
WorkParty
Meet your new Work Wives. WorkParty, the beloved business podcast with over 3 million downloads to date and guests like Sara Blakely, Tyra Banks, Jen Atkin and more is back and brand new. Jaclyn Johnson joined by CEO of Create & Cultivate, Marina Middleton are letting you listen in as they navigate the world of entrepreneurship, motherhood, divorce, female friendships and how they make it all work – mostly. A little work, a little party, pour yourself a glass of champagne and pull up, cause we are about to get down to business.
Latest episodes

Sep 7, 2022 • 21min
How to Build a Business That Solves a Problem with Aasiyah Abdulsalam
Like many origin stories, Aasiyah Abdulsalam’s idea came to her as a lightbulb moment. On vacation in Las Vegas, Aasiyah wondered why there wasn’t a product that could keep her wig in place in the warm weather. Then it hit her—she was 100% capable of filling the gap herself. Aasiyah is the founder of The Renatural, a company simplifying and demystifying wigs—Products that have previously been inaccessible, fragmented, and intimidating Her innovative product, The Wig Fix is a hypoallergenic, breathable, and lightweight silicone headband that secures your wig while protecting your scalp and promoting natural hair growth underneath. It also happens to be the first wig related patent obtained in over 55 years. Aasiyah is an industry disruptor, taking the industry miles ahead of where it has been for ages. I can’t wait to learn how she did it. Sponsors: • Clare | Visit Clare at www.clare.com/party to get started. And receive $5 off your first gallon of paint. That’s www.clare.com/partyfor $5 off. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Aasiyah Abdulsalam click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To follow along with The Renatural click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Sep 2, 2022 • 29min
WorkParty Money Moves: Founders Framework with Julissa Prado
Hey everyone, thanks for tuning into this special episode of WorkParty Money Moves: Founder’s Framework. In this series, successful founders will share their perspective on a startup funding scenario: They’ve just received a $10,000 small business loan to start a business, let’s see how they build a framework to spend it! For our fourth installment in the series, I have Julissa Prado here, founder & CEO of Rizos Curls, a clean hair care line aimed at embracing and celebrating the beauty of curls, coils, and waves everywhere! After years of making her own curly cocktail and helping her community embrace their curls, Julissa decided to use her life savings to launch her own hair care line Rizos Curls. The result has been a line of products made with high-quality ingredients that works across all different hair types. As a leading force in the beauty industry, Julissa is widely recognized with award wins as Cosmopolitan’s 2021 New C-Suite Winner, and named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 by Beauty Independent. She is also an active national speaker with roles at Harvard University, The Girl Boss Rally, Create & Cultivate, TED, and many more! I’m so excited to have Julissa here to share more on her journey and how she’d break down the $10,000 as a product-based business! Sponsors: • Bank of America | Bank of America knows that women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing the necessary capital and resources to run and grow their own businesses. That’s why they invest in partnerships that connect you to the mentoring, training and capital you need to find success. You can get access to experts, award-winning insights and business solutions so powerful,you’ll make every move matter. Visit bankofamerica.com/womenbusinessowners. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Julissa Prado click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To follow along with Rizos Curls click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 31, 2022 • 35min
Set Active's Lindsey Carter On Transparency, Community Building, & Social Strategy
Welcome back to the WorkParty podcast! Today I am chatting with none other than the lovely Lindsey Carter. As the founder and CEO of Set Active, and host of her new podcast Ready, Set, Spill––Lindsey Carter is the first to admit that she loves athleisure. However comfortable though, many of the pieces she found herself wearing didn’t leave her exuding confidence, and she knew something needed to be done. With that feeling top of mind, in 2017 she launched the beloved athleisure line––Set Active, a line of monochromatic activewear sets that intertwined function and fashion. Carter continues to drive skyrocketing demand by dropping products–from leggings to sports bras–in limited edition colorways every month. Her strategic approach to business drove Set Active into its cult-like status overnight. With a background in social media consulting and passion for cultivating community, it’s no wonder Carter’s main focus was on building confidence and connection through a shared love for all things active. She has since built a community of over 433K fans and counting, including celebrities like Hailey Bieber, and all of your favorite Barry’s Bootcamp instructors. A brief scroll down Instagram lane is sure to prove this statement true. In this episode of WorkParty, Lindsey is sharing all the juicy details about SET Active’s rise to fame, their community-driven growth method, how she maintains her entrepreneurial spirit, and what truly reflects a brand's success. Sponsors: Zocdoc | Go to zocdoc.com/PARTY and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours. NetSuite | Right now, NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program. Head to netsuite.com/PARTY right now. Clare | Visit Clare at www.clare.com/party to get started. And receive $5 off your first gallon of paint. That’s www.clare.com/partyfor $5 off. Resources: To join the WorkParty click HERE To connect with Lindsey Carter click HERE To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE To follow along with Set Active click HERE To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 26, 2022 • 32min
