Second Life

Julia Turshen, a best-selling cookbook author, reputable food writer, food advocate and founder of Equity at the Table, and podcast host, is defining what it means to be a modern, authentic author and food extraordinaire. Turshen has written three renowned cookbooks, winning prestigious awards like The New York Times best seller, Eater’s Best Cookbook of the Year, and Amazon’s Best Cookbook. Now, she’s releasing a fourth cookbook, Simply Julia, on March 2, highlighting her unique perspective on healthy comfort foods. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Turshen’s past life as a private chef influenced her voice and perspective and ultimately enabled her to fuse her passions of food and writing to create a beloved career.

If you’re familiar with astrology, chances are you have come across the exceptionally talented astrologer and New York Times best-selling author Chani Nicholas. Nicholas has dedicated the last 20 years to guiding people to live their life’s purpose through understanding astrology beyond their birth chart reading. Her brand has evolved into various platforms, including her website, Chani app, and book, You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical-Self Acceptance,  where she connects astrology with current events, activism, social responsibility, and self-healing. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Nicholas was able to turn her passion into a career after holding multiple different jobs—from yoga therapist to bartender—and how she continues to learn and heal from astrology.

Grace Mahary is a woman of many accolades: international model, activist, and certified sommelier—to name a few. Mahary has become a familiar face on iconic designer runways, including Givenchy as an exclusive her first fashion week, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more. Through her vast travels as a model, Mahary witnessed firsthand the many communities experiencing energy poverty. Thus, she founded Project Tsehigh with the mission to provide sustainable and renewable solutions. In 2019, Mahary took a break from the runways to add yet another facet to her career when she became a certified sommelier and eventually a restaurateur. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Mahary continuously evolves her multi-hyphenate career and works to level out the playing field across every industry she touches.

New York Pilates Founder and Owner Heather Andersen knows a thing or two about a pivot. After injuries sustained as a professional dancer led her to the practice of Pilates, she became enthralled with the beneficial effects she saw in her own body. Soon, she became a full-time instructor, and she eventually saved enough to open a studio of her own. From one studio to six locations, building a cult-like following along the way, New York Pilates became one of the buzziest fitness studios in New York. But when the pandemic hit, Andersen was forced to pivot yet again. On this week’s episode of Second Life, hear how she’s built out her digital studio, widening the brand’s footprint and reaching a global audience—plus her best advice for entrepreneurs looking to get their own business off the ground.

In 2015, Rachel Drori saw a gap in the health and food industry and seized the moment to create something new that would change the way Americans ate daily. Drori founded Daily Harvest, a brand dedicated to making organic, healthy foods accessible and convenient—no matter your hectic work schedule. Since its launch, the brand has grown its offerings into 75 items across nine collections available nationwide that are prepackaged in 100% compostable and recyclable packaging and delivered directly onto your doorstep. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Drori used her past career in marketing at major companies such as Gilt Groupe and American Express to propel herself forward and build a brand that is making a difference.

Lilly Singh has proven to be a woman who can truly do it all—from being a comic and YouTube sensation with over 15 million subscribers to becoming a NYT best-selling author and actor. It’s no surprise she’s landed on lists like TIME’s Most Influential People on the Internet and Fast Company’s Most Creative People. In Singh’s latest role, she’s both center stage and behind the scenes as TV host and executive producer of NBC’s A Little Late with Lilly Singh, making her the only female currently on late-night television. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Singh went from studying psychology to finding happiness through content creation and letting go of her “plan B.”

Dr. Barbara Sturm, renowned aesthetics doctor, entrepreneur, and beauty innovator, completely transformed the beauty industry through her unique approach to science-backed skincare. In 2014, she launched her eponymous skincare brand, Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics, which includes a diverse range of products sold in major retailers around the world and most importantly celebrates all skin types. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Dr. Sturm used a medical background in orthopedics as a basis for her skincare philosophy—one that’s garnered a cult-like following and made her one of the most sought-after beauty professionals in the world.

Kim Malek, the CEO and co-founder of iconic ice-cream brand Salt & Straw, has completely modernized the ice-cream industry by creating a brand whose ethos goes beyond the delicious dessert. Malek has built an unparalleled brand through a unique business strategy focused on building a community, supporting local artisans and farmers, and continually creating custom, one-of-a-kind ice-cream flavors. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Malek merged her past marketing careers at notable brands like Starbucks and Yahoo! to catapult her dream of starting an ice-cream business into a reality.

Elaine Welteroth is one of the most inspiring women in the media industry. She was named the youngest EIC at the helm of a major Condé Nast publication before becoming a New York Times best-selling author, award-winning journalist, producer, and television host. Welteroth is also a powerful voice in the movement of change, as she was recently appointed Cultural Ambassador for Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote campaign and now hosts a new podcast Built to Last, which amplifies the stories of Black founders, past and present. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Welteroth continually evolves her career while remaining grounded in who she is.

June Ambrose is one of fashion’s most influential stylists, costumer designers, and image architects and is now the creative director of Puma. Through her extensive years of experience, Ambrose has established a name for herself styling and creating custom pieces for notable clientele, including Jay-Z, Will Smith, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Lizzo, and more. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that Ambrose began her career at an investment banking firm. On this episode of Second Life, find out how Ambrose made a drastic career pivot, how she managed to get her foot in the door in the music and fashion industries to ultimately define culture through fashion, and everything she learned along the way.