The Upper East Side was abuzz with excitement on Thursday morning as women gathered for the inaugural awards breakfast hosted by the Tory Burch Foundation at The Pierre. Despite the early hour, the event was filled with laughter, a few tears, and plenty of strong cups of coffee.
The highlight of the morning was the recognition of standout founders who have made a significant impact with their startup visions. Christa Cotton, the founder of El Guapo, a booze-free bitters brand, was celebrated for her innovative approach. Beau Wangtrakuldee, the creator of AmorSui, an inclusive PPE company born out of a lab accident, was also honored. Denise Woodard, the mastermind behind Partake Foods, a snack line catering to Americans with food allergies, received well-deserved recognition.
However, the most memorable moment of the morning came when Martha Stewart, the first self-made female billionaire in American history, was presented with the inaugural Iconic Founder Award. Stewart graced the stage in towering wooden platform shoes gifted by Tory Burch and engaged in a candid conversation about her entrepreneurial journey. She shared valuable insights, bold risks taken, and even teased her upcoming CBD-infused skincare line.
The event was attended by influential guests such as Pamela Anderson, Sara Blakely, Aerin Lauder, Natalie Massenet, and Misty Copeland. The attendees enjoyed a delectable spread of berries, smoked salmon, and avocado toast served on vintage-style lettuceware plates from Tory Burch’s collaboration with Dodie Thayer.
One of the Foundation’s ambitious goals is to unlock $1 billion in economic value for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Tory Burch emphasized the importance of supporting women in business, highlighting their role in solving real problems, creating jobs, and fostering community prosperity.
In a lighthearted moment, Burch and Stewart envisioned a Shark Tank-style TV show dedicated to women-led businesses, playfully suggesting Spanx founder Sara Blakely as a potential co-host.
The morning was a testament to the power and potential of women in entrepreneurship, showcasing the incredible achievements of female founders and inspiring a new generation of innovators. As the event came to a close, the message was clear: the future is female, and the possibilities are endless.
