Fashion & Founders The Podcast

How do you build a career where opportunities come to you instead of constantly applying for jobs? And how did Quince become a $10.1 billion company selling $50 cashmere sweaters? This week on Fashion and Founders, I'm joined by Dakota Kate Isaacs, Head of Brand Strategy and Narrative at Quince, to talk about building a career in fashion, taking risks, and the technology changing the fashion industry. Dakota has never applied for a job she's held. After completing 12 internships in college, she took a chance on a little-known beauty startup called Deciem, the parent company of The Ordinary, where she helped build the brand in the US. Today, she's shaping the narrative behind Quince, one of fashion's most talked-about companies. We get into the career moves that helped her get here, from building relationships and making yourself invaluable at work. Get an inside look at Quince's business model. Dakota breaks down how the company uses technology to rethink traditional retail, why luxury products cost what they do, how Quince approaches quality and manufacturing, and the debate around dupes, sustainability, and fast fashion. Whether you're looking to break into fashion, take the next step in your career, or build a breakthrough business, this episode is packed with lessons from someone who has helped shape two of the industry's most disruptive brands. This episode is brought to you by Swap Commerce. Learn more about Swap and join their private fashion community HERE.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Dakota: IG: @dakotakisaacs Substack HERE Follow Quince: IG: @onequince Shop HERE PremiumBeat Monetization ID: KFDNIZV8PLN5ZJZB Thanks for listening! 

How to start a jewelry business. Engagement ring trends. Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds. Acquired Style Wedding. Ring Concierge founder Nicole Wegman joins Fashion and Founders to talk about scaling to a $100 Million Business. Nicole shares advice for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur, leave corporate and work for themselves, or eventually start their own brand. She explains why she believes you should gain work experience before starting a company, what aspiring founders should learn while working for someone else, how she built Ring Concierge without an industry network, and what it takes to grow from founder to CEO. We talk engagement ring trends, the bridal economy, and how social media is changing the market. Plus, we talk hiring, leadership, outside investment, natural vs. lab-grown diamonds, the biggest misconceptions in the jewelry industry, and what today’s brides are actually looking for. This episode is brought to you by Roller Rabbit. Take 20% off your order of $150 with code VICTORIA20 at rollerrabbit.com  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Ring Concierge: IG: @ringconcierge Shop HERE Follow Nicole Wegman: IG: @itsnicolewegman PremiumBeat Monetization ID: KFDNIZV8PLN5ZJZB Thanks for listening! 

How to work with luxury fashion brands. How to get invited to fashion week. Top 1% of fashion creators.  Kate Bartlett has built one of the most recognizable careers in fashion content going from an FIT student posting day-in-the-life videos to working with some of the biggest luxury brands in the world. In this episode of Fashion and Founders, Kate breaks down how she turned content creation into a real business, what it actually takes to build relationships with fashion brands, and the behind-the-scenes realities of being a full-time creator. We talk about the TikTok that changed her career, gaining 100,000 followers overnight, getting signed by management, making money as a creator, and why reaching one million followers changed the way luxury brands viewed her. Kate also shares the unspoken rules of working with luxury fashion houses, how creators actually get invited to Fashion Week, and what brands are really looking for beyond follower count. We also get into the business side of influencing brand deal negotiations, exclusivity, whitelisting, production costs, working with photographers and glam teams, and why a 15-second sponsored video can take weeks of work behind the scenes. Plus, Kate talks about going back to school for her MBA at NYU, how she thinks about the future of her career beyond influencing, and her advice for anyone trying to build a career in fashion today. If you want to work in fashion, grow as a creator, work with luxury brands, or understand the business behind the influencer industry, this episode is for you. This episode is brought to you by Swap Commerce. Learn more about Swap and join their private fashion community HERE.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Kate Bartlett: IG: @katebartlett TikTok: @katebartlett Thanks for listening!

September Reset Guide. Fall Reset. How to become a founder. Why Aureum stopped selling jewelry.  Cass Dimicco joins Victoria Smith, host Fashion and Founders to break down how she went from fashion buyer to creator to founder of Aureum. Cass gives listeners a “founder playbook,” even if you’re not about to start a company this is a great September reset guide. We go into changing your habits, building confidence, and betting on yourself. Her company recently went through a big pivot too. Cass shares why the brand ultimately stopped selling the jewelry it became known for. We talk about knowing when to pivot, finding and building relationships with manufacturers, pricing luxury products, why your brand doesn't need to be for everyone, and how Aureum is intentionally separating itself from the traditional “influencer brand” model. Cass also shares how she thinks about creator gifting, what actually gets her attention when hiring, why women should have more audacity when charging for their work, and how she turned her relationship with ShopMy into an opportunity to become an investor. If you're building a fashion brand, growing as a creator, or figuring out when it's time to bet on yourself, this episode is full of tangible advice you can actually use. This episode is brought to you by Swap Commerce. Learn more about Swap and join their private fashion community ⁠⁠HERE.⁠⁠ Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Cass Dimicco: IG: @cassdimicco Substack HERE Follow Aureum: IG: @aureum.collective Shop HERE Thanks for listening! 

What does the future of fashion tech actually look like and which companies will survive it? What is fashion tech? How to work in fashion tech? What companies get investment? This week, Victoria sits down with Juan Pellerano, Chief Marketing Officer at Swap Commerce, a fast-growing fashion tech company that raised a $100 million Series C in 2026. Juan breaks down what agentic commerce actually means, how AI could change the way we shop online, and why the next generation of e-commerce may look far more personalized than the traditional dot com experience. Juan shares lessons from helping scale Swap: how the company landed its earliest customers, why community has become one of its most effective growth strategies, what makes a fashion tech startup attractive to investors, and why founders need to ask whether they're building a true company or simply a feature. Whether you are a founder, investor, marketer, or simply interested in fashion tech there is something to takeaway from this episode.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Swap Commerce: IG: @swap.commerce Website HERE Thanks for listening!

How to build a personal brand, make money as a content creator, and turn an online audience into a real business.  In this episode of Fashion and Founders, host Victoria Smith is joined by Alexis Barber. Alexis is the founder and host of Too Smart For This and has built a portfolio career spanning content, consulting, speaking, entrepreneurship, and publishing. In this episode, she shares why she believes content creation is a skill, not a career and how creators can use content as a distribution channel for something much bigger. We discuss the shift from the “relatability economy” to the “credibility economy,” influencer vs. thought leader, finding your zone of genius, building multiple revenue streams, and why long-form content can be more valuable than going viral. Alexis also shares what working at YouTube taught her about the creator business, her first $30K brand deal, and how she’s approaching her next level with a focus on excellence and authority. If you're building a personal brand, growing as a creator, or trying to turn your expertise and audience into a sustainable business, this episode is for you. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Alexis Barber: IG: @alexisbarber TikTok: @alexisbarber_ Youtube: @alexis_barber Follow Too Smart for This: IG: @toosmartforthiss Book HERE Substack HERE Thanks for listening! 

How to get invited to fashion week, what I wish I knew before attending my first fashion week, who gets invited to fashion shows? Inside Copenhagen Fashion Week SS27. What makes Copenhagen Fashion Week different and why it’s one of my favorites. We go over the Live Podcast with Ganni and how the brand engages in fashion tech and innovation. Plus tips I’ve learned about getting invited to fashion events and how to make the most of them.  Ganni Founder Podcast Ganni Chief Sustainability Officer Podcast Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Thanks for listening! 

