Latest news with #womenowned
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How DESTREE Built A Fashion Brand Funded, Led, And Made By Women
Laetitia Lumbroso and Géraldine Guyot-Arnault, the co-founders of DESTREE From investor boardrooms to factory floors, DESTREE is redefining fashion with an ecosystem that is entirely women-owned and women-run. Historically, the fashion industry has been dominated by male CEOs and investors. However, Laetitia Lumbroso and Géraldine Guyot-Arnault, the co-founders of DESTREE, made a bold and intentional choice to raise capital exclusively from women. Their decision stands in sharp contrast to the broader venture capital landscape, where the gender gap remains staggering. According to PitchBook, in 2023, all-female-founded startups in the U.S. raised just $3.2 billion, a fraction of the $114 billion raised by all-male-founded companies. The imbalance is not new. Research from the Harvard Kennedy School shows that women account for just 11% of investing partners at U.S. VC firms, and nearly 75% of firms have no female investing partner at all. While 13% of venture dollars go to startups with at least one female founder, all-women founding teams receive just 2.4%, a figure that has remained essentially unchanged over the past three decades. Female Invest echoes this, noting that companies founded solely by women still receive less than 3% of total VC investment. The disparity is especially glaring in the fashion industry, where women drive the vast majority of consumer spending yet are rarely in control of the capital or the chief leadership roles that shape the industry. DESTREE's approach wasn't just symbolic; it was strategic. Lumbroso and Guyot-Arnault have created a network of female investors who also act as mentors and advocates. By doing so, they have not only generated global interest in their brand but also increased its visibility. Still, they are also actively challenging the existing power dynamics around who has the authority to fund, expand, and drive the future of the fashion spent 15 years at luxury conglomerate LVMH, where she served as global business unit director for Baby Dior. In her late 30s, she left the corporate world to launch her own business. "I didn't leave with a full plan," she said. "But I knew I had to find the right partner before I found the right product." That partner was Guyot-Arnault, whose architectural and vintage-inspired design aesthetic shaped DESTREE's creative identity. Together, they spent four years laying a solid foundation—refining production, sourcing women-led factories, and launching their hero accessory, the Gunther bag. By 2022, they were ready to scale and made the pivotal decision to fundraise, setting a bold new direction for the company. So, why did they choose only women investors? "Once we started having real fundraising conversations, the difference between speaking with male and female investors became obvious," Lumbroso said. "The women wanted to talk about our vision, our why. The men went straight to numbers." Instead of working with traditional venture capital firms, DESTREE turned to a tight-knit group of 12 high-profile female angel investors, including Gabriela Hearst, Emily Weiss (Founder of Glossier), Miroslava Duma, and Carmen Busquets. The round was co-led by Angelica Cheung of Sequoia Capital China, who is also the founding editor-in-chief of Vogue China. Cheung brought industry insight and became the firm's representative on DESTREE's board. "These women aren't just investors," said Lumbroso. "They're advisors, connectors, and champions. When I needed introductions in the Middle East, I called Mira. When we had sustainability questions, Gabriela connected us to her suppliers." The commitment to build a female-run ecosystem extends across DESTREE's entire supply chain. Every factory the brand works with, whether in Paris for jewelry, Spain for handbags, or Portugal for garments, is led by women. "We're women, creating for women," she said. 'Why not build the whole ecosystem that way?' This approach has had a positive impact on DESTREE's growth. The brand now operates stores in Paris and New York, sells through 80 global retailers, including Harrods and Selfridges, and generates 40% of its revenue from the brand's website. DESTREE Flagship Store - Paris DESTREE's growth and recognition have been driven in part by celebrity attention, without the need for paid promotions. Years ago, a stylist messaged DESTREE on Instagram, claiming to work with Beyoncé. Lumbroso was skeptical but sent bags. Nine months later, Beyoncé was spotted wearing one of them. "We aim to keep all of our VIP and celebrity endorsements organic," said Mariana Ruiz, Head of PR for the USA and LATAM. 'When you see someone wearing DESTREE, it's because they truly love it. For us, it's about building long-term, genuine relationships.' Today, Hollywood celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Nicky Hilton are often seen wearing the for fundraising advice for female founders, Lumbroso encourages early-stage women to network, make connections, and openly discuss their needs. "Some people you expect help from won't show up," she said. "But others will surprise you. The key is to share your story." Regarding celebrity endorsements: "Be persistent. Don't be afraid of hearing 'no.' And make your product so remarkable that people are eager to wear it." A mother of four, Lumbroso structures her days around intention. "I try to be home for dinner, even if I work again at 10 p.m.," she said. 'When I'm home, I'm home. I'm offline for dinner and bedtime.' She also carves out time for herself, often starting the day with a 6 a.m. run. 