August 26, 2020 • 29 mins
Welcome to another episode of No Need to Ask podcast. My name is Amani Duncan and I will be your host on this journey.
On today’s episode I had the pleasure of speaking with my good friend Jaclynn Brennan, Co-Founder of FYLi.
FYLi is a female master-mind group that focuses on bringing together female leaders, creating a tribe of diverse high level dreamers, thinkers and doers.
FYLi helps female leaders RISE (Renew, Inspire, Support, Empower) in all aspects of their lives. Fylí was created to bring together a room of diverse thinkers and dreamers who can shift conversations, contribute new opinions + feedback, and bring different perspectives with clarity and directness that moves the needle. Magic happens when you feel open, connected, present, vulnerable and safe. Jaclynn and her co-founder Summer Yi learned early on that success is only limited by our mindset, habits and the people we have access to within our network. They believe when you UPGRADE your thoughts, daily disciplines/habits and relationships, you begin to upgrade your life.
Jaclyn shared with me her favorite book, “The Power of Intention” by Dr. Wayne Dyer and her daily self-care routine of mediations, exercise and journaling which is so important. I have committed to myself to give back by exercising every morning before I start my day and doing meditation before I go bed. I use the self-guided meditation app Headspace and Jaclyn recommended Inscape and Japa Meditation with Dr. Wayne Dyer.
I highly encourage you to visit FYLi’s new website and subscribe today. You can also follow Jaclyn on Instagram and her self-titled blog. If you are enjoying No Need to Ask podcast, please leave a review. Thank you!
Until we meet again, please continue to be safe and be well.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
[inaudible]
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another episode of no need to ask
podcast.
My name is Amani Duncan, and Iwill be your host on this
journey.
On today's episode, I have thepleasure of speaking with
someone who has become a fastand dear friend of mine,
Jacquelyn Brennan, or she is thecofounder of bili mastermind.
(00:36):
Now feely means tribe in Greekand their intention is to create
a tribe of diverse high leveldreamers, thinkers, and doers.
Feely helps female leaders rise.
That means renew inspire supportand empower in all aspects of
(00:59):
their lives.
So without further ado, pleasewelcome Jacquelyn Brenner to no
need to ask podcast.
Hi Jacquelyn.
Thanks for having me.
I'm so excited to be joining youtoday on this podcast.
I have been looking forward tothis episode for a really long
(01:20):
time.
And so friends, you know, I metJacquelyn and the amazing group
feely when they invited me toparticipate in one of their
workshops in New York city.
And of course I was like, Oh mygosh, empowering women
supporting women count me in.
And it was just such anincredible experience.
(01:42):
And during that time we'vebecome, like I said, fast
friends and I consider myself anambassador, a feely.
I really do like I have joinedthe tribe and when the tribe,
the tribe, you know what I mean?
And it's like, it's so rewardingto be around such diverse and
(02:03):
incredible female thoughtleaders.
So thank you again for takingthe time out of your busy
schedule to join us today.
So tell us a little bit aboutyou and how did you come up with
be with the idea of feely?
Uh, well, first of all, Amani,thank you so much.
You are a true powerhouse whoactually walks the walk and
(02:25):
doesn't just talk.
So I'm very blessed andappreciate types of be here with
you today.
Um, feely is my baby along withmy cofounder summer.
One of my true great friends,soul sisters, who is from China
and we launched feely a littlebit over a year and a half ago.
(02:45):
So this was a true passionproject.
We knew we wanted to create amastermind that was substantial.
A mastermind is a peer to peermentorship group, coupled with
accountability.
The first term mastermind wascoined
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Originally in 1925 by an author named Napoleon Hill.
So he used to gather aroundthese amazing entrepreneurs and
inventors and creatives becausehe knew if he had a tribe of
people, he would always be thesmartest one in the room because
he knew that he can learninformation and share ideas with
(03:21):
that community.
So that's where the originalterm mastermind was coined, um,
summer and I belong to so manydifferent female organizations,
groups we're always out andabout.
And we felt like there was aneed for a group that really had
action and accountabilitybesides just networking and
(03:44):
happy hours and paneldiscussions.
So family was built out of ourown personal need to be around
women that want to do somethingbigger, better, and greater who
are committed and leveling upand investing in themselves.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
I love it.
Oh my gosh.
And you guys really have builtsomething pretty incredible.
I mean, hearing from you, yourintention behind starting this
incredible, you know, group andseeing it in action, you are
really living your truth.
It's, it's so amazing.
Like I met so many dynamic womenat the workshop that I attended
(04:24):
and it was in conjunction withinternational women's day.
It was huge.
And it was so well done.
And I really encourage all ofyou guys to definitely check out
feely.
They just launched a beautifulwebsite.
I mean, it's incredible.
And I will link to the websitein the description for the
(04:45):
podcast, so everyone can gocheck it out.
And you know, they're taking newmembers.
They want people to join thetribe.
And what really resonated withme, um, was that clearly on the
website, you listed five reasonswhy to join the tribe.
And, and, you know, as amarketer, I firmly believe
(05:05):
everything starts with why.
And so it States very clearlythat number one, it's about
community.
Number two, accountability.
Confidence is three education soimportant because we can always
learn from each other and theyshared experience and elevation
(05:26):
and elevation is so key becausetraditionally women, especially
in, in, well, just in general, Ishould say I was going to say
professional, but it's reallypersonal too.
In our lives.
We are always the caregivers.
We're always putting ourselvesmaybe second, third in line
because we're too busy takingcare of everyone else.
And I find a lot of times whenI'm mentoring young women, um,
(05:50):
in the professional space, theydon't sing their praises.
They, they downplay them, youknow, which is, I'm like why,
you know, you have to be yourbiggest advocate.