How did Ganni become a global name? Is Ganni a sustainable fashion brand? What innovation is needed for fashion brands? Recorded live at Copenhagen Fashion Week at 1Hotel Copenhagen, Victoria sits down with GANNI co-founder Nicolaj Reffstrup  to talk about building one of fashion’s most recognizable global brands.  Nicolaj shares how his background in tech shaped the way he and his wife, Ditte Reffstrup, built GANNI. He also reflects on the rise of the “GANNI Girl,” taking on outside investment, expanding internationally, and what happens when a brand becomes bigger than its founders. The conversation explores why GANNI has never called itself a sustainable fashion brand, the business decisions behind its responsibility strategy, and why the company once walked away from bestselling products because of their environmental impact. Nicolaj also shares what he looks for when investing in founders, where he sees opportunity in materials and AI, and why he believes the future could become increasingly difficult for mid-market fashion brands. Nicolaj answers audience questions on what he would do if he were starting his career again today, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and what actually makes someone stand out when applying to work at GANNI. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow Ganni: IG: @ganni Website HERE The Ganni Playbook HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!

What is trend forecasting? How are fashion trends predicted? How do brands predict what consumers will want years before it happens?  In this episode, we go inside WGSN, one of the world's leading trend forecasting companies, to explore how fashion and consumer trends are forecasted and what founders, marketers, and creatives should be paying attention to now. Cassandra Napoli is the Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, where she helps brands understand how consumers think, feel, shop, and behave years before those shifts reach the mainstream. From AI and Gen Z to nostalgia, retail innovation, and the creator economy, Cassandra shares the frameworks WGSN uses to help companies future-proof their businesses and make better long-term decisions. We discuss how trend forecasting actually works, whether trends are really moving faster than ever, how AI is changing consumer behavior, and more. Whether you're building a fashion brand, working in marketing, launching a startup, or simply curious about what's shaping the future of consumer culture, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the world's biggest brands prepare for what's next. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Job Board opportunities in fashion, tech, and more. Follow WGSN: IG: @WGSN Website HERE Create Tomorrow Podcast HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening!

What business school won’t teach you about luxury. How do you work in luxury fashion? This is inside LVMH's playbook.  This week, I'm joined by Pauline Brown, former Chairwoman of LVMH North America, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Aesthetic Intelligence. Pauline shares the lessons she learned leading some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. We cover a lot, from why climbing the corporate ladder doesn't always bring more freedom, to the mistake most people make when planning their careers, and why she believes taste will become one of the most valuable skills in the future of work. We also dive into what luxury brands understand about consumer psychology, how Dior and Chanel think differently from startups, what it really takes to break into companies like LVMH, and why Pauline convinced Harvard Business School to create a course on The Business of Aesthetics. Whether you're building a brand, growing your career, or simply trying to develop better taste, this episode is packed with frameworks you'll think about long after listening. In this episode, we cover: Navigating a career pivotHow she transitioned from consulting to fashion and beautyThe biggest career mistakes young professionals makeWhy taste matters more in the age of AIHow to stand out when applying to luxury brandsThe psychology behind iconic brands like Dior and ChanelWhy attention doesn't always lead to salesThree questions to ask before starting your own company Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Pauline Brown: IG: @paulinegarrisbrown Book HERE Brunello: The Gracious Visionary Watch the documentary film HERE IG: @brunelloilvisionariogarbato Thank you to this episodes's sponsor Blue Fox Entertainment! Thanks for listening!

What does a creative director in fashion do? How do I get a job in fashion? What is fashion school actually like? Hear from Michelle Ochs, the Creative Director at Hervé Léger.  In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a career in fashion from landing an internship at Marc Jacobs before even starting Parsons to navigating the job market during the 2008 financial crisis. After co-founding Cushnie et Ochs and spending more than a decade building the brand, Michelle made the decision to close that chapter of her career. Today, she's the Creative Director of Hervé Léger, where she's reimagining one of fashion's most recognizable brands for a new generation. Michelle also shares the strategy behind Hervé Léger's resurgence, why runway shows aren't always worth the investment, how Gen Z is rediscovering the brand, what she actually looks for when hiring designers, and why she still wants candidates to bring a printed portfolio to interviews. Whether you're hoping to work in fashion, build your own brand, or simply love hearing the stories behind iconic fashion houses, this episode is full of practical advice and an honest look at what it takes to evolve throughout your career. In this episode, we discuss: What fashion school is really likeGetting her first fashion internshipNavigating the fashion hiring landscapeStarting a fashion brandBecoming a creative directorFashion marketingRebuilding an iconic fashion brand for a new generationWhat fashion hiring managers actually want to see in interviews Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Hervé Léger: IG: @herveleger Rihanna’s Iconic Dress Follow Michelle: IG: @ochsmichelle TikTok: @mrsmichelleochs Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening! 

This week on Fashion and Founders, I'm joined by Morgan Riddle and Cherry Beagles, co-founders of The 400 Club, a community redefining sports through the lens of fashion, culture, and female fandom. Morgan Riddle was called “The Most Famous Woman in Mens Tennis” by the New York Times and now she is moving her focus to female fans in all of sports. Cherry Beagles founded The 400 Club in 2024, a community reimagining what sports fandom looks like for women, gaining recognition and named Forbes 30 Under 30. Together, they're building one of the most exciting brands at the intersection of fashion, sports, culture, and community. We discuss their experiences at F1, Wimbledon, the US Open, the Super Bowl and more. At The 400 Club they’re brining women together for the biggest live sporting event watch parties and industry events.  We talk about why women's sports is far bigger than a trend, how social media has transformed the fan experience, why brands are still missing the mark with female consumers, and the enormous opportunity at the intersection of sports, fashion, and community. If you've ever wondered where the future of sports is headed or why fashion brands, founders, and creators are paying so much attention this episode is for you. Female sports fans aren't new. They're finally being seen. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow The 400 Club: IG: @the400club Join the 400 Club HERE Follow Morgan Riddle: IG: @moorrgs Follow Cherry Beagles: IG: @cherry.beagles Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening! 

This week on Fashion and Founders Podcast, I’m joined by Caley-Rae Pavillard, VP of Partnerships & Business Development at ShopMy. If you've spent any time around creators lately, you've probably heard the same thing: "Get on ShopMy." But why has it become such a powerful platform for creators, brands, and tastemakers? In this episode, we discuss why creators are becoming the new retailers, how affiliate marketing is reshaping the industry, and why follower count matters far less than most people think. Caley shares what brands are actually looking for, how creators can turn recommendations into recurring revenue, and why human taste may become even more valuable in an AI-driven world. Consider this your ShopMy Success Guide and Masterclass in Influencer Marketing.  We cover:  How creators are making millions through affiliate revenue The shift from attention to influence What brands really want from creator partnerships Why authenticity still wins The future of shopping, discovery, and personal brandsWhether you're a creator, founder, marketer, or simply curious about where commerce is headed next, this episode is packed with insights. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: ⁠@fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast Substack: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠fashionandfounders.com⁠ Podcast TikTok: ⁠@⁠⁠fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast LinkedIn: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast YouTube: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Links: ⁠Shop My⁠ Follow ShopMy: IG: @⁠shopmy⁠ Join ShopMy as a creator ⁠HERE⁠ Join ShopMy as a shopper ⁠HERE ⁠ Follow Caley-Rae: IG: @⁠heycayrae⁠ Caley’s ⁠ShopMy⁠ Rent the Runway: Use code: ⁠RTRXVSMITH50⁠and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: ⁠FASHIONANDFOUNDERS ⁠for $20 off Thanks for listening! 

