All Experts

Nadine Ramos is the Founder and CEO of Blessed Bananas. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, Ramos has certainly made a significant impact in the beauty industry. Her expertise in hair health and ingredients is evident through the brands she has formulated and developed alongside chemists. Nadine’s dedication to creating high-quality products that promote healthy hair is truly inspiring. Her knowledge and passion for the industry are commendable, and I believe that her contributions have greatly benefited the field of hair care.

In 2014, Monique and her husband, Eli, co-founded Universal Yums, the beloved international snack box from a different country every month. Bootstrapped from an initial $8,000 investment, Universal Yums has gone on to ship over 5 million snack boxes with over $100 million in lifetime sales. She recently founded her second DTC subscription box, Almost, with teas that taste almost like dessert. When she isn't eating truffles or drinking tea, Monique enjoys writing and bearing witness to the underappreciated joys of light fixtures with her 15-month old son.

Mitchella Gilbert is a startup founder, innovator, and creative visionary. As the CEO and Founder of Oya Femtech Apparel, a groundbreaking technical apparel brand addressing feminine health issues, Mitchella quickly grew Oya into a 2023 Fast Company Innovative Company Of The Year.Born in Philadelphia, PA, Mitchella graduated from the University of Chicago, where they earned a B.A. in Public Policy, and later pursued an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.Their journey towards founding Oya was preceded by a remarkable trajectory in public speaking, beginning in high school as a spokesperson of their competitive robotics team, and later as the founder of a NASA and Google endorsed robotics team. These early engagements laid the groundwork for Mitchella's dynamic presence on prestigious innovation stages, from Ivy League universities to renowned business competitions and SoFi Stadium.Mitchella's distinction as one of the first 200 black women to secure over $1,000,000 in venture capital speaks volumes about their impact and credibility in the business world. With endorsements from esteemed investors like Techstars, the 76ers Innovation Lab, and R.E.I., as well as features in leading publications such as Forbes, Essence, and Bustle, Mitchella's influence continues to resonate far and wide.Their commitment to innovation and women's health has not gone unnoticed, earning them prestigious accolades like the John Wooden International Leadership Award and, most recently, the honor of serving as a 2024 diplomatic delegate to Japan on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.

Mitch is a creative and sustainability entrepreneur, consultant, educator, and advocate, who believes that profit and planet can share the bottom line. He has a particular interest in solving the single-use dilemma with a design philosophy rooted in turning the ease of single-use into equally convenient reusable solutions. Mitch has successfully founded and lead Bagito, Returnity, and Revolusation, companies that provide consumers and businesses with smart reusable solutions that reduce carbon and primary resource usage and eliminate trash, while saving customers money and enhancing the customer experience. His passion for eliminating single-use has led him to also create and lead the North American division of RePack, an innovative Finland-based reusable shipping packaging service company. His work re-inventing single-use products and packaging as multi-use solutions has led to two utility patents, several awards and being credited with the creation of the concept and term Reusable-as-a-Service (RaaS). Mitch is also the founder and director of Power2Sustain.org, a K-12 environmental literacy project. Mitch started his working career as an elementary school teacher, principal, district administrator and charter school founder. He has a B.A. in International Relations/Political Science from UCLA, an M.A. in Bilingual Multiple Subject Teaching from San Francisco State, an M.A. from Colombia University in Organizational Psychology, and an M.Ed. from Teachers College Colombia in Education Administration. He lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his partner, practices yoga regularly, likes to cook and build stuff out of wood, and tries to get on his mountain bike whenever possible.

Michelle Songy, CEO and Founder, Press HookMichelle Songy is a serial tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Press Hook, a media relations platform that connects brands, media, publicists and journalists. As a PR industry change maker, she was recently named on PRWeek’s Dashboard 25 list of the most influential people in communications technology, representing the enterprises that are shaping your tech stack. She has more than a decade of experience developing, managing and marketing businesses from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.After relocating to London in 2014 for a finance management position with Coca-Cola, Michelle founded her first company, Cake Technologies. It became the United Kingdom’s largest mobile payment platform for restaurants and was sold to American Express just three years later, in 2017.In 2020, Michelle founded her second entrepreneurial endeavor and passion project, Press Hook, a tech-enabled media relations platform specializing in promoting brands, especially small businesses. The Press Hook platform offers the first two-sided marketplace that intelligently connects brands seeking publicity with journalists seeking content. With Press Hook, lifestyle and consumer brands can easily and affordably get the media coverage they deserve with unprecedented speed, volume and reach. Michelle is a graduate of the University of Georgia, in the Terry School of Business with a degree in Management Information Systems.

