Liberty Sessions With Nada Jones | Celebrating Women Who Do & Inspiring Women Who Can |

Wanda Wen, founder and creative force behind Soolip, is celebrated for her unremitting romance with the artisanal and the inherent beauty of things touched by hand. Established on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood in 1995, and now nestled in Westlake Village, Soolip was built upon a profound love of paper - the tactile, expressive medium that continues to inspire Wen's world of refined artistry and soulful luxury.   A USC business graduate and former New York fashion executive with Perry Ellis and Stephen Sprouse, Wen blends business acumen with a discerning eye for art, style, and meaningful detail. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Town & Country, Better Homes & Gardens, and more, and she has appeared on The Today Show, HGTV, and as a judge on Freeform’s Wrap Battle alongside Carson Kressley and Sheryl Underwood. Author of The Art of Gift Wrapping (Potter Craft/Random House), Wen is also known as America’s “go-to gift wrap stylephile.” A dedicated yogi and teacher, Wen infuses mindfu

Lisa Congdon is an internationally known, award-winning artist and illustrator. She is best known for her colorful, graphic style and her exploration of themes of joy, liberation, and inclusion. She makes art for clients around the globe, including The Library of Congress, Target, The U.S. Postal Service, Wired Magazine, Amazon, Google, Warby Parker, Method, Comme des Garçons, Brooks Running, Peets Coffee, REI, and MoMA, among many others. Lisa exhibits internationally, including solo shows at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art (California), Chefas Projects (Oregon), and Paradigm Gallery (Philadelphia), along with group shows at Hashimoto Contemporary in Los Angeles, Museum of Design Atlanta, and The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.   Lisa is self-taught and didn’t achieve momentum in her career until she was nearly 40 years old. Despite her untraditional path, Lisa has achieved recognition, not just as an artist but as a leader in the industry for her work in social justice, mentoring, and teach

Dina Aronson is a writer, editor, and pro-age advocate who is passionate about shining a light on midlife women and reframing the cultural conversation around aging. A former attorney, law firm manager, and founder of a legal search consultancy, she pivoted careers at 51 after realizing how little content reflected her own evolving midlife experience. She began freelancing for startups focused on women over 40. Along the way, she founded the Patina blog, now a Substack newsletter called Patina with Dina Aronson, where she explores topics related to aging through her midlife lens. Dina is the coeditor of Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age, a soulful, unfiltered collection of stories that speak to what it really feels like to be a midlife woman in the world today.  She sits on the Governing Board of the nonprofit America Needs You and on the Influencer Council of the nonprofit Uncommon Threads. Dina lives between New York City and Miami with her husband and is

Irene Chen is the co-founder of Parker Thatch, a California-based functional luxury accessories brand. With a background in fashion product development, including roles at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, Irene brings decades of industry experience to the brand she co-founded with her partner and husband, Matthew Grenby. Together, they have grown Parker Thatch from its origins as an e-stationery company in 2001 to a profitable, eight-figure business known for its stylish and functional handbags, like the Charlie carryall and the Mimi tote.  A key moment in the brand’s journey came in 2015 when handbag legend Kate Spade, a former customer-turned-mentor, encouraged the duo to focus on handbags and accessories—a decision that would propel the company’s growth. Irene is passionate about building a brand that resonates with women across generations, offering functional luxury with customizable options that meet the needs of self-expression and modern life. Irene and Matt reside in the Bay Area with their two childre

Kat Hantas is the co-founder of 21SEEDS Tequila, one of the fastest-growing flavored tequilas. She created 21SEEDS because it’s what she wanted to drink – something smooth, simple, and casual with a fresh, natural flavor that made drinking infused tequila as approachable as a glass of wine. Before it was a brand, it was just a couple of bottles infused in her kitchen with things she had on hand. What began as one bottle turned into dozens… and eventually, a new beginning. She called her sister Nicole and our friend Sarika, and they started talking about the possibilities. They found a female-led distillery– a perfect fit. They worked on different infusions and got each recipe just right. They came up with a name. Two sisters and one friend: 21SEEDS was born. In today’s episode, Nada talks with Kat about her journey as a co-founder in the spirits industry. After a conversation with her doctor, Kat set out to create a cleaner drink to replace her nightly glass of wine and then began making cocktails for her ol

