Meet The Top 3 Founders In Our Selfmade Pitch Competition!

Oct 16, 2024

When you launch a business, you have to know how to sell it: to customers, to potential investors, and to the people you bring on board. In the Selfmade Fall 2024 Pitch competition, we challenged our female entrepreneurs to sell us their big idea and compete to win over $10K in prizes to build and grow their business. The judging panel was made up of a group of inspiring women in business, including Emily Merrell, founder of Second Degree Society and Ready Set Coach; Niki Shamdasani, CEO of Sani Lifestyle Brand; and Joanne Oparu Ayebo Eriaku, business transformation strategist and founder of SOAR AI School of Readiness.

Selfmade is a unique, hands-on business membership for female founders. Our coaches support our mission to help make the dreams of female founders a reality. "Our mission is to even out the odds and offer a clear route to success for business owners who've been marginalized," Emily said during the competition.

Pitch day was filled with uplifting, celebratory moments as all members cheered on the 10 finalists. Winners were judged on creativity, inspiration, authenticity, uniqueness, and evidence of impact. The finalists were phenomenal in their pitches, but the judging panel had to make the tough decision of picking three women who really stood out. Here are the winners of the Selfmade Fall 2024 pitch competition, plus our amazing finalists below!

Meet the Selfmade PItch Winners

Hyacinth Tucker

1st Place Winner

Hyacinth Tucker | The Laundry Basket

A US Army veteran and wife, Hyacinth owns and operates The Laundry Basket, a laundry subscription service that provides expert, laundry-on-demand and dry cleaning services in Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia, Northeast Ohio, and Toronto Canada. The company is committed to sustainability, offering zero-waste practices in partnership with non-profits like Impact Zero. They are also paving the way for minorities and veterans to build careers and businesses through their workforce development program. Hyacinthhas a masters of business administration and is a mom of two. When she’s not running the show, she loves traveling, reading, and playing games with her family.

Monica Casillas

2nd Place Winner

Monica Casillas | Amor Movement

Founder Monica Casillas recognized that many young Latinas faced the same challenges she did in high school, experiencing the weight of generational traumas and their impact on growth and potential. Driven by her own experiences and determination, she set out to create a transformative movement with love as its guiding force. The mission behind Amor Movement is to ignite the passion and leadership potential in young Latinas in high school. The nonprofit is dedicated to equipping these future leaders with essential life skills, professional development, and civic engagement opportunities, empowering them to break barriers and create the lives of their dreams.

Yolanda McCray

3rd Place Winner

Yolanda McCray | Skyler M Style & Wellness

Yolanda's passion for clothing, accessories, and custom products inspired the creation of Skyler M Style & Wellness, named after her Cocker Spaniel who passed away from cancer in 2019. Skyler M Style & Wellness is an online boutique and pop-up shop in South Carolina that offers clothing, accessories, and custom gifts. They are also launching gift and subscription boxes that empower women to embrace their unique style while prioritizing wellness. Their carefully curated products offer a blend of fashion and self-care, solving the common struggle women face in balancing both.

Selfmade

Meet Our Other Amazing Finalists!

Ashley Rankin | AR Naturals Skin
Brooke Hanson | Bumble Fleur
Christine Chen | Bridge.WQ
Melissa Booth | Sustainable Trades
Renee Ecckles-Hardy | Brown Butterfly Press
Sara Anees | Astrolabe LLC
Vivian Bell | NextGen

Thinking about becoming a member of Selfmade? Founders can join Selfmade for just $39 per month and have a chance to pitch your business at our next pitch competition! Here's how our Selfmade community is breaking barriers and connecting you with like-minded founders:

On-demand courses
Live coaching
1:1 mentorship with leading industry experts
Opportunities for pitching your business (such as this pitch comp!)
Digital events
AND of course, our community of 4,000+ women founders, just like you!

Learn more about the Selfmade Founder Fund and join us!

Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more tips and news!

Header image via Meghan Lamle on Unsplash

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

This Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Couples Costume Is The Easiest (& Cutest) Halloween Look

I think we can all agree that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship is one for the books — I mean, we're all obsessed with their fairytale love story. And if you think I'm exaggerating, think back to Halloween 2023: everyone dressed up as the pop star and football player duo, and we just know they will in 2024, too!