You have to be your biggestcheerleader.
So having elevation as, um, it'sreally a tool that has to be
learned, you know, we almosthave to unlearn the behavior
(06:13):
pattern that we were consciousor subconsciously taught as
young girls.
Um, so let's talk a little bitabout those reasons, why and why
you actually chose thosetenants.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Absolutely.
And first of all, I'm so gladthat you said that because
something we do within our closecohort community or the feeling
tribes subscription, cause wehave two products that we're
offering right now.
We encourage women to ask forwhat they want and need.
We are conditioned as women tobe feminine and polite and
(06:47):
soft-spoken, this is how societyhas costed women.
And we're breaking thatstereotype to teach women and
the next generation of strongfemale leaders, how to ask for
what they want need, because menare conditioned to ask.
So it's important for us to bein a safe space and environment
and say, Hey girl, I knowsomething, can you help me?
(07:08):
And I love the fact that yourpodcast is girlfriend, no need
to ask because you're alreadylike anticipating.
You're like, yes, done.
Got it.
And we truly believe that whenwomen come together, Amani, we
move mountains all about thatcommunity.
It's about accountabilitybecause, Hey girl, if you say,
you're going to launch thispodcast and you don't do it, I'm
(07:29):
going to call you out.
And then I'm going to say, whyisn't it done?
And what do you need help with?
It's about networking.
It's about elevation because weopen the door and we lift our
hand down to lift up the nextgeneration.
So it's all of those things andconfidence is key.
We need to feel good about whatwe're doing.
Throw the imposter syndrome outthe window.
(07:50):
We all have fears, right?
It's taking risks, being boldand staying true to who we are
at our core.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
We have such similar core beliefs.
And I loved what you just saidabout pulling up the next
generation of female leaders.
It's so important.
It's something that I say allthe time.
Once we do get that seat at thecorporate table, um, it is our
responsibility to pull out achair for others.
(08:18):
It truly is.
And I'm S I see that, you know,I see women advocating for other
women speaking up for otherwomen.
Um, we are so powerful togetherand very, you know, it's, it's
the corporate world is, youknow, we still have challenges
and even entrepreneurs, like westill have challenges as women
(08:40):
leaders.
And sometimes
Speaker 3 (08:42):
It gets a little lonely.
You know, you just,
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I want a girlfriend that is invested in you, that
you can just call up without anystrings attached and just say,
listen, help me problem solvethis.
Or let's just, let's just talkit out, you know?
And it really helps, um, youfeel less alone, um, and
inspired.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Absolutely.
And I'm glad that you said that.
So our community, as of rightnow, we are 80% female founders,
20%.
C-suite so that's really whatdifferentiates feely, let's say
like from the wing or achieve,which are fabulous.
And I'm a big supporter and fanof both organizations and
communities feely caters tofemale entrepreneurs.
(09:25):
We have so many solo founderswho are lonely.
They need someone to reviewtheir pitch, deck materials.
They want to share VC contacts.
We want to review that elevatorpitch and what you're doing, or
how you're mapping out yourstrategy plan or what lawyers
you're using or planning yourbesting schedule for your
employees.
Nobody shares that information.
(09:47):
So when I joined a startup, whenI left the fashion corporate
world, it was challenging forme.
I was working with three malefounders who were all great, but
I didn't necessarily feel like Ifit in.
I didn't have that community ofwomen to be like, Hey girl, how
do I negotiate this?
Or, Hey girl, what should I dowhen I'm at the table with the
VC?
(10:07):
And I'm not sure exactly what tosay or how to come off in the
right way.
And that's where we're coming into help add support.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
Wow, powerful.
Again, I am going to highlyencourage everyone to check out
feely.
They have so many amazingworkshops and, you know, pre
COVID when life changed a bit,um, there was a lot of in-person
meetups, but being so smart, youguys swiftly transitioned.
(10:38):
Let's talk about COVID and theimpact it's had on your
business.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Absolutely.
And just socially, I'm a socialanimal.
I love to be out and about.
So when covert hit, I was verygrateful that we had our
international women's day eventbecause it was pre quarantine
and shelter in place in New Yorkcity.
So once that happened aroundMarch 20th, my partner and I
summer, we called each other andwe said, all right, girl, what
(11:06):
are we going to do?
We're going to cry and be upset,or we're going to take the next
24 hours, pivot everythingonline, take out the Rolodex,
call all of our contacts and getthis together.
So we did five months of freeprogramming for our entire
community.
We went from our littledatabase, like 480 people to now
(11:27):
over 6,000.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Oh my gosh.
Congratulations.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Thank you.
And we just launched a newproduct.
So a lot of women who werecoming to us saying, we're not
quite ready to commit to a yearmastermind, but we love what you
guys do.
And we want something, you know,maybe very affordable.
That's not a big commitment thatwe can join months to month.
So we launched the feely tribe'ssubscription, a very cost, no
(11:54):
commitment, monthly virtualsubscription with four workshops
per month, one groups coachingsession per month, where you can
troubleshoot, make your ass kindof talk to summer and myself and
access to our full contentlibrary of all of our past
events and workshops.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Wow.
I mean, this is why you guys aresuccessful and, and why you and
summer you're co-founder arelike the, you guys have the
perfect partnership.
You are resilient.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Thank you.
And I'm so grateful for her.
After working with many partnersin my career, it's always quite
a challenge to work with someonethat can call you out.
That can be honest with you,that loves and supports you.
And I am very grateful for mypartnership with her.
We are a wonderful matchtogether,
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Accountability, right?
One of the core tenants.
Amazing, amazing.
Um, and I like how you guys, youknow, made that Swift decision.
It wasn't crying in your soup.
It's like, okay, this ishappening and it's happening in
real time.
So we will react in real timebecause we have a commitment to
(13:05):
our partners and our subscribersand our members.
And I'm telling you, I'veattended some of your virtual
events.
I even spoke at a fireside chat.
I mean, it's just, it's alwayssuch a rewarding experience for
me.
And I, you know, I just assumefor your members, I mean,
growing from what 400 to 6,000in such a short period of time,
(13:30):
you guys are, I mean, that'sproof positive that you are
identifying a need and making itactionable and real for people.
So you have a such aninteresting perspective on, um,
the influencer, the wordinfluencer, and you know, we've
a lot of people have a diff alot of different opinions about
(13:52):
what an influencer is and thepower of the influencer and the
negative association with beingan influencer.
But you have a very interestingpoint of view that I would love
to deep dive on.
You want to redefine the wordinfluencer to role model?
How was that idea born?
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Absolutely.
So some people might not knowthis, but I have been blogging
for the past nine years.
I launched my blog originallyblazers and Bellini's in 2010,
2011.
And I was one of the firstoriginal plus size curve models.
(14:35):
At the time I was a size 16, 18.
This was pre shopping in anormal section for your
clothing.
You were pushed to the side inthe back and labeled as a fat
girl.
And that felt terrible for me.
So I wanted to go out and findtrends and styles that I could
(14:55):
share with my community.
And I was one of the first plussize curve models and bloggers
to do that.
And I had the wonderfulopportunity to partner with
addition L with ACS when theylaunched their curve line when
forever 21 first launched theircurve line.
And I started getting all ofthese partnerships and deals to
(15:16):
model and to become aninfluencer.
And over the years, throughoutmy entire career, I have seen
some very negative stereotypeson the term influencer.
So my job right now as a womanand an entrepreneur and a role
model for young women is toredefine that term to work and
promote brands that align withmy core values that align with
(15:39):
the message of body positivity,inclusivity, and diversity in
all shapes and forms.
So the types of content that Inow write about and post, by the
way, I just relaunched my blogas Joe Brennan, you can visit
it@jaclynbrennan.com.
So it's confirmed.
I'm very excited to startwriting again.
(15:59):
It's a huge passion of mine.
So I speak about brands that Iam passionate about.
It's not just about a paid gigor deal that I throw up and I
post and say, Hey, go buy this.
I work with brands that meansomething to me.
So I have a very longtermpartnership with Fabletics.
They cater to all sizes and allbody shapes.
(16:20):
I work with female founders andsmall business owners to help
promote their products that Ibelieve in that are sustainable
and hit that Mark for me.
So everything I talk about onthe blog events, workshops,
different brands, they all meansomething for me.
And I love to share that.
So it's about empowering andpositive messaging and very core
(16:43):
and body positivity.
So I worked really hard to getto where I am now, and I'm not
technically considered a curvemodel, but I'm always curvy.
And in my heart, and I resonatewith all women to feel good in
your own skin.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Oh, Bravo.
I love, I could not love whatyou just said more.
It's just impossible.
So do you find in the, becauseyou still are an influencer, but
you're a role model, you know,and in this world of influencers
as you, cause you've been in thebusiness for a while, do you see
(17:21):
any change towards more, um,accountability being more
responsible?
Um, or is it just business asusual?
Speaker 3 (17:31):
I think for the first time, in a very long time,
especially as of June, thingshave started to change.
People are getting called out.
People are being heldaccountable and people need to
take action and stick to, to dowhat they said they were going
to do.
If you said something, nowyou're going to be held to a
(17:52):
higher standard.
So it is slowly starting tochange.
I felt that influencers ingeneral, during a certain point
of my career, felt veryartificial and inauthentic.
And at that point I decided Iwas going to step away from my
blog and focus more on myfashion, corporate role and
(18:13):
partnerships in a different way.
But now I'm coming back becauseI feel that there is a gap for
influencers to be very authenticand to talk about things that
are meaningful to their heart,like positivity, mindfulness,
wellness, being conscious andpolitical too, to speak about
our views.
And what's important for us toeducate the next generation.
(18:36):
Wow.
That is
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Amazing.
I mean, I would just naturallythink that brands would want
their influencers to move inthis direction, like to be an
authentic voice to, um, it'salmost like to be about
something.
You know what I mean?
And it's just because no one hasthe tolerance, like you said
(18:59):
earlier,
Speaker 3 (18:59):
People are holding brands, leaders,
Speaker 2 (19:04):
Role models, account
Speaker 3 (19:06):
As they should.
And it's really
Speaker 2 (19:08):
As simple as you just said, if you say you're going to
do something, just, just do it.
Because if you're doing it totick a box, you're going to get
called out and your brand willsuffer.
I mean, just with the socialunrest, that's, you know, all
around us that we
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Constantly living through.
You see, and it's mostly theyounger generation calling
people out, calling brands out,like no more.
I love it.
It's the youth they're going tolead the change.
They really,
Speaker 2 (19:43):
They are.
And they're staring bigbusinesses, social, uh, you know
, um, political and socialunrest, racism, you know,
stereotypes,
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Everything.
They're looking at,
Speaker 2 (19:58):
All of these things squarely in the eye and saying,
we're not standing for itanymore.
And I'm so proud of them.
I'm so proud of their career
Speaker 3 (20:07):
And their resilience.
I'm like, how can we not supportthem?
Exactly.
I mean, that generation, thefuture generation, they're going
to change the world.
And I'm excited and hopeful thatbrands, businesses and leaders
are going to start payingattention even more.
But the change and the shift hashappened 2020 is the great
(20:29):
awakening.
And I truly believe that in somany different ways.
I agree.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
I agree.
