Jen A. Miller Consulting

Author: Jen A. Miller

The Connector | An Interview with Michelle Edgar, Founder & CEO of The XX Project

A few months ago an invitation floated across my inbox to attend an “intimate dinner with Stephanie Horbaczewski, the founder and CEO of StyleHaul”. If you’re not familiar with Stephanie, she is the powerhouse that built YouTube’s #1 fashion and beauty channel valued at more than $200 million. In other words, she’s a pretty badass woman for aspiring entrepreneurs to look up to.

I of course, couldn’t pass up on the chance to hear from and meet this amazing ladyboss. I had expected that Stephanie would be speaking to the audience in attendance (which she did) but what I hadn’t anticipated is that afterward she would sit down and talk with us one on one. This opportunity to get this kind of time with someone of her stature and ridiculously busy schedule is rare and it was awesome.

The young woman who made this night possible, and many others like it, is Michelle Edgar. Michelle is the founder and CEO of The XX Project, an invitation-only group for professional women who are leaders and mentors in their industries.

As the strategic business development director for FRUKT and founder of the non-profit organization Music Unites , Michelle recognized a need in the market to connect professional and entrepreneurial women. While attending an event where Soledad O’Brien was speaking, Michelle felt more inspired than ever to bring her vision to life. When asked, the acclaimed journalist agreed to be the first speaker in what has become an ever growing monthly dinner series bringing together some of today’s most inspiring female leaders.

Though what she has built is a great accomplishment in itself, Michelle see’s these nights as just the beginning for The XX Project. She met me at Tom’s on Abbot Kinney to fill me in on her vision for what’s to come for her budding business.

If you’ve been following Toast Meets Jam, and before that The Single Diaries, you’ve likely heard me rave about Tom’s. The spot serves as both the flagship store of the one for one shoe brand as well as my absolute favorite coffee shop in Venice. With ample seating, free wi-fi, and the friendliest baristas and patrons in town, you can’t help but fall in love with this place. If you choose to visit I highly recommend showing up early to nab a spot on the outdoor couch and ordering yourself an almond milk latte and chia seed muffin. You’ll be glad you did.

Over our coffees, Michelle shared more with me about the founding of The XX Project from it’s first event with Soledad to the most recent which will feature speakers from IHeartMedia, FastCompany, Octagon, and Equinox. She also told me of her ultimate mission- to build an offline and online social platform that fosters inspiration, mentoring and giving back among professional, dynamic & successful women in their late 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

CALLING ALL NYC LADIES!

The XX Project is hosting it’s next event, Passion Points to Success, June 8th at the iHeart/ ClearChannel HQ in NYC. The night will feature a panel moderated by Fast Company Publisher, Christine Osekoski and including iHeartMedia CMO, Gayle Troberman; Octagon CMO, Lisa Murray; and Equinox President, Sarah Robb O’Hagan. Get your tickets now!

RSVP: https://passionpointstosuccess.splashthat.com

More About Michelle

Michelle began her career in media as beauty director at OK magazine, where she developed strategic partnerships that aligned brands with music and film talent tied to major entertainment franchises from Oscar’s, Grammy’s and fashion week.

From OK Magazine, Michelle gained further experience in the entertainment industry working at Quest Management, KIDinaKORNER, Redlight Management, and Warner Bros. Records. Currently she serves as the Strategic Business Development Director at Frukt, a creative agency where she creates partnerships between businesses and entertainment brands.

Michelle is known for successfully creating innovative marketing platforms and campaigns for artists including, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews, Lionel Richie, Imagine Dragons, Skylar Grey, X Ambassadors, Tiesto, Gary Clark Jr., Theophilus London, in addition to consulting on tour and festival sponsorships and activations, endorsements, licensing and new product development.

Her passion for music led her to start Music Unites, a non-profit organization that funds sustainable music education programs in underserved public schools nationwide. (Source: Music Unites)

What is The XX Project?