Luckily, we're here to help you replicate this "It" couple's look this year! We've got all the details and pieces you'll need to perfectly emulate the A-list couple for your next Halloween costume! Just make sure your partner is carrying a football, because they're gonna be a catch. 😘

Taylor Swift Costume

Official Chiefs Pro Shop

Women's WEAR by Erin Andrews Cream Kansas City Chiefs Stripe Pullover Sweater

Taylor seems to have the best taste in unique Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirts, so this is a great start to your costume! It's very reminiscent of the varsity look she wore at the Bills vs. Chiefs game last December. Plus, it's just cute football merch. to wear year-round! Who doesn't love an adorable sporty look?

If you don't wanna invest in Chiefs merch, this J.Crew Red Sweater is a good swap! It's totally similar to Taylor's outfit from the AFC Championship, without the $700 price tag of her actual Guest In Residence sweater.

Nordstrom

Open Edit Pleated A-Line Miniskirt

Taylor also loves a pleated mini skirt these days! It totally goes with your quasi-cheerleader look, and again: it's a skirt you can wear after Halloween. It's giving sustainable!

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Gibi Knee High Boot

A Taylor Swift Chiefs look wouldn't be complete without some knee-high black boots either. These are a great pair to have in your closet in general, but they'll totally bring the whole Taylor Swift vibes together. Want some other options? Be sure to check out our fave tall black boots!

Amazon

Long Wavy Blond Wig with Fluffy Air Bangs

Oh, and if you don't have blonde hair already? Don't worry! This wig has you covered — literally. While I love this wavier style, there are also some fabulous options for a straight hair look like this one, too.

Sephora

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick

Taylor's signature red lip goes so well with the Chiefs colors, so top your look off with one of our favorite red lipsticks!

Travis Kelce Costume

Official Chiefs Pro Shop

Men's Nike Travis Kelce Red Kansas City Chiefs Game Jersey

If you wanna be the 87 to Taylor's 89, then an official Travis Kelce jersey is the way to start! This is a classic Chiefs jersey, Travis' tried-and-true uniform during football season, so it's perfect! Want something more casual? This Forever 21 Chiefs Outfit definitely captures Kelce's more laid back off-the-field style.

Amazon

CHAMPRO Men's Safety Practice Football Pants with Pads

The bottoms to your top, these football pants will definitely show your commitment to the look.

NFL Shop

Kansas City Chiefs Revolution Speed Display Full-Size Football Replica Helmet

What's a football uniform without a helmet to protect your precious head?!

Amazon

Franklin Football

How could we forget a football? If you're going to dress up as a football player, then make sure you have this on hand — and don't fumble it! Bonus points if you can throw a killer lateral to your fellow Halloween goers with a smooth, "Alright nah" in typical Travis fashion. And there you have the whole look! Just throw on some basic sneakers, and you're good to go!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fashion + Halloween picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

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15 Quotes About Success To Manifest Your Best Life

I'll never tell you how to define your level of success, but I don't mind helping spread a little inspiration if imposter syndrome keeps stepping on your new Adidas sneakers. Even I need a creative confidence boost, despite having a fun career that allows me to do things I love. But, have no fear because these 15 quotes about success will point us in the right direction this fall — and beyond!

Brit + Co

"Life is about finding yourself, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and being true to who you are." —Oprah Winfrey

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"A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman." —Melinda French Gates

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"Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it." —Maya Angelou

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"Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground." —Rosa Parks

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"In my moments of doubt, I've told myself firmly – if not me, who? If not now, when? If you have similar doubts when opportunities are presented to you, I hope those words might be helpful." —Emma Watson

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"Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you." —Margaret Thatcher

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"What would happen if we were all brave enough to be a little bit more ambitious? I think the world would change." —Reese Witherspoon

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"I know society says you should be a certain way, but I think [you should] stop and look at what is your natural way of being who you are." —Ari Horie

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"We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." —Marie Curie

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"What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters." —Kamala Harris

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'Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterward." —Amy Tan

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"Other women who are killing it should motivate you, thrill you, challenge you, and inspire you." —Taylor Swift

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"If you follow your heart, if you listen to your gut and if you extend your hand to help another — not for any agenda, but for the sake of humanity — you are going to find the truth." —Erin Brockovich

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"As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it." —Sandra Day O'Connor

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"Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently." —Marie Forleo

Screenshot these inspirational quotes when you need more reminders you're on the right track.