Michelle Simmons, a passionate advocate for natural living and holistic wellness, is the founder of Slow North, a beacon for sustainable wellness goods and aromatherapy candles that has grown into a seven-figure handmade business. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Michelle's journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by the birth of her first son in 2015 and a desire to seek healthier alternatives for her home.With expertise spanning natural living, aromatherapy, using scents to enhance living spaces, navigating motherhood as an entreprenur, and small business growth, Michelle's voice resonates as a powerful guide for those seeking a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. Her work has not gone unnoticed; Slow North was a two-time finalist for Best Austin Gift Shop and was prominently featured in a national commercial campaign by UPS, celebrating the unstoppable spirit of small business.Michelle's engaging presence has led her to be a sought-after guest on podcasts, local news segments, and even as an on-camera principal for a nationwide commercial. Her commitment to community shines through Slow North's continuous contributions to local nonprofits and limited edition give-back candles, reflecting a belief that business can be a source of good.With a mission that transcends profit, Michelle's vision for Slow North is one of education, providing natural alternatives, and shaping a future where sustainability and well-being are at the forefront. Her story, insights, and leadership make her a compelling contributor, poised to inspire audiences across various media platforms.

Hey there! 👋 I'm Michelle, a marketing strategist with 15 years of experience in social media and community management. I'm also an entrepreneur who built a following of 120k+ in the pop culture and travel blogging space. I've had the incredible opportunity to work with tech, hospitality, entertainment, consumer, and e-commerce brands and have led global teams that have driven growth and engagement. Formerly, I worked in television for 14 years at studios such as ABC, CBS, WB, and Sony.Currently, I'm focusing on my travel blog, Travel HerStory, and my action-adventure novel.

Michael grew up in Arizona, spent his last 3 years of high school in Del Mar, and then went to his Mother's alma mater, Penn State. After school, Michael moved to Los Angeles thinking he would work in finance but quickly realized it wasn't his passion. In 2010, he discovered a true passion for float therapy. After an influential trip to the jungle to sit with Ayahuasca in 2011, he built a float tank from scratch so he could float at home. A year later, he quit his 9-5, spent 6 months in Southeast Asia, then came back and founded Reboot Float & Cryo Spa in San Francisco. On a van road trip through the Rocky Mountains, he fell in love with jumping in cold rivers and lakes and again returned home to create a DIY setup - this time to satiate his appetite for cold water. In the summer of 2020 with the help of his father, he invented the Plunge and recruited fellow float center owner, Ryan Duey, to be his co-founder.

Michael Gardner founded LUXUS Design Build, a construction firm licensed for residential and commercial building in Nevada, in 2018. As the principal, Michael is responsible for the design and overall project success.   His professional background allows LUXUS Design Build to offer their clients a smooth, innovative and integrated approach to home building by providing all-in-one design-build services. From construction completion and architectural design conception to interior design concepts, LUXUS Design Build houses all facets of the home building process under one roof.   Michael has been working in the design-build and architecture industry for more than 20 years. His diverse design background and extensive travel has led to innovative, sustainable and unique designs solutions.  Prior to starting LUXUS Design Build, Michael founded the award-winning studio g ARCHITECTURE in 2010, which specializes in delivering excellence, integrity and innovation in its designs while remaining conscious of sustainability. As the firm’s principal and lead architect, Michael is responsible for the design and project management for both residential and commercial work.   Before 2010, Michael worked for one of Orange County’s largest residential architecture firms, where he directed projects from inception through construction. He earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  In addition to his luxury design-build and architecture firms, Michael also founded Integro, a low-voltage firm that seamlessly integrates technology solutions in design-build projects. The firm collaborates closely with LUXUS Design Build and studio g ARCHITECTURE to deliver customized low-voltage solutions and cutting-edge technology that transform a home into modern intelligent spaces.  Michael’s residential work includes the National Association of Home Builders’ 2013 and 2016 The New American Home projects. He was the builder and architect of the 2019 The New American Remodel and of the 2023 The New American Home, which was built in Henderson, Nevada’s high-end community, Ascaya.   A native Australian who grew up in Southern California, Michael has been internationally recognized by the New South Wales Architects Registration Board in Australia and was entered into the Register of Architects of New South Wales. He is currently a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is certified through the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB). As an advocate for the implementation and development of sustainable builds and design, he is also a member the U.S. Green Building Council with LEED AP credentials.  Michael is licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington in the U.S. and New South Wales in Australia.   