'Sports clears my head. That's my time.' As DESTREE expands into new markets across the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S., the brand plans to refocus on its accessories category. "Ready-to-wear is growing," Lumbroso said. 'But bags are the core. They carry our DNA.' Runway shows aren't on the agenda. Instead, the brand will continue to cultivate its niche audience and grow through word of mouth. If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self, Lumbroso would say, "Beware of the sparkle. The right people matter more than the perfect opportunity. Find partners who believe in you and build from there." With a fully female-funded business, a global reach, and Beyoncé's endorsement, DESTREE is redefining what fashion power looks like.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mercer Advisors Expands in Greater Boston with Addition of O'Brien Wealth Partners
Primarily woman-owned and led firm, managing over $1 billion in client assets, leads with values-driven approach to multigenerational and next-gen wealth planning DENVER, July 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercer Global Advisors, Inc. ("Mercer Advisors"), a national Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), today announced the acquisition of O'Brien Wealth Partners ("O'Brien Wealth"), a Waltham, Massachusetts-based firm providing comprehensive wealth management and planning services to high-net-worth individuals, families and nonprofits. This partnership deepens Mercer Advisors' footprint in the Greater Boston area and adds a next-gen team aligned with its planning-centric, client-first philosophy. The team manages approximately $1.1 billion in client assets. Since 1986, O'Brien Wealth has delivered personalized financial planning, investment management and sustainable investing solutions. The firm serves over 500 individuals and families in New England and beyond with a goals-driven approach to financial outcomes. Women and couples who view financial empowerment as a shared value, as well as nonprofits and investors prioritizing sustainability are among the specialty clients served by the firm. With a diverse, cross-generational team, O'Brien Wealth was seeking a partner with a collaborative operating and client service model with the opportunity to both preserve and accelerate its future growth. "We were looking for a partner who could honor the care and continuity we've provided clients for decades, while advancing our vision for thoughtful, intentional growth," said Jill Fopiano, President and CEO of O'Brien Wealth. "Mercer Advisors brings deep planning expertise, institutional-level capabilities and a genuine respect for how we serve. Just as importantly, they understand the power of diverse leadership and a collaborative culture, making this a natural next chapter for our team and the families we support." Joining Mercer Advisors gives the O'Brien Wealth team and their clients access to a full suite of integrated family office services, including estate planning, tax strategy and preparation, corporate trustee services, and advanced investment management. "Our conversations with the O'Brien team highlighted that we share a common foundation of acting in our clients' best interest and in the belief that teamwork and culture are the key ingredients to success," said Dave Welling, CEO of Mercer Advisors. "Jill and the O'Brien team have built one of the most respected advisory firms in New England—defined by integrity, intentional growth, and enduring client relationships. They've created a strong culture of mentorship, inclusion and excellence that reflects where the industry is headed." The partnership also provides additional resources to support career development for team members and strengthen the firm's long-term growth trajectory in New England. "The O'Brien team exemplifies the kind of talent and leadership we seek in a partner—rooted in decades of client trust and energized by a forward-thinking approach to financial planning," said Martine Lellis, Principal, M&A Partner Development. "This partnership not only deepens our roots in Boston but also supports our broader efforts to deliver personalized, planning-led advice that evolves with our clients' lives. We're excited to support their continued growth and help amplify their impact across the region." Ben Kautz, Executive Managing Director at Mercer Advisors, added: "O'Brien Wealth brings a distinctive, high-touch model and a forward-thinking team that aligns well with our service philosophy. By joining forces, we can equip them with additional resources—from integrated technology to family office services—that support sustainable growth and deepen client impact in a competitive market like Greater Boston." Colchester Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to O'Brien Wealth. For more information about partnering with Mercer Advisors, please visit About Mercer Advisors Mercer Advisors, the #1 ranked RIA firm in the nation according to the Barron's 2024 Top 100 Registered Investment Advisor Firms, was founded in 1985. For 40 years, Mercer Advisors has been trusted to help families amplify and simplify their financial lives. The company offers comprehensive, fee-based family office services, including financial planning, estate and tax planning, insurance solutions, and corporate trustee and trust administration services. Mercer Advisors Inc. is a parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is majority owned by Oak Hill Capital, Genstar Capital, and Altas Partners. Mercer Global Advisors, Inc. is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is privately