Pat McGrath Takes 20-Year Relationship With Louis Vuitton To The Next Level
Louis Vuitton is stepping into the cosmetics arena with La Beauté Louis Vuitton a project led by makeup icon Dame Pat McGrath.
Louis Vuitton is stepping into the cosmetics arena with La Beauté Louis Vuitton, a project led by makeup icon Dame Pat McGrath.
The fall 2025 reveal includes 55 lipsticks, LV Rouge, in satin and matte formulas. La Beauté is priced at $160 for a case and refill. All other refills are available for $69. There are also 10 sheers, hydrating lip balms, and eight eyeshadow palettes, LV Ombres. Each offers a curated blend of wearable and bold hues, with palettes priced at $250 and refills at $92. Each product features skin-nourishing ingredients, like shea butter and floral waxes, and is lightly scented. The line was announced via Pat McGrath Labs’ official website.
Designed by Konstantin Grcic, each item features a refillable monogrammed case with a floral-lock motif. The motif is a nod to Vuitton’s travel heritage. Accessories like mini trunks and pouches bring the trunk-making tradition full circle.
McGrath, who has shaped looks at Vuitton shows for over 20 years, said, “Working backstage for over 20 years at Louis Vuitton fashion shows, I am thrilled to now play such a key role in the launch of La Beauté Louis Vuitton, which is the result of extraordinary craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation.” She added, “The beauty universe is about so much more than just product, and what we are creating here will unlock a new level in luxury beauty.”
“La Beauté” Louis Vuitton Makeup’s Launch under the Creative direction of the legendary MUA Pat McGrath has to be one of the best business decision I’ve seen coming from the industry this decade, the preview looks amazing pic.twitter.com/2CUBGRwtpZ
The launch places Louis Vuitton directly in competition with other couture houses that have crossed into beauty. They join the likes of Dior, Chanel, and Hermès.
“This announcement comes after more than 20 years of partnership between McGrath and the fashion house, during which she created iconic makeup looks for their runway shows, including colorful designs, flames, and futuristic eyes. Under McGrath’s leadership, the collection will reflect the same level of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation that Louis Vuitton is renowned for in the fashion industry. As she puts it, “The beauty universe is about so much more than just product, and what we are creating here will unlock a new level in luxury beauty.
How Vuitton’s Prices Stack Up:
Louis Vuitton La Beauté: $160 lipstick with $69 refills; $250 eyeshadow palette with $92 refills.
Hermès Beauty: Lipsticks retail for around $75, with refills at $42
Chanel: Rouge Allure lipsticks average $45, with limited refillable starting at $42
Dior: Rouge Dior refillable lipsticks cost $49, with refills around $32
Louis Vuitton has deliberately entered at the very top of the market, pricing La Beauté more than double that of Hermès, which was once seen as the pinnacle of luxury lip products. For Vuitton, the collection is as much about exclusivity and brand positioning as it is about cosmetics.
Tabitha Brown Gets Candid About Target Boycott Fallout
The business mogul addressed critics and had some critique of her own.
Tabitha Brown opens up about how the Target boycott impacted her andother Black entrepreneurs. The well-known influencer appearedon theEarn Your Leisurepodcast, where she admitted to beingcaught off guard by the boycott that followed the retail giant’ssudden decision to end its DEI initiatives.
“I found out the boycott was happening, I was like, dang, is this a setup to remove all Black businesses from the shelves? Because if a boycott happens, it’s our people. When those numbers come in low, we’re going to have to go,” the actress said.
In response to political pressure from a conservative government,just days intoTrump’spresidency, Target announced the rollbackof several of its DEIprograms. The retailerabruptly ended itsRacial Equity Action and Change(REACH) program,which had pledged to invest over $2 billion in Black-owned businessesand to increase its investment more by the end of 2025. The decision sparkedbacklash and a subsequent boycott.
The actress said she understood the reasons why consumers withdrew their support from Target. Mainly because the store was once known for providing visibility for minority-owned businesses, she still believes organizers could have included her and other Black businesses in the loop so they could prepare for the potential fallout.
“None of us were notified that hey, this is what the plan is, how can we be a resource? Because this is what you’re going to have to endure. I understand it, but it’s like dang, we can’t even be together on that?”
