We’re celebrating women who inspire us — founders, makers, and creatives building businesses while embracing the full, often messy, balance of life and creativity. Their stories are reminders that following your ideas (and your instincts) can lead to something truly meaningful.
Laura Rubin is the founder of AllSwell, where she creates thoughtfully designed journals and workshops that help people organize ideas, spark creativity, and live more intentionally. She is also the author of an upcoming book: The Big Unlock.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
I was already an entrepreneur, but I took the leap and pivoted to focusing full time on my mindful journaling “experiment” business, AllSwell Creative. It was only intended to be a passion project, but the sense of mission I felt about bringing people to the page became so great, I decided to give it my full professional focus. I wound down my marketing agency and shifted all my efforts over to this fledgling brand. People thought I was crazy, and it was definitely risky, but I trusted my gut and I am so glad I did.
I’ve now led hundreds of mindful journaling experiences for diverse audiences (from Google to Dior to wounded veterans and formerly incarcerated young adults), launched a suite of products to support analog creativity, and have my first book debuting later this month, The Big Unlock: Liberate Your Creativity Through Mindful Journaling (publishing 3/31 by Simon & Schuster). I’m also launching a non-profit offshoot of AllSwell, to formally be announced later this month.
People are ready to come home to tactile, unplugged creative outlets and activities. And the mental, emotional and physiological benefits of a regular journaling practice await them.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
I was already an entrepreneur, but I took the leap and pivoted to focusing full time on my mindful journaling “experiment” business, AllSwell Creative. It was only intended to be a passion project, but the sense of mission I felt about bringing people to the page became so great, I decided to give it my full professional focus. I wound down my marketing agency and shifted all my efforts over to this fledgling brand. People thought I was crazy, and it was definitely risky, but I trusted my gut and I am so glad I did.
I’ve now led hundreds of mindful journaling experiences for diverse audiences (from Google to Dior to wounded veterans and formerly incarcerated young adults), launched a suite of products to support analog creativity, and have my first book debuting later this month, The Big Unlock: Liberate Your Creativity Through Mindful Journaling (publishing 3/31 by Simon & Schuster). I’m also launching a non-profit offshoot of AllSwell, to formally be announced later this month.
People are ready to come home to tactile, unplugged creative outlets and activities. And the mental, emotional and physiological benefits of a regular journaling practice await them.
Lisa Moir is a stylist and entrepreneur- designing jewelry and hats, under her label: Val Des Monts, which is carbon farmed and climate beneficial. Donating 2% to indigenous food and sovereignty programs.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
The shift happened when I stopped seeing failure as a threat and started seeing it as information. I badly needed a different creative outlet and wanted to see if what I designed would resonate. The beanies have been my entry point dipping my toes into building a small brand from work that I love. They were lower risk, accessible, and allowed me to test the market without overexposing myself creatively or financially. I treated them as a learning laboratory, understanding my customer, refining my aesthetic, observing price sensitivity, and seeing what resonated. From there it has slowly and organically grown into a relevant small business. Now I can design with much more clarity, because I know who I'm speaking to, and what she responds to.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
The shift happened when I stopped seeing failure as a threat and started seeing it as information. I badly needed a different creative outlet and wanted to see if what I designed would resonate. The beanies have been my entry point dipping my toes into building a small brand from work that I love. They were lower risk, accessible, and allowed me to test the market without overexposing myself creatively or financially. I treated them as a learning laboratory, understanding my customer, refining my aesthetic, observing price sensitivity, and seeing what resonated. From there it has slowly and organically grown into a relevant small business. Now I can design with much more clarity, because I know who I'm speaking to, and what she responds to.
Lisa Hanson is a former television producer on the top reality shows of the early 2000’s (The Bachelor, America’s Next Top Model, MTV’s Real World Road Rules, The Apprentice) Lisa continues that skill set by vetting the best in lifestyle brands to bring to national audiences on Good Morning America and the TODAY shows, "Deals and Steals" segments.
Three years ago, she decided to enter the luxury hospitality world where she became a concierge at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. She is passionate about sharing her favorite things about the island and considers it a dream job.
