HER STYLE

EUROPEAN FLAIR

Andra Karpel’s modern, chic style gives a nod to her international upbringing

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

With a passion for travel and hospitality, Andra Karpel draws upon her appreciation for blended cultures when creating looks. As a leader of media relations and marketing for a variety of Hilton hotels, Karpel has always appreciated the special synergy between her career and style. “I often look to the fashion industry to inspire my creative projects with Hilton,” she says. Karpel, who was born in Transylvania and raised in Romania until a teen, also takes style influence from her upbringing. Growing up, she would watch her mom and her friends get dressed up, attend social functions and take pride in the role that fashion plays in Eastern European culture. “European women opt for timeless pieces that work together in harmony,” says Karpel, noting she incorporates a little European flair in every outfit. For the most part, the new mom relies on classic wardrobe staples to keep things sleek and effortless and indulges in trends through accessories. “I lean toward masculine, modern silhouettes and solid colors and I love a monochromatic look,” she says. With a love for asymmetry in fashion, Karpel favors Helmut Lang for quality basics and Cult Gaia’s lifestyle collection for a vacation vibe.

What is your signature look? Power blazers are my pedigree. I have a closet full of them and I can’t help lusting after more. A blazer will dress up any outfit with just the right amount of polish. Add a colorful lip and a confident smile, and you’re ready to take on the world!

What is your must-have fashion item? A great poplin white button-down and a signature blood-red lip.

What will we see you in on weekends versus workdays? Weekends are for yoga pants and messy buns – the mom uniform. Weekdays, when I’m at media events or work functions, I keep it classic with tailored trousers, a silk blouse and comfortable heels.

Entrepreneur coach Ali Brown supports women business owners at the top of their game

Ali Brown, founder and CEO of The Trust, an exclusive network for highlevel women entrepreneurs, has made a name for herself as one of the most recognized business coaches in the world. But like many others, her journey began near the bottom of the ladder. “Most of my 20s was about feeling ‘unemployable’ as I hopped from job to job, trying to find one that made me happy

where I could put my talents to use,” says Brown, who moved between jobs for six years after graduation before joining a small ad agency in New York City. While she enjoyed the variety of projects and fast pace, Brown was frustrated that many of her ideas for improvement fell on deaf ears. “I realized then I was meant to work for myself – and I never looked back.” In 1998, Brown quit her job and worked as a freelance copywriter from a secondhand computer given to her by her younger brother. During this time, she juggled her feelings of certainty that she was on the right path with the realities of kickstarting a career as an entrepreneur – at one point going to the ATM only to find that her bank balance was less than $20. But she refused to give up her newfound independence, and by focusing on her talents for copywriting and online marketing, Brown started to gain bigger and bigger clients. And when other women began asking her for advice, she knew she had really made it. “I always loved helping others, sharing what works and getting to know people’s journeys. Becoming a mentor, consultant and coach combined everything I loved in a very business-oriented but personal way,” she says. “I enjoy working with women the most. Success is such a personal journey for us. It’s thrilling to see a woman leader placing all bets on herself for the first time – it’s a huge milestone that means she’s ready to go big and stop doubting.” With the rise of social media, which allows anyone to label themselves a business coach, Brown knew she had to set herself apart. When she looked for a subset on which to focus her efforts, leaders with larger businesses stood out. “With larger ventures, the stakes are higher, and the bigger game always includes a bigger impact. There are also fewer women entrepreneurs at the higher levels – less than 2% of women-owned businesses generate revenues past $1 million a year.” Today, Brown offers online courses, live seminars and private mentoring for women entrepreneurs through her business empowerment company We Lead. Her individualized advice helps her clients identify hidden opportunities, unforeseen challenges and industry formulas to position businesses for the next level of growth. “Women bring so much to the world of business, including an importance on how our work aligns with our missions and passions. I find it fascinating that money is just the start of their journey – typically there’s also a huge personal purpose emerging, and I help bring it out so we can focus on that as our North Star.”

Making Radio Waves

Brown has also been able to help thousands of people narrow in on their purpose through her podcast, Glambition Radio, with episodes sharing invaluable information and success stories with listeners around the world. “Glambition Radio began in 2014 because I craved intelligent conversations with incredible women entrepreneurs. I was tired of the vapid ‘boss-girl-babe-badass’ podcasts and wanted to offer something of substance, but still have some fun – hence the name.” Each guest – including humanitarian Zainab Salbi, former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino and Orangetheory Fitness’ Ellen Latham – provides insider information on how they’ve scaled their businesses, birthed movements and made an impact in their respective fields.

Brown’s most recent venture, The Trust, was also born from her desire to support other entrepreneurs. “Once my company’s revenues were into the multiple millions, I was fortunate to be invited into several private circles for this level of women business owners. I was growing tired of joining groups filled with newbies – I love helping other women, but I needed somewhere to be fulfilled myself.” Though Brown made some great connections through these organizations, she found many of the groups to be dry and unhelpful. And her clients, most of whom were making well over $1 million in yearly revenue, turned to Brown in their own search for a network of women at a higher level. “Over the past few years, I heard this little voice in my head saying, ‘Maybe you’re supposed to do this, Ali.’ I kept putting it off, but finally I realized the idea was waiting for me, and I made the move.” Founded in 2020, The Trust (www. jointhetrust.org) is a global network for women entrepreneurs generating seven- and eight-figure revenues. The private, invitation-only community fosters relationships between high-level peers through exclusive webinars and in-person gatherings, many of which are held in Scottsdale. Frequently in attendance are female founders and CEOs of nine-figure companies, who meet with and provide personalized support for members. “I wanted something business-focused but with a warm, sisterhood feel, a bit of fun, and at its core, a very strong level of trust,” Brown says. “Launching in 2020 was not easy, but our circumstances created the most rewarding community I could have imagined. We leaned on each other during some rough months via regular Zooms and our private group app, and everyone came out on top. That closeness continues today – to all of us, this feels like home.”

Trusting Yourself

For Brown, an essential part of entrepreneurship is being able to call the shots yourself, but sometimes, this comes with its own set of challenges. She experienced this firsthand after spending years growing her company just for the sake of growing it. “This was the only time I started to resent the business I’d created. One morning, lying in bed, I picked up my phone, looked at my overscheduled calendar and didn’t want to get out from under the duvet. I’d started a business to be free and break all the rules, only to create new rules that I’d boxed myself into.” This led to a realization that she needed to focus her energy where she’s needed most – as a philanthropist, CEO of The Trust, host of Glambition Radio and mom to 8-year-old twins. “Many people ask me about the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The most personal one is having the courage to slowly break down what I had so passionately and publicly built up. It took several years, many hard conversations and a lot of tears, but I have no doubt that it led me to where I am today, at my happiest.” But Brown understands that taking the leap can be daunting – that’s why she’s here to help. “It’s important for successful woman to inspire, help and hire other women along the way, so our success creates a ripple effect,” says Brown, who after over 15 years of coaching still feels there’s nothing as empowering as watching other women take charge of their future. “The first time a woman owns a business is often the first time she really steps into her personal power. She has no choice but to believe in herself, invest in herself and claim her worth.”

Find Yourself.

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