This week, I’m answering your questions in a solo episode. I asked you to send in your biggest questions about working in fashion, founder tools, networking, fashion tech, and building a career you actually love, and we're covering all of it. From how to pivot into fashion from a different industry or degree, how to attend New York Fashion Week, the tools I’ve used to grow on social media, and the fashion tech companies and trends I'm watching closely right now. Whether you're trying to land your first fashion job, grow your platform, or simply understand where the industry is headed, I hope this episode gives you a few practical takeaways you can use immediately. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: ⁠@fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast Substack: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠fashionandfounders.com⁠ Podcast TikTok: ⁠@⁠⁠fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast LinkedIn: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast YouTube: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Links: ⁠Shop My⁠ Links for mentioned items in the episode: ⁠Fashion Career Playbook⁠⁠Copenhagen Fashion Brands⁠Dressing Professionally on a Budget ⁠Flatter BlazerNo Blister FlatsEarrings Rent the Runway: Use code: ⁠RTRXVSMITH50⁠and get 50% off your first month! Glamsquad: Code: ⁠FASHIONANDFOUNDERS ⁠for $20 off Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder of LoveShackFancy. They discuss how Rebecca went from working as a fashion editor at Cosmopolitan to building one of the most recognizable brands in fashion. Rebecca shares the story behind the original bridesmaid dress that launched the company, the early years before opening a retail store, and how LoveShackFancy evolved from a niche aesthetic into a full lifestyle universe. They also discuss the viral ruffle skirt that became one of the most copied fashion pieces online, navigating dupes and copycats, scaling without diluting the brand, building immersive retail experiences, and what makes collaborations actually work. Plus Rebecca’s advice for standing out in fashion, building a recognizable point of view, and turning aspiration into community. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow LoveShackFancy: IG: @loveshackfancy TikTok: @loveshackfancy Shop Follow Rebecca: IG: @becknyc TikTok: @becknyc_ Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Colby Mitchell, founder of Swan Beauty, the AI beauty tech startup that went viral after sponsoring Acquired Style’s bachelorette trip. They discuss the strategy behind the partnership, the inbound after the trip, and the theories circulating the internet. The conversation explores the intersection of beauty and technology, the future of AI-powered skincare, and the journey to building Swan Beauty. If the bachelorette trip content left you wondering what is Swan Beauty, listen here and learn what’s next for them after their viral moment. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Swan: IG: @swanbeauty_us Swan Beauty Website Try the app Follow Colby: IG: @colbytmitchell Family Office Episode Mentioned HERE Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Giovanni Vaccaro, co-founder of GlamSquad, to talk about the future of beauty and how access is changing everything. What used to be reserved for celebrities and top influencers, getting your hair and makeup done at home, is now available on demand. Giovanni breaks down how GlamSquad made that shift possible, turning luxury beauty into something people can actually use in their everyday lives. They discuss the rise of convenience-driven services, the connection between beauty and confidence, and how platforms like GlamSquad are redefining both access and the way creatives work. If you’ve ever wondered how people always have glam for events, shoots, or fashion week this is how. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Glamsquad: IG: @glamsquad Follow Giovanni: IG: @giovannivaccaro Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Sali Christeson, founder and CEO of Argent, to discuss what it really takes to build a fashion brand over the long term. Sally shares her path from tech to launching Argent, and how a gap in the workwear market led her to create a brand rooted in both function and purpose. They get into raising venture capital in fashion, navigating the “messy middle” of growth, and why most brands don’t make it past the early years. Sally also shares how Argent went from strong growth to zero revenue during COVID and the unexpected moment that turned things around. The conversation covers hiring, trusting your instincts as a founder, evolving workwear culture, and why there’s no shortcut to building a brand that lasts. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Argent: IG: @argent Shop Argent Follow Sali: IG: @salichristeson Brand Highlight: Alexandra Madison Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with the Chief Business Officer of Vestiaire Collective, Klemen Drole. They discuss how the company evolved from a niche resale platform into a global leader in secondhand luxury. He was previously the Chief Technology Officer and shares the tech innovations Vestiaire is implanting to keep up with demand. They break down the realities of building a fashion resale company over 15+ years, from overcoming early stigma around secondhand to reaching profitability and scaling globally. The conversation explores how Vestiaire balances supply and demand, pricing millions of unique items, and the keys to their growth. They also dive into how trends emerge in real time on resale platforms, the role of AI in authentication and curation, and how luxury brands are increasingly partnering with resale platforms.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Vestiaire Collective: IG: @vestiaireco Shop: vestiairecollective.com Brand Highlight: Melisse Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Hannah Krohne, Hannah Lizzy on TikTok, a fashion creator who turned TikTok into a launching point for her career. Landing roles at David Yurman, Danielle and Alix in styling, and ASOS in merchandising and trend analysis before ultimately going full-time as an influencer. They discuss her path from posting in her college dorm to building a platform that now functions as both content and portfolio. Hannah shares what it really looks like to balance a 9–5 with content creation, from filming multiple videos a day to navigating the transition out of corporate. They also get into the financial realities of influencing, including inconsistent income, brand deals, and the unexpected costs behind “free” product. The conversation breaks down how brands actually choose influencers, the behind-the-scenes of Fashion Week dressing, and why so much of what you see online isn’t as it seems. They also explore the role of content in building a career in fashion, why you don’t need a traditional fashion background, and how to position yourself for opportunities in the industry. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Hannah: IG: @hannahlizzy_ TikTok: @hannahlizzy_ Brand Highlight: Paris64 Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Ashley Moubayed, founder of Don’t Let Disco and a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist. They discuss her journey from building the brand as a side hustle to becoming a full-time founder, and the realities of growing a fashion business. Ashley shares what it’s really like to go through the CFDA Fashion Fund, from the application process to the impact it has on credibility and growth. They also break down the cost of New York Fashion Week, navigating press, and why relationships and long-term partnerships are key in the industry. The conversation explores storytelling in fashion, misconceptions around jewelry, and why visibility doesn’t always equal value. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Don’t Let Disco: IG: @dontletdisco Shop Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with the team behind OOTD, one of the fastest-growing fashion media platforms capturing street style around the world. What began as candid outfit videos filmed on the streets of New York has quickly evolved into an international fashion community covering major cultural moments from Coachella to Fashion Week. They discuss the strategy behind creating viral fashion content, scaling, and monetization. No longer just online they have built a network of creators across cities like New York, Paris, and London hosting dinners and events with their community. Since they’ve scaled so quickly they discuss fashion tech and building internal technology needed for their business. Plus they’re hiring and share their vision for how OOTD could become one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow OOTD: IG: @ootd TikTok: @ootd ootd.com Follow Cory and Nic: IG: @corymuroff IG: @wantthisnic Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 60% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Matilda Djerf, the founder of Djerf Avenue, to discuss how she built one of the most recognizable aesthetics in modern fashion. They talk about launching a brand with strong values, building community both online and offline, and navigating the realities of running a global business in your early twenties. Matilda also shares lessons on leadership, vulnerability on social media, and why taking care of yourself is essential when building a company. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Matilda: IG: @matildadjerf Follow Djerf Avenue: IG: @djerfavenue Shop Glamsquad: Code: FASHIONANDFOUNDERS for $20 off Thanks for listening! 

