A Platinum Album & Only 10K in the Bank! Naturi Naughton-Lewis Talks Money Wellness at ABFF in New York

: Photo Credit: Kelvin Bulluck / Nice Crowd

At the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop-Up in New York City, Naturi Naughton-Lewis — actress, singer, and producer - took the stage for the Money Wellness & Creator Panel and delivered a raw, transparent reflection on her financial journey that reminded the audience that even with fame and success, financial peace doesn't always follow.

The conversation quickly got real. Known for her breakout in the platinum-selling R&B group 3LW, her powerful performances in film and on Broadway, and her role in the hit series Power, Naturi revealed that despite early fame and success, her financial reality wasn't always so glamorous.

Naturi reflected on her time as part of the platinum-selling group 3LW, sharing that despite selling, "I sold 1.6 million albums," she shared candidly, "and I had ten thousand dollars, only, in the bank." A revelation audibly hit in a room full of creatives, influencers, and entrepreneurs navigating their own financial journeys.

She explained how that experience reshaped the way she thought about money, value, and self-worth. It wasn't just about mismanagement — it was about understanding the business behind the fame. The music industry often markets the image of wealth while creatives themselves struggle to sustain it. Naturi's transparency offered both a cautionary tale and a moment of solidarity.

What stood out most was her willingness to discuss mindset — the unspoken emotional side of money. Too often, conversations about financial wellness focus on numbers, not the mental or spiritual habits behind them. Naturi made it clear that money confidence isn't inherited; it's built through experience, self-education, and sometimes, painful lessons.

Naturi's Money Secret?

She reminded the audience that abundance also comes from "things that don't cost money, that pour into your soul," describing this as the key to remaining rich in energy, joy, and a wealth mindset. Naturi's "trickle-down method" is built on the belief that manifesting abundance begins in the mind and the spirit first, and that it will trickle down into other areas of life.

Advice She Would Give to Teenage Pop Star Naturi?

The advice she says she would give her teenage pop-star self: "to go ahead, get that jump rope, and double dutch outside!" Naturi affirmed and gave her younger self grace and permission to have fun, enjoy the moment more, and fill her own cup. She didn't go to a regular high school to go on tour, and left college to pursue her Broadway career; those "ordinary" experiences we take for granted, she said, are the very things that fill the soul, and don't cost money.

Money Mindset and Mental Wellness

Perhaps one of Naturi's most powerful insights was her ability to link financial wellness to mental wellness. She spoke openly about the anxiety that comes when finances fluctuate, especially in industries where income can be unpredictable.

Her words reflected a shift many creatives are learning to make — from simply earning money to cultivating peace with money. Naturi credited therapy, faith, and surrounding herself with financially literate mentors as key tools in breaking cycles of fear and mismanagement.

The Power of Humility & the Pivot

In another striking moment, Naturi reflected on a career choice she regrets — turning down a film by Ryan Coogler early in his career, "Pre-Black -Panther". It became a lesson in humility that inspired her advice to "do less networking up and more with the people next to you," emphasizing the importance of growing together and having each other's backs, as she and Coogler do now. Although, she's still waiting for Ryan to accept her apology, and call, to be in his next production.

"Opportunities vs. money," she explained, saying she's taken opportunities that aren't the most lucrative but that she's enjoyed the most. Naturi stressed showing up for those next to you instead of always "networking up," noting that access and opportunity can sometimes be stronger than money.

"I don't want to feel that I'm less worthy because I'm taking less, or getting less," she continued, admitting she had to struggle with that at times. Her advice to creators: work on knowing when movement is needed and when to hold out, what to hold out for; opportunity, access, or money.

"It's powerful to pivot, y'all, and don't be afraid," she said, emphasizing not limiting yourself to one thing. From her start in 3LW to finding her footing in theater and acting, Naturi is now in a new phase - producing, directing, and helping other budding filmmakers.

Changing Negative Money Mindset & Generational Trauma

One of the strongest gems of her talk was the idea of breaking generational financial trauma.

Naturi shared how she grew up around people who were afraid of losing money — a mindset rooted in survival, not strategy. Rooted in fear, and not abundance.

Her goal now, she explained, is not just to make money but to manifest it. Going back to things that fill the soul and sustain a person, brings clarity. With clarity comes an opening up, which she described with a circular motion, making room for more in your life. Then you will begin to model healthy financial behavior for the children — the next generation. "I got two babies! So I actually need to work and feel secure," she added, noting her mission to set up her children's future and leave wealth behind for them.

The Struggle you Don't Know & Thriving in an Economic Downturn

Naturi reflected on a time where she leaned on others to have a normal life. "I went to college at Seton Falls University on financial aid. I could not afford certain things at school. Thank God for my parents, thank God for my church giving me a scholarship, and getting a partial scholarship at school. I share that to say you will have ebbs and flows, ups and downs... it's not always you here," indicating that one will not always remain at the top.

Even during the recent actors' strike, when much of Hollywood was at a standstill, Naturi found herself in what she called an "economic uptick."

How? She turned inward. She began "running through Prospect Park South like a crazy lady," getting her body right after baby number 2, and getting back to jumping rope, which is one of her first loves, then posting it on social media. Little did she know she was planting seeds.

Offers began to pour in, and she was grateful to be top of mind.

The Takeaway

Naturi Naughton-Lewis' story at ABFF's Money Wellness & Creator Panel wasn't just a testimony — it was a seminar in resilience, faith, and financial wellness for creatives striving to bridge the gap between passion and prosperity.

Her transformation from feeling like she wasn't enough to embodying abundance reflects a truth that extends beyond entertainment: we are all capable of redefining our relationship with money, our careers, and ourselves.

Panels like ABFF's Money Wellness talk are needed now more than ever. They highlight the gap between visibility and financial stability in entertainment - especially for Black Americans navigating industries where image often overshadows equity. Naturi's story wasn't about regret; it was about growth. It was a lesson in reclaiming financial control without shame and in building wealth that aligns with purpose, not pressure.

Her journey is proof that even when the numbers don't match the narrative, you can still redefine your relationship with money - and yourself.

As Naturi put it, "Your value is not tied to money — do you and have fun!"