Um, so speaking about, you know,we have an election coming up,
we have still so many systemicproblems in America.
We're still dealing with COVID,you know, I know everybody wants
to pretend that it's over it'sit's unfortunately not.
Um, and so as we try to live oneday at a time, because it feels
(20:59):
like that's all we can manage todo.
We still have to look forward.
So what does 2021, um, ha know,holds for you?
And for feely
Speaker 3 (21:11):
2021 is going to be a phenomenal year.
It's a year of taking big, boldrisks and staying true to
yourself.
Feely will continue to grow.
Our second cohort of our actualcore mastermind opens November,
2020.
So we've already have about sixmembers fully committed.
(21:34):
We'll keep our feely tribessubscription.
And by 2021, we hope to havefour cohorts of 12 running
summer in myself or expandingcities.
So I'm going to be back andforth from New York to Austin
safely.
Hopefully once we see what'shappening and we do have future
plans to take feely to China.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Oh my gosh.
Amazing.
Oh, wow.
So incredible.
So incredible.
So while you're like being thisphenomenal woman advocate,
influencer role model, you'rerelocating, I mean your cup
(22:17):
runneth over and you do it allwith such a beautiful smile and
demeanor.
I like to share with ourlisteners, um, books, like what
are you currently reading andwhat do you suggest that the
readers check out?
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Yes.
I just finished reading a gamechanger, the power of intention
by dr.
Wayne Dwyer.
It is a life changing book.
I am very much into, you know,not self-help, but improvement,
consciousness and people makefun of me because I give two
hours a day to myself care.
(22:53):
And summer's always like, how doyou do that, Jack?
You're crazy.
I wake up super early before Itouch my cell phone or computer.
I have two hours for myself toexercise, meditate, journal and
read every single morning.
So yes, my cup is full.
My days are crazy.
I pretty much worked seven daysa week because I love what I do,
but I take time for myselfbecause if you don't pour into
(23:16):
your own prep, you cannot pourin anyone else's cup.
So I'm a big advocate of selfcare and taking care of yourself
mentally and physically.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
I think what you, I mean, so many gyms.
I hope we have a pen and paper.
Um, everyone taking a copiousnotes, but what you just said,
it's so important.
And I am actually trying toincorporate that into my daily
routine.
So that eventually becomes ahabit, the two hours of just you
(23:47):
time.
And it's so important.
I've been trying to get up earlyand do my Peloton.
Wow.
Um, and just sit still for amoment and collect my thoughts
before I touch the iPhone oropen the computer.
And it really helps center me.
(24:08):
I feel like stronger and that Ican, you know, I'm ready to
greet whatever the day presentsto me.
Um, and I really think it'simportant for us to not make
self care.
Like one day, you know, we haveself care Sunday and everyone
tries their best to focus onthat one day.
But I do think there's suchvalue in incorporating self care
(24:34):
into your schedule every singleday.
And it doesn't have to be threehours.
It could literally be 30 minutesto start and work your way up to
an hour,
Speaker 3 (24:45):
15 minutes in the morning.
Girl, give yourself a sevenminute meditation and then write
your intentions for the day.
How are you going to show up?
What do you want to accomplish?
I give myself two hours becauseI need it an hour of that is
exercise.
Um, and I needed for myselfbecause I know if I do that
ritual my morning ritual, I'mgoing to show up as my best self
(25:07):
for everyone else and radiateout good energy.
If I miss that morning, I mightnot be my best self.
So I really try to do it everyday.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
It's amazing.
And you know, meditation is, youknow, a lot of people ask me
like, how do I start?
You know, they make it, I thinka lot of people have this idea
that it's this huge productionand you know, how do I even get
started?
And, and I recommend, um,Headspace, I use Headspace a
lot.
(25:36):
Um, what do you, what do yourecommend for us
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Harder?
I started with Headspace andthen I moved to Inscape.
I love Inscape because theyactually have physical locations
in New York city pre COVID.
You can go and meditate in thisgorgeous Jome pod.
And the energy of being therewith other people is fabulous.
Um, it's an app you can doliterally four or five minute
meditations to start.
(25:59):
They go up to 45 minutes.
It also has been really helpingme go to sleep at night.
I love their evening bedtime.
Meditation's when I can't sleep.
I fall asleep to it.
And recently, after reading thepower of intention, I have been
practicing Joppa meditation, J aP a, which is uses your voice
(26:22):
and the app sound, which helpsyou manifest through your third
eye.
And it sounds kooky and crazy,but you actually are physically
making a sound.
And I have already seen somefabulous manifestations happen,
and I'm really enjoying that.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Wow, everyone, I will continue to, uh, link in the, in
the podcast description, all ofthese sites and apps and
definitely the book I am goingto order it as soon as, Oh my
gosh.
Look at you.
Always having my back.
I love it.
Well, there's one thing that Ilike to ask all of my guests.
(27:01):
Um, and it's, it's, I just lovethe answers because they're,
they're never what I expect.
So here it goes, it's calledtrading places.
So if you trade places withanyone living or deceased, who
would that person be and why?
(27:22):
Oprah?
My idol.
I actually got to meet her thisyear, 2020 on her 2020 vision
tour right before COVID.
I am obsessed with her.
I love her the way she sets herboundaries, the way she works.
She's such a frigging boss.
I would love to, which wouldcome with a lot of pressure, but
I'd love to trade places withOprah for a day and just see how
(27:45):
her mind thinks and does it all.
I love it.
I mean, you did not hesitateflair vision, so clear, speak it
into existence.
My dear Jacqueline, this hasbeen so amazing.
I just cannot thank you enoughfor taking the time and
connecting with me and thelisteners.
(28:06):
I know there are so manytakeaways that I hope will
benefit the listeners lives, andI wish you continued success.
