There’s something magical about a full-circle moment. You know, the kind that pulls you in, sits you down, and whispers, “Look at you now.”
For Marina Middleton, the newly named CEO & Partner of Create & Cultivate (C&C), that moment feels both surreal and deeply rooted in purpose.
If you’re not familiar with Create & Cultivate, let us clue you in. It’s a platform for women who dream big and build boldly, connecting them with a community that truly gets it. We attended this year’s event— check out the highlights below!
From its high-energy festivals to intimate dinners and founder-focused content, C&C creates spaces where women feel supported, inspired, and ready to level all the way up. Just ask Ciara, who dropped some gems at the 2025 event!
Becoming The CEO
Middleton now leads the very movement (founded by Jaclyn Johnson) that once shaped her professional journey, using her lived experience to guide every decision she makes.
“It’s been incredibly surreal,” Middleton tells BrownStyle Magazine exclusively about her transition from event attendee in 2021 to CEO. “To now own and lead the company that once inspired me feels like a full-circle moment. I always come back to one question: How can we make this even more meaningful for the next woman walking through the door?”
Stepping into this role wasn’t a strategic gamble— it was an intuitive yes!
“For me, it was a no-brainer,” she says. “I’ve always loved this community. Create & Cultivate already had the trust and credibility—so stepping in to take it to the next level felt like an honor.”
A Mission Rooted In Access And Impact
When Middleton stepped into the CEO role, she came in with a purpose to solve the access problem for women in business.
“I wanted to solve for access—resources, connections, opportunities,” she says. “Whether it’s funding, mentorship, or being in rooms where decisions get made, Create & Cultivate could be the bridge.”
Middleton’s definition of success has also evolved. Early on, it was all about metrics—titles, revenue, growth. But now? It’s about helping women build legacies.
“Are we helping women get funding? Are we creating life-changing connections?” she asks. “Success today is about legacy.”
Events like Create & Cultivate have endured because they offer something that digital spaces alone cannot replicate: representation, community, and human connection.
“Women need spaces where they can ask bold questions and see themselves reflected,” the CEO says. “These events remind you that you’re not alone, and we want to help.”
A Life Built On Harmony And Resilience
As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, Middleton rejects the unrealistic ideal of “balance.” Instead, she embraces harmony, allowing each season of her life to flow with intention.
“Some seasons are heavier on work, others on family,” she explains. “What keeps me grounded is an organized schedule, taking help where I can, and giving myself grace.”
Her leadership journey hasn’t been without twists. From growing up as an immigrant to building her career from scratch to becoming a single mother at 23, Middleton’s resilience became her foundation.
“Each season has taught me grit, perspective, and empathy,” she reflects. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up with integrity and creating opportunities for everyone around you.”
Clarity, Confidence, And What’s Coming Next
When it comes to building a standout brand, Middleton drops a gem every woman should write down:
“Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s the foundation,” she says. “Stay clear on your values and unapologetically lean into them. Blinders on!”
And her hope for every woman who attends a Create & Cultivate experience? “I want every woman to walk away feeling seen, supported, and unstoppable,” she shares. “If she leaves inspired and ready to take her next big step, we’ve done our job.”
As for next year, C&C has already announced that it will take place September 19-20, 2026. And Middleton hints at a chapter unlike anything they have ever done.
“We’re tripling the footprint of our festival, expanding our Supper Club dinner series into new cities, and preparing some of the biggest announcements in company history,” she reveals. “Our mission is to build the largest and most impactful network for women in business worldwide.”
With Middleton at the helm, Create & Cultivate is growing and evolving. Learn more about the movement, visit createcultivate.com!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
