Rachel Tomlinson: Leading with Vision and Innovation at Lumiere Media Group and Smart Learner Company

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

I’m Rachel Tomlinson—a first-generation American, mom to Alyssa and Luke, and wife. Since I was a child, I had a deep feeling I would break out of the low-income, single-parent narrative and make something positive from my life.
As an award-winning social media strategist, entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and speaker, I’m passionate about using my skills to promote the power of small businesses and creativity.

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Who are your customers?

My customers are brands looking to create impactful campaigns. For my education company, parents, and high schoolers.

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What was your background prior to starting your own business?

My journey began in news, working as a producer and news reporter at ABC News, News 12, CNBC, and Fios 1 News. From there, I transitioned into leading creative campaigns for brands and public figures- including Microsoft, Essence Magazine, and Caress.  I led the social media content creator team and the rebranding of NYC Tourism, the official tourism board of NYC. I earned both a Shorty and Webby Award during my time there.

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What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I always wanted to solve a problem and create a product that would help people do better- mind, body, and soul. Leading my own company would allow me to expand my creative abilities without limits, make an uncapped profit, and leave something for generations to come.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, since I was little, I was said to be a born leader and had a gift for selling and persuading.

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What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

My challenges have been growing a team to take some of the pressure off of me to connect with investors. I've learned to use AI tools to help grow my business.

What accomplishments are you most proud of to date in your business?

I'm proud of winning a Webby, Shorty, and Chevrolet Award. I'm also happy when a student gets into their dream college.

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Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

As mentioned, I won a Shorty award for rebranding NYC Tourism.
Smart Learner has a scholar who is in her 3rd year at Yale, her dream school.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

You can see me speaking at more events and panels. Expanding into new schools. Adding digital courses to sell to B2C.

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What is your top productivity tip?

I'm a huge advocate for time blocking my calendar and day.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I rest as much as possible and try to get good sleep.

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What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I don't answer or jump to all emails. I take breaks from social media and refuse to be pressured.

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What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known that most events are virtual.

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What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

My bank app and CapCut, LightRoom.

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What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Claude, Flodesk, Zoom, G-Suite, Gemini, Chat GPT- these apps help me streamline my workload and reduce workload.

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What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

It's a good community to grow in. Try to attend in-person events, I make more connections in-person, and jump at meet-up opportunities.

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