And I cannot wait to lean in tothe next feely event.
So friends, I will, again,hyperlink everything in the
product description in thepodcast description.
(28:28):
Please take the time to checkout feelies, new website and
subscribe and join.
It will be one of the bestthings you can give to yourself.
Jacqueline.
Thank you again.
Thank you so much, Amani.
It was such a pleasure to behere with you today.
You've made my entire day talkabout a motivation Monday.
(28:50):
Thank you so much.
And like Amani mentioned, youcan visit feely N Y c.com and
join our tribe.
Thank you.
Please join everyone.
So friends, that's the end ofour conversation with Jacqueline
Brenner co founder of bili untilnext time be safe and be well
Speaker 1 (29:36):
[inaudible].
[inaudible]
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another episode of no need to ask
podcast.
My name is Amani Duncan, and Iwill be your host on this
journey.
On today's episode, I have thepleasure of speaking with
someone who has become a fastand dear friend of mine,
Jacquelyn Brennan, or she is thecofounder of bili mastermind.
(00:36):
Now feely means tribe in Greekand their intention is to create
a tribe of diverse high leveldreamers, thinkers, and doers.
Feely helps female leaders rise.
That means renew inspire supportand empower in all aspects of
(00:59):
their lives.
So without further ado, pleasewelcome Jacquelyn Brenner to no
need to ask podcast.
Hi Jacquelyn.
Thanks for having me.
I'm so excited to be joining youtoday on this podcast.
I have been looking forward tothis episode for a really long
(01:20):
time.
And so friends, you know, I metJacquelyn and the amazing group
feely when they invited me toparticipate in one of their
workshops in New York city.
And of course I was like, Oh mygosh, empowering women
supporting women count me in.
And it was just such anincredible experience.
(01:42):
And during that time we'vebecome, like I said, fast
friends and I consider myself anambassador, a feely.
I really do like I have joinedthe tribe and when the tribe,
the tribe, you know what I mean?
And it's like, it's so rewardingto be around such diverse and
(02:03):
incredible female thoughtleaders.
So thank you again for takingthe time out of your busy
schedule to join us today.
So tell us a little bit aboutyou and how did you come up with
be with the idea of feely?
Uh, well, first of all, Amani,thank you so much.
You are a true powerhouse whoactually walks the walk and
(02:25):
doesn't just talk.
So I'm very blessed andappreciate types of be here with
you today.
Um, feely is my baby along withmy cofounder summer.
One of my true great friends,soul sisters, who is from China
and we launched feely a littlebit over a year and a half ago.
(02:45):
So this was a true passionproject.
We knew we wanted to create amastermind that was substantial.
A mastermind is a peer to peermentorship group, coupled with
accountability.
The first term mastermind wascoined
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Originally in 1925 by an author named Napoleon Hill.
So he used to gather aroundthese amazing entrepreneurs and
inventors and creatives becausehe knew if he had a tribe of
people, he would always be thesmartest one in the room because
he knew that he can learninformation and share ideas with
(03:21):
that community.
So that's where the originalterm mastermind was coined, um,
summer and I belong to so manydifferent female organizations,
groups we're always out andabout.
And we felt like there was aneed for a group that really had
action and accountabilitybesides just networking and
(03:44):
happy hours and paneldiscussions.
So family was built out of ourown personal need to be around
women that want to do somethingbigger, better, and greater who
are committed and leveling upand investing in themselves.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
I love it.
Oh my gosh.
And you guys really have builtsomething pretty incredible.
I mean, hearing from you, yourintention behind starting this
incredible, you know, group andseeing it in action, you are
really living your truth.
It's, it's so amazing.
Like I met so many dynamic womenat the workshop that I attended
(04:24):
and it was in conjunction withinternational women's day.
It was huge.
And it was so well done.
And I really encourage all ofyou guys to definitely check out
feely.
They just launched a beautifulwebsite.
I mean, it's incredible.
And I will link to the websitein the description for the
(04:45):
podcast, so everyone can gocheck it out.
And you know, they're taking newmembers.
They want people to join thetribe.
And what really resonated withme, um, was that clearly on the
website, you listed five reasonswhy to join the tribe.
And, and, you know, as amarketer, I firmly believe
(05:05):
everything starts with why.
And so it States very clearlythat number one, it's about
community.
Number two, accountability.
Confidence is three education soimportant because we can always
learn from each other and theyshared experience and elevation
(05:26):
and elevation is so key becausetraditionally women, especially
in, in, well, just in general, Ishould say I was going to say
professional, but it's reallypersonal too.
In our lives.
We are always the caregivers.
We're always putting ourselvesmaybe second, third in line
because we're too busy takingcare of everyone else.
And I find a lot of times whenI'm mentoring young women, um,
(05:50):
in the professional space, theydon't sing their praises.
They, they downplay them, youknow, which is, I'm like why,
you know, you have to be yourbiggest advocate.
You have to be your biggestcheerleader.
So having elevation as, um, it'sreally a tool that has to be
learned, you know, we almosthave to unlearn the behavior
(06:13):
pattern that we were consciousor subconsciously taught as
young girls.
Um, so let's talk a little bitabout those reasons, why and why
you actually chose thosetenants.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Absolutely.
And first of all, I'm so gladthat you said that because
something we do within our closecohort community or the feeling
tribes subscription, cause wehave two products that we're
offering right now.
We encourage women to ask forwhat they want and need.
We are conditioned as women tobe feminine and polite and
(06:47):
soft-spoken, this is how societyhas costed women.
And we're breaking thatstereotype to teach women and
the next generation of strongfemale leaders, how to ask for
what they want need, because menare conditioned to ask.
