From DJ to Angel Investor :

From DJing to shaping the wellness industry, Hannah Bronfman has evolved into a trailblazing angel investor, supporting the growth of female-owned brands like Topicals, Ceremonia, and Sienna Naturals, co-founded by Issa Rae.

Hannah Bronfman, celebrated for her powerful presence in the wellness industry, now leverages her influence to make impactful investments aimed at addressing the systemic disparities faced by women of color. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about the challenges, opportunities, and invaluable lessons learned throughout her transformative journey.

Beyond Skincare and Smoothies : Is Self-Care Enough When the System is Broken?

"Our healthcare system is broken and flawed in many different ways," Bronfman says with a tone of urgency. For her, the wellness industry is not just about personal health but also about addressing the deep-rooted disparities that disproportionately affect Black women. “We have the worst Black maternal mortality crisis happening here in the United States, and 80% of these are preventable,” she explains.

The Power of Representation: Creating Safe Spaces

When Bronfman first opened up about her fertility journey, the response from women of color was overwhelming. “So many women of color messaged me telling me about their own journeys with PCOS, fibroids, infertility,” she recalls. This outpouring highlighted the importance of representation within wellness. “Creating safe spaces is essential to improve physical and emotional outcomes,” she asserts. For Bronfman, representation goes beyond visibility; it’s about fostering communities where women of color feel seen, supported, and empowered.

The Cost of Wellness: Making Self-Care More Accessible

While wellness is self-care, it is also a $5.6 trillion industry that often caters to the affluent. The average therapy session costs $150 per hour, organic foods carry luxury price tags, and boutique fitness classes can cost upwards of $40 per session.

“I am all for high-quality products and experiences,” Bronfman says. “But real wellness should not be about exclusivity.”

She advocates for free and community-based solutions, highlighting resources like:

✔ Poppy Seed Health – An app providing on-demand support from doulas, midwives, and nurses
✔ Hey Jane – A telehealth platform offering accessible reproductive care
✔ The Loveland Foundation – A fund providing free therapy for Black women and girls

“The nonprofit world can only do so much,” she says. “We need bigger institutions—corporations, policymakers, investors—to step up and fund solutions that actually serve more people.”

Navigating the World of Investing

As an angel investor, Bronfman has encountered the unique challenges that women of color face in the investing world. “Women of color only receive 2% of venture capital,” she points out, stressing the need for more representation among those who control the capital. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic about the future. “The network is small, but it’s mighty,” she says, referring to the growing number of networking groups like Black Women in Asset Management that are helping to break down these barriers.

Trends and Future of Women’s Investing: A Shift Toward Early-Stage Ventures

Bronfman is witnessing exciting trends in the world of investing, particularly among women of color. “I’m seeing more black family offices and more women in asset management,” she notes. As investing becomes more transparent, she predicts that more people of color will take risks in the private markets, with a shift towards early-stage investing. This trend, she believes, will shape the future of venture capital, making it more inclusive and diverse.

Impact Investing: More Than Just a Social Impact

Bronfman challenges the notion that investing in Black entrepreneurs is merely a form of social impact. “Investing in Black women is actually good for the overall economy,” she argues, citing data that shows people of color often outperform their non-Black counterparts. For Bronfman, the narrative needs to shift from charity to smart investing, recognizing the economic potential of women of color-led ventures.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For young Black women looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship or investing, Bronfman offers practical advice.

“Make sure that your materials are extremely buttoned up,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, resilience, and the ability to withstand rejection.

“There will be a lot of no’s and a lot of doubt,” she warns, but she stresses the importance of building relationships with people who understand and champion your vision.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women-Led Startups

Despite the ongoing challenges, Bronfman is hopeful about the future of women-led startups, especially those founded by women of color. “It will continue to be difficult for founders of color to secure venture capital,” she admits, but believes that the determination and hustle of these entrepreneurs will lead to outstanding success. Networking and mentorship will continue to be key components of their journeys, helping them navigate the complex landscape of venture capital.

Resilience: A Non-Linear Path to Success

Reflecting on her career, Bronfman acknowledges that the path to success is rarely straightforward. “The life of an entrepreneur is not linear,” she shares. For her, setbacks are valuable learning experiences that ultimately contribute to long-term success. “There are several paths to your one goal, and many of those paths won’t be what you anticipated,” she concludes, offering a reminder that resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for any entrepreneur.