Brown also addressed critics who suggested she pull her products from the retailer’s shelves and sell them through the direct-to-consumer (DTC) method. She explained that her Target products are sourced through a licensing partnership, making it nearly impossible to remove them from stores.
“Most people thought, ‘she can just go take those products and do DTC,’ and I’m like,e y’all don’t understand business. That’s a licensing deal, that’s a partnership, I can’t just end that contract.”
The mother of three also pointed out that many smaller Black-owned businesses lacked a licensing partnership, which meant the boycott significantly affected their sales.
“They have suffered, some of them have now lost that space because the numbers don’t lie.”
While Brown states that the boycott worsens outcomes for Black–owned businesses, she acknowledges that the retail giant is ultimately responsible.
“I still think that Target was very wrong and they have a lot of work to do.”
Newark Kindergartners Will Start School With College Funds
Children entering kindergarten in Newark Public Schools will begin their academic journey with a college savings account.
This fall, thousands of children entering kindergarten in Newark Public Schools in New Jersey will begin their academic journey with a college savings account.
The Prudential Foundation is partnering with the school system to invest in the future of New Jersey students. Each student will be granted a $25 seed deposit thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Prudential Foundation.
The newly launched program, dubbed Newark Saves, will automatically create a 529 college savings account for eligible participants. The accounts are through Equitable for about 3,000 students. Additional “incentive deposits” will be added when families achieve milestones. Parents can earn money for their children by attending parent-teacher conferences, maintaining attendance, or participating in extra-curricular activities.
Superintendent Roger León commented on investing in students early, stating, “It’s not too soon to start thinking about 2038, when this year’s kindergartners will be starting college.” León continued, “As more Newark public school students are admitted to higher education institutions every year, the Newark Saves College Savings Program will help reduce cost as a barrier to attending or finishing college.”
Board of Education President Hasani Council agreed stating, “Newark Public Schools students have shown time and time again that they have what it takes to succeed in college. The Newark Saves College Savings Program will help our students and families have what it takes to pay for college. It will help make college education more attainable for our students while helping them avoid heavy student loan debt. Of everything good in financials that this initiative will teach our students, the parental component in this program will be a game changer for their families.”
Newark Saves isn’t just about opening accounts. The program is also about making college feel possible. The program includes financial literacy workshops and resources for families. Additionally, Newark Saves is organized in partnership with the FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development. School officials argue that even modest contributions greatly increase the odds that a student will enroll in and complete college.
Newark, the state’s largest school district, aims to turn this early investment into long-term success. The district serves 41,000 students across 65 schools.
Pastor Jamal Bryant (inset) plans to protest on the anniversary of George Floyd's killing at a local Target store in Atlanta over the retailer abandoning DEI initiatives.
Pastor Jamal Bryant Says Target CEO Step Down Is ‘Stylish” With ‘No Substance’
Long-time Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down next year, but Pastor Jamal Bryant insists the boycott will persist.
Long-time Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down next year, but Pastor Jamal Bryant insists the boycott will persist.
Target’s leadership shake-up hasn’t quieted the backlash sparked by its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Target’s leadership shift comes amid a clear drop in the numbers. Sales are weak, and foot traffic continues to decline. Despite the CEO change, Bryant dismissed any idea of dropping the boycott. He spoke with CNN to spread the message that the withdrawal of economic support is working and will continue.
“I think we are looking at the movement of peanut shells in Central Park. I think there is nothing different about the ideology or their stance on DEI. It’s really smoke and mirrors. I am anxious and zealous to see if the new CEO will be open to a meeting to see if we can discuss the four things we are asking for. But just moving the CEO to the COO is really stylish, but it has no substance,” Bryant said.
"We're looking at the moving of peanut shells in central park. Its really nothing different about their ideology or their stance on DEI. It's really smoke and mirrors."
Retail data shows that in July, visits to stores fell nearly 3.9% year-over-year, extending a six-month slide.
The grassroots campaign, dubbed the “Target Fast,” launched during Lent. Bryant called on Black consumers to withhold their dollars from the corporation. More than 250,000 people signed the pledge, saying they would spend their money elsewhere in protest of the retailer’s retreat from DEI commitments.
