BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Tory Burch Foundation’s inaugural Founders Breakfast was a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership, bringing together a remarkable group of business founders.

Held at The Pierre in New York on a bright Thursday morning, the event recognized standout entrepreneurs, with the spotlight on none other than Martha Stewart, who was honored with the first-ever Iconic Founder Award.

Tory Burch, the founder of the Tory Burch Foundation, welcomed guests with a lighthearted comment about the early start time, as attendees including Pamela Anderson, Aerin Lauder, and Misty Copeland gathered for the morning affair. Though early, the energy in the room was palpable, as it was a gathering of innovative women who have transformed industries with their entrepreneurial visions.

Stewart’s recognition was a highlight of the event, marking her as the first woman to receive this prestigious honor. With her remarkable journey from homemaker to self-made billionaire, Stewart has become an iconic figure in the world of business and lifestyle. She joined Burch on stage for a candid conversation about her entrepreneurial path, sharing insights from her expansive career.

Stewart reflected on her belief in the power of ideas, emphasizing the importance of passion and persistence in entrepreneurship. “If you have passion and feeling for something that you think is good, people need it and want it, then you can go do it,” she said, inspiring the audience with her enduring drive.

As part of the celebration, the event also recognized other award recipients, including Christa Cotton of El Guapo Bitters, Beau Wangtrakdee of AmorSui, and Denise Woodard of Partake Foods. Each shared the unique stories behind their businesses, demonstrating the diverse paths entrepreneurs take to create meaningful, impactful companies.

These stories highlighted the resilience and creativity that define successful entrepreneurs, echoing the foundation’s mission to foster women-led businesses.

The morning was not just about honoring past achievements, but also about looking forward. Stewart, ever the visionary, discussed her future endeavors, including her upcoming CBD skincare line and her commitment to reinvention. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is about “evolution, not reinvention,” and encouraged the audience to embrace new opportunities, even in challenging economic times.

Tory Burch also took a moment to share her vision for the future of the Foundation. With a goal to reach $1 billion in economic value for women entrepreneurs by 2030, Burch stressed the importance of supporting female entrepreneurs, noting that they are solving real-world problems, creating jobs, and helping their communities thrive. The foundation aims to scale its efforts and increase its annual fellowship program, which currently supports 50 entrepreneurs per year.

The event closed with a lighthearted moment as Burch and Stewart, both known for their wit and charm, joked about a potential TV show focused on women-led businesses, with Stewart suggesting a “Shark Tank” style format.

In a room filled with powerful women, the Founders Breakfast was a reminder of the importance of supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs who pave the way for future generations of leaders.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo Taken by Neil Rasmus