Amina AlTai is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of The Ambition Trap, helping purpose-driven leaders and teams thrive. She specializes in historically excluded communities (women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+), but all are welcome. Her goal is to help others reconnect their drive to their purpose so they can step fully into their purposeful ambition without burning out. She has partnered with Google, Roku, Snap, Outdoor Voices, NYU, and HUGE, and is a Forbes contributor, Entrepreneur Magazine expert-in-residence, and Success Magazine Women of Influence honoree. She also hosts the podcast Amina Change Your Life, where she interviews top leaders on building meaningful, purpose-driven careers.  In today’s episode, Nada talks with Amina about her book, The Ambition Trap, where she explores the difference between living a purpose-filled and a pain-filled life. Amina explains how a double autoimmune diagnosis in her twenties led to a journey of introspection and healing, then eventually, a career change. After

Annie Jackson has been a key player in the successes of the industry’s most prominent beauty companies. Annie began her career at Estée Lauder, where, after 6 years, she was recruited to be one of the early members of the team that launched Sephora USA and Japan. Later, she took a role as the Director of Global Product Marketing for Benefit Cosmetics and, in 2011, returned to her Sephora roots in merchandising for color cosmetics at Sephora within JCPenney. Her love of beauty and quest for cleaner options led her, alongside Shashi Batra, to create Credo Beauty. As Co-founders, they shared a vision to change the way people think about what they put in and on their bodies and skin, fostering a new generation of beauty brands - natural, organic, effective, clean, and sustainable – and to pioneer the clean beauty movement.  In today’s episode, Nada talks with Annie about the non-traditional path that led her to the beauty industry. Annie shares her ambitious jump into adulthood when she crossed the country witho

Kelly Atterton is a veteran beauty editor and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience shaping the beauty landscape. She currently serves as Beauty Director at C Magazine and is a contributor to Air Mail Look, where she shares insights on beauty, wellness, and style. Kelly has held prominent editorial roles at Allure, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, establishing herself as a trusted voice in the industry.  In 2019, she launched Atterton, a boutique in Los Angeles that became a destination for discovering emerging beauty brands. Building on that passion, she co-founded Rile, a clean skincare line designed specifically for tweens and teens, filling a crucial gap in the youth beauty market. Kelly also serves as the Beauty Curator for Covet by Christos, where she introduces standout beauty brands to the CBC community through curated selections and live social selling shows. Her on-camera presence and deep industry knowledge make her a key figure in connecting consumers with both indie and established beauty bran

Jessica Mortarotti is an entrepreneur with a knack for identifying market trends and a track record of successfully launching startup businesses. She founded & developed a farm-to-table ice cream company called Carmela Ice Cream in 2007, when she rightfully predicted the rise of specialty ice cream. Carmela Ice Cream is considered one of the top ice creams in the nation and has won numerous awards and accolades.  Jessica’s ability to identify emerging trends, create strong, impactful brands, and her business experience have led her to her newest endeavor, SUN LOVE. Her sun-positive brand is venturing into the untapped niche within the 160 billion dollar skincare industry, and she is turning up the volume on pre- and post-sun exposure care.  Jessica has been a guest lecturer, panelist, and interviewee countless times, sharing her expertise around her various ventures. She has been featured in a “trailblazers” event for female entrepreneurs by Voyage Magazine, and is currently the co-host of an entrepreneuria

Jill Rowe’s creative journey is anything but conventional—and that’s what makes it powerful. She began her career in fashion, modeling for iconic photographers such as Herb Ritts and David Bailey, before transitioning into New York’s downtown art world, where she worked with visionaries like Keith Haring and Ed Ruscha. Her curiosity led her to film production, then to the kitchen, where she discovered a love of feeding others, hosting intimate farmhouse dinners, and eventually opening her southern-inspired restaurant. She spent eight years running Danny Meyer’s Union Square Cafe, honing her skills in service, leadership, and connection. Ready for a return to entrepreneurship, Jill moved to the Hudson Valley and met photographer and author Matthew Benson, who had already transformed Stonegate Farm into a biodiverse, organic estate. Together, they launched Cultivate Apothecary, crafting potent skincare and wellness products from the botanicals already thriving on the land, while adding new plantings known for