The XX Project is about giving back, mentoring, and a network to draw upon for inspiration and support. Members come from diverse industries and educational backgrounds. Membership grants access to all The XX Project events, the XX curated digital community, offers from lifestyle partners and access to invaluable connections drawn from the community.

Currently, the existing social networks or platforms that cater to professional, dynamic, innovative successful women who are leaders in their industry don’t encourage or foster inspiration, mentoring or giving back.

The XX Project is here to change that by building the new women’s social club. (Source: The XX Project)

Check out The XX Project at:

Web: www.thexxproject.com

Facebook: facebook.com/thexxprojectnyc

A Toast to you and Michelle too,

Jen

June 1, 2015
Up Next on Toast Meets Jam – Michelle Edgar!

An Interview with Michelle Edgar, Founder and CEO The XX Project

Coming up next on Toast Meets Jam… Michelle Edgar, founder and CEO of The XX Project.

Imagine getting the chance to sit down and enjoy dinner alongside some of today’s top female entrepreneurs and business leaders. Women like StyleHaul’s founder Stephanie Horbaczewski, GE’s CMO Beth Comstock, and journalist Soledad O’Brian. That would pretty amazing right?

Michelle Edgar thinks so too. As the strategic business development director for FRUKT and founder of the non-profit organization Music Unites , she recognized a need in the market to connect professional and entrepreneurial women. Her answer to that need was The XX Project, an invitation-only group for professional women who are leaders and mentors in their industries.

At the heart of The XX Project is an intimate monthly dinner series which brings members together for a night of conversation with some of today’s strongest and most inspiring female leaders. But this is just the beginning. Through The XX Project, Michelle’s mission is to build an offline and online social platform that fosters inspiration, mentoring and giving back among professional, dynamic & successful women in their late 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Michelle and I met at Tom’s on Abbot Kinney in Venice. This hipsters’ haven serves as both the brand’s flagship store as well as one of the best coffee shops on the block. Come here any time of day, any day of the week and you’ll find the place crowded with freelancers turning the place into their makeshift offices. The comfy outdoor couches, free wi-fi, and delicious coffee and pastries are quite the draw for everyone, myself included.

Over our coffees Michelle shared how The XX Project first came to life and her big vision for where she sees it growing in the future. Powered by passion, a real desire to help, and a true confidence in what’s she building, Michelle is ready to take The XX to the next level.

To find out what all she has in store, watch our full interview and make sure to subscribe to Toast Meets Jam so you’re sure to catch all the latest episodes.

In the meantime, why not get to know Michelle and The XX Project? You can find her:

Instagram: @the_xx_project ; @micheme12

Facebook: facebook.com/thexxprojectnyc

Cheers!

Jen

May 29, 2015
The Financial Planner | An Interview with Brittney Castro, Founder of Financially Wise Women

When I graduated college my parents imparted two gifts upon me. The first was a George Foreman grill, which I’d asked for in order to ease my transition into adult meal prep. The second, was a financially planning course delivered via a massive booklet of CDs. Though I consider the grill transformative to my kitchen skills, it’s the second gift which has made the most profound impact on my life. Providing me with a foundational knowledge of how to manage my money was the greatest thing my parents could have done for me at that stage in my life.

Fast forward a few years, and I have the pleasure of being introduced to Brittney Castro, a financial planner and founder of Financially Wise Women. As a certified financial planner, Brittney totally gets the importance of understanding your money. In fact, she’s made it her mission to help women have a healthy relationship with their money because she believes that is the foundation to building the life of your dreams.

Through her online money class, YouTube channel, one-on-one coaching, and speaking engagements she is helping women educate themselves about their finances in unique and innovative ways. When she’s not working on Financially Wise Women, Brittney is often called up by top media outlets like CBS, CNBC, and Entrepreneur to share her talents and advice.

Brittney and I decided to meet for juice and horchata at downtown LA’s The Springs. This “urban oasis” serves as the perfect place for anyone who’s looking to post up and stay awhile. The menu is made up of vegan friendly fare and fresh pressed juices. The warehouse space is part restaurant, part wellness center, and part pop-up shop. For those looking for an inspiring environment to work from, this is your spot.