So it's important for us to bein a safe space and environment
and say, Hey girl, I knowsomething, can you help me?
(07:08):
And I love the fact that yourpodcast is girlfriend, no need
to ask because you're alreadylike anticipating.
You're like, yes, done.
Got it.
And we truly believe that whenwomen come together, Amani, we
move mountains all about thatcommunity.
It's about accountabilitybecause, Hey girl, if you say,
you're going to launch thispodcast and you don't do it, I'm
(07:29):
going to call you out.
And then I'm going to say, whyisn't it done?
And what do you need help with?
It's about networking.
It's about elevation because weopen the door and we lift our
hand down to lift up the nextgeneration.
So it's all of those things andconfidence is key.
We need to feel good about whatwe're doing.
Throw the imposter syndrome outthe window.
(07:50):
We all have fears, right?
It's taking risks, being boldand staying true to who we are
at our core.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
We have such similar core beliefs.
And I loved what you just saidabout pulling up the next
generation of female leaders.
It's so important.
It's something that I say allthe time.
Once we do get that seat at thecorporate table, um, it is our
responsibility to pull out achair for others.
(08:18):
It truly is.
And I'm S I see that, you know,I see women advocating for other
women speaking up for otherwomen.
Um, we are so powerful togetherand very, you know, it's, it's
the corporate world is, youknow, we still have challenges
and even entrepreneurs, like westill have challenges as women
(08:40):
leaders.
And sometimes
Speaker 3 (08:42):
It gets a little lonely.
You know, you just,
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I want a girlfriend that is invested in you, that
you can just call up without anystrings attached and just say,
listen, help me problem solvethis.
Or let's just, let's just talkit out, you know?
And it really helps, um, youfeel less alone, um, and
inspired.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Absolutely.
And I'm glad that you said that.
So our community, as of rightnow, we are 80% female founders,
20%.
C-suite so that's really whatdifferentiates feely, let's say
like from the wing or achieve,which are fabulous.
And I'm a big supporter and fanof both organizations and
communities feely caters tofemale entrepreneurs.
(09:25):
We have so many solo founderswho are lonely.
They need someone to reviewtheir pitch, deck materials.
They want to share VC contacts.
We want to review that elevatorpitch and what you're doing, or
how you're mapping out yourstrategy plan or what lawyers
you're using or planning yourbesting schedule for your
employees.
Nobody shares that information.
(09:47):
So when I joined a startup, whenI left the fashion corporate
world, it was challenging forme.
I was working with three malefounders who were all great, but
I didn't necessarily feel like Ifit in.
I didn't have that community ofwomen to be like, Hey girl, how
do I negotiate this?
Or, Hey girl, what should I dowhen I'm at the table with the
VC?
(10:07):
And I'm not sure exactly what tosay or how to come off in the
right way.
And that's where we're coming into help add support.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
Wow, powerful.
Again, I am going to highlyencourage everyone to check out
feely.
They have so many amazingworkshops and, you know, pre
COVID when life changed a bit,um, there was a lot of in-person
meetups, but being so smart, youguys swiftly transitioned.
(10:38):
Let's talk about COVID and theimpact it's had on your
business.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Absolutely.
And just socially, I'm a socialanimal.
I love to be out and about.
So when covert hit, I was verygrateful that we had our
international women's day eventbecause it was pre quarantine
and shelter in place in New Yorkcity.
So once that happened aroundMarch 20th, my partner and I
summer, we called each other andwe said, all right, girl, what
(11:06):
are we going to do?
We're going to cry and be upset,or we're going to take the next
24 hours, pivot everythingonline, take out the Rolodex,
call all of our contacts and getthis together.
So we did five months of freeprogramming for our entire
community.
We went from our littledatabase, like 480 people to now
(11:27):
over 6,000.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Oh my gosh.
Congratulations.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Thank you.
And we just launched a newproduct.
So a lot of women who werecoming to us saying, we're not
quite ready to commit to a yearmastermind, but we love what you
guys do.
And we want something, you know,maybe very affordable.
That's not a big commitment thatwe can join months to month.
So we launched the feely tribe'ssubscription, a very cost, no
(11:54):
commitment, monthly virtualsubscription with four workshops
per month, one groups coachingsession per month, where you can
troubleshoot, make your ass kindof talk to summer and myself and
access to our full contentlibrary of all of our past
events and workshops.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Wow.
I mean, this is why you guys aresuccessful and, and why you and
summer you're co-founder arelike the, you guys have the
perfect partnership.
You are resilient.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Thank you.
And I'm so grateful for her.
After working with many partnersin my career, it's always quite
a challenge to work with someonethat can call you out.
That can be honest with you,that loves and supports you.
And I am very grateful for mypartnership with her.
We are a wonderful matchtogether,
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Accountability, right?
One of the core tenants.
Amazing, amazing.
Um, and I like how you guys, youknow, made that Swift decision.
It wasn't crying in your soup.
It's like, okay, this ishappening and it's happening in
real time.
So we will react in real timebecause we have a commitment to
(13:05):
our partners and our subscribersand our members.
And I'm telling you, I'veattended some of your virtual
events.
I even spoke at a fireside chat.
I mean, it's just, it's alwayssuch a rewarding experience for
me.
And I, you know, I just assumefor your members, I mean,
growing from what 400 to 6,000in such a short period of time,
(13:30):
you guys are, I mean, that'sproof positive that you are
identifying a need and making itactionable and real for people.
So you have a such aninteresting perspective on, um,
the influencer, the wordinfluencer, and you know, we've
a lot of people have a diff alot of different opinions about
(13:52):
what an influencer is and thepower of the influencer and the
negative association with beingan influencer.
But you have a very interestingpoint of view that I would love
to deep dive on.