Target’s walk back of its $2 billion pledge to invest in Black-owned businesses and the elimination of its internal DEI strategy triggered the outrage. President of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette Clarke, called the reversal “unconscionable.” Despite scheduled meetings, including with civil rights leaders, the company has yet to restore the initiatives.
BLACK ENTERPRISE continues to report on the progress of the boycott. Target’s in-store visits are down nearly 8% overall. Additionally, Target has lost an estimated $12 billion in market value. The sustained slump hints that for many consumers, accountability matters.
Deion Sanders Informs Players Of Dress Code While Attending Classes
The NFL Hall of Famer lays down the law on expectations of how players represent themselves
NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has been setting standards as a college football coach and just laid down some rules for his student-athletes to keep them in line with proper etiquette and dress code for college courses, whether in person or online.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Sanders is seen talking to his Colorado Buffaloes football team with directives on what NOT to wear while on campus grounds, as well as in online forums. The Colorado head coach has been known to institute certain protocols and standards for his players, having just sent three players to the NFL (Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter), and being a former NFL player, he knows a thing or two about properly presenting oneself.
In a recent team meeting, Sanders is seen speaking to his players and telling them the expectations when it comes to the dress code. After being informed that classes are starting, the coach expressed his requirements when representing the football team.
“No slides. If I see you… I’m going to send people to campus tomorrow. If I see you with slides on campus, it’s going to be a problem,” Sanders said. “If I see you with a hoodie on in class with some headphones on in class, it’s going to be a problem.”
The Hall of Famer expects his players to be front and center in class, refraining from any disturbances, both in person and online. As he explained the protocol, he threatened action against offenders.
“If I see you sitting in the back of the classroom, it’s going to be a problem. Do we understand that? And if you’re online and you have online classes, and you don’t have a shirt on or you got a wife-beater on or you have something stupid on and causing distractions, or you’re walking around during that online session, there’s going to be a problem.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes questions from the media after signing three education bills on the campus of New College of Florida in Sarasota on May 15, 2023. (Photo: Thomas Simonetti for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Ron DeSantis Prepares For Battle After Federal Judge Orders ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Shutdown Citing Environmental Violations
President Donald Trump, who after visiting Alligator Alcatraz, suggested the facility could be used as a model for future lockups as his administration pushes anti-immigration narratives.
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to halt the expansion of the controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, citing concerns that its Everglades location may violate environmental laws, according to NPR.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams is giving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Florida leaders like Gov. Ron DeSantis 60 days to remove fencing, lighting and generators and said state and federal defendants are prohibited from bringing anyone other than migrants already detained onto the property.
Within the 82-page order presented Aug. 21, the preliminary injunction includes “those who are in active concert or participation with” the state of Florida or federal defendants or their officers, agents, employees, to permit the facility to go through the required environmental assessments, as there have been efforts to preserve the Everglades for years. “Since that time, every Florida governor, every Florida senator, and countless local and national political figures, including presidents, have publicly pledged their unequivocal support for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the Everglades,” Judge Williams wrote.
“This order does nothing more than uphold the basic requirements of legislation designed to fulfill those promises.”
Since the detention center was first announced in the second quarter of 2025, environmental groups fought against it, calling the project “inhumane” and resulting in lawsuits from Big Cypress National Preserve and Friends of the Everglades, stating it “threatens the Everglades ecosystem.” With a $450 million price tag, Native American groups also spoke out against its inception as the area is marked as a sacred ancestral homeland, located directly across from the Tamiami Trail — the home of 19 traditional Miccosukee and Seminole villages.
Friends of the Everglades Executive Director Eve Samples called the ruling a landmark victory and praised Williams for standing up for what’s right. “It sends a clear message that environmental laws must be respected by leaders at the highest levels of our government — and there are consequences for ignoring them,” Samples said in a statement.
However, hours after the judge’s ruling, DeSantis filed an appeal against the dispute that the facility, at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, poses environmental threats, according to CBS News. But Williams says the opposite, listing all of the problems the facility encompasses. “The light pollution is far worse now than before the camp’s construction. The addition of 800,000 square feet of asphalt paving (with another 1 million planned) increases harmful water runoff relative to the areas previously paved,” she wrote.
“The frenetic human activity, including vehicular traffic and wastewater from thousands of people daily, was essentially absent prior to the detention camp’s construction.”
