At the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop-Up NYC, audiences gathered for an intimate and empowering fireside chat titled “Money Wellness and the Creator,” presented by Ally. The conversation, moderated by Erica Hughes, Senior Director of PR at Ally, featured award-winning actress and singer Naturi Naughton-Lewis (Power, 3LW, Notorious) sharing her personal journey toward financial independence, creativity, and legacy building.
This panel built upon the momentum from the summer’s ABFF in Miami Beach. Continuing that creative and financial empowerment energy, she joined Ally to explore how money, mindset, and artistry intersect for today’s 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.”
What truly moved her, though, wasn’t just fame. “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.”
Her definition of success has evolved over time: “It’s not about being in the spotlight. It’s about using my art to help people and create impact.”
Naughton-Lewis’ career has been one of resilience and reinvention. From chart-topping girl group member to acclaimed television star and now producer-director.
“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.”
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.”
Check out our exclusive interview with Naturi Naughton-Lewis in this video below:
