to dine for

With 5,000 dollars and a simple idea, Sara Blakely invented a product that would change the fashion industry forever. As the Inventor and CEO of Spanx, Sara became the youngest self-made female Billionaire in the world. With no fashion experience and no business degree, her story of grit, persistence, and problem-solving is one of the most interesting and inspiring business stories of our time. Over artfully prepared sushi and sashimi at Umi in Atlanta, Sara tells us how she did it and how she is paving the way for a new generation of female inventors and entrepreneurs.

Born into an incredibly wealthy Singaporean family, Kevin Kwan came to the United States to attend college in Houston. His life took many different creative roads before he was inspired to pen the book, “Crazy Rich Asians” based on his family’s life back in Singapore. The New York Times best-selling novel became a cultural phenomenon and the first movie starring an all Asian cast in 25 years. Kevin was named by TIME Magazine as one of the most influential people in the world. Over garlic noodles at Beverly Hills restaurant Crustacean, Kevin talks about the roots of creativity, the long road to success and what kind of impact Kevin hopes to make in the future.

As Writer and Director of blockbuster hit movies such as “The Sixth Sense” and “Unbreakable”, Night has been able to hone the craft of ‘scaring the living daylights” of moviegoers with his suspenseful and often terrifying flicks. He has undoubtedly reached careers highs and dramatic career lows. At his favorite restaurant in Philadelphia acclaimed restaurant Vetri Cucina, Night dishes on how to stay on the creative cutting-edge and what he hopes is his legacy in life and film.

At the age of just 11 years old, Gitanjali dreamed up a solution to a problem many had overlooked. Inspired by watching the news coverage of the Flint, Michigan water crisis, Gitanjali invented a water treatment device that Flint residents could use in their homes to see if their water is safe. This invention has won her numerous national and international awards and accolades. Over Mexican comfort food, Gitanjali shares the basics of innovation and creativity and inspires us all to look more closely at big world problems in a more resourceful way.

Columbia, Harvard and Juillard educated, Katori Hall planned to be an actress until a fateful assignment at Harvard changed her direction. Instead, she became a playwright. Her play, The Mountaintop, about the final night before Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, won critical acclaim making her the first black woman to win the Olivier Award for Best New Play. Over the tropical flavors of Jamaican cuisine, Katori shares how she creates complex characters and how her mission is to be a voice for the disenfranchised and marginalized voices in America.

Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind man to ever summit Mount Everest. His achievement put him on the cover of TIME magazine and brought him International acclaim. Turns out that achievement would be just the launching pad for a life of service and commitment to helping thousands of people overcome whatever holds them back in life. As the director of non-profit No Barriers, Erik works directly with people who are either disabled mentally or physically. Over the fascinating flavors of the Himalyan mountains, Erik shares his journey from outdoor-enthusiast to one of the world’s most sought-after speakers and what it really means to live a life with “No Barriers.”

From the majestic Teton Mountains, we hear the story of the man who defined what it means to be a “social entrepreneur”. Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS shoes because of a need he saw in impoverished neighborhoods around the world: shoes. His “one for one” business model of donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold has been copied and recreated in thousands of iterations and has been studied by many. Amidst a crackling fire and over delicious “minute steaks” at the Snake River Grille, Blake shares the soul of an entrepreneur and the project that has re-ignited his spirit.

New York Times best-selling author Deepak Chopra is a medical doctor by trade but he is best known for his work to get people to live a life of greater consciousness. His devotion to mental wellness and well-being is at the center of his work, his teachings and his speaking engagements. Over sustainable farm-to-table lunch, Deepak shares how he brings an idea to execution through the power of the mind. This enlightening conversation is both nourishing for the mind and spirit.

Jake Wood is a former Marine who used his military training to create and lead a non-profit called Team Rubicon. He won the 2018 Pat Tillman award for service at the ESPY awards and has written a book Take Command: Lessons in Leadership: How to be a First Responder in Business. Over burgers and beer and cheese curds, Jake talks about his passion to put Veterans back to work and harness their military training to serve and help those in disaster areas across the world.

Ashley Longshore is a Louisiana based painter and gallery owner. Her art is centered around Hollywood Glamour and American consumerism and has been compared to Andy Warhol. With millions of fans and celebrity followers, Ashley shares her journey from self-taught artist to entrepreneur to empire-builder. Over the stunningly delicious flavors of New-Orleans, Louisiana spot Saffron, Ashley talks about creativity, business and what it really takes to achieve the American dream.