Check out our new Corporate Video:https://www.dropbox.com/s/9vzy683jhkuejex/Final%20DelilahHome_Personal_v03.mp4?dl=0Throughout my executive management career, I have a proven leadership in the consumer goods industry. As a tenacious, proactive, strategic sales and marketing leader, I have been successful in building strong operational teams and industry leading companies. With past P&L responsibility of $99 million, I have developed and implemented successful analytical/strategic business plans for newly created and existing business units. In addition, as an ethical and positive executive, I have developed strong internal and external relationships. Through these relationships, coupled with my enthusiastic attitude, strong communication and problem solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, I have achieved success. Lastly, my passion is leading consumer product organizations from product development to consumer satisfaction. In the last 10 years, I have built products and companies from the ground up without big budget resources and staff. I find a way to make it happen.I currently serve as the Founder and CEO of Delilah Home, a natural, clean, luxury home textile company focused on quality, the environment, and the community we serve. Delilah Home is named after a golden retriever puppy who survived a life-threatening ordeal in the North Carolina mountains. Delilah weathered extreme cold temperatures and record winds by living off the land for 62 days. An entire community rallied for her return, watching and searching until Delilah’s joyful reunion with her family. With little to no chemicals used in our entire supply chain, Delilah Home aims to protect the environment from harsh chemicals that are commonly used in conventional cotton production. The results? Our pure products are the safest and cleanest textiles on the market. we use only quality 100% organic cotton certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and non-toxic hemp products that are better for the environment. Delilah Home textiles do not contain allergenic or toxic chemicals commonly used in conventional cotton textile production. Our products are ideal for people with allergies, skin sensitivities, and respiratory problems. We partner with Fair Trade factories, which are certified to the highest textile standard. Yes, our products may be a little more expensive. We pay ABOVE living wages, while exceeding all local and national laws. At Delilah Home we also believe in being good stewards of our community, so that end, we partner with local and national charities such as Operation Warm and 1% for the Planet.

Meng Li, Founder of Huhu, recognized the need for a new kind of parenting gear after experiencing the limitations of numerous traditional diaper bags. Born out of a frustration with the lack of high quality, simple and gender agnostic diaper bags available to parents, she set out to design her version of the ideal product. Determined to create a more comprehensive and functional option, Meng spent 2+ years developing The Everyday Diaper Backpack and The Go Anywhere Changing Wallet, featuring unique, practical and innovative design features that would make any parent feel as if they have it all together.Prior to founding Huhu, Meng spent 12+ years in the CPG industry as a seasoned marketing and product innovation executive, holding senior positions in several leading companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Method Products (acquired by S.C. Johnson), and Native (acquired by Procter & Gamble). Meng is a parent to two kids and lives in the Bay Area.

Melissa Boufounos is a certified holistic nutritionist in the Ottawa area who helps teen and adolescent hockey players optimize their nutrition and health so they can maximize their performance potential on and off the ice.Along with her education in Natural Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Melissa has earned Precision Nutrition Level 1 and Level 2 nutrition coaching certifications. She has a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Seneca College and a post-graduate diploma in Sports Journalism from Centennial College. As a media nutritionist and freelance nutrition writer, Melissa has recent bylines in Mindbodygreen and Clean Plates and has been featured as a nutrition expert in articles for Shape, Well + Good, Forbes Health, Eat This, MSN, and more.