Williams’ ruling came after issuing a temporary restraining order that blocked state and federal officials from further expansion of the facility, slated to last two weeks from Aug. 7.
That will put a hindrance on potential plans from President Donald Trump, who, after visiting Alligator Alcatraz, suggested the facility could be used as a model for future lockups as his administration pushes anti-immigration narratives.
The Pattern Is Clear: Trump Attacks Cities Governed By Black Women
Strategists feel it's no surprise that Trump is stooping to new lows in his attacks on Black women and the cities they lead since they are breaking barriers that he can't touch.
Since President Donald Trump started his second White House term, there has been one common denominator of the cities being attacked for lack of sharing common ground: they are all led by Black women, 19th News reports.
Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York City, and more have felt the wrath of Trump’s anti-Democratic, anti-diversity, anti-unity tactics under the leadership of strong Black women trying to lead the cities they love to grow. Shortly after his January 2025 inauguration, the president launched a massive anti-immigration campaign, targeting the City of Angels first. Mayor Karen Bass stood firm on the frontlines, coming face-to-face with federal agents seen harassing legal and illegal immigrants in addition to peaceful protestors.
He slowly made his way to the Midwest and East Coast, continuously battling New York Attorney General Letitia James, who hasn’t let go of her responsibility to hold the president accountable for his past alleged crimes. Most recently, he caused havoc in his own backyard of Washington D.C., led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, deploying troops of the National Guard and federal agents to take over for the Metropolitan Police Department to tackle the alleged growing crime in “Chocolate City.”
Political scientist at the College of the Holy Cross, Sydney Carr-Glenn feels it’s no surprise that Trump is stooping to new lows in his attacks on Black women and the cities they lead, since they are breaking barriers that he can’t touch.” “We have seen Black women really ascending to these roles of political prominence in recent years in ways we haven’t seen before,” she said, highlighting wins at the local, state, and federal level.
As high-profile critics like Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and not to mention the first Black women to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris, she calls the reign of “sister” “an exciting time in our American government.” Trump feels the need to send a warning. “So, where is the next place to let the backlash flow? It’s in cities with very visible executives that are Black women,” she said.
“This is in many ways a political warning, a political message, to say to these Black women and other Black mayors and other women of color mayors, ‘Your leadership can be challenged, too.’”
The mayors and advocates aren’t blind to what’s taking place within White House walls. New York and Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette Clarke, called the policing methods “blatantly racist and despicable power grab,” according to USA Today. Van R. Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association, said leaders like her can’t help but feel a type of way.” “We just can’t help but feel in some kind of way that we’re being specifically profiled,” Johnson said.
“That’s not right. That’s not fair. We want our federal government to work with us. We’re just a phone call away.”
The attacks also targeted members of Congress — like New Jersey’s Rep. LaMonica McIver, the first sitting member to be prosecuted by the Trump administration for standing up for her constituents, and Rep. Nicole Collier, who stood firm as Texas’ Republican leaders tried to monitor the movements of Democratic leaders.
However, Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, Washington, says that Black women mayors have no choice but to be resilient amid the harsh realities of balancing community needs on top of battling it out with state and federal governments. “These are women who, despite all of the things that have been in their way or barriers that have come to them, are still fighting the fight. They are still getting up every day and going to city hall,” Woodards said.
“They are still doing the jobs, because that’s what’s required of us.”
Move Over Rideshare, These Black-Owned Transportation Companies Go Above And Beyond A Car Ride
These companies are worth patronizing
The transportation industry is worth the spin. Just ask these Black entrepreneurs who have taken the wheel and created thriving businesses in the transportation sector. These seven Black business owners run transportation companies that go beyond typical rideshare services, offering everything from high end limo rides to safe commuting for children and medical patients. Black-owned transport companies are doing more than getting people from point A to point B, they are also a source of community service and help boost the economy in the regions they operate.
Takes A Village Transportation
Takes A Village Transportation, a company out of Atlanta, Georgia, is run by Amia Mize. Since 2015, Takes A Village has been providing a dependable way for children to get to and from school as well as to extracurricular activities. What sets them apart is their passion for keeping kids safe. They’ve managed to rack up thousands of trips without an accident or incident, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to the community and its customers.