Mandy Lehto is an ex-investment banker turned executive coach. She has coached, facilitated, and trained hundreds of senior leaders (many in Fortune 500 companies) over the past 17 years. She has a doctorate from Cambridge, is a Fellow of the Association for Coaching, and has been featured in Forbes, The Times, Fast Company, Psychologies, Inc., and on CNBC. Her show, Enough, the Podcast, also ranks in the global top 2%. She lives in Wimbledon with her husband, teenage kids, and her toy poodle, Herbie. In today's episode, Nada and Mandy discuss career coaching, "Mandyisms," and the concept of  "enoughness." Mandy shares how her shifting purpose in life led to several vastly different careers, and how she honed her personal and professional values into catchy mantras along the way. After identifying her coaching superpower, she was able to help others unlock theirs to find their purpose. Nada and Mandy reflect on what it means to be enough and how the 13 Sucky Commandments prevent us from seeing our wholeness.

Azin Radsan Van Alebeek is a co-founder and managing partner at Emmeline Ventures. This early-stage fund invests in and supports female-led start-ups in tech-enabled, FemTech, FinTech, and Sustainability sectors. With over 30 years of experience as an executive and board-level advisor, she leverages her strategic planning and coaching skills to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, achieve their goals, and create returns for investors. Azin is passionate about empowering women to achieve financial sovereignty and make a positive impact in the world. She volunteers regularly to mentor other women on financial literacy, angel investing, and playing big.   In today’s episode, Azin shares how an invitation to do something she knew little about led to betting on herself and ultimately becoming an investor in women’s health, wealth, and overall well-being. Azin breaks down her role as Co-founder of Emmeline Ventures and the firm’s focus on improving women’s lives. She describes the meandering journey that to

Since stepping down from the “day to day” of running Mendocino Farms, a premium fast-casual gourmet sandwich and salad concept that she co-founded in 2005, Ellen Chen has focused her time, energy, and passion on investing in female and minority-founded businesses. Ellen is leveraging her twenty years of experience growing food brands to help early-stage founders understand their purpose, operationalize their values, secure the necessary resources, and hopefully avoid some of the mistakes she made. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News included her on their annual Power List, and in 2020, Nation’s Restaurant News named her the 50 most influential women in food service. She sits on the Boards of Directors of Mendocino Farms, Sugared + Bronzed, and HomeState, as well as an Advisor to Curbit, Womaness, Kirra, and Vibrant Funds. Ellen strongly believes in giving back to her community. She serves as a Board Member of Teach AAPI and AAPI LA, an initiative launched by the Mayor’s office in Los Angeles.  In today’s epis

Kate Waitzkin is a mother of three, yoga and meditation teacher, writer, mentor, and Founder of The Shala and The Shala Online. She has taught yoga and meditation for nearly two decades and is recognized for her accessible and potent approach to teaching.  In addition to The Shala Online, Kate has shared her expertise with goop.com, the Yoga Wake Up app, and CamilleStyles.com. In 2019, Kate led breathwork and meditation classes at goop league - goop’s first-ever fitness experience in Austin, Texas. Her writing has appeared in Magnolia Journal, Texas Highways, goop.com, camillestyles.com, and teach.yoga.  In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Kate for a discussion packed with practical tips and advice for those looking to branch out in a new direction. Kate opens up about various career pivots informed by life circumstances and intentional reflection. The two discuss her forthcoming book, and the process and challenge of writing and getting published. Kate offers advice for those looking to launch an onlin

Bonnie Wan is the creator and author of The Life Brief, a simple yet profound action-driving practice that helps people navigate life’s big decisions with clarity, creativity, and courage. The Life Brief applies the art and science of brand strategy to how we live our lives. As a 30-year career Brand Strategist turned Life & Leadership Strategist, Bonnie not only helps some of the world’s most iconic companies innovate from a place of purpose, but also guides everyday people to live with greater intention and imagination. She has been named “Chief Strategy Officer of the Year” and “One of 100 Women to KNOW in America”. In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Bonnie to discuss her book, “The Life Brief,” and the practice of finding our inner unicorn. Bonnie shares how her career as a brand strategist created a framework for reordering the personal and inner chaos she was experiencing. She and Nada dive into the three parts of the book (the messy, getting clarity, and taking action) in order to discover and p