You want to redefine the wordinfluencer to role model?
How was that idea born?
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Absolutely.
So some people might not knowthis, but I have been blogging
for the past nine years.
I launched my blog originallyblazers and Bellini's in 2010,
2011.
And I was one of the firstoriginal plus size curve models.
(14:35):
At the time I was a size 16, 18.
This was pre shopping in anormal section for your
clothing.
You were pushed to the side inthe back and labeled as a fat
girl.
And that felt terrible for me.
So I wanted to go out and findtrends and styles that I could
(14:55):
share with my community.
And I was one of the first plussize curve models and bloggers
to do that.
And I had the wonderfulopportunity to partner with
addition L with ACS when theylaunched their curve line when
forever 21 first launched theircurve line.
And I started getting all ofthese partnerships and deals to
(15:16):
model and to become aninfluencer.
And over the years, throughoutmy entire career, I have seen
some very negative stereotypeson the term influencer.
So my job right now as a womanand an entrepreneur and a role
model for young women is toredefine that term to work and
promote brands that align withmy core values that align with
(15:39):
the message of body positivity,inclusivity, and diversity in
all shapes and forms.
So the types of content that Inow write about and post, by the
way, I just relaunched my blogas Joe Brennan, you can visit
it@jaclynbrennan.com.
So it's confirmed.
I'm very excited to startwriting again.
(15:59):
It's a huge passion of mine.
So I speak about brands that Iam passionate about.
It's not just about a paid gigor deal that I throw up and I
post and say, Hey, go buy this.
I work with brands that meansomething to me.
So I have a very longtermpartnership with Fabletics.
They cater to all sizes and allbody shapes.
(16:20):
I work with female founders andsmall business owners to help
promote their products that Ibelieve in that are sustainable
and hit that Mark for me.
So everything I talk about onthe blog events, workshops,
different brands, they all meansomething for me.
And I love to share that.
So it's about empowering andpositive messaging and very core
(16:43):
and body positivity.
So I worked really hard to getto where I am now, and I'm not
technically considered a curvemodel, but I'm always curvy.
And in my heart, and I resonatewith all women to feel good in
your own skin.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Oh, Bravo.
I love, I could not love whatyou just said more.
It's just impossible.
So do you find in the, becauseyou still are an influencer, but
you're a role model, you know,and in this world of influencers
as you, cause you've been in thebusiness for a while, do you see
(17:21):
any change towards more, um,accountability being more
responsible?
Um, or is it just business asusual?
Speaker 3 (17:31):
I think for the first time, in a very long time,
especially as of June, thingshave started to change.
People are getting called out.
People are being heldaccountable and people need to
take action and stick to, to dowhat they said they were going
to do.
If you said something, nowyou're going to be held to a
(17:52):
higher standard.
So it is slowly starting tochange.
I felt that influencers ingeneral, during a certain point
of my career, felt veryartificial and inauthentic.
And at that point I decided Iwas going to step away from my
blog and focus more on myfashion, corporate role and
(18:13):
partnerships in a different way.
But now I'm coming back becauseI feel that there is a gap for
influencers to be very authenticand to talk about things that
are meaningful to their heart,like positivity, mindfulness,
wellness, being conscious andpolitical too, to speak about
our views.
And what's important for us toeducate the next generation.
(18:36):
Wow.
That is
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Amazing.
I mean, I would just naturallythink that brands would want
their influencers to move inthis direction, like to be an
authentic voice to, um, it'salmost like to be about
something.
You know what I mean?
And it's just because no one hasthe tolerance, like you said
(18:59):
earlier,
Speaker 3 (18:59):
People are holding brands, leaders,
Speaker 2 (19:04):
Role models, account
Speaker 3 (19:06):
As they should.
And it's really
Speaker 2 (19:08):
As simple as you just said, if you say you're going to
do something, just, just do it.
Because if you're doing it totick a box, you're going to get
called out and your brand willsuffer.
I mean, just with the socialunrest, that's, you know, all
around us that we
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Constantly living through.
You see, and it's mostly theyounger generation calling
people out, calling brands out,like no more.
I love it.
It's the youth they're going tolead the change.
They really,
Speaker 2 (19:43):
They are.
And they're staring bigbusinesses, social, uh, you know
, um, political and socialunrest, racism, you know,
stereotypes,
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Everything.
They're looking at,
Speaker 2 (19:58):
All of these things squarely in the eye and saying,
we're not standing for itanymore.
And I'm so proud of them.
I'm so proud of their career
Speaker 3 (20:07):
And their resilience.
I'm like, how can we not supportthem?
Exactly.
I mean, that generation, thefuture generation, they're going
to change the world.
And I'm excited and hopeful thatbrands, businesses and leaders
are going to start payingattention even more.
But the change and the shift hashappened 2020 is the great
(20:29):
awakening.
And I truly believe that in somany different ways.
I agree.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
I agree.
Um, so speaking about, you know,we have an election coming up,
we have still so many systemicproblems in America.
We're still dealing with COVID,you know, I know everybody wants
to pretend that it's over it'sit's unfortunately not.
Um, and so as we try to live oneday at a time, because it feels
(20:59):
like that's all we can manage todo.
We still have to look forward.
So what does 2021, um, ha know,holds for you?
And for feely
Speaker 3 (21:11):
2021 is going to be a phenomenal year.
It's a year of taking big, boldrisks and staying true to
yourself.
Feely will continue to grow.
Our second cohort of our actualcore mastermind opens November,
2020.
So we've already have about sixmembers fully committed.
(21:34):
We'll keep our feely tribessubscription.
And by 2021, we hope to havefour cohorts of 12 running
summer in myself or expandingcities.
