BELLA Boss: 2023 Arts + Culture Issue

By Lynette Barbieri + Jana Roos

Achieving success in business requires ambition, unwavering resolve, and a relentless pursuit of your goals. In this feature, we proudly showcase savvy entrepreneurs whose remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the power of believing in yourself and taking bold leaps of faith. If you're seeking to transform your career trajectory, let their accomplishments guide you towards finding your own path to triumph.

Sarah Haran

Paisley, Scotland

Founder, Sarah Haran Accessories

SarahHaran.com

MY BUSINESS:

Sarah Haran Accessories is a luxury handbag brand known for its exceptional versatility and innovative popper system that allows women to restyle their bags effortlessly. I founded Sarah Haran Accessories in 2017. My personal mission was the driving force behind our journey, aiming to create handbags that seamlessly transition from day to evening. With my training under the former creative director of Mulberry, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our designs. What truly sets our handbags apart is our popper system, offering a wide range of looks from just one handbag.

MOST REWARDING:

The most rewarding aspect of my work is the impact our handbags have on women's lives. Seeing how our designs empower women to express their unique style, fostering a sense of confidence and versatility in their fashion choices, brings immense satisfaction. Our customers often share stories of how our handbags have become an integral part of their daily lives, and that sense of connection and impact is truly rewarding.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

The secret to our success lies in our unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of our customers' desires.

Elizabeth Green

New York, NY

CEO, Moonblu Media

MoonbluMedia.com

MY BUSINESS:

Born in London, I came to New York knowing two people—and I wanted adventure. So, at age 60, I bought a restaurant and ran it, my first ever business, a little challenging! I did that for a few years here in New York and then the writer in me surfaced. I published my first book, ”Not In The Script: The Black Sheep in the Billionaire's Family,“ a memoir about being the forgotten member of my illustrious family.

Then I met a marvelous director and screenwriter, Joey MHz, and we wrote a film script together based on my memoir. This inspired me to create my very own production company, Moonblu Media, and we are now in development to turn it into a film.

We are here to do that for anyone who has a script or an idea—please include us in your creative process. If I can do it, anyone can; after all, this is the land of dreams. I have now written a second book “Being a Woman in New York Sucks.“ Oh yes, I’ve become a ’New Yawker.‘ Just looking for a publisher before we turn it into a TV series. Darren Star, are you there?! Well, a girl can dream!

MOST REWARDING:

The most rewarding aspect is finding my voice. When I was 18, I told my mother I wanted to write, and she told me it would be too hard. It took until I was 70 to publish my first book. Revisiting my life as we wrote the script for my film has been like doing therapy every day, supported by my business partner Joey MHz. I want to make a difference; I want to inspire others to speak out, own their feelings, and feel completely fulfilled. Especially, please hug your daughters and tell them that they can do anything they want... anything is possible—we women know that.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

Feel the fear and do it anyway. I love people, I love human interaction, I’m just pushing forward. Every day I declare myself lovable and enough.

Lauren Holovka

Brooklyn, New York

Founder and Designer, Lé Lauriér

LeLaurierBridal.com

MY BUSINESS:

In 2018, I started my company, Lé Lauriér, and revolutionized the bridal industry when I created a new space in the bridal market, "Custom Couture Bridal Robes," which I trademarked as "The Dress Before The Dress.®" An innovator in this space, my custom couture robes launched a worldwide trend.

I specialize in designing couture garments for every bridal moment, including wedding gowns and special occasions from high-quality fabrics that are constructed by hand from start to finish. My signature style has been recognized by national publications and sought out by brides around the globe.

In 2022, I continued to expand Lé Lauriér with the launch of The Hair and Makeup Robe,® which is now patent-pending (available at Macy’s). I also launched the brand’s e-commerce website to give bridal clients the ability to shop for silk sets, lingerie, and bridal robes online.

MOST REWARDING:

The most rewarding aspect of being a bridal designer is the journey I get to experience with my brides, working so closely with them throughout the design and creation process. [It’s] the ability to bring their dream vision to life. It's incredibly rewarding to see the excitement and happiness my brides express with the finished garment.

SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:

I believe the secret to my success would be my dedication and passion in creating my brand, Lé Lauriér, staying committed to my goals, learning and growing every day, and keeping a positive work environment.

Aaisha Dadral and Amanda Kakembo

London, UK

Co-Founders, Equiano Rum

EquianoRum.com

OUR BUSINESS:

Aaisha Dadral: Equiano Rums are the world's first African and Caribbean rums. We create multi-award-winning blends of rum, masterfully marrying two cultures and two distilleries from two different continents. Working together, Amanda, Ian, and I run the global business.

Amanda Kakembo: We have two expressions, Equiano Original and Equiano Light. My role is to oversee the running of the company alongside my partners. My day to day focuses on managing the sales agencies and in-house sales team, as well as running the operational side of the business.

MOST REWARDING:

Aaisha Dadral: So much. We are the only global rum brand named after an enslaved African, and it allows us to bring Olaudah Equiano's story to light. Celebrating the history-changing work that he did …that's pretty special. His values breathe through our brand and our business, so I also take great pride in how we work.

Amanda Kakembo: Seeing the brand and company grow. In 2018 it was just an idea, and now we are in 28 countries and continuing to expand. Also, it’s rewarding to build a team and see sales grow around the world.

SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS:

Aaisha Dadral: A brilliant product, great timing, an incredible team— and hard work!

Amanda Kakembo: Being able to understand all aspects of the business, make good decisions, not be afraid to make mistakes, and hire great people to work with us to build the brand.