Lisa and her husband founded Uncle Rainbeau’s after recognizing a gap in the market for meaningful locally inspired gifts their visitors could bring home. Since launching their family venture, they have sold thousands of hats to visitors from all around the globe. Lisa thrives on building lasting relationships within her community, which makes Uncle Rainbeau’s a natural fit at the North Shore Farmer’s Market.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
The defining moment that pushed me from hobbyist to entrepreneur was when I first started making hats for friends that would come visit us.Shortly after our first samples were made, I was at a gas station when someone asked where I got my hat. I ended up selling it right off my head. The next week if happened at the grocery store, the next time the gym. Everywhere I wore it, someone would ask. I kept replying, "you can’t buy them anywhere, we only make them for our friends that come visit.” It was then that I realized we had a little business. I applied for a booth at the Farmer’s Market, here on Kauai, and we were vendors the following weekend. With one small table, a brightly colored rainbow table cloth, and a crisp white tent, Uncle Rainbeau’s was born. We now sell our hats internationally, I say. People from New Zealand to New Delhi visit Kauai and take a little piece of our Aloha home with them. We have sold thousands of embroidered hand-pressed hats exclusively at the Farmer’s Market here on the North Shore of Kauai.
Three years ago, she decided to enter the luxury hospitality world where she became a concierge at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. She is passionate about sharing her favorite things about the island and considers it a dream job.
Lisa and her husband founded Uncle Rainbeau’s after recognizing a gap in the market for meaningful locally inspired gifts their visitors could bring home. Since launching their family venture, they have sold thousands of hats to visitors from all around the globe. Lisa thrives on building lasting relationships within her community, which makes Uncle Rainbeau’s a natural fit at the North Shore Farmer’s Market.
Was there a defining moment that pushed you from hobbyist to entrepreneur?
The defining moment that pushed me from hobbyist to entrepreneur was when I first started making hats for friends that would come visit us.Shortly after our first samples were made, I was at a gas station when someone asked where I got my hat. I ended up selling it right off my head. The next week if happened at the grocery store, the next time the gym. Everywhere I wore it, someone would ask. I kept replying, "you can’t buy them anywhere, we only make them for our friends that come visit.” It was then that I realized we had a little business. I applied for a booth at the Farmer’s Market, here on Kauai, and we were vendors the following weekend. With one small table, a brightly colored rainbow table cloth, and a crisp white tent, Uncle Rainbeau’s was born. We now sell our hats internationally, I say. People from New Zealand to New Delhi visit Kauai and take a little piece of our Aloha home with them. We have sold thousands of embroidered hand-pressed hats exclusively at the Farmer’s Market here on the North Shore of Kauai.
Lisa Hadley Betts is an entrepreneur and sustainability advocate supporting artisans and the slow fashion movement. One of her hand beaded belts, made in Bali- will be coming soon exclusively to CarveDesigns.com
How do you shift between creative and CEO mode?
Honestly, I think is something I am still learning to do. Designing for me is usually very isolating. That is just how I work and it comes really naturally to who I am. Starting Horseshoe Music Festival in the last 3.5 years is where I really have had to think more like a CEO. I have to be outward facing in the community, working daily with my team and teaching myself so many new skills. I would rather be creating than doing anything else, but I have learned that I am actually pretty good at wearing a lot of different hats and being a boss.
We’re so grateful to the women who shared their stories with us. Their creativity, resilience, and passion for what they do continue to inspire us every day.
How do you shift between creative and CEO mode?
Honestly, I think is something I am still learning to do. Designing for me is usually very isolating. That is just how I work and it comes really naturally to who I am. Starting Horseshoe Music Festival in the last 3.5 years is where I really have had to think more like a CEO. I have to be outward facing in the community, working daily with my team and teaching myself so many new skills. I would rather be creating than doing anything else, but I have learned that I am actually pretty good at wearing a lot of different hats and being a boss.
We’re so grateful to the women who shared their stories with us. Their creativity, resilience, and passion for what they do continue to inspire us every day.