So I'm going to be back andforth from New York to Austin
safely.
Hopefully once we see what'shappening and we do have future
plans to take feely to China.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Oh my gosh.
Amazing.
Oh, wow.
So incredible.
So incredible.
So while you're like being thisphenomenal woman advocate,
influencer role model, you'rerelocating, I mean your cup
(22:17):
runneth over and you do it allwith such a beautiful smile and
demeanor.
I like to share with ourlisteners, um, books, like what
are you currently reading andwhat do you suggest that the
readers check out?
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Yes.
I just finished reading a gamechanger, the power of intention
by dr.
Wayne Dwyer.
It is a life changing book.
I am very much into, you know,not self-help, but improvement,
consciousness and people makefun of me because I give two
hours a day to myself care.
(22:53):
And summer's always like, how doyou do that, Jack?
You're crazy.
I wake up super early before Itouch my cell phone or computer.
I have two hours for myself toexercise, meditate, journal and
read every single morning.
So yes, my cup is full.
My days are crazy.
I pretty much worked seven daysa week because I love what I do,
but I take time for myselfbecause if you don't pour into
(23:16):
your own prep, you cannot pourin anyone else's cup.
So I'm a big advocate of selfcare and taking care of yourself
mentally and physically.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
I think what you, I mean, so many gyms.
I hope we have a pen and paper.
Um, everyone taking a copiousnotes, but what you just said,
it's so important.
And I am actually trying toincorporate that into my daily
routine.
So that eventually becomes ahabit, the two hours of just you
(23:47):
time.
And it's so important.
I've been trying to get up earlyand do my Peloton.
Wow.
Um, and just sit still for amoment and collect my thoughts
before I touch the iPhone oropen the computer.
And it really helps center me.
(24:08):
I feel like stronger and that Ican, you know, I'm ready to
greet whatever the day presentsto me.
Um, and I really think it'simportant for us to not make
self care.
Like one day, you know, we haveself care Sunday and everyone
tries their best to focus onthat one day.
But I do think there's suchvalue in incorporating self care
(24:34):
into your schedule every singleday.
And it doesn't have to be threehours.
It could literally be 30 minutesto start and work your way up to
an hour,
Speaker 3 (24:45):
15 minutes in the morning.
Girl, give yourself a sevenminute meditation and then write
your intentions for the day.
How are you going to show up?
What do you want to accomplish?
I give myself two hours becauseI need it an hour of that is
exercise.
Um, and I needed for myselfbecause I know if I do that
ritual my morning ritual, I'mgoing to show up as my best self
(25:07):
for everyone else and radiateout good energy.
If I miss that morning, I mightnot be my best self.
So I really try to do it everyday.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
It's amazing.
And you know, meditation is, youknow, a lot of people ask me
like, how do I start?
You know, they make it, I thinka lot of people have this idea
that it's this huge productionand you know, how do I even get
started?
And, and I recommend, um,Headspace, I use Headspace a
lot.
(25:36):
Um, what do you, what do yourecommend for us
Speaker 3 (25:39):
Harder?
I started with Headspace andthen I moved to Inscape.
I love Inscape because theyactually have physical locations
in New York city pre COVID.
You can go and meditate in thisgorgeous Jome pod.
And the energy of being therewith other people is fabulous.
Um, it's an app you can doliterally four or five minute
meditations to start.
(25:59):
They go up to 45 minutes.
It also has been really helpingme go to sleep at night.
I love their evening bedtime.
Meditation's when I can't sleep.
I fall asleep to it.
And recently, after reading thepower of intention, I have been
practicing Joppa meditation, J aP a, which is uses your voice
(26:22):
and the app sound, which helpsyou manifest through your third
eye.
And it sounds kooky and crazy,but you actually are physically
making a sound.
And I have already seen somefabulous manifestations happen,
and I'm really enjoying that.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Wow, everyone, I will continue to, uh, link in the, in
the podcast description, all ofthese sites and apps and
definitely the book I am goingto order it as soon as, Oh my
gosh.
Look at you.
Always having my back.
I love it.
Well, there's one thing that Ilike to ask all of my guests.
(27:01):
Um, and it's, it's, I just lovethe answers because they're,
they're never what I expect.
So here it goes, it's calledtrading places.
So if you trade places withanyone living or deceased, who
would that person be and why?
(27:22):
Oprah?
My idol.
I actually got to meet her thisyear, 2020 on her 2020 vision
tour right before COVID.
I am obsessed with her.
I love her the way she sets herboundaries, the way she works.
She's such a frigging boss.
I would love to, which wouldcome with a lot of pressure, but
I'd love to trade places withOprah for a day and just see how
(27:45):
her mind thinks and does it all.
I love it.
I mean, you did not hesitateflair vision, so clear, speak it
into existence.
My dear Jacqueline, this hasbeen so amazing.
I just cannot thank you enoughfor taking the time and
connecting with me and thelisteners.
(28:06):
I know there are so manytakeaways that I hope will
benefit the listeners lives, andI wish you continued success.
And I cannot wait to lean in tothe next feely event.
So friends, I will, again,hyperlink everything in the
product description in thepodcast description.
(28:28):
Please take the time to checkout feelies, new website and
subscribe and join.
It will be one of the bestthings you can give to yourself.
Jacqueline.
Thank you again.
Thank you so much, Amani.
It was such a pleasure to behere with you today.
You've made my entire day talkabout a motivation Monday.
(28:50):
Thank you so much.
And like Amani mentioned, youcan visit feely N Y c.com and
join our tribe.
Thank you.
Please join everyone.
So friends, that's the end ofour conversation with Jacqueline
Brenner co founder of bili untilnext time be safe and be well
Speaker 1 (29:36):
[inaudible].
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