New York Fashion Week isn’t dead, but it is changing. In this solo NYFW recap, Victoria breaks down what felt different this season and how Fashion Week is getting too expensive. From major brands like Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs showing off-schedule, Thom Browne showing in San Francisco, brands giving away show tickets leading to how NYFW could be evolving into an “Art Basel”-style citywide experience. She also shares the fashion tech + retail innovation that caught her eye, the behind-the-scenes realities of how outfits (and glam) actually happen during Fashion Week, and the pop-ups + community events that proved NYFW is increasingly about access, culture, and connection not just runway invites. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: ⁠@fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast Substack: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠fashionandfounders.com⁠ Podcast TikTok: ⁠@⁠⁠fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast LinkedIn: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast YouTube: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Links: ⁠Shop My⁠ Glamsquad: Code: ⁠FASHIONANDFOUNDERS ⁠for $20 off Rent the Runway: Code: ⁠RTRXVSMITH50⁠and get 50% off your first month! Rebecca Minkoff episode on fashion week being to expensive ⁠HERE⁠ Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Ganni’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Bartley. They discuss how the brand approaches sustainability and design, as they set trends rather than following them. Lauren unpacks Ganni's transparent approach to sustainability reporting, its investment in next-generation material innovation, partnerships in resale and repair, and how the brand balances trend-setting design with long-term environmental strategy. They also explore Scandinavian sustainability culture, the importance of consistency over perfection, and why innovation is key to moving fashion forward. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Follow Ganni: IG: @ganni Shop HERE The Ganni Playbook Follow Boii Studios: IG: @boiistudios Shop HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria recaps her experience attending Copenhagen Fashion Week from street style and behind-the-scenes access to the sustainability frameworks shaping the future of fashion. She breaks down what makes Copenhagen different from other fashion capitals, why transparency and public access matter, and how brands are rethinking design through the lens of weather, function, and real life. Victoria also shares insights from industry panels, a Substack hosted dinner, standout designers, and why she believes climate-adapted fashion and functional pieces are the next major shift in the industry. Plus a back stage interview with designers Marie and Julie Skall of Skall Studio.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Find the Brands mentioned on: Substack and ShopMy Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Kate March, founder and designer of Undone by Kate. She shares how a pandemic project became a made-in-New-York bespoke, bridal, and special occasion brand. Kate shares her path from celebrity styling to teaching herself how to sew on YouTube, creating her first upcycled tees that sparked demand, and the influencer moment that drove $10K in Shopify sales in one day. They talk bootstrapping on unemployment checks, learning pricing the hard way, building a local contractor network, and why made-to-measure is both the new luxury and true size inclusivity. Plus: a last-minute Selena Gomez VMAs dress pivot, bridal trends, and Kate’s best advice for breaking into fashion. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Undone by Kate: IG: @undonebykate Shop Custom Looks HERE Fashion Career Playbook HERE Brand Spotlight: Aven Atelier  Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Marina Larroude, founder of Larroudé, to unpack how she built one of fashion’s fastest-growing footwear brands by rewriting the rules. Marina shares her journey from interning at Condé Nast to leading fashion at Barneys, and how those experiences revealed the white space that inspired Larroudé. They dive into why footwear is one of the hardest categories in fashion, how vertical integration and pre-orders became a growth engine, and why the brand chose profitability over “growth at all costs.” Marina also offers sharp career advice for early builders, the truth behind “good taste,” what fashion school doesn’t teach, and why progress done daily compounds over time. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Larroude: IG: @marinalarroude IG: @larroude Website Fashion Job Board HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with designer and founder Rebecca Minkoff to break down what it really takes to build a fashion brand and keep it alive through industry curveballs. Rebecca shares how an  internship led to her first break, the celebrity moment that helped launch her label, and why success is a slow build of momentum over time. They dive into the business realities fashion school doesn’t teach like costing, pricing, profitability, and why she believes founders should bootstrap before raising money. Rebecca also pulls back the curtain on the true cost of Fashion Week, navigating fast fashion copycats, using AI to pitch and work smarter, and the resilience required to play the long game. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Rebecca Minkoff: IG: @rebeccaminkoff IG: @beckyminkoff Female Founder Collective Superwoman Podcast Her book Fearless Fashion Career Playbook HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Cynthia Rowley, CFDA award winning designer, to talk about building a fashion career the scrappy way. Cynthia shares how she got started making clothes, her accidental path to New York, and what it really takes to sustain a long-term career in fashion. She breaks down the realities behind runway shows, navigating changes in the global fashion industry, and why small wins, consistency, and risk-taking matter more than chasing instant success. Cynthia also offers advice for breaking into the fashion industry without a traditional background, moving to New York, and balancing creativity with the business side of fashion. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Cynthia Rowley: IG: @cynthiarowley Website HERE Fashion Career Playbook HERE Rent the Runway: Use code: RTRXVSMITH50 and get 50% off your first month! Thanks for listening! 

Fashion Career Playbook to break into fashion in 2026. How to break into the fashion industry in 2026. Part One out now on Substack. Link Here: https://fashionandfounders.substack.com/p/the-fashion-career-playbook-part Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Gabriella and Janelle, co-founders of Isle of Monday, to discuss how they’re making runway vintage and archival fashion accessible through their fashion tech rental platform. They share how backgrounds in fashion resale, finance, and tech led them to build a fashion tech company centered on access, preservation, and circularity. The founders break down the viral Roberto Cavalli moment that validated their idea, the importance of building a network when building a business, and what it really takes to source one-of-one archival pieces. They also discuss fundraising, advisors, launching in beta, and why the future of luxury fashion lies in vintage, rental, and circular fashion models. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Isle of Monday: IG: @isleofmonday TikTok: @isleofmonday Substack: Isle of Monday Rent HERE  ShopMy: For Creators HERE Learn more HERE Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Alex Bushman, founder of Influencer Social Responsibility (ISR), to talk about transforming the creator economy through meaningful social impact. Alex shares how a single cold DM to Danielle Bernstein led to the start of  We Gave What, impact branch of WeWoreWhat. Her previous work in the nonprofit sector led her to launching ISR, an agency that connects creators, brands, and nonprofits for community-centered events. With one of the first events with Bridget and Danielle Pheloung with Girls Inc. and Pickle. As well as events with the Nader sisters, Lexi Wood, and Miranda Mckeon.  After experiencing the loneliness that comes from being a founder Alex co-founded Good Ole Girls Club and started the Girl Dinner Series to create a community for other founders to come together. Looking to the future, Alex shares her vision for ISR and the innovative approach Gen Z is taking to nonprofit work.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Alex Bushman: IG: @alexbushman Follow Influencer Social Responsibility: IG: @influencersocialresponsibility Website Try Dupay: Sign up HERE Use code: VICTORIA25 for $25 off an annual membership  Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Nabihah Ahmad, SSQRD to talk about building a fashion tech startup. Nabihah shares how she broke into the fashion industry and then the tech industry by teaching herself how to code. She dives into how she taught herself to code, why she’s committed to democratizing fashion, and how one TikTok brought in 300+ partner brands overnight. They dive into unpaid work in fashion, mission-driven entrepreneurship, hiring with intention, and what happens when women start building the tech products we all use. A sharp, honest, energizing conversation for anyone interested in fashion, tech, or carving their own path. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Nabihah Ahmad: IG: @nabihah.ahmad TikTok: @ahmadnabihah Follow SSQRD: IG: @ssqrd.co TikTok: @ssqrd.co Shop HERE Follow Maison Réforme: IG: @maisonreforme Shop HERE Thanks for listening! 

