It Girl 100 Class Of 2025: Meet The Empire Builders You Need To Know

Kaya Nova

Her Handle: @thekayanova

Her Title: Artist and Founder, GROWN Media

Who's That It Girl: Kaya Nova is the artist-entrepreneur whose voice bridges melody and empowerment as the founder of GROWN Mag and GROWN Media. We celebrate her for turning her artistry into activism, creating music and experiences that honor womanhood, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming your full self.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm multitalented and I'm powerful beyond measure."

Erin Goldson

Her Handle: @eringoldson

Her Title: Founder and CEO of Vineyard Icon

Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Erin Goldson, brand marketer and founder of Vineyard Icon, a platform celebrating Martha’s Vineyard culture and creativity. She blends strategy and community building with effortless polish to turn ideas into impact.

Necole Kane

Her Handle: @hellonecole

Her Title: Founder and CEO, My Happy Flo

Who's That It Girl:Necole Kane is a media mogul and entrepreneur who founded NecoleBitchie.com and xoNecole.com. She now leads feminine wellness brand My Happy Flo, advocating for women's hormonal health through plant-based supplements and holistic solutions.

Jackie Aina

Her Handle:@jackieaina

Her Title: FORVR MOOD Co-Founder and Content Creator

Who's That It Girl: A trailblazer who changed the face of beauty forever, Jackie Asamoah built a legacy on authenticity and advocacy. We love her for redefining luxury through inclusion and for reminding women everywhere that self-care is a radical, joyful act.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm owning my power and finding balance in it."

Shannae Ingleton Smith

Her Handle:@torontoshay

Her Title: Founder and Investor

Who's That It Girl: Shannae Ingleton Smith is President and Co-founder of Kensington Grey, an influencer agency representing 200+ creators. A former media sales executive, she now invests in creator-led startups, including 12PM Studios.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m breaking ceilings and expanding the table."

De'arra Taylor

Her Handle: @dearra

Her Title: Founder of Fashion Brand LORVAE

Who's That It Girl: We celebrate De'arra Taylor as the founder and CEO of LORVAE, an eyewear brand built on reinvention, confidence, and bold individuality. Her creative direction turns sunglasses into statements and community into a lifestyle.

Melissa Butler

Her Handle: @melissarbutler

Her Title: Founder of The Lip Bar

Who's That It Girl: Melissa Butler transformed The Lip Bar from a kitchen concept into a multimillion-dollar movement. We honor her for challenging industry norms and proving that boldness, beauty, and business brilliance can coexist unapologetically.

Denetrias “Dee” Charlemagne

Her Handle: @dcharlemagne

Her Title: Director of Cultural Strategy & Innovation, Walmart

Who's That It Girl: A powerhouse behind purpose-driven partnerships, Denetrias Charlemagne bridges culture and commerce at Walmart with grace and innovation. We honor her for amplifying representation in retail and using her platform to build spaces where authenticity and excellence thrive.

Kirby Porter

Her Handle:@kirbyporter

Her Title: Chief Brand Officer, Unrivaled

Who's That It Girl: Strategic, visionary, and driven by impact, Kirby Porter is building the future of athlete branding. We’re inspired by her as the founder of New Game Labs and Chief Brand Officer at Unrivaled, showing that strategy can be soulful and sport can be storytelling.

Nana Agyemang

Her Handle: @itsreallynana

Her Title: Founder and CEO of EveryStylishGirl

Who's That It Girl: A journalist turned founder, Nana Agyemang built EveryStylishGirl to amplify Black women in media. We love her for opening doors, building pipelines of opportunity, and using her voice to change the face of modern storytelling.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm a boss and I'm still soft."

Nandi Howard

Her Handle:@itsnandibby

Her Title: Vice President of Content, ESSENCE

Who's That It Girl: We are inspired by Nandi Howard, Vice President of Content and Editorial at ESSENCE. Her leadership elevates Black culture with clarity and celebration and shapes the stories and standards that move audiences.

Oladotun Idowu

Her Handle:@ola_idowu

Her Title: Founder of Sisters In Media

Who's That It Girl: We celebrate Oladotun Idowu, entertainment marketing leader at Campari Group and founder of Sisters in Media, for bridging brands and culture while championing women of color across media. Strategy and purpose guide her work.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes I'm walking into rooms with boldness and grace knowing that God has way more in stored for me."

Krystal Vega

Her Handle:@krystalvega

Her Title: Founder of Fortune & Forks, Multimedia

Who's That It Girl: Krystal Vega’s work lives at the intersection of innovation and influence. We celebrate her as a next-gen entrepreneur shaping digital spaces where women of color lead confidently, create fearlessly, and build legacies beyond the screen.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I'm that girl and so are you."

Naomi Wright

Her Handle:@naomiwrighttt

Who's That It Girl: Naomi Wright leads with style, purpose, and power. We’re inspired by her for building platforms like Fortune & Forks that merge beauty, business, and bold self-expression, proving that influence can be both impactful and intentional.

Emma Grede

Her Handle: @emmagrede

Her Title: Entrepreneur and Podcast Host

Who's That It Girl: Emma Grede is CEO and co-founder of Good American, and founding partner of SKIMS. She's a podcast host and the first Black female investor on ABC's Shark Tank.

Kia Brooks

Her Handle: @kiajbrooks

Her Title: CEO and Founder of TFNA Entertainment & Sports Management

Who's That It Girl: Entrepreneur and mother, Kia J. Brooks leads TFNA Talent Agency, representing top athletes and creatives. She’s known for breaking barriers, negotiating record NIL deals, and empowering others to build generational wealth.

Des Dickerson

Her Handle: @itsurdestinee

Her Title: Sports & Entertainment Brand Manager and Media Strategist

Who's That It Girl: Des Dickerson is a sports and entertainment brand manager and media strategist who works with top athletes and entertainers to elevate their platforms. She is recognized for creating innovative partnerships and driving visibility in sports and entertainment.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I build opportunities for athletes and entertainers and I transform them into lasting influence."

Shayla Cowan

Her Handle: @shayla_pc

Her Title: President, Collective Edge Management

Who's That It Girl: Shayla Cowan is an award-winning producer and President of Collective Edge. She's produced blockbuster films including Girls Trip and Beast, championing boundary-pushing storytellers and innovative artistry in entertainment.

Arian Simone

Her Handle: @ariansimone

Her Title: Co-Founder & CEO, Fearless Fund

Who's That It Girl: Arian Simone champions women of color in venture capital. She advocates for economic justice, investing globally in women entrepreneurs and addressing funding disparities rooted in racism and sexism through resilient, purpose-driven leadership.

Valeisha Butterfield

Her Handle: @valeisha

Her Title: Founder of Global State of Women and Seed

Who's That It Girl: Valeisha Butterfield Jones is a globally recognized leader in tech, entertainment, and politics. This year, she created the Global State of Women platform, providing emergency grants to women facing high unemployment rates.

Ava Pearl

Her Handle:@avapearl

Her Title: Founder and Content Creator

Who's That It Girl:Ava Pearl is the founder of Curly Culture and Curly Con LA, initiatives that champion natural hair and foster community within the beauty industry. As a beauty and lifestyle content creator, she is dedicated to creating impactful content that inspires authenticity, confidence, and self-expression.

Her "Yes, And" Statement: "Yes, I’m rooted in authenticity and rising with purpose."

Now that you've met the ladies about their business, see who else made our list. Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.