Black Pearl Transportation is a Chicago-based company owned by Bruce Hill. Black Pearl has a luxury fleet that includes sedans, limousines and even party buses. The company has been in business since 2017, offering top-notch service for a diversity of events and groups. Black Pearl’s goal is to make getting around easy and stylish.
Door To Door II, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based company that provides transportation for individuals requiring care but not in an emergency. It is owned by Makiesha Franklins and has been in operation since 2002. The company covers the entire L.A. County and offers a range of services. If a wheelchair is needed to get around, they’ve got you covered, or if a person needs to be moved on a gurney, Door To Door II, Inc. can do that too. The company also helps people who are mobile but need a bit of assistance and support.
Executive Select Transport Professionals LLC
Executive Select Transport Professionals LLC is a Houston-based business that has been around since 2016. It is owned by Willie M. Garrison Jr., who also serves as CEO. What the company provides is pretty straightforward. It offers black car services that help people get to and from the airport or around town for work. The thing that sets them apart is that the owner is hands-on, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Kidault, a company based in New York City, is making a name for itself. It was started by Elizabeth “Liz” Shepherd, a woman with a vision. She launched Kidault back in 2018 with a goal to make kid-friendly transport a lot safer and easier for families. Kidault offers rides, carpools and school runs all tailored around kids and their families. The business focuses on safety and community, and verifying that its services are kid centric
I Love Luxury Transportation operates in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a range of vehicles from limousines to party buses. The company’s been around since 2023, and is run by Mark Hearns. The company has a fleet of vehicles, which is ideal for events and groups of any size. If you’re in Memphis, I Love Luxury Transportation can definitely support your needs, it’s definitely worth considering.
Boss Transport & Family Services is a company based in Washington, D.C., that plays a crucial role—assisting people with transportation when needed. The company offers a range of services, including wheelchair and stretcher transport, as well as ambulatory transport for individuals who are mobile but may require some assistance. Boss Transport & Family also handles hospital discharges, which can be a hassle, especially when it involves long-distance trips with nurses on board. The guy who started it all, George Odoi, got the company up and running back in 2006. Boss Transport & Family offers support with 24/7 availability and trips that cross state lines.
50 Cent To Bring State-Of-The-Art G-Dome To Shreveport
Orville Hall, G-Unit Growth Advisor said, 'it will become a seven-day tourist destination.'
50 Cent is making another play in Louisiana as the G-Unit boss and his team have informed the folks in Shreveport, that they have plans to build a G-Dome in the southern city.
According to KSLA, at a recent meeting in Shreveport, one of 50’s team members assured the city that they will be expanding in the city after building a temporary G-Dome for last year’s “Humor and Harmony” event that took place in August. The admission was made during the Aug. 18 meeting of the Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee.
The G-Dome was a temporary venue built for after-parties following events at “Humor and Harmony.”
At the meeting, the committee discussed the “advancement and extension of the economic impact of the G-Unit Studios in Caddo Parish.” Orville Hall, who is the growth advisor for G-Unit, spoke to the committee and told them to expect some changes. Although he did not give an exact timeline or many details, he did assure them that it’s happening.
“So for the people of Shreveport, just watch what’s coming. Watch what’s coming. You’re in the right city,” Hall told them.
50 Cent alluded to the G-Dome becoming a permanent venue in the city on his social media account earlier this month.
“Don’t worry the permanent G-DOME will be being built shortly and now I know what we just had wasn’t big enough. Let’s go, let’s get it! @bransoncognac@lecheminduroi“
Your Wyoming Link reported that Hall anticipates the venue will be in place in eight months.
“This one will be a structure, a permanent structure. And to add to it, Curtis is adding a beautiful green park around it so that people can use during the day if they having lunch downtown or visitors. Because what Curtis knows he can do for this city is that it will become a seven-day tourist destination.”
KSLA also reported that Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s office has already confirmed that the Humor & Harmony Festival will make its return to the city in March of 2026.
5 Networking Tips To Help Black Entrepreneurs Make New Connections And Spur Business Growth
Networking helps The Coven build meaningful relationships, expand its brand reach, and meet potential franchisees.
Alex West Steinman is a prime example of how a Black woman entrepreneur uses networking to build a vibrant business.