In this episode, Victoria sits down with Eshita Kabra, founder and CEO of By Rotation, the world’s largest peer-to-peer fashion rental platform. Eshita shares what it really takes to build a profitable, sustainable, community-driven fashion tech company in today’s economy. She breaks down how By Rotation grew from a honeymoon idea into a global marketplace where women earn real income sharing their wardrobes. We dive into why affordability beats sustainability, how peer-to-peer fashion is reshaping the industry, and what most founders get wrong about brand building, community, and social strategy. Eshita also gives an unfiltered look at raising venture capital, protecting your equity, and how she secured seven figures from angel investors while staying true to her values. Her advice covers negotiation, long-game leadership, and building a company without hype or performance. If you’re interested in fashion tech, sustainable fashion, resale and rental, entrepreneurship, fundraising, or real talk about being a founder without the Instagram gloss this episode is for you. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Eshita: IG: @arentyoueshita LinkedIn: Eshita Kabra Follow By Rotation: IG: @byrotation Rent HERE Gift Guides: Find it HERE Thanks for listening! 

In this episode of Fashion and Founders, Abby Price the founder of Abbode shares her founding story. From starting a business right after graduating from Parsons to scaling into a seven figure business. Abby shares the honest reality of being a founder and the hardworking that goes into having a successful New York fashion business. You may have seen Sabrina Carpenter wearing her pieces on SNL or your favorite influencer in an embroidered tank top, either way Abby has tapped a whole new market for embroidery. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Abby: IG: @abbyeprice TikTok: @itsabbyprice Follow Abbode IG: @abbode Shop HERE Follow Jayebird: IG: @jayebirdsport Shop HERE Use code: fashionandfounders for 15% off Thanks for listening! 

On this episode of Fashion and Founders, Victoria is joined by Sara Walker who you’ve probably seen on Instagram as @styledsara. Sara talks about how she broke into the fashion industry, the first steps she took, and landing a job at Revolve. She also shares tips for getting started with content creation to going full time working for yourself. Sara takes listeners behind the scenes of the business side of content creation like how to build a long term partnership, industry rates, and lessons she learned by doing. Dabbling with design, Sara released a dress for Reformation and recently dropped a collection with Nordstrom and Wayf. This is a must listen to episode for anyone who wants to work in the fashion industry or do content creation.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Sara: IG: @styledsara TikTok: @styledsara Substack: Styled Sara Shop her Collections: Reformation HERE Nordstrom HERE Try Dupay: Sign up HERE Use code: VICTORIA25 for $25 off an annual membership  Thanks for listening! 

This week on Fashion and Founders the Podcast, Victoria shares a solo episode with takeaways from major fashion and fashion tech events from the past month. From New York Fashion Week, Climate Week, San Francisco Tech Week, and LA Tech Week. Sharing major themes and insights for the future of the industry as well as highlighting key players. Listen for new tools, resources, and brands and founders standing out.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Resources: Locker SIGN UP Learn more about SHOP MY Episode with NICOLE Episode with ERIKA Thanks for listening! 

In this episode of Fashion & Founders Victoria Smith sits down with Ginny Seymour, CEO and re-founder of Aligne. Founded in East London and freshly expanded to New York, Ginny rebuilt ALIGNE as a design-led, DTC-first womenswear brand. Just in two years created a viral hero piece, the Daphne blazer, and has driven $1M in US revenue without paid ads. Ginny shares how ShopMy, smart gifting, and obsessing over customer signals shaped the product line and why she intentionally said “no” to wholesale to protect speed and point of view, until Nordstrom literally slid into her DMs. We cover ALIGNE’s US growth playboo, plus the brand’s values-driven partnerships with female athletes, including a yearlong co-designed collection with Lucy Bronze. Ginny shares fantastic and valuable advice for founders. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Ginny: IG: @ginny_h_seymour Follow Aligne: IG: @aligne Shop HERE Follow Arame: IG: @aramecare Shop HERE Founder: @brittany.arnett Thanks for listening! 

This week on Fashion and Founders the Podcast, host Victoria Smith is joined with Lisa Green, co-founder Chief Brands Officer of Daydream. Daydream is the AI-powered fashion tech platform fixing broken search and personalization in shopping. We dig into how Daydream translates real-life “shopper language” into smart recommendations. Lisa traces her path from Google to The Yes (acquired by Pinterest) where she met co-founder Julie Bornstein. We discuss investor appetite for fashion tech, why fashion tech is buzz worthy, and what the future holds for the industry.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Lisa Green: IG: @lisa_verde Follow Daydream: IG: @daydream Beta HERE Follow Rent the Runway: IG: @renttherunway Links Thanks for listening! 

In this episode of Fashion and Founders, Victoria Smith sits down with Rachel Glicksberg, Women’s Fashion & New Initiatives Lead at The RealReal. Rachel shares The RealReal’s designer collaborations and upcycling initiatives, the rise of vintage and archive revivals, and how emerging designers are breaking through. Rachel also shares practical career advice on mentorship, cold outreach, her nonlinear career path, and building roles around your strengths. Rachel is also an advisor for fashion tech startup Isle of Monday and a mentor at Monday Girl. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Rachel Glicksberg: IG: @rachelglicksberg Follow The Real Real: IG: @therealreal Follow Mercer Street: IG: @mercer_street_shop Shop HERE Thanks for listening! 

Season 5 of Fashion Founders the Podcast, opens with Pia Mance, founder of Heaven Mayhem. Pia started with $900 dollars hand making jewelry on her bedroom floor and in just three years built a $10 million dollar business, recently featured on Vogue Business. Pia is creating a go-to accessories business with elevated pieces at an affordable price point. She shares lessons and advice from her entrepreneurial journey and with her background as an influencer, she really has an intuitive eye for what works. We also cover how to go about a partnership, whether you're a brand that wants to collaborate with Heaven Mayhem or someone looking to network or find a job. Pia talks about what actually gets her attention in an email and the dos and don'ts of reaching out to founders. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Pia Mance: IG: @piamance TikTok: @piamance Follow Heaven Mayhem: IG: @heavenmayhem_ TikTok: @heavenmayhem Shop HERE Follow Bed Sleepwear IG: @maisonbedsleepwear TikTok: @maisonbedsleepwear Website Thanks for listening! 