While we sipped down our drinks, Brittney filled me in on the evolution of her business, her advice for other female founders, and how building a business has lead her to the life of her dreams.

More About Brittney

Brittney Castro is the Founder & CEO of Financially Wise Women, a Los Angeles based financial planning firm for women. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara graduating with a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Economics and a minor in Sports Management.

Brittney began her career at Ameriprise Financial, renowned in the industry for their financial planning training. In 2011, Brittney received the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation from the CFP Board of Standards. She also maintains her designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist. In 2013, Brittney took the next step by starting her own financial firm.

Brittney currently resides in the Los Angeles area and enjoys dancing, traveling, and leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Brittney is extremely involved in her community and is an active member of Step Up Women’s Network and the Financial Planning Association. She has a passion for educating individuals on financial topics and is a sought after speaker for various groups and organizations. (Source: Financially Wise Women)

What is Financially Wise Women?

Financially Wise Women is a Los Angeles based financial planning firm for women. Brittney specializes in working with busy, established professional and entrepreneurial women who are passionate about life and want to gain clarity around their money. Her mission is to help women plan and create the life of their dreams, free from anxiety about money. Financially Wise Women is a multi-platform business which includes Brittney’s financial planning practice, online money class, YouTube channel videos, public speaking engagements, and live workshops. (Source: Financially Wise Women)

Check out Financially Wise Women at:

Web: www.financiallywisewomen.com

YouTube: Brittney Castro

Facebook: facebook.com/FinanciallyWiseWomen

A Toast to you and Brittney too,

Jen

May 18, 2015
Up Next on Toast Meets Jam – Brittney Castro!

An Interview with Brittney Castro, Founder of Financially Wise Women

Coming up next on Toast Meets Jam… Brittney Castro, founder of Financially Wise Women.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding your bank account, too afraid of what you might find? Crossed your fingers as you’re swiping your credit card at the end of the month, hoping it won’t be declined? Sometimes does it just seem easier to ignore your money and hope for the best than confront it head on? Trust me, I know that feeling!

Brittney is on a mission to change that. She’s out to help women have a healthy relationship with their money so they can start living the life of their dreams. Through her online Money Class, one-on-one financial planning, YouTube channel, and speaking engagements she aims to make financial fear a thing of the past. With a fun, innovative approach to teaching that’s catered to the professional, entrepreneurial woman, she’s turning finance into as sexy a topic as fashion and beauty.

To give me the low down on the founding of her business, Brittney met me at The Springs LA, where I’d filmed an earlier interview with another awesome female founder. We sipped on horchata and fresh pressed juice while she filled me in on the evolution of her business, her advice for other female founders, and how building a business has lead her to the life of her dreams.

Check out this quick peak into our interview and come back next week for the full reveal!

Cheers!

Jen

May 15, 2015
Behind the Scenes! Rachael King Interview

DogVacay’s in house social guru Rachael King, calls Los Angeles’ WeHo (that’s West Hollywood for non-Angelenos) home. When we were deciding on the best place to brunch in her ‘hood Gracias Madre was an obvious choice.

Image from graciasmadreweho.com

When you approach Gracias Madre you encounter a sleek white building with a simple, yet elegant typographic sign. Walk through the doors and you’re transported into a beautiful oasis. The building’s white walls are sharply contrasted by bright colors of fresh fruit on the bar and blooms adorning the tabletops as abundantly as the cocktails.

Image from mrsiebert.com

The food, like the decor, draws inspiration from the kitchens of Mexico. Expect to find vegan cuisine served up with cocktails concocted from fresh pressed juices. Brunch options are a mix of tofu scrambles, smoothies, and sweet and savory toasts. There’s no need to sweat your decision, trust that no matter what you order it will be delicious.

To see what Rachael and I decided to brunch on, you’ll have to click here and watch our interview!

Cheers!

Jen

May 5, 2015