Header image via Brit + Co

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Tyra Banks Returns To Runway After 20 YEARS For Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Tonight

Tyra Banks' modeling days aren't over — after 20 years away from the catwalk, she's about to don her angel wings yet again for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Not only is Tyra one of THE '90s It Girls, but she had us all "smizing" and practicing our own modeling skills for years with America's Next Top Model.

Thankfully, Tyra's back on the runway after her two decade hiatus, helping to revamp the highly controversial lingerie show alongside some other incredible models. And she's not the only big name helping to revitalize the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show — an iconic diva for the ages is taking the stage, and let's just say you'll want to "turn back time" to watch her performance again and again.

Here are all the exciting details you need to know!

What is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Once known as one of the United State's most popular lingerie brands, Victoria's Secret created a fashion show to showcase popular lingerie designs with the help of gorgeous models, reimagined angel wings, and an amazing musical score to boot!

Debuting in 1995, this show highlighted lingerie in a way that was previously unheard of, and it really caught the attention of the fashion industry (via Fashionista). However, it wasn't until 1997 that the well known "Angel" collection for the brand was introduced to the public. According to Fashionista, Tyra Banks was actually the first person to wear the famous 'wings' onstage, starting a lasting legacy.

Why is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show controversial?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

This will be the first Victoria's Secret fashion show to premiere on TV since 2019, and that's sadly due to controversy that plagued the brand. While they attempted to bring the show back in 2023, people weren't showing as much interest in watching, so the brand made the difficult decision to cancel, according to NBC News. This is probably due to the horrific comments it's parent company's former chief marketing officer, Ed Razek, made in 2018.

He didn't see the need to include transgender models that were usually seen on the runway "because the show is a fantasy," (via NBC News). Razek later tried to clean up his original statement by saying, "We've had transgender models come to the castings ... And like many others, they didn't make it ... But it was never about gender," but the damage was done.

Things continued to go downhill for the brand when its models penned and signed a call-to-action letter to CEO John Mehas. It made a connection to L Brands' CEO Leslie Wexner's friendship with the disgraced and deceased Jeffrey Epstein along with rampant sexual misdeeds in the entire fashion industry (via NBC News). Yikes...

Plus, many people didn't feel like these shows embodied body positivity, only showcasing traditionally thin women on the runway. As of this year, it seems like the brand is committed to change, though.

When did Victoria's Secret announce the 2024 Fashion Show?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret shared a cute reel on Instagram in May about the return of the fashion show. It wrote, "We've read the comments and heard you. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is ✨ BACK ✨ and will reflect who we are today, plus everything you know and love—the glamour, runway, wings, musical entertainment, and more! Stay tuned…it only gets more iconic from here. 🪽#VSFashionShow," in the caption. For the most part, fans seemed eager to see the models, lingerie, and energy of the show on their TV screens again.

Who's going to walk during the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

Besides Tyra Banks, fans will get to see Adriana Lima, Jasmine Tookes, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Gragam, Barbara Palvin, Candic Swanepoel, and Behati Prinsloo strut their stuff on a sleek runway. We can't wait to see who else we'll see!

Who's performing during the Victoria Secret's Fashion Show?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadioGettyImages-2131529424.jpg

The iconic Cher will be headlining the Victoria's Secret fashion show which is making us beyond excited for the explosive music we'll hear. Also, singers Tyla and Lisa from Blackpink will be performing!

When does the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show premiere?

Noam Galai/Getty Images

We'll get to watch the fashion show tonight at 7 p.m. ET! This means we've got a little less than four hours to watch the magic unfold!

Where can I watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

The Victoria's Secret fashion show will be available to watch on Amazon Prime! It'll also stream on YouTube, so be sure to check back closer to that time if you don't have a Prime subscription.