On this episode of Fashion Founders, Victoria Smith interviews Nicole Reisman, Director of Influencer Marketing & Events at Dolce Vita, for a deep dive into the world of influencer marketing and brand partnerships. Nicole shares practical advice for aspiring influencers on how to work with fashion brands, what brands really look for in collaborations, and why engagement matters more than follower count. She also explains how Dolce Vita approaches budgets, campaign strategy, and events, plus how niche creators from florists to bakerscan land brand collaborations. Finally, Nicole opens up about her career journey in fashion marketing, what it takes to build a long-term career at a leading brand, and where she sees influencer marketing heading next. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Nicole Reisman: IG: @nicolereisman Follow Dolce Vita: IG: @dolcevita Ambassador Program Follow Ellie G’s Ice Cream IG: @elliegsicecream Website Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Bianca Rangecroft the founder of Whering. Whering is a UK based but globally used digital wardrobe app that is making it easier than ever for you to finally get that clueless closet. Unlike other wardrobe and digital styling apps, you don't have to take a picture of every piece of clothing in your closet to be able to use this. For example, you can upload a link. Or use their database of millions of products already available. They have 10 million users worldwide and instead of using AI for style combinations, other users and sometimes professional stylists can be the ones helping you come up with new outfits, using items that you already own. We cover a lot of different topics in this episode, like career advice, navigating entrepreneurship, user acquisition and retention, as well as the role of tech in fashion. Bianca is also currently in the middle of fundraising, and she was on Dragons Den, which is the UK version of Shark Tank. I really loved this conversation and I hope you do too. So let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Whering: IG: @whering__ Download the app HERE TikTok: @whering Bianca IG: @biancarangecroft Follow Jorde Ski: IG: @shopjorde Website HERE Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Kathleen Sheppard, the founder of Tote, and Claire Ilmer, the founder of Future Reference. In this episode, we explore their recent partnership announcement and for some background, Tote is a social shopping app and Future Reference digitizes your wardrobe for one click, resale and closet insights. After EDGE New York Fashion Week, a must attend event for fashion tech in February, they began working on a strategic partnership. We talk about what makes a partnership valuable for both parties, steps to take if you want to partner with a company, whether you're a founder, creator, or in another area of the industry. We also explore the question of, as a brand, do you add in multiple features that isn't your core MVP, or do you collaborate with someone who already offers that feature and is the expert in that thing? Learn more about how collaboration like this works in fashion tech, and really just in general I’ll let Kathleen and Claire. Take it from here. So let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Tote: IG: @toteapp.ai  IG: @trytoteapp Download the app HERE TikTok: @toteapp Kathleen’s TikTok: @katsheppard1 Follow Future Reference: IG: @futurereference.xyz Download the app HERE Substack HERE TikTok: @futurereference.xyz Follow Any Lifetime: IG: @shopanylifetime Website HERE TikTok: @anylifetime Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined by Nik Pollina. Nik used to work at Google and transitioned from tech into fashion after getting laid off. She talks about her journey starting working for herself, and she is now the owner of Seven Moods, the co-owner of Thx its Thrifted, and a content creator. She has so much advice to share on managing these businesses, growing the businesses, and how to build your mindset around the potential you have as an entrepreneur. Although fashion focused, I think the advice she shares could be applied to whatever you are doing. She talks about the two books and beliefs that helped take her from making $10,000 a month to $50,000 a month in the matter of three months, and that she now believes that she can make this a million dollar business. I really wanted to have more conversations about money this season, especially around working for yourself and working in fashion. I just made a TikTok about this, but there's really this belief and narrative that you can't make money in fashion. And I think Nik is an amazing example of proving that wrong. She is so successful, and I'm so excited to share this episode. I felt really inspired after this conversation, and I hope you do too. I'll let Nik take it from here, so let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Nik Pollina: IG: @nikpollina_ TikTok: @nikpollina Follow Thx its Thrifted: IG: @thxitsthrifted.nyc Follow Seven Moods IG: @sevenmoodsnyc Website: https://sevenmoods.nyc/  Follow Marmalade Gardens: IG: @marmaladegardens Website: https://www.marmaladegardens.com/ Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm doing a recap episode from the Global Fashion Agenda Summit that I attended in Copenhagen. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend and excited to share innovators I met. Hear from the Trailblazer winner Sarika Bajaj, founder and CEO of Refiberd. I go over rental, resale, biomaterials, biodegradable shoes, AI in fashion, Love Island x Ebay, and much more. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow GFA: IG: @globalfashionagenda Website: https://globalfashionsummit.com/  Companies & People Mentioned Refiberd HERE Vogue Article HERE Mary G Scully HERE Future Fabrics Expo HERE Biodegradable Sneaker HERE Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Hanushka Toni, the founder and CEO of Sellier. I am coming to you live from London and am excited share this episode with Hanushka and hear more of her story. If you're wanting to transition careers and work in fashion, listen to this episode. She started her career as a lawyer and is now the CEO and founder of the UK's fastest growing luxury preloved store. Something I think that really sets them apart is their social strategy. On TikTok alone, last year they had 250 million views. A favorite London influencer of mine also has a social media marketing agency and works with Sellier, Isobel Lorna. If you are someone who wants to be in the resale business and learn how to actually gain traction with these products and make it as desirable as something new - Sellier is a great example of how to do this and do it well. There is so much to learn from Hanushka, so let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Sellier: IG: @sellierknightsbridge IG: @selliermonaco TikTok: @sellierluxurybags Website: https://www.sellierknightsbridge.com/ Follow Hauteline: IG: @haute__line Website: https://hauteline.com/  Thanks for listening! 

How to become a stylist. How to be a celebrity stylist. What it's like to be a stylist. How to work in fashion with no experience. Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman. Zoe does not have your typical story of entering into the industry, and a little sneak peek she cold DMd Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy, landed a big client, quit her job, and has been hustling and growing her business ever since. Zoe has styled many celebrities and influencers like Hannah Berner, Serena Kerrigan, Shaina Shake, Kit Keenan, and many more. If you're the friend that has an eye for style and are always kind of helping out your friend's style wise, but think, it could never be your career or something you can make money from - think again and listen to this episode. Zoe also styled me for this episode as well as the ones with Erika Veurink, Lexi of Shop Nou, Ariel LaFond, and Nik Pollina. It was an insanely fun experience to work with Zoe, and learn about what goes on behind the scenes.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Zoe: IG: @zoegofman TikTok: @zoegofman Website: https://www.zoegofman.com/  Follow Marby: IG: @marbyclub Website: https://marbyclub.com/  Thanks for listening! 

Talking fashion tech with Mary Korlin-Downs founder of All Things Fashion Tech and Kate Sanner CEO and Co-Founder of Beni. From Beni’s relaunch that’s redefining how and why we shop and Mary joining the team, Kate shares leading industry insights. As well as what’s next in fashion tech and other founders innovating. Want to break in? Hear from these thought leaders on how: how to write a cold email that will actually get a response, who to email, building a portfolio, where to find job opportunities, and so much more. Kate’s solo episode HERE Mary’s solo episode HERE Download Beni HERE All Things Fashion Tech HERE Fashion & Founders Job Board HERE Follow Mary Korlin-Downs IG HERE Substack HERE Magazine HERE Follow Beni IG HERE Website HERE Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker  Thanks for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Lexi, The founder of Shop Nou and now Nou Shoes. She is a vintage sourcer and seller, and now a shoe designer with her very first shoe launching this Tuesday, May 20th. In this episode, she talks about not only her experience sourcing vintage and being one of the first in this space, selling on Instagram. But also the changing landscape like has the vintage market reached its peak? Will tariffs bring prices even higher? Is it too saturated? How can you differentiate, and more. As well as the founding story of her brand, all the nos and challenges that she faced, and how she really used this as motivation to launch her future vintage shoe brand. I had so much fun recording with Lexi. I'll let her take it from here, so let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Lexi and Shop Nou: Lexi IG: @bohochicken Shop Nou IG: @shopnou_ Nou Shoes: https://noushoes.com/  Follow Fashion Routes: Fashion Routes IG: @thefashionroutes Fashion Routes Info: https://fashionroutes.com/  Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Ariel LaFond. She is an CPA, a fractional CFO for small businesses,  and the writer of Dumb Rich on Substack. She is the coolest accountant I think I will ever talk to or meet, she offers a concierge financial service especially those who are self-employed influencers, founders. Ariel here has really tangible tips and starts from the foundations that you need on being smart and knowledgeable about your money. We also talk about we a money mindset, abundance, and manifesting money. If you are self employed this is full of answers to some most frequently asked questions on business expenses, retirement funds, taxes, budgeting, credit cards - we cover so many topics.  I loved talking to her because she had such an approachable, judgment-free way of answering all these questions. And she has so much knowledge, but really speaks the average person's language because sometimes financial stuff can get way over complicated and then people get really intimidated by it. I'm gonna let Ariel take it from here. So let's get into the episode! *Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult with your financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Ariel: Ariel IG: @ArielLaFond Substack: Dumb Rich Website: https://www.ariellafond.com/  Follow Rêves Jewelry: Rêves IG: @revesjewelry Website: https://www.revesjewels.com/  Thanks for listening! 

