The Story Behind Creative CEO Vanessa Farino Her Mission to Transform Business for Women of Color Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Tell us about your venture/work!
Creative CEO is a platform I started to uplift women entrepreneurs, especially women of color, through real, actionable business strategies and powerful community experiences. When I launched Creative CEO, I wanted to address the lack of accessible resources, mentorship, and practical tools for women ready to build businesses on their own terms. Our PWR of WMN Summit began in Boston, expanded to NYC, and is now heading to Miami in spring 2025. So far, these summits have supported over 600 women, creating spaces where they can learn, grow, and connect with each other. In just a few years, I’ve seen Creative CEO help so many women take that leap—from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship. It’s about more than just business; it’s about building confidence, creating financial freedom, and feeling seen and supported by a community that understands. Financial literacy, personal growth, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do. Creative CEO isn’t just a business—it’s a movement to help women rewrite what success looks like. I’m passionate about seeing more women build businesses that reflect their values, make an impact, and bring real change to their communities.
How long have you been working on your venture? Why did you decide to work on something impact related?
I decided to tackle this issue because I saw a real gap in the resources and support available to women—especially women of color—who want to build businesses on their own terms. Early in my own journey, I faced challenges finding guidance that truly resonated with me, that understood my background, and that offered more than just surface-level advice. I realized that so many women out there are craving not only practical tools but also a community that makes them feel seen, supported, and empowered. After leaving a six-figure corporate career to start my own venture, I saw firsthand how essential financial literacy, confidence, and community are to succeed as an entrepreneur. I knew I wanted to create something that would fill those gaps for others. That’s when I started Creative CEO and launched the PWR of WMN Summit to bring women together, share actionable strategies, and foster connections that can last a lifetime. This work is deeply personal to me, and I’m driven by a passion to help more women build businesses that reflect who they are, break down financial and societal barriers, and leave a lasting impact.
How did you find out you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path? What was the first fundamental shift that happened to you as an early impact entrepreneur?
I found out I wanted to take an entrepreneurial path during a period of deep grief that left me questioning everything. Despite having a six-figure corporate salary and a successful career, I felt unfulfilled. Those personal losses forced me to take a hard look at my life and realize that, while I had achieved what looked like success on the outside, it didn’t align with my purpose. I needed my work to mean something more, to create real impact and uplift others in a way that resonated with my story and values. That’s when I took the leap and started Creative CEO, determined to build a platform that empowers other women—especially women of color—to pursue their own purpose-driven paths. The first fundamental shift for me as an early impact entrepreneur was learning the importance of self-reliance and mastering every part of my business. I committed to understanding every role—marketing, finance, branding—so that I could lead with confidence and make informed decisions at every stage. That hands-on approach shaped my leadership style and allowed me to grow Creative CEO with intention. This shift taught me that real impact begins with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to building something authentic and meaningful.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What are the main challenges?
What I enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur is the opportunity to connect directly with the people we serve. Being customer-facing allows me to hear their stories, understand their challenges, and continuously learn how we can fill those gaps through our work. Every conversation reminds me of the importance of our mission and fuels my commitment to creating something that truly uplifts and empowers. The main challenges? Even as founders, we need support, resources, and mentorship, too. Often, impact entrepreneurs are so focused on serving others that we overlook our own need for guidance and community. Balancing the drive to support others with making sure I have the support I need to keep going is something I continually work on.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time and relationships to prepare for this kind of career? What would you tell to your younger self?
My advice for early-stage impact entrepreneurs is to be okay with people not always seeing or agreeing with your vision. Not everyone will understand your mission right away, and that’s perfectly normal. Seek out community members, mentors, and peers who do see it and can support you in meaningful ways. Learn to distinguish between when your business model needs adjustment and when your mission is simply being misunderstood—master ways to communicate your vision until it’s seen, heard, and truly understood. Another essential piece of advice? Learn to regulate your nervous system. Entrepreneurship is full of highs and lows, and being able to stay grounded will keep you steady, especially when challenges arise. Also, remember that your business isn’t here to entertain you; building something impactful means doing certain things over and over, even when they start to feel repetitive or boring. Consistency is where the magic happens, and it’s what drives growth in the long run. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: stay true to your mission, even when the journey feels challenging. Your purpose will shine through if you stay committed and surround yourself with the right people.