Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Raena Ashley - Entrepreneur and CEO

Raena Ashley spent a good part of her teenage years getting in trouble while living in a tough East Las Vegas neighborhood. But all that changed when eyelash extensions entered the picture. When she was 18, Raena learned all about eyelash extensions. Three years later, she started her own beauty education company and in the years since, has generated more than 2 million dollars in sales, with 18 locations in the U.S. Raena has taught more than 2,000 young women 'the tricks of the trade.' Hear all about her path to a rich and rewarding lifestyle and career.

Arriel Biggs - Entrepreneur, Founder/Executive Director of Young Biz Kids

As far as Arriel Biggs is concerned, you're never too young to be exposed to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy, and problem-solving skills. And to that end, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Young Biz Kids, a non-profit that teaches those skills and more to the leaders of tomorrow. Arriel has quite the personal story to share.  Her 15-year-old son Mikey is an entrepreneur - his business sense kicked in when he acquired his first vending machine at the ripe old age of....7! Lots to learn from this conversation - so sit back and enjoy!

Petrushka Bazin-Larsen - Businesswoman and Community Activist

Sugar Hill Creamery. The name says it all. Harlem's first family-owned handmade ice cream shop opened its doors in 2017 and was followed 3 years later by a second location in Hamilton Heights. Sugar Hill is the brainchild of Petrushka Bazin Larsen and her husband Nick Larsen. Their confections include homemade, small batch ice cream, non-dairy frozen desserts with both seasonal and classic flavors. Petrushka's not only a successful entrepreneur, she's also a community activist, hosting programs for Sugar Hill customers and neighbors that include a New Mom's Group, Book Club and Craft Night.

Betsy Lay - Co-Founder of Lady Justice Brewing

Owner Betsy Lay, along with partners Kate Power and Jen Cuesta, are the co-founders of Lady Justice Brewing, based in Aurora, Colorado. The three met while working at AmeriCorps VISTA. In 2014, they joined forces and their community-focused brewery was born. Its mission? -   "brewing great beer to make the world a better place." And to that end, Lady Justice gives money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women and girls in the state of Colorado. Join us for our conversation with this creative woman whose mission is all about 'giving back.'

Evetta Petty - Milliner & Owner Harlem's Heaven Hats

For more than 30 years, Evetta Petty has designed hats in her uptown Manhattan shop and studio. Her creations have graced the heads of men and women: runway models, actors, churchgoing seniors. They've been worn to the Kentucky Derby and England's Royal Ascot. Evetta's hats have appeared in movies, television, fashion magazine covers and articles. Her hats have humor, whimsy, rhythm and fantasy… just like their designer!

Whitney Bolster - Founder and CEO of Ampersand

Creativity is what Whitney Bolster's all about. She's the Founder and CEO of Ampersand, a female-led, mission-driven creative brand agency. And as such, Ampersand is, "defying the odds merely by existing and is dedicated to making space for more women to get involved in the industry. The female perspective is gaining on the world and we are here for it." Who could argue with that? Lots to talk about with mover and shaker Whitney Bolster!

Rania Zayyat - Founder of Wonder Women of Wine

Promoting and supporting gender equality in the wine world. That's been the mission of Sommelier Rania Zayyat. A leader in the global wine industry, Rania is the founder of Wonder Women of Wine, a non-profit created to do just that. She's also the founder Be The Change, an equal opportunity initiative committed to changing the status quo through action and policy. Lots to talk about - so pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay and join us for a fascinating, eye opening and engaging conversation.

Ashley Rouse - Chef, Culinary Entrepreneur, Activist

Chef, culinary entrepreneur, activist - just three of the hats worn by Ashley Rouse. She also happens to be the founder of Brooklyn-based Trade Street Jam Company, a minority and woman-certified batch jam company. Ashley creates fruit forward and clean tasting vegan jams that are low in sugar, but high in flavor. A few enticing samples:  Blueberry-Lemon- Basil Jam, Smoked Yellow Peach, Strawberry-Chipolte-Fig. Join us for this mouth watering conversation with yet another creative woman.

Joan Myers Brown, Entrepreneur

Liz and Lucy Lareau, Childrens' Graphic Novel Authors

Family businesses are nothing new, but the GEEKY FAB FIVE STEM is not your ordinary mom and pop partnership. Actually, it's a mom and daughter venture. 13 year old Lucy Lareau and her mom Liz are the co-creators of this graphic novel series based on Lucy's elementary school experiences, where students learn to make a difference. Their goal is to inspire girls to reach their potential and work together for a better world. We guarantee our conversation with this creative duo will inspire you!