Oklahoma designer, Erin LeForce, was always encouraged by her grandma to be creative. With a desire to explore the wider world she found herself in the big apple working at one of America's most powerful design agencies.
Ella Condon
A passion for photography keeps bringing Australian photographer, Ella Condon, back to New York. Using the city as a canvas for inspiration, Ella shares with us her love of photography, art, and the people of New York City.
Anika Chapin
Growing up in the Upper West Side dramaturg, Anika Chapin, had a lot of access to things that fueled her love of the theatre. Now she works in New Jersey as a literary manager of a local theatre and works to bring in inspiring performances every season.
Emily McDermott
If you're going to start anywhere then "the top" is a good place to start. Straight out of college and into the offices of trendy Interview Magazine, Emily McDermott has come a long way from Ohio.
Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith is a great example of what following your heart, along with some determination and a lot of hard work, can do. Starting your own business is the hardest thing in the world but it can also be the most rewarding. Ashley shares with us her thoughts about healthy detachment, time for yourself and thinking outside the box.
Dava Krause
A childhood love of musicals and performing lead comedian, Dava Krause, to seek the stage. She shares with us the brutality and beauty of making people laugh.
Alex Serio
Sometimes when you let life happen great things are in-store for you. Alex Serio, the Executive Creative Director of soon-to-be online video viewing platform, Nameless, started out her adult life with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Fast forward a few years and she's studied the water in the Panama Canal, helped Vice start up it's music counterpart, and is now about to launch something that is going to change our online viewing experience.