She is the CEO and co-founder of The Coven, purportedly the first Black woman-owned coworking franchise. By applying a franchise model, it has expanded from two locations to eight sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina in just two years.
Steinman told BLACK ENTERPRISE via email that the firm is focused on expanding in underdog cities and expanding to places with pent-up demand for coworking. It offers a community space to everyone. It also helps prepare women, transgender, and non-binary people for entrepreneurship.
Now, the business is aiming for 10 locations by late this year. Of the 6 franchises sold, about 67% of the deals have been directly tied to networking. Two of their eight locations are owned by the Minneapolis-based firm. The transactions are a significant development, as a typical franchisee must pay a $50,000 licensing fee as part of the initial startup costs, according to the firm’s website.
Steinman shared how the business utilizes networking–-including traveling this year to new communities to build strong relationships with potential members and partners-–to expand its brand reach and meet potential franchisees. “When you don’t have a huge marketing budget, you have to rely on expanding your network in other ways.”
Through this strategy, Steinman says The Coven has connected with dozens of people across the country, building excitement and traction in new markets. The action has been fruitful. Steinman says revenue growth for the overall business is 30% for the first six months compared to the same period last year. She says the eight franchises now collectively have thousands of members. She shared that The Coven closed a $2 million seed round last year to help expand nationally.
“If we hadn’t continued to build and nurture these relationships, we wouldn’t be here. Networking fuels our growth, our impact, and our future.”
She stressed that when people from varied industries, backgrounds, and experiences share space and truly see each other, they uncover opportunities they wouldn’t have found alone.
“It’s a reminder that networking isn’t about collecting business cards, but about building trust, sharing ideas, and opening doors for collaboration.”
Further, Steinman says the principle extends far beyond coworking. She says that whether you’re an entrepreneur, community leader, or corporate team, intentionally creating opportunities for authentic connection can lead to partnerships that drive long-term impact, as it has for her firm’s members and The Coven itself.
Steinman provided five networking tips for Black entrepreneurs to help grow their business:
Attend Events Not Specific to Networking
Attending events that aren’t explicitly labeled as “networking” can be one of the most powerful ways to build meaningful relationships. When you’re in a space centered on a shared experience — such as dinner, a community panel, or a conference session — you’re engaging with people more naturally and authentically.
The key: Focus on being present, listening actively, and showing genuine curiosity. Instead of trying to relate to everything the person says, attempt to ask deeper questions that get to the root of why they enjoy a hobby, where they learned an activity, or how they approach a challenge!
Join a Hobby Group
Hobby groups are an underrated networking goldmine. When you engage in something you enjoy, like a book club, gardening circle, or cooking class, you’re automatically surrounding yourself with people who value learning, creativity, and consistency. That’s fertile ground for connection.
I’ve seen folks land speaking gigs, clients, and even investors through relationships that started in a yoga studio or movie club. The biggest benefit? Trust. Shared hobbies create a sense of camaraderie that makes professional collaboration feel more natural and mutually supportive.
Get a Coworking Membership
Coworking spaces are like built-in ecosystems for networking, especially if you choose one that aligns with your values or industry. You’re not just renting a desk, you’re joining a community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are actively working on something and often willing to collaborate, refer, or mentor.
At The Coven, I’ve seen members ask to borrow a charger and end up co-founding businesses together. That’s the power of proximity! More than 80% of our members report making a connection that has led to more money, a new job, a new client, or a new friend. Also, coworking exposes you to new ways of thinking.
Do Your Research
See who’s going to the events you’re attending and prepare a list of people you’re interested in talking to. Reach out to those people before you go, so they know how to look for you and you have a bit of rapport ahead of the event. Be mindful that it’s harder to break or interrupt somebody’s conversation, and you may feel nervous walking up to someone you haven’t connected with before. Doing your research helps you show up with intention, and that confidence can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a meaningful relationship.
Follow Up After
This is where real networking begins. It shows gratitude for someone’s time, signals that you’re thoughtful and intentional, and opens the door to a longer-term relationship. A simple message noting something you appreciated about the initial conversation can turn a passing chat into a future collaboration. It shows that you’re not just following up to get something — you’re offering value. Consistent, sincere follow-up keeps you top of mind and builds the kind of trust that leads to deals, partnerships, or even friendships down the road.
