In this special episode, recorded live from the 15th Street Block Party in LA, we hear from a fresh group of Black beauty founders about the ups, downs, and in betweens of running and growing a successful business. Featuring Denis Asamoah of FORVR MOOD, Kadi Lee of Highbrow Hippie, Maya Smith of The Doux, and Denise Vasi of MAED (and our 2026 Sephora Beauty Grant Recipient!).

In this special episode, recorded live from the 15th Street Block Party in LA, we hear from a fresh group of Black beauty founders about the ups, downs, and in betweens of running and growing a successful business. Featuring Denis Asamoah of FORVR MOOD, Kadi Lee of Highbrow Hippie, Maya Smith of The Doux, and Denise Vasi of MAED (and our 2026 Sephora Beauty Grant Recipient!).

In this special episode, recorded live from the 15th Street Block Party in LA, we hear from a fresh group of Black beauty founders about the ups, downs, and in betweens of running and growing a successful business. Featuring Denis Asamoah of FORVR MOOD, Kadi Lee of Highbrow Hippie, Maya Smith of The Doux, and Denise Vasi of MAED (and our 2026 Sephora Beauty Grant Recipient!).&nbsp;
 
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Live from the Block Party: Black in Beauty Panel #2

When a founder begins raising money for their business, they will often start with a “friends and family round” before seeking out loans or venture capital. While this is a viable option for some, not everyone has access to a network of deep-pocketed friends and family.

Enter: Friends & Family with Aurora James. We may not all have access to a “friends & family” round when launching a new venture, but on this podcast, we’re here to be YOUR friends and family in business. Whether you’re fundraising or bootstrapping, join Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, alongside some of the most inspiring Black founders as they share wisdom and act as your support system while you build your business and scale for success.
 
Friends & Family is brought to you by Fifteen Percent Pledge and produced in partnership with Alkemie Sound Lab. Our sponsor this season is Citi. Citi Financial Pathways has resources to help you meet your goals.

Business

Entrepreneurship

When a founder begins raising money for their business, they will often start with a “friends and family round” before seeking out loans or venture capital. While this is a viable option for some, not everyone has access to a network of deep-pocketed friends and family. Enter: Friends & Family with Aurora James. We may not all have access to a “friends & family” round when launching a new venture, but on this podcast, we’re here to be YOUR friends and family in business. Whether you’re fundraising or bootstrapping, join Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, alongside some of the most inspiring Black founders as they share wisdom and act as your support system while you build your business and scale for success. Friends & Family is brought to you by Fifteen Percent Pledge and produced in partnership with Alkemie Sound Lab. Our sponsor this season is Citi. Citi Financial Pathways has resources to help you meet your goals.

When a founder begins raising money for their business, they will often start with a “friends and family round” before seeking out loans or venture capital. While this is a viable option for some, not everyone has access to a network of deep-pocketed friends and family.

Enter: Friends &amp; Family with Aurora James. We may not all have access to a “friends &amp; family” round when launching a new venture, but on this podcast, we’re here to be YOUR friends and family in business. Whether you’re fundraising or bootstrapping, join Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, alongside some of the most inspiring Black founders as they share wisdom and act as your support system while you build your business and scale for success.
 
Friends &amp; Family is brought to you by Fifteen Percent Pledge and produced in partnership with Alkemie Sound Lab. Our sponsor this season is Citi. Citi Financial Pathways has resources to help you meet your goals.

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Live from the Block Party: Black in Beauty Panel #2

Live from the Block Party: Black in Beauty Panel #2