Image: Pexels Ahead of her fireside chat at the Binance International Women’s Day Women of Vision event in Cape Town, we spoke with Frederica about her journey from fashion to crypto, the opportunities for women in Web3, and why now is the perfect time to get involved in crypto.
Your background is in luxury fashion. What led you to crypto?
I’ve always been drawn to industries that redefine how people engage with the world. Fashion is about creative expression, and I see the same disruptive potential in crypto—except instead of designing clothes, we’re designing the future of finance, ownership, and creativity.
Luxury and crypto may seem worlds apart, but the intersection is growing—whether through NFTs, supply-chain, digital identity, or blockchain-powered fashion. Crypto is reshaping industries, giving people greater control over their assets and identities. It’s an incredibly exciting time, and there’s still a huge opportunity for women to shape this space.
Many people feel they’ve “missed the boat” on crypto. What’s your take?
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Crypto is still in its early stages—comparable to where the internet was in the early 2000s. While Bitcoin has been around for over a decade, mainstream adoption of crypto for payments, investing, and ownership is just beginning.
Think about how people felt about social media in the early days—many hesitated, but now it’s second nature. Crypto and Web3 will follow a similar path, and those who start learning now will be ahead of the curve. The best time to start is now.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Frederica-Tompkins-Michell-Binances-Director-of-Global-Brand-Marketing.jpeg "Frederica Tompkins Michell, Binance’s Director of Global Brand Marketing.")
Binance is hosting the ‘Women of Vision’ event in Cape Town. Why is this important?
Women still face barriers to financial inclusion and tech adoption. Crypto presents a unique opportunity to bridge that gap, but education is key.
At Women of Vision, I’ll be sharing my journey from fashion to crypto, and we’ll host interactive sessions to demystify the space. This isn’t just about discussions—it’s about giving women the tools to get started today.
Beyond Cape Town, Binance is marking International Women’s Day with a global series of free educational and networking events across 11 countries, including Kenya and Ghana, to empower more women in Web3.
What are the biggest misconceptions about crypto that hold women back?
The biggest myth is that crypto is too complex or that you need to be a finance or tech expert to get involved. That’s simply not true.
Crypto is for everyone, whether you want to invest, build a brand, earn, or explore digital assets. I’ve met women who started by simply learning about digital wallets, and within months, they were creating wealth through earn products, NFTs, staking, or freelancing in the Web3 space.
Another misconception is that crypto is just for traders or risk-takers. In reality, Web3 is creating jobs, financial tools, and creative opportunities every day. The key is education and access, which is why Binance is focused on making crypto more inclusive.
What’s your message to women still hesitant about crypto?
Don’t wait for permission—the best time to start is now.
Whether it’s learning about digital wallets, making your first trade or simply following industry leaders, taking one small step can build confidence. Binance is leading the charge in making crypto more accessible, but we need more women shaping the future of Web3.
Crypto isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. The future of finance and digital ownership is being written right now, and women must be part of that story. DM
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