BELLA BOSS: Pride Issue
By Lynette Barbieri and Jana Roos
Running a thriving business takes drive, determination, and a whole lot of hustle! We’re spotlighting seven savvy entrepreneurs whose immense success proves how a little belief and a big leap of faith can land you a leading role in your own life. Looking to recalibrate your career path? Let their accomplishments be your compass.
Elvira Grau
NYC + New Jersey
SPACE54 NYC + Space Events NJ
VISIONARY
Space54NYC.com, SpaceNJ.com
MY BUSINESS:
As a mom, first and foremost, I wanted to build a safe, clean, climate-controlled environment that's conducive to both kids and adults. It’s a beautiful platform to gather, celebrate, and make long-lasting memories. My role as a visionary is to be able to see the latest trends, be a leader in this fast-paced industry, stay on the cutting edge, and have forward-thinking ideas and vision on how to stay relevant and the best in this industry. It's been 18 years of learning and practicing. They say to be an expert, you just have to keep practicing. That's how you become great.
MOST REWARDING:
We have the merit to provide a much-needed service to our clients who appreciate the ease and the convenience of a one-stop-shop concept. We help make unforgettable and lasting memories. We make people happy—that's a gift. To see happy faces and smiles each and every weekend and receive positive feedback and gratitude is so special. We truly feel blessed.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
We have the “Four Cs“—Capability, Creativity, Credibility, and Consistency. We are a close-knit, supportive team composed of hard-working and creative professionals committed to not only individual success but the success of our team. The energy of our team is infectious, and it’s crystal clear that we are all going to see some incredible growth this year!
Photography: Michelle Behre
Chris Lanston
New York, NY
Lanston Makeup
OWNER
Instagram.com/chrislanston, Instagram.com/LanstonMakeup
MY BUSINESS:
I’ve been in the industry as a makeup artist since 1993, working in beauty, entertainment, and as a psychic intuitive with clairaudient abilities. I’ve also produced segments on reality shows, have served as a media correspondent, and have been part of US Weekly’s "Fashion Police.“
MOST REWARDING:
The most rewarding aspect of my career as a makeup artist would be the beauty I create and seeing my work on many famous faces in print or TV, as well as showing women (or men) how to look their best. As a psychic, it’s giving people clarity and advice with my abilities to tap into their energy and answer questions.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
In my opinion, it’s to be yourself and meet the right people. And don’t be afraid to say no!
Alicia Boateng
Coral Springs, FL
Alicia Boateng Designs
CO-OWNER
AliciaBoateng.com
MY BUSINESS:
The company I own with my husband, Edward, designs drinkware that empowers women to feel confident, powerful, and beautiful. I am obsessed with coffee—I have been drinking the same brand for 30 years. One day in early 2019, I was enjoying my morning coffee and turned to my husband and said, “You know, if my cup was as enchanting as my coffee, my mornings would be much more enriching.” At that very moment, I grabbed a paper pad and started making a list of how I wanted my new cup to make me feel. Then I started sketching what this cup would look like. That’s how the Afro Glam Collection was born.
Alicia Boateng Designs has evolved since 2019, and it now includes collections like the Black Excellence Collection, which honors African-American women in history; the Seasonal Collection, which includes butterflies, fruits, and flowers; the Pride Collection, which recognizes that love always wins; and The Places You’ll Go, which celebrates different countries and their heritage.
MOST REWARDING:
The most rewarding aspect of what I do is knowing that my talent and creativity are admired and loved by others. It‘s knowing that no matter how you feel when you pour your coffee or tea into an Alicia Boateng Designs cup, you’ll have a few moments of bliss and will need to set aside 5-10 minutes to indulge. Ensuring the right mindset to start your day is a form of self-care, and we believe that by doing so, you are empowering your mind to believe in yourself, dream big, and work hard toward achieving your goals.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
I believe in myself and my products.
Photography: Rodrigo Varela Photography
Elizabeth Chambers
San Antonio, TX
BIRD Bakery
FOUNDER + CEO
BirdBakery.com
MY BUSINESS:
Almost 11 years ago, I founded BIRD bakery as an homage to my late grandmother. From the day we opened our doors, I’ve operated as the CEO of our company, which has three locations (San Antonio, Dallas, and Denver) and an exciting fourth location in the works. We’re a full-service restaurant committed to creating each and every family recipe on site, from scratch, fresh daily. My career began in television long before we opened our bakery doors, and I’m currently developing a couple new shows that will be announced soon.
MOST REWARDING:
I love telling stories on TV and being a part of our guests’ stories each and every day at BIRD. Whether it’s a gender reveal, baby shower, wedding, milestone birthday, or just a cupcake after school or a baseball game, connecting with our guests and providing the southern hospitality that was such a huge part of my childhood brings me great joy.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
“No“ is just a starting-off point.
Photography: Lisa Reid Photography.
Dr. Zabina Bhasin
Los Angeles, CA
In KidZ
CEO + FOUNDER
InKidZco.com
MY BUSINESS:
In KidZ is an ed-tech-focused consumer product from a multimedia company with a focus on diversity and inclusivity. Our mission is to educate and make change through play. In KidZ creates positive change through discovery and play with kid-focused products and content about culture and traditions worldwide. Our games, activities, books, and media promote cultural fluency and a love of learning that embraces the diversity of all kinds.
MOST REWARDING:
We are raising adults, not children, and empowering their voices is a part of my values and passion. Educating parents on how to properly engage with the next generation is a passion of mine. It is always a treat to watch kids dive into a culture box. They become easily interested in learning something exciting and new! The truth is we are all more similar than we are different, and a lot of those similarities can be found in the games, crafts, toys, and other items we grew up with. For example, who would have thought that the game of Ludo would be popular both in India and Norway? These connections happen when people engage with our kits.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
Being a child psychiatrist has played a huge role in the effort I have put into In KidZ; being a parent of Indian- American children allows me a front-row seat to what kids who are labeled “different” need.
Photography: Troy Jensen Photography
M. Roman
Babylon, NY
Babylon Village Pride
FOUNDER + CREATOR
Instagram.com/BabylonPride
MY BUSINESS:
Babylon Pride is an event created by my incredible team and I in conjunction with the Babylon community to show acceptance, appreciation, and acknowledgment to our Queer residents and business owners and to showcase that Babylon is a safe space.
MOST REWARDING:
Seeing families from different backgrounds come together and show support. There are kids, teens, and adults all out in the crowd showing their pride and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. It truly brings people together.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
Not accepting no for an answer... there is always another way to your goal!
Len Evans
NYC + Miami, FL
Project Publicity
VICE PRESIDENT
ProjectPublicity.com
MY BUSINESS:
Project Publicity is a diversified public relations and marketing agency focused on building the images of emerging artists and organizations. The firm works across all entertainment industries, representing talent and companies in music, film, fashion, theatre, social media, and publishing.
MOST REWARDING:
As a publicist, it‘s rewarding to see a media placement you‘ve worked hard to confirm for your client appear on TV or in print, and the impact it has.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS:
Persistence, patience, and determination.
