IG Live: Purpose-Driven Business: Turning Adversity Into Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Julie Colombino-Billingham is a first-generation Italian American entrepreneur whose journey spans professional dance, aerial arts, and an MBA focused on international disaster response. Her path into fashion was shaped by her time volunteering in Haiti, where a powerful lesson from local women—“I don’t need water, I need a job”—inspired her to build a different kind of fashion business rooted in sustainable luxury. Julie went to Haiti to volunteer and ultimately opened a business there, including the country’s first solar-powered factory, proving that ethical production can create dignity, jobs, and long-term impact. Her new book, From Loss to Legacy: How a Fashion Business Rose from Haiti’s Rubble (November 4, 2025), tells the true story of how compassion, courage, and creativity built hope from disaster, with all proceeds benefiting REBUILD Globally to support education and job training in Haiti. Laura C. Volpe is a trichologist and the founder of ManeInk Hair Loss Solutions, a specialized clinic and scalp spa that bridges the gap between healthcare and haircare. Through data-driven assessments, clinical protocols, and holistic support, Laura helps individuals navigate hair loss and scalp disorders—especially those who have felt overlooked or dismissed. As demand for her expertise grew, she launched ManeInk Academy to train beauty professionals on how to offer legitimate, science-backed hair and scalp solutions without becoming medical providers. Her mission is to empower stylists with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to expand their scope, future-proof their careers, and create deeper, more meaningful impact for their clients. Skye Blanks is the Chief Operating Officer of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), where he works alongside executive leadership to scale global operations and strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. A self-made entrepreneur who helped lead a multi-million-dollar business by age 27, Skye brings a hands-on operator’s mindset shaped by building, running, and advising organizations. He is also the co-founder of Premo Cannabis, one of New Jersey’s top independent dispensaries and the first in Keyport, and a two-time United Nations speaker for MSME Day. With an MBA in financial management, a background in international affairs, and a passion for mentorship, Skye is a strong advocate for minority-owned businesses, long-term economic empowerment, and learning through failure, adaptation, and execution.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.