held, has over 1,280 employees, and operates nationally through more than 100 locations. Mercer Advisors has $72 billion in client assets. For more information, visit and Important Information Company statistics as of April 30, 2025. Client assets refers to client assets under management (AUM) and client assets under advisement (AUA) as well as assets gained from recent acquisitions where the advisory agreements have been properly assigned to Mercer Global Advisors, but the custodial accounts have yet to be transferred and/or the accounts have yet to be migrated to Mercer Global Advisors' portfolio management system. Mercer Advisors is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice to clients. All estate planning documentation preparation and other legal advice is provided through select third parties unaffiliated to Mercer Advisors. Tax preparation and tax filing are a separate fee from Mercer Advisors' investment management and planning services. Trustee services are offered through select third parties with which a client would engage directly, as such additional fees may apply. Mercer Global Advisors has a related insurance agency. Mercer Advisors Insurance Services, LLC (MAIS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercer Advisors Inc. MAIS provides individual life, disability, long term care coverage, and property and casualty coverage through various insurance companies. For Mercer Global Advisors clients who wish to purchase insurance products, MAIS has entered into a non-exclusive referral agreement with Strategic Partner(s), where the Strategic Partner will provide necessary services relative to the marketing, placement, and servicing of the insurance products, including without limitation preparing and presenting illustrations, supporting the underwriting process, assisting with the completion and execution of applications, delivering policies, and servicing in-force business. MAIS and the Strategic Partner will be listed as either "agents" or "co-agents" on the policies. While Mercer Global Advisors does not receive a referral fee, Strategic Partner receives a percentage of the commission revenue. MAIS and Strategic Partner do have a revenue sharing agreement. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute. 2024 - Barron's Top 100 RIA methodology Mercer Advisors was ranked number 1 for firms with up to $70 billion in client assets. In 2024 Barron's ranked the largest registered investment advisor firms separately from its broader RIA ranking. For Barron's Mega RIAs list, they selected firms that manage 2% or more of the total assets of all ranking applicants. This year, that created a threshold of $70 billion in assets. Advisers who wish to be ranked fill out a 100+ question survey about their practice. Barron's verifies that data with regulatory databases and then Barron's applies their rankings formula to the data to generate a ranking. The formula features three major categories of calculations: (1) Assets (2) Revenue (3) Quality of practice. In each of those categories Barron's does multiple sub calculations including asset type, growth, client retention, technology spending, succession planning, diversity of their teams, charitable and philanthropic work and compliance records. No fee was paid for participation in the ranking, however, Mercer Advisors has paid a fee to Barron's to use the ranking in marketing. Neither rankings and/or recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Mercer Advisors is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Rankings published by magazines, and others, generally base their selections exclusively on information prepared and/or submitted by the recognized adviser. Rankings are generally limited to participating advisers (see participation criteria/methodology). Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, Mercer Advisors did not pay a fee to be included on any such ranking. No ranking or recognition should be construed as a current or past endorsement of Mercer Advisors by any of its clients. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: StreetCred PR merceradvisors@ William Ruben William@ 847-208-8289 Natalie O'Dell Natalie@ 717-818-2116
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ECOcentrix: Empowering Sustainable Energy Since 2011
Woman-Owned, Family-Run Company Continues to Lead the Industry in Solar and Roofing Solutions Across Missouri and Illinois Since 2011. 'Growing up in a family that valued building strong communities taught me the importance of integrity and care in everything we do'— Mollie Olson ST. LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2025 / / -- Woman-Owned, Family-Run Company Continues to Lead the Industry in Solar and Roofing Solutions Across Missouri and Illinois ECOcentrix, a respected leader in residential and commercial solar energy and roofing, proudly celebrates over 14+ years in operation as a local, woman-owned business dedicated to creating healthier, sustainable environments. Founded in 2011 by Mollie Olson, ECOcentrix has grown into a trusted name known for unmatched customer care, an industry-leading warranty, and a genuine passion for community improvement. 