Are you excited to watch the Victoria's Secret fashion show? Let us know & follow us on Facebook!

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Dunkin’s Leaked Holiday Menu Has Something Starbucks Doesn’t

The holidays are slowly approaching, and thank goodness, because it means all of the yummy fast food holiday menus are on their way. If you can’t get enough of a seasonal drink (perhaps a little peppermint action), listen up: Dunkin’s holiday menu for 2024 just got leaked! Rumors about the Dunkin’holiday menu for 2024 have been swirling around online, and based on the drink and snack predictions for the lineup, it looks extra good.

Plus, one of Dunkin's rumored menu items is filling the void in my heart from a missing drink on the Starbucks rumored holiday menu. Hint: it involves toasted white mocha!

The Dunkin’ holiday menu for 2024 is speculated to drop on November 1, six days before Starbucks’ rumored holiday menu will hit. Scroll on to see everything *reportedly* joining the Dunkin’ menu next month!

When will the Dunkin' holiday menu for 2024 drop?

Meredith Holser

According to some menu leaks and rumors surrounding the Dunkin' holiday menu, a new lineup of drinks and snacks will become available starting November 1, 2024.

Per usual, the famed foodie account, @markie_devo, broke the news about the Dunkin' holiday menu leak first.

Drinks On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Holiday Cookie Signature Latte

This festive new latte is reportedly made with brown sugar cookie and toasted almond syrups and topped off with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles. Sounds like a totally sippable dessert to me!

Dunkin'

NEW! Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte

Allegedly only available to order through the Dunkin' app, the Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte sounds like it'll combine brown sugar cookie syrup with oat milk and chai to usher in the holiday season. Based on previous menu offerings, you should be able to get this drink iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Latte

The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a classic when it comes to the Dunkin' holiday menu, so I'm not surprised it's reportedly slated to return this year. This bev features peppermint and mocha syrups, espresso, and milk, topped with a hefty serving of whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Bring it on!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Latte

No shade to Starbucks, but their rumored holiday menu for 2024 kind of broke my heart when I saw the Toasted White Mocha from years past wasn't coming back. Luckily, Dunkin' is seemingly filling the void with their Toasted White Chocolate Latte: a sweet, white chocolate-filled sip topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar topping!

Dunkin'

White Hazelnut Bark Coffee

Reportedly available hot or iced, this coffee is prepped with a Dunkin' toasted white chocolate swirl, hazelnut flavoring, and cream. Any seasonal drink that has nutty notes wins in my book!

Dunkin'

Spiced Cookie Coffee

Another reported "in-app only" drink joining the Dunkin' holiday menu, the Spiced Cookie Coffee will likely also be available to order hot or iced. I expect this bev to taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Cold Brew

I am so excited about this cold brew drink allegedly coming back for the holidays at Dunkin'. The Cookie Butter Cold Brew is made with brown sugar cookie syrup and topped with cookie butter cold foam and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles for extra crunch. Stay tuned, because there's apparently a sweet snack joining the menu to match!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Coconut Cold Brew

This rumored app-exclusive cold brew will include notes of white chocolate and coconut – I need it now.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

This anticipated app-only sip nixes the expected espresso for a very chocolatey (and peppermint-y!) effect.

Snacks + Food On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Hash Brown Brisket Scramble

Dunkin' has tested a number of breakfast Scrambles over the years, which is why I'm not totally shook by this rumored food item coming to the holiday menu for 2024. Per menu leaks, this iteration will feature hash browns, scrambled eggs, shredded brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and of course, a rich Texas queso.

Dunkin'

NEW! Almond Croissant

The rumored holiday menu will also allegedly bring the Almond Croissant to Dunkin's breakfast lineup. It'll be a butter croissant filled with chopped almonds!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Donut

Yep – I need this in my belly ASAP. The Cookie Butter Donut is packed with a cookie butter filling, slathered with maple-flavored icing, then dipped in a delish speculoos cookie topping (tastes just like Biscoff cookies)! Sweet treat, anyone?

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the official Dunkin' holiday menu once it drops!

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