Why Female Entrepreneurs Are Breaking Barriers in Luxury Fashion — And How Community Funding Is Changing the Game
In today’s world of fashion and luxury, female entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming a force to reckon with. Yet, in the male-dominated arena of high-end venture capital, women founders often face daunting challenges in securing funding. According to recent reports from TechCrunch, teams composed entirely of women receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. This reality has sparked the rise of innovative initiatives focused on supporting women-led startups. One of the most inspiring leaders in this movement is Daniella Pierson.
You might know Daniella as the founder of The Newsette, a fashion media brand she launched while still in college. She quickly grew it into a widely popular newsletter delivering curated style and lifestyle news. Now, at 29 years old, Daniella is launching her latest project, Chasm, with a mission to fundamentally change the funding landscape for female entrepreneurs.
Chasm operates on a fresh, community-driven model. Instead of traditional investors, a group of high-net-worth members pay a $25,000 annual fee, which is then pooled and distributed as direct grants to young women entrepreneurs. As Daniella puts it, this isn’t just financial support—it’s about building an empowering ecosystem for female-led businesses.
Take the story of Emily, a young designer based in Los Angeles. She dreamed of launching her own luxury brand but was held back by lack of capital. Thanks to funding from a community-driven initiative like Chasm, she was able to rent a studio in downtown LA and hire a professional team to create her first ready-to-wear collection. Emily often says that the support she received wasn’t just money—it was the belief in her vision that fueled her drive to succeed.
What Daniella emphasizes is that Chasm is about trust and community. “The wealthiest and most powerful people in the world tend to be men, and they tend to be entrepreneurs,” she says. “We’re building an ecosystem rooted in community, insight, and real resources so more women can grow and succeed.” This vision sets Chasm apart from traditional venture capital firms. It’s not just about money changing hands; it’s about creating a supportive network with genuine impact.
Chasm also keeps things grounded in everyday life. Their first partner, Instacart+, helps busy women entrepreneurs save time on grocery shopping. Imagine juggling work and entrepreneurship with little time left for errands. Katherine, a social media manager in New York, shared, “After long days, cooking dinner can be exhausting. Instacart+ saves me so much time, letting me spend more moments with my kids and focus better on work.” This kind of practical support reflects Chasm’s caring approach to empowering women.
The roster of supporters behind Chasm is impressive too. Big names like musician Lionel Richie and Sneex founder Sara Blakely aren’t just funding the initiative—they’re bringing valuable resources and experience to the table. This powerful backing ensures Chasm isn’t just about funding but also about knowledge-sharing and mentorship.
Interestingly, Daniella stresses that Chasm isn’t a charity; it’s a sustainable business model. “If I raise $10 million in donations, I can only make $10 million worth of impact. But if I build Chasm into a company worth hundreds of millions, I can inspire many more people to join, creating systemic change,” she explains. This long-term vision makes her project particularly exciting and attractive to like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.
Daniella’s entrepreneurial journey doesn’t stop there. She also co-founded Wondermind, a mental wellness platform with singer-actress Selena Gomez, offering resources for those in need. Although Wondermind faced staffing and financial challenges, Daniella’s passion for mission-driven ventures remains strong. Chasm continues that commitment by blending business and purpose.
In the luxury fashion sector, the rise of female entrepreneurs injects fresh energy into the ecosystem. These women not only craft unique brands but also drive innovation across marketing, retail, and customer experiences. Community-based platforms like Chasm provide a solid launchpad, helping women break traditional barriers and gain access to much-needed capital. For those eager to challenge the status quo, it’s more than just financial aid—it’s a source of inspiration and belonging.
As Daniella puts it, “We believe that creating value and driving change can go hand in hand.” When more women receive support through communities like Chasm, it leads to a more balanced and thriving luxury market—and beyond.
This isn’t just a story about money. It’s a vibrant illustration of how women entrepreneurs, powered by community, are breaking limits and building their dreams. And in the coming years, expect to hear many more stories like Emily’s and Katherine’s—women who, thanks to platforms like Chasm, are stepping confidently into the spotlight.