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Erica Veurink, she writes Long Live on Substack and is the founder of We Met at EV Salon. Erika was one of the perfect people to kick off this season and theme because she writes a lot on her Substack Long Live about making money from a portfolio career and how she went from making $1,500 a year freelance writing to doing her first six figure quarter. She literally shares her playbook of how you can do this too and other great advice.  This is the first episode of season four of Fashion Founders and I think it is so fitting because the theme I tried to craft for this season is hearing from people who have a career in fashion working for themselves, making a lot of money, and who are also pretty open to talking about money and teaching people some of their tips and tricks. I’m very excited for this season and also worked with a New York stylist, Zoe Gofman to put together outfits like this Aligne look.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Podcast TikTok: @fashionandfounders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast Links: Shop My Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Erika: Erika IG: @erikaveurink Substack: Long Live EV Salon IG: @wemetatevsalon Website: https://www.erikaveurink.com/  Follow Ophelia: Ophelia IG: @opheliajewelryco Serena IG: @sydneyserena Website: https://www.opheliajewelryco.com/  Thanks for listening! 

Themes I’ve been seeing in fashion tech recently, new companies to try, and who’s hiring! From Search, personalization, and curation.  Job Board: Fashion and Founders Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack:  Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders of the podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Chris Lucas, the founder of Second Sense. After Alix Earle visited Harvard Business School last week and posted a TikTok about Second Sense. It crashed the website it went so viral, and the search bar under her video with over 3 million views was second sense. The “Alix Earle” Effect is very real and Chris talks about what the madness has really been like. This is the first interview Chris has done since all of this has happened, and I'm so thankful for his honesty about what this all has been like and his overall vulnerability about sharing his founder journey. Second Sense is hiring so you can join the team and this fast growing startup! Lots of excitement and eyes on fashion tech with this, go follow Chris on TikTok to stay updated! Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Second Sense: IG: @secondsenseco TikTok: @chrisxlucas Website Follow PJs by PJ: IG: @shoppjsbypj Website Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Kotryna, the co-founder of Arete. Arete is an AI powered marketplace for emerging designers built to create connection between shoppers and designers and allow you to play and discover with the clothing. They are quickly growing as they recently opened their store in soho this April and launched a partnership with Pickle. The Arete app is super fun to use and navigate - with videos from designers, moldboard feature, and social sharing. Let’s here from Kotryna! Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: ⁠@fashionandfounders⁠ Podcast Substack: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Website: ⁠fashionandfounders.com⁠ Victoria TikTok: ⁠@vfsmith11⁠ Podcast LinkedIn: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast YouTube: ⁠Fashion and Founders⁠ Podcast Links: ⁠Shop My⁠ Victoria Pickle Closet: @⁠victorias⁠ Locker Links: ⁠Locker⁠ Follow Arête: IG: @⁠aretestudios_____⁠ Download the ⁠App⁠ ⁠Website⁠ Visit Arete at 147 Grand St, New York, NY 10013! Follow Cherry Knots: IG: @⁠cherryknotsnyc⁠ ⁠Website⁠ Use code FASHIONFOUNDERS10 for 10% off through May 1st! Thank you for listening!

How do you build a resume for fashion? Hear from former Bloomingdales employee Sophie Cohen on how she landed her dream job without a fashion degree.  Welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I’m joined with Sophie Cohen aka Style with Soco! If you don’t already know, Sophie, you might recognize some of her iconic pink or vintage looks she wears around New York City. She’s already had a incredible career in the fashion industry and shares really great advice whether you’re a college student, post grad, or looking to make a pivot in your career. She used to work corporate at Bloomingdale’s and we talk about that time as well as her transition into working for herself full time. Something I love about this episode is that her advice spans from tips on landing your dream job to tips on starting a business and growing it too. Hear the behind the scenes from amazing moments to scrappy stories hustling in NYC.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Style with Soco: Ig: stylewithsoco TikTok: @stylewithsoco Series: @meetyouinfive  Follow Sara Nicole Vintage: IG: @saranicolevintage Thank you for listening!

Learn how to win the PR game from Emily Blair Marcus the founder of Emily Blair Media. Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders, the podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Emily Blair Marcus, the founder of Emily Blair Media, a PR firm with offices in LA, New York and London. She is the PR powerhouse behind this new era of celebrities. She's worked with Morgan Riddle, Harry Jowsey, Sabrina the Tube girl, Ekin Su from Love Island, Pookie and Jett, Boys Lie, Sofia Franklin and so many more. Learn about her strategy, growing a business internationally, and amazing tips on how to write a winning pitch, how to actually get a journalist attention, and how to be your own PR agent. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Emily Blair Media: IG: @emilyblairmarcus IG: @emilyblairmedia Website Follow Koster Kulture!: IG: @kosterkulture Website Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders the Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Estelle, the co-founder of Cake. Estelle went from being an investor at a VC investing in Cake to joining as a co-founder. So not only do we get her perspective as a founder, but also as an investor and specifically her take on fashion tech and the appetite that the industry has to be investing in these companies - and what about Cake made it stand out. Cake is member based shopping that rewards the customers with perks, gifts, events, dinners, and more. For example a female founder panel with a couple Cake brands Like Marina Larroude and Chelsea Parke. So with your membership you get access to cake cards, which are basically gift cards to these brands adding up to thousands of dollars in rewards. Right now it is invite only but I have a special link for podcast listeners.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow CAKE: IG: @cake.members Invite Link!  Follow Sunday Attire & Hannah: IG: @shopsundayattire IG: @hannah.detwiler Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders the Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I am joined with Helena and Sari, the co-founders of No Standing NYC. No Standing is a luxury vintage and secondhand store with curated pieces at an accessible price. You can find their stunning store in the heart of Soho and browse some amazing vintage selections curated from around the world. With pieces you may have seen on Alix Earle, Your Rich BFF, and other celebrities.  Sari and Helena have a lot of fun stories of building a business in your 20s with your best friend. From cornering Daniel Bernstein of WeWoreWhat in the bathroom, giving out free product to the girls of the bachelor, and visiting vintage warehouses in Europe.  Whether you're interested in learning more about entrepreneurship or curating vintage pieces from around the world, listen to this episode. If you’re the type of person that every time you hang out with that one friend you you’re like we need to start a business together… let this episode be your inspiration to do it.  Featured in Vogue article, “Why Instagram vintage sellers made the jump to physical stores.” Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow No Standing NYC: Ig: @no.standing.nyc Shop! Follow Klein Designs!: IG: @shopkleindesigns Shop! Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders, the podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Delaney Delponti, founder of Cherry Pick. Cherry Pick is going to be your one stop shop for everything vintage, combining your most loved online thrift and vintage sites into one place. In this episode Delaney not only gives us a bit of a sneak peek into what cherry pick will be, but she also shares some invaluable and really honest advice about being an entrepreneur from all the questions she had starting out, all the things she didn't know and had to figure out herself for the first time. Showcasing how much she's learned and sharing this knowledge for other people. If you listened to the episode with Brigitte and Ellie, the founders of Zero, they  referenced Delaney as being somebody that they go to when they have founder questions and need advice. This community is so strong and supportive, full of amazing young female founders, and I just feel so grateful to be a part of it. This episode with Delaney is so information and knowledge rich and she really breaks things down in a way that anyone can understand because she's been in that position before too. So if you are someone interested in not just fashion tech, but really anything business or entrepreneurship, there is something for you to take away from this episode from time management, hiring, finding mentors, networking, and an insane, insane story about fundraising as well. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Cherry Pick: Ig: @cherrypickdotcom Sign up for the waitlist: https://cherry-pick.com/ Follow Delaney Delponti: Ig: delaney_delponti Follow Oh What a Match!: IG: @oh_what_a_match Matchbook Guide: https://owam.substack.com/  Shop: https://ohwhatamatch.com  Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion Founders the Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Natalie Shine, the host of the Big Silly Trivia Game. If you don't know what the Big Silly Trivia Game is, you are missing out. It is a 30 minute Wednesday night trivia for the girls all about pop culture. Natalie is the host, and she is incredible at it. The prizes are amazing, the questions are so fun, the vibes are high, and you're just guaranteed a midweek pick me up. In this episode, you will hear the origin story of the Big Silly Trivia Game and get a bit of the behind the scenes of how the creative strategy and storytelling works that weaves through every single episode. There's a lot to unpack from the perfectly curated themes, the incredibly strong community that has come out of this, and fun things happening in the future for the Big Silly Trivia Game. The conversation ranges from fun and games, quite literally, to returning to yourself and making the younger version of you proud and doing the things that really truly make you happy. I was laughing a lot in this episode. Natalie is hilarious and definitely wait until the end for a very funny hot take. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow The Big Silly Trivia Game: IG: thebigsillytriviagame Play!! Follow Natalie: IG: natgawd Follow Spicy Dan: IG: shopspicydan Shop!  Thank you for listening!