'Growing up in a family that valued building strong communities taught me the importance of integrity and care in everything we do,' says Olson. Under Mollie's leadership, ECOcentrix has distinguished itself as one of the region's trusted providers of commercial and residential solar, complete energy solutions and roof repairs and replacements, for both homes and businesses in St. Louis, as well as across Missouri and Illinois. Her extensive expertise is backed by numerous certifications, including BPI Building Analyst, RESNET Home Energy Rater, and AEE Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Mollie also contributes her expertise as the Energy Expert on the St. Louis County Building Code Review Committee. In 2020, Mollie and her husband Aaron expanded ECOcentrix's services, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge residential and commercial solar solutions into their established energy efficiency and construction offerings. This expansion aligned perfectly with their commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives. 'Our goal is always to ensure our customers have reliable, clean energy solutions with exceptional service. We're proud to offer an industry-leading warranty on roofing and solar projects, demonstrating our commitment to long-term quality and customer satisfaction,' said Olson. As uncertainty grows around the future of the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, many in Missouri and Illinois are choosing to go solar now—taking advantage of solar incentives while they last. The ECOcentrix team also provides reliable and trusted roofing solutions across Missouri and Illinois for both residential and commercial properties. Providing repairs and full roof replacements with industry-leading warranty, designed to withstand the Midwest's unpredictable weather. As ECOcentrix moves forward, Mollie Olson remains dedicated to empowering more homeowners and businesses to adopt renewable energy solutions. About ECOcentrix: ECOcentrix, founded in 2011 by Mollie Olson, is a woman-owned, family-operated business based in St. Louis, Missouri. Specializing in residential and commercial solar and roofing solutions. Committed to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction. Proudly serving Missouri and Illinois, ECOcentrix offers industry-leading warranties and personalized energy solutions designed for a healthier, more sustainable future. Mollie Olson ECOcentrix +1 314-246-0116 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Ways To Help Your Business Survive And Thrive In 2025
Jennifer Palmer, CEO of JPalmer Collective, helps high-growth companies—especially women-owned—thrive with financing and partnership. No one hates economic uncertainty more than the business community. In 2025, the market has been extremely volatile with negative growth in the first quarter. The fallout from trade wars is predicted to lead to slower U.S. growth, and there are even talks of an impending recession. While no one can foretell what will happen in the next few quarters, volatility will remain. As a financial leader who has weathered numerous storms, here is what I recommend businesses consider to prep their companies for inclement weather. 1. Take your red pen out. Like you do for your home finances, now is the time to trim costs carefully. Every company falls into lax spending patterns. Owners and leaders must determine which costs are critical to running the business and which can be put on hold until the financial future looks better. The off-site for the team you were planning may need to be relocated to your office, or the conference your business planned to attend may be changed from exhibiting to meeting one-on-one with potential customers. 2. Finance for the future. It may seem counterintuitive, but downturns are the right time to be thinking about how to finance your business, renegotiate a current loan or expand the dollars you are receiving. By seeking a financing solution, the money helps bridge any downturn in business, enables you to pursue new manufacturing avenues and doubles down on your existing company relationships. 3. Reinforce customer relationships. Your customers are likely struggling to navigate the new financial waters. Reach out and ask how you can help them, and make sure you deliver the best products and services on time and within budget. Brainstorm ways to streamline processes and reinforce the partnership you have built. 4. Plan for contingencies. Now is the time to plan for different scenarios—from best case to worst case. Sit down with your management team, discuss what would happen if X happened, and plan. This may not be very comforting, but bringing others together to strategize on different situations will demystify what senior leadership thinks and plans for the future. Many businesses that rely heavily on imported products are preparing for tariffs by front-loading orders. Others are trying to garner goods from countries that are not facing stiff tariffs. One thing is very clear: While consumers may not feel the sting today, the holidays pose a potential for steep price increases or empty shelves due to a lack of inventory. 5. Focus, focus, focus. Businesses should pay close attention to their core products. While something shiny and new is always exciting to introduce to the market, the products supporting the business should now be given even greater care and feeding. Carefully consider the channel partners you work with and ensure you are in close communication with them on pricing. Consider value pricing to give loyal consumers more ways to enjoy your products by purchasing larger sizes for the most value. Weathering The Storm These are turbulent times in the business world. As owners and leaders, we need to do everything we can to stay the course and make smart decisions for the short term to ensure we are all here for the long term. Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Skin solutions for women over 40
Técare is a new woman-owned e-comm retailer based in Ottawa that helps women. We tell you the new season brings challenges that aren't often talked about.