WorkParty Money Moves: Founders Framework with Lauren Maillian
Hey listeners, you’re tuning into the third episode of WorkParty Money Moves: Founder’s Framework! In this series, successful founders are sharing their perspective on a startup funding scenario: They’ve just received a $10,000 small business loan to start a business, let’s see how they build a framework to spend it! Joining me today is Lauren Maillian, CEO of digitalundivided, the nation’s leading nonprofit that leverages data, programs, and advocacy to catalyze economic growth and success for Black and Latina female entrepreneurs. She is also the Founder & CEO of LMB Group, a strategic marketing and brand advisory company working with Fortune 500 brands and high-growth startups. Lauren was the first black woman to start an early-stage venture capital fund and is now an Investor for and Advisor to the Athena Consumer Acquisition Corporations, the second all women Athena SPAC. Lauren is also the author of her own bestselling memoir, The Path Redefined: Getting To the Top on Your Own Terms. She is a multi-hyphenate change agent committed to diversity, innovation, and inclusion with over 15 years of experience. She has advised and invested in over 40 startups and her portfolio represents more than $5 billion in market capitalization. Needless to say, this woman has a well of knowledge when it comes to strategic spending. Lauren—thank you so much for joining us! I’m so excited to hear how you would take on this $10,000 in funding. Sponsors: • Bank of America | Bank of America knows that women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing the necessary capital and resources to run and grow their own businesses. That’s why they invest in partnerships that connect you to the mentoring, training and capital you need to find success. You can get access to experts, award-winning insights and business solutions so powerful,you’ll make every move matter. Visit bankofamerica.com/womenbusinessowners. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Lauren Maillian click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To follow along with digitalundivided click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 24, 2022 • 25min
How Winnie Harlow & Cassandra Devor Are Building The Most Inclusive Suncare Brand On The Market.
Before she became one of the most recognized faces on the international fashion scene and the founder of a coveted skincare brand, Winnie Harlow was a teen vying for a job at Sephora. Despite knowing exactly what she wanted to do at the age of 16, she was too young at the time and didn’t get the job. But, that didn’t stop her from putting her best face forward—literally—to make her foray into the beauty industry. Today, Winnie has not only made her mark on the industry, she’s making history. And, her journey is just beginning. Joining forces with Cassandra Devor, the two launched Cay Skin—a collection of lightweight, breathable sunscreens made for all skin tones and types.Their mission was simple: to ensure everyone under the sun can feel confident in their skin. And, in a full circle moment, Cay Skin launched this year with a single, exclusive retail partner—Sephora, of course! Today's episode is our live conversation with both Cay Skin co-founders, Winnie Harlow and Cassandra Devor from Create & Cultivate's LA Conference 2022! Join the party on social @workparty and stay in-the-know at www.createcultivate.com. Resources: To join the WorkParty click HERE To connect with Winnie Harlow click HERE To connect with Cassandra Devor click HERE To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE To follow along with Cay Skin click HERE To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Tune into the Unthinkably Good Things premiere, Sunday August 28 at 9/8c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Visit NetSuite.com/PARTY for special financing

Aug 19, 2022 • 21min
WorkParty Money Moves: Founders Framework with Bola Sokunbi
Hey listeners, you’re tuning into the second episode of WorkParty Money Moves: Founder’s Framework! In this series, successful founders are sharing their perspective on a startup funding scenario: They’ve just received a $10,000 small business loan to start a business, let’s see how they build a framework to spend it! Joining me today is Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the U.S! Bola is an award winning Certified Financial Education Instructor, finance expert, 4-time bestselling author, and speaker. After graduating college, Bola was able to save her first $100,000 in a little over 3 years (!!) with a starting salary of just $54,000. Her goal is to help women take charge of their finances, stop living paycheck to paycheck, build real wealth and get you in control of the life they REALLY want to live. Bola—thank you so much for joining us! I’m so excited to hear how you would take on this $10,000 in funding. Sponsors: • Bank of America | Bank of America knows that women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing the necessary capital and resources to run and grow their own businesses. That’s why they invest in partnerships that connect you to the mentoring, training and capital you need to find success. You can get access to experts, award-winning insights and business solutions so powerful,you’ll make every move matter. Visit bankofamerica.com/womenbusinessowners. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Bola Sokunbi click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To follow along with Clever Girl Finance click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 17, 2022 • 36min
How Olivia Culpo Is Shaking Up The Ready-To-Drink Cocktail Space As The Chief Creative Officer Of VIDE.