An award-winning lifestyle expert, Belinda Chang specializes in making epic moments of everyday occurrences through dynamic activations in the food and wine world. Prior to entering the life of a small business owner, Belinda managed the legendary wine and service teams at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, The Fifth Floor in San Francisco, Danny Meyer's The Modern in NYC, and more. While at The Modern, she was honored with James Beard Awards' "Outstanding Wine Service" in 2011 - the first and only time this award has been given to a BIPOC woman.  Belinda's production team, Studio 8h Productions, has a client roster that includes 80 Fortune 500 companies. Her team has produced over 200 global virtual experiences to date. When she is not creating the food world's buzziest IRL and virtual events, you can find Ms. Chang on local and national outlets like The New York Times, Food and Wine, Forbes, CNBC, Fox, ABC, and more. In today's episode, Nada sits down with Belinda to talk about wine and luxury experiences and

Dr. Vonda Wright is a practicing double-boarded Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon, Author, Speaker, Researcher, and Innovator whose work stands at the intersection of Longevity | Women’s Health | Performance. Dr Wright is a frequent media and conference expert widely recognized for her thought leadership. Her innovative science-based approach is changing the lives of millions in midlife. In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Dr. Wright for an education on women’s musculoskeletal health during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Wright shares her breadth of knowledge on the interaction between estrogen, exercise, diet, and physiology. She explains a few key components of a successful diet and exercise plan and provides several resources to get us up and going. Her conviction that women are strong and can do hard things will motivate each of us to seek healthy longevity. Be sure to check out Dr. Vonda Wright’s website for links to her socials, books, and other great resources. Read her article on musculoskeletal syndro

Kelly Nutt is an interior designer based in Corona del Mar, California, and has immersed herself in various aspects of the interior design business for over two decades. It wasn't until her late forties that she took on a few small projects that eventually launched her design firm. While she's busy managing her team and running a business, you can still find her weaving together old and new objects with various materials and patterns to create inviting and personalized environments. In today's episode, Nada sits down with Kelly to discuss the slow and steady process of growing her interior design brand. Kelly shares the challenges she encountered early on as her business started to expand and how she went from working in her bedroom to moving into an official office and managing a team. The two discuss the importance of building professional relationships, remaining flexible no matter your industry, and trying things out to find a vocational fit.  Check out Kelly’s work at her website and follow on Instagra

Kaye Kramer and Catherine McCord are taking their years of collected experience to help female founders launch and grow their businesses through Founder Launch Lab. The program is designed to bring together a dynamic cohort of like-minded peers along with the experience, mentorship, and personalized coaching that Kaye and Catherine bring to the table. The 9-month program supports founders in mastering business fundamentals, refining growth strategies, and optimizing operations. Kay Kramer is an entrepreneur, founder, senior executive, non-profit board member, and certified career coach specializing in leadership, executive strategy, and career transitions. Kaye’s experience in the entertainment industry includes representing talent at United Talent Agency, overseeing production as a movie executive at Interscope Films, and leading Nielsen Entertainment as Executive Vice President. Her entrepreneurial ventures include serving as COO of The Babybox Co., co-founding Nursery Works, and founding Step Up Women’s N

Neha Ruch is the founder of Mother Untitled, the leading platform for ambitious women leaning into family life.  A thought leader, influencer, and sought-after speaker focusing on women, work, parenting, and identity, Neha’s work at Mother Untitled is catalyzing a shift in how society views stay-at-home motherhood. Her book, "THE POWER PAUSE: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids – and Come Back Stronger Than Ever," was published by Putnam in January 2025. Neha lives in Manhattan with her husband, their two children, and their dog Coconut. In today’s episode, Nada sits down with Neha to discuss the power of taking a pause and what that looks like for today’s modern working woman who enters motherhood. Neha shares how she experienced great success early in her career and decided to downshift once she became a mom. She explains how during her time at home it became clear that motherhood has changed from the old archetypes and that new stories need to be shared. The two explore how Neha’s work of empowering wom