At the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop-Up NYC, the vibe was all about Black excellence as folks gathered for an intimate and empowering fireside chat titled “Money Wellness and the Creator,” presented by Ally. Erica Hughes, Senior Director of PR at Ally, led a real conversation with award-winning actress and singer Naturi Naughton-Lewis (Power, 3LW, Notorious) who shared her personal journey toward financial independence, creativity, and building a legacy.
Building on the momentum from the summer’s ABFF in Miami Beach, this panel kept that creative and financial empowerment energy flowing. She teamed up with Ally to explore how money, mindset, and artistry intersect for today’s Black creators.
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer,” Naughton-Lewis began. “I started singing at my church in East Orange, New Jersey. I wanted to be the next Whitney Houston.”
But it wasn’t just about the fame for her. “Even as a kid, I realized what really mattered was making people feel something through my art,” she said. “That connection, that’s always been my purpose.” It’s that soul connection that resonates, right?
Her definition of success has definitely evolved: “It’s not about being in the spotlight. It’s about using my art to help people and create impact.”
Naughton-Lewis’ career is a testament to Black resilience and reinvention. From a chart-topping girl group to an acclaimed television star, and now a producer-director, she’s done it all.
“People tried to keep me in a box. ‘You’re just the girl from 3LW,’” she recalled. “But I learned early on the importance of the pivot. You can’t be afraid to shift your mindset or your money strategy.”
She credits this adaptability for her longevity in Hollywood. “When you’re open to new opportunities — whether that’s acting, producing, or directing — your mind expands. And so does your money.”
Authenticity, Naughton-Lewis emphasized, has been her guiding force. “My parents – my late father, Ezra, and my mother, Brenda – taught me to always remember where I come from. My dad made me watch Roots when I was 12. That grounded me in my history.”
She added with a laugh, “When people say I’m down to earth, it’s because I really am that girl who’ll come over, watch a movie, and chill. Humility keeps you connected to the culture and to people.”
The conversation turned to money – a topic many creatives shy away from. Hughes introduced Ally’s Money Roots, a financial wellness program designed to help people explore their emotional relationship with money.
“When I was younger, financial wellness wasn’t on my radar,” Naughton-Lewis admitted. “At 15, I was in 3LW, selling a million records, but I only had about $10,000 in the bank.” We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Now, as a wife and mother of two, her priorities have shifted. “It’s not about paying bills anymore – it’s about legacy. It’s about generational wealth, security, and teaching my kids about money.”
She also acknowledged the fear many creatives feel around finances: “My relationship with money used to be fear-based. I’d think, ‘If I get it, I better not lose it.’ That’s a mindset a lot of us have to unlearn.”
Instead, she advocates for balance: learning, investing, and being open. “I used to be the cash-only girl with envelopes like my grandma,” she joked. “But I’ve learned that when you open your mind, you also open yourself up for abundance.”
Her takeaway: “Free yourself up. That’s real money wellness.”
The Money Wellness and the Creator conversation highlighted what makes the ABFF Pop-Up series so impactful: its ability to fuse artistry, culture, and empowerment in real time.
For Hughes, Ally’s collaboration with ABFF reflects a commitment to helping creators thrive not just creatively, but financially. And for Naughton-Lewis, it was a full-circle moment of growth, gratitude, and guidance.
As she summed up beautifully: “It’s about knowing your worth, investing in your future, and staying true to who you are because abundance flows from authenticity.”
Jamie Broadnax is the creator of the online publication and multimedia space for Black women called BlkCosmo Blerds. Jamie has appeared on MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris-Perry Show and The Grio’s Top 100. Her Twitter personality has been recognized by Shonda Rhimes as one of her favorites to follow. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and executive producer of the BlkCosmo Blerds Podcast.