We're live from Create & Cultivate's LA Conference with Olivia Culpo, entrepreneur, model, and chief creative officer of VIDE. She sat down with our CEO Kate Spies to talk about the inspiration behind her new cocktail brand, juggling multiple projects, and how the entrepreneurial space is treating her. Join the party on social @workparty and stay in-the-know at www.createcultivate.com. Nuuly | Nuuly is already a great value at just $88 a month for any six styles, but right now you can get $10 off your first month off Nuuly when you sign up with code PARTY10. Visit shopify.com/party for a free 14 day trial and get full access to Shopify's entire suite of features. Resources: To join the WorkParty click HERE To connect with Olivia Culpo click HERE To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE To learn more about VIDE click HERE To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 12, 2022 • 28min
WorkParty Money Moves: Founders Framework with Tiffany Sorya
In this special episode of WorkParty Money Moves: Founder’s Framework. In this series sponsored by Bank of America and Mastercard, successful founders will share their perspective on a startup funding scenario: They’ve just received a $10,000 small business loan to start a business, let’s see how they build a framework to spend it! To kick off I have Tiffany Sorya here, founder of Novel Education group, a leading academic agency specialized in full-service homeschooling, private tutoring, test prep,, and enrichment programs. As a renowned influencer and thought leader in the education industry, Tiffany is widely recognized for spearheading a fundamental change in the way young people engage with education in the digital age. I’m so excited to have Tiffany here to share more on her journey and how she’d break down the $10,000 as a service based business! Sponsors: • Bank of America | Bank of America knows that women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing the necessary capital and resources to run and grow their own businesses. That’s why they invest in partnerships that connect you to the mentoring, training and capital you need to find success. You can get access to experts, award-winning insights and business solutions so powerful,you’ll make every move matter. Visit bankofamerica.com/womenbusinessowners. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Corporate Natalie click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 10, 2022 • 26min
Piersten Gaines is Disrupting the Beauty Industry for the BIPOC Community
Today's guest is Piersten Gaines, the founder and CEO of Pressed Roots, a silk blowout bar that provides a first-of-its-kind luxury experience for highly textured hair. After graduating from Columbia University and Harvard Business School, Piersten set out to transform the haircare industry. Her brand speaks directly to the BIPOC women, providing a salon that not only saves them time and energy, but that also specializes in their texture and celebrates their individuality. After launching pop-up salons in major cities all over the country, Piersten opened Pressed Roots' flagship location in Dallas in March of 2020 right before the pandemic hit. Despite this massive challenge, her flagship still proved to be a success and her hair salons sparked a movement–quality hair care that is accessible to all women. In this episode of WorkParty Jaclyn sits down with Piersten Gaines, the founder and CEO of Pressed Roots to talk about how she built her business and trademarked the proprietary Pressed Roots method, how to inform investors when they are not aware of the problem you are trying to fix, and how she is empowering female entrepreneurs one salon visit at a time, and even starting within her team of highly skilled stylists. This week's episode is sponsored by: Nuuly • Nuuly is already a great value at just $88 a month for any six styles, but right now you can get $10 off your first month off Nuuly when you sign up with code PARTY10. Gusto • Join the more than 200K new and growing businesses that are using Gusto to build a great workplace for their employees. Right now, Gusto is offering our listeners 3 months FREE at gusto.com/party. Get easy payroll, benefits, HR, and a happier team. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Piersten Gaines click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To follow along with Pressed Roots click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media

Aug 3, 2022 • 27min
How Corporate Natalie's TikTok Success Landed Her a Job Promotion
For the newest generation of women embarking on their careers, it’s been a rough start. According to Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, 60% of Gen Z workers— between the ages of 18 and 25—said they were either barely surviving or flat-out struggling. Compared to previous generations, Gen Z workers said they were also more likely to struggle finding the balance between work and their personal lives, feeling burnout quicker than most. Through all these challenges, some have learned to cope in a very Gen Z way: via TikTok. Needless to say, Gen-Z is bringing a fresh perspective to the evolving workforce, and there is one corporate millennial who's been paying attention and leading the way. Enter: Today’s guest, Corporate Natalie. As a successful content creator who is taking on corporate America by day and becoming a rising TikTok star by night, Natalie is using her platform to shed some comedy on the everyday work anxieties we all seem to be dealing with. After experiencing the utter bleakness of 2020’s ‘Work From Home’ life, Natalie couldn’t help but take to TikTok to poke fun at current state Corporate America. With over 328,000 Followers on Instagram and 316,000 Followers and 12 Million Likes on TikTok, she is now able to make people around the world laugh and bond over the shared hilarity of ‘New Normal’ nuances. While Natalie has had a growing social following, she has continued to balance her full-time corporate job and has also recently launched a collaboration with celeb-loved loungewear brand LULUSIMONSTUDIO. In this episode of WorkParty, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Natalie to chat about her journey to success. From the entrepreneurial spirit that helped launch her first business in college, to advice on content, video, and comedic writing, she’s sharing her best tips and tricks for how to grow as a content creator, own your worth, and do it all with the utmost confidence. Sponsors: • Nuuly | Nuuly is already a great value at $88 a month, but right now our listeners can receive any 6 styles and $10 off the first month of Nuuly when you sign up with the code PARTY 10. Just go to nuuly.com and enter code PARTY10 to sign up and get $10 off your first month. Resources: • To join the WorkParty click HERE • To connect with Corporate Natalie click HERE • To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE • To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE • To submit your questions call the WorkParty Hotline: 1-(833)-57-PARTY (577-2789) Produced by Dear Media