What a time to be a woman! Throughout time, women have been pioneers across varying industries and careers, unafraid to follow their dreams. This year, during Women's History Month, we’re honoring five trailblazers across the beauty, wellness, and entertainment spaces. Each of these women is inspirational in her own right, and we pay homage to how they have empowered their communities with their contributions.
Germaine Bolds-Leftridge | Ambi Skincare & I KNOW
If there’s anyone who truly has the Midas touch, it’s Germaine Bolds-Leftridge aka the “Queen Midas” of multicultural beauty brands. With the change in ownership in 2018, Germaine became co-owner of Ambi. Germaine first started in the business after landing her first client, Luster Products, known today as the world’s leading African-American owned manufacturer of premium personal care products. Since 1984, Germaine has been known for turning brand founders into multi-millionaires via her company GBL Sales, Inc., and The Ubiquitous Women’s Expo. Not only is Germaine known for helping Ambi excel in sales and brand building, Germaine has also played a significant role in helping notable black-owned brands such as Taliah Waajid, Mielle Organics, and ORS Haircare rise to the top.
Germaine has also dedicated her life to service, and is a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is also a proud member of The Links organization – a non-profit organization for black women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. She also serves as Chairperson of the Board for The Leftridge Family Foundation, established in 2012, to raise money to benefit the education of underprivileged and at-risk minority boys.
More recently, after 30 years of being a broker for multiple beauty brands, Germaine launched her own skincare brand called I KNOW, anti-aging formulas for Black women 50 years and older, in Fall 2021.
Germaine Bolds-Leftridge never shies away from an opportunity to help others, and we are so honored to have her as a Co-Owner of Ambi Skincare.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Anomaly Hair Care
Kiss bad hair days goodbye with Anomaly Hair Care. Founded by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anomaly strives to provide affordable, sustainable, high-quality hair products. Driven by the mission that you shouldn’t have to choose between what works and what’s good for the planet, the Indian actress and producer developed the hair care line with a clean promise that Anomaly’s products are free of parabens and mineral oils, vegan and cruelty-free, and free of SLS/SLEs. Priyanka was named by Forbes as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2022 and as she proceeds to break barriers within various industries, she is truly living up to this esteemed title.
Wendy Jules & Carla Nelson | Fleur De Lis Beauty & Esthetics
When it comes to medical esthetics, it's safe to say that Wendy Jules and Carla Nelson have it ON LOCK! In July 2020, these trailblazing Haitian-American sisters and Registered Nurses combined their shared love for skincare and the medical field to open Fleur De Lis Beauty & Esthetics, a medical spa located in Brooklyn, New York. During the height of the pandemic, Fleur De Lis Beauty & Esthetics forged their own path devoted to building a community of people that embody self-care. FDL Beauty & Esthetics prioritizes and engineers luxury skincare and wellness for melanin-rich skin through education and various professional treatments such as Chemical Peels, Hydrafacials, Microneedling, IV Hydration, and Laser Hair Removal. At FDL Beauty & Esthetics, “beauty isn't just a look, it's a lifestyle,” and it shows!
Angie Martinez | IRL Podcast
From "The Voice of New York" to The Voice of "IRL" (In Real Life), Angie Martinez hasn’t missed a beat. Known as the queen of radio for over 20 years, this Latina is easily one of the most influential media personalities in pop culture. In July 2022, Angie created a wellness podcast called "IRL", where she and notable guests (such as Usher, Taraji P. Henson, Lauren London, and Mike Tyson), speak candidly about life, purpose, and its complexities. The IRL podcast allows Angie to hone in on her notoriety while still allowing people to see her in a more transparent light. As Angie continues to provide a platform where people can share their stories, we are excited to see how Angie’s story continues to unfold and what this next chapter will bring her one listen at a time.