Beautiful Thinking.
During February, I had the honour of officially kicking off my journey as a mentor for the pivotal equality and inclusivity organisation, 100 Allies. The work of this programme and the powerhouse behind it – Nnenna Onuba – has inspired me from the moment I learned of it. And I’m thrilled to say that myself and the team at Free The Birds have been with her from the earliest stages, helping her to make a difference in a vital goal – to level the playing field in the powerful beauty industry, where 86% of the workforce is female but less than a third of the top positions are held by women.
It was therefore incredibly exciting to see first hand the impact of 100 Allies’ first Rising Star Accelerator Clinic.
It was an event designed to bring together some of the brightest minds and biggest hearts in the beauty industry. Supporting underserved professionals and entrepreneurs by giving them a lift towards leadership. Helping them to take their careers, businesses or brands to the next level.
I found myself in an impressive room of esteemed individuals, with representatives and mentors from brands like Topicals, Estée Lauder, Sephora, L’Occitane, and Space NK (to name just a few). The energy at the event was palpable. It truly felt like we had achieved liftoff. You could feel the positivity in the room, the sense that something important was happening. Nnenna’s vision was becoming a reality before our eyes. We can talk endlessly about goals, theories, and intentions, but this was the moment it all became tangible. When people come together, that’s when change happens. That’s when the lifting truly begins.
And lifting was exactly what took place that night. The atmosphere was charged with momentum. Conversations sparked between people who had never met before, yet were united by the same goal: how do we empower and motivate individuals to take the next step in their journey? How do we help them build the confidence to climb, especially in an industry like beauty, where that climb can seem daunting?
My role in the evening was about asking myself, “What can I do? How can I help?” The speed-mentoring sessions were a fascinating challenge – just 15 minutes with each person to listen, assess, and offer something valuable. Two of the three entrepreneurs I spoke with already had brands, and it was rewarding to see how even a short, focused discussion could help someone shift their perspective.
Speed-mentoring forces you to be direct. There’s no room for sugar-coating or long-winded explanations. You have to get straight to the point, and honesty is crucial. It can be tough when you’re discussing someone’s dream, something deeply personal to them. Telling them to simplify their messaging might sound like you’re undervaluing their work, but in reality, it’s about clarity. My job is to help them communicate in a way that resonates with consumers. Because ultimately, that’s who they need to reach. It’s a fascinating challenge to distill that kind of insight into such a short window of time.
What I’m thrilled to share is that my role as a mentor for these individuals didn’t end when the night was over. One of the brand founders I met with has since visited our studio, and we’re now working together.
Whilst this evening was, of course, the first of many events like this, it also felt like the start of something bigger. I don’t think anyone left without having met someone who could play a role in their future. It wasn’t just an inspiring night; it was galvanising. Some attendees may have come in feeling stuck or unsure of their next step, but they left with renewed energy and a sense of direction.
It reminded each of us of the significant importance of the 100 Allies’ mission: forging connections that will shape the future of beauty and kickstarting the goal to change the face – and the faces – of the boardroom.
In today’s political climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face significant challenges, making the work of 100 Allies more crucial than ever. Recent policy shifts have led to the rollback of DEI programs, with some corporations scaling back their commitments due to political pressures. These changes risk eroding progress toward equitable representation and inclusion across all manner of sectors.
Despite these setbacks, the importance of DEI initiatives cannot be overstated. They foster environments where all individuals feel valued and respected, leading to increased innovation, better decision-making, and improved organisational performance. Maintaining a commitment to DEI is essential to counteract systemic biases and ensure that opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
100 Allies remains steadfast in a mission to empower underserved professionals and entrepreneurs. The Rising Star Accelerator Clinic exemplified this commitment; seeing major industry figures there reinforced that this wasn’t just a niche effort, it was something serious. A signal to the industry that change is happening. And I felt privileged to be in that room, surrounded by people who are driving it forward.
I echo Nnenna Onuba, along with my fellow advisors and mentors, when I say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event invaluable and memorable. This is just the beginning.
If you’re inspired to join us as an Ally, Sponsor, or Rising Star, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up and join our growing community.
