Meet Emani Figaro

We recently connected with Emani Figaro and have shared our conversation below.

Emani, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my parents, both of whom have profoundly shaped who I am today. My mother, the only girl out of three boys from Englewood, Chicago, and my father, an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago who worked as a trade contractor, instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, integrity, and persistence. I was always expected to try my best, which laid a strong foundation for my professional journey.

My dad placed a huge emphasis on loving your history and lineage, teaching me the importance of understanding where I come from. Meanwhile, my mother focused on self-love, encouraging me not to seek approval through people-pleasing, but instead to be confident in who God made me to be. Although my parents divorced, the lessons they imparted have had a lasting impact on my life, influencing the woman I am today in countless ways. Their teachings continue to motivate me as I navigate my career and personal growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Emani Figaro, a creative entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation and Mogul Mani Consulting. My journey into consulting, community programming, and creative entrepreneurship began during my time at Spelman College, where I majored in economics. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling through data, which I first discovered in my statistics class. This love for data led me to Deloitte Consulting, where I was staffed on projects that aligned with my values of community impact and social good.

At Deloitte, I had the opportunity to work with incredible organizations like UNCF, The Black Economic Alliance, and The Ocean Cleanup, helping them develop strategies for creating lasting positive change. I was even the first analyst accepted into Monitor Institute, Deloitte’s boutique division that focused solely on nonprofits. Despite reaching the pinnacle of my corporate career in a short time, I realized that something was missing. In 2021, I began freelancing through my LLC, Mogul Mani Consulting, and found my true passion for helping creatives actualize their dreams. This inspired me to launch the Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation in late 2022.

The Maison Mogul Consulting Foundation is a creative business resource center that bridges the worlds of creativity and business. Through offering educational programming, staffing creative projects, and producing events for creative entrepreneurs aged 18-35. We’ve curated events and community programming that empower underrepresented creatives with the tools they need to build sustainable careers. Since launching in October 2023, we’ve impacted over 350 creatives through our workshops and initiatives, which cover a wide range of services including project management, event production, branding, marketing, and community programming. We’ve staffed creatives on projects such as: Essence, McDonald’s, Everyday People, and local Chicago businesses.

One of our proudest accomplishments is the VIRTUE Exhibition, held as part of Chicago’s First Fashion Week this October 2024. This two-day event brought together five designers and five artists to create an immersive exhibition exploring themes of sustainability, streetwear, and luxury. One of the highlights of the event was our collaboration with the incredible artist Tuan Jones, who curated the fashion show. The VIRTUE Exhibition also featured a youth design workshop, we partnered with Leo High School to help the boys design on fabric that would be turned into garments for the show, we fundraised to donate two sewing machines to Leo High School, and conducted fashion and creative leadership workshops, including part two of our Mogul Minds fashion workshop, where participants focused more on the inner-work of creative through our creative leadership workshops.

Our mission is not only to provide creative entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed but to foster a community where they can thrive. We host workshops and events at venues like Soho House Chicago, Hyde Park Art Center, Hyde Park Bank, Spelman College, and The Altar Community, where we tackle the real-world challenges creatives face. From managing projects and marketing to navigating the business side of their craft, our programming offers a holistic approach to solving problems and helping creatives grow their businesses.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of corporate and creative experience. I’ve worked with large organizations, nonprofits, and individual creatives, helping each find ways to achieve their goals while staying true to their purpose. This dual perspective allows me to bridge the gap between strategy and creative execution, ensuring that both are equally prioritized in all of my projects.

I’m also incredibly proud of the success stories that have come from our programs. One of our Spelmanites, Nyla Choates, attended our educational sessions and was referred to Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), where she took part in their Retail Readiness Academy. Through this program, she successfully placed her book, “My Roots Are Rice,” in Walmart stores—a testament to the power of our educational programming and community support.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Maison Mogul is more than just a resource center—we’re a community. Our goal is to help creatives build sustainable futures, offering practical business solutions while nurturing their artistic talents at no-cost. Whether you’re a creative looking to scale your business or an organization in need of impactful community programming, we’re here to help you bridge the worlds of creativity and business.

Our latest initiative, VIRTUE, is just one example of how we’re pushing boundaries, blending art, fashion, and community impact. Through thoughtful programming and hands-on support, Maison Mogul is dedicated to creating lasting change in the creative world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful are patience, obedience, and love. Patience has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of my career and personal growth. Progress often takes time, and there have been moments when immediate results weren’t visible. Learning to trust the process has allowed me to remain focused on my long-term goals without becoming discouraged by short-term setbacks. For those early in their journey, cultivating patience can be achieved by practicing mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for progress.

Obedience may sound unconventional, but I view it as a commitment to following my values and the guidance of God within my life. It’s about being open to learning and receptive to constructive feedback. For individuals just starting, I recommend spending more time understanding themselves through journaling and other self reflective exercises to understand who you are and why you’re here in order to be obedient to the path that’s designed for YOU.

Love has been the driving force behind my work. Whether it’s a passion for serving the community or a dedication to supporting fellow creatives, love fuels my motivation and helps me connect with others on a deeper level. For newcomers, find what you are passionate about and let that love guide your actions. Engage in activities that resonate with you and remind yourself why you chose this path.

My advice for those in the early stages of their journey is to develop and improve these qualities through gratitude. Be grateful for each aspect of your journey, both the good and the bad, because they all contribute to your growth and development. Embracing gratitude has helped me recognize that every experience shapes me into the powerful leader I am today. Remember, it’s all part of the process, so cherish each lesson and celebrate your progress along the way.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who shares a passion for community engagement and creativity, recognizing the value of collaboration and the impact of purposeful programming. They possess visionary thinking, having a clear vision for their project or initiative and understanding how creativity can be leveraged to achieve their goals. A commitment to community is essential; they value making a positive impact and fostering connections with diverse groups, aligning with my mission of bridging business and creativity. Additionally, they should have a collaborative spirit, willing to communicate openly and build a partnership based on mutual respect and trust. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial, as the dynamic environments of community programming and event production often require navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities. Lastly, an ideal client is focused on growth, whether personal, professional, or community-oriented, appreciating the journey and being willing to invest time and resources into developing impactful initiatives. By aligning with clients who embody these characteristics, I can create meaningful and transformative experiences that resonate with both the community and the creatives involved.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@kayodidthat
@ninety5_directed

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