In this episode you will hear behind the scenes from the panelists at EDGE NYFW. I hosted a pop up podcast studio for Fashion & Founders at EDGE and interviewed the panelists to recap the panels they were on and share some behind the scenes! Thank you to the hosts Manya co-founder of Threads of Tech, Mary Korlin-Downs founder of All Things Fashion Tech, and Colette Johnson founder of In Haus.  Guests include: Breaking into Fashion Tech:  Claire Ilmer co-founder of Future ReferenceJulia O’Mara co-founder of PickleLior Cole founder of InLoom (formerly Ari)Innovating with Brands: Estelle Palandjian co-founder of CakeAndrew Parietti CMO at CroissantJackie Berado founder of Future Of and researcher at MetaAllison Lee founder and CEO of (Re)viveExtending Lifecycles: Chloe Songer co-founder of Supercircle and Thousand FellRachel Ceruti Director of Partnerships at FabscrapDanielle Vermeer co-founder of Teleport and now Head of Social Commerce at ThredUpDevon Rule co-founder of IndyxPersonalized Shopping:  Kate Sanner co-founder of BeniAshlyn Greer founder of FashivlyAsna Khan head of product at Fit:Match.Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Threads of Tech: IG: @threadsoftech Substack: Threads of Tech Follow All Things Fashion Tech: IG: allthingsfashiontech Substack: ATFT Follow In Haus: LinkedIn: Colette Johnson Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, this week I'm joined with Gab Waller, founder of Gab Waller Dot Com and Sourced By. Gab is a fashion sourcer, her team finds sold out pieces for clients and makes the impossible happen. She is now building a fashion tech business, SourcedBy, an AI powered search tool with StockX founding engineer, Scott Davis, as CTO.  She has so much insight to share from founding a business, working in fashion, moving to the U. S., getting investment, finding engineers for her fashion tech business, life advice and so much more. You can also find out more about what Gab is doing through her monthly Vogue column, The Hot List, where she shares top trending pieces that she is sourcing.  I am so excited to dive deep into the fashion tech company she is building and what she thinks the future of fashion holds. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Gab Waller: IG:gabwaller IG: gabwallerdotcom IG: @sourcedby Vogue The Hot List Website Follow Celestial Vintage: IG: @celestialvvintage Website: https://www.celestial-vintage.com/  Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders the podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Ellie and Brigitte, the founders of Zero.  I think of Zero as the Revolve for sustainable fashion where you can discover some of the coolest brands that you'll actually want to wear that you haven't already seen played out everywhere and also a way to explore your own personal style. I think what they are building is insanely cool and they have great advice to share from their experiences about building a business in fashion and sustainability with a mission. We talk about how they built out an advisory board, lessons from fundraising, and leaning on a network of other founders, all while still being friends. They met at USC and took what they learned and applied to a business that could create an impact. I learned a lot in this episode, and we also laughed a lot - do not miss the ending when they talk about their hot takes. Let get into the episode! Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast YouTube: Fashion and Founders Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Locker Links: Locker Follow Zero: IG: @shopzerofficial TikTok: @shopzerofficial Website: https://shopzero.co/  Follow Olivia Latinovich: IG: @olivialatinovich Website: https://olivialatinovich.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion & Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I was joined with Anne Warren, the founder of Next Season. Next Season turns old, damaged, unwanted sweaters into one-of-a-kind knitwear, reducing textile waste. Anne used to work in tech as a product manager with a background in mechanical engineering and always had an interest in fashion so during covid began experiment and asked herself, is it possible to create a completely circular fashion brand. Follow her journey on substack and learn about all things knitwear. One of my personal goals is to learn a new hobby in 2025 and I’m getting a lot of inspo from Anne. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Locker Links: Locker Follow Next Season: IG: @nextseason.nyc Substack: Anne’s Circular Knitting Journey Website: https://nextseason.nyc/  Follow Raphaella Santana: Brand IG: @raphaella.santana Founder IG: @raphybaby Website: https://www.raphaellasantana.com/  Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion & Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I’m joined with Cleo Escarez the founder of Redyoos. She has created a way for pre-loved jewelry to be recycled into clean energy solutions. You just order a free mail in kit, fill it up with your preloved jewelry, and Redyoos takes care of the rest. Jewelry that can be melted down can be recycled in solar panels and fashion jewelry that can’t be melted will be donated to their partner at Dress for Success. Think of Trashie or ThredUp but for your jewelry.  Cleo shared some really interesting facts and data points about jewelry in this episode that I found super fascinating. As well as her journey to being an entrepreneur and how she started out as “entrepreneur curious.” Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Locker Links: Locker Follow Redyoos: IG: @redyoos LinkedIn: Redyoos Website: https://www.redyoos.com/ Follow Melez: IG: @melez.collection Website: https://www.melez.co/ Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I'm joined with Claire Illmer, the Co-Founder and CEO of Future Reference. Claire's experience before founding Future Reference includes working at Google for five years, at YouTube in search and discovery, and at ThredUp in search and discovery as well. She is now building a fashion tech company revolutionizing how we sell our clothes.  Future Reference is a digital wardrobe and a cross listing platform. Their software allows you to digitize your wardrobe by just connecting your email as they pull your online receipts.  Not only that, but they make the resale listings for you. So you just click on the product in your closet that you decide to sell and they cross list it to their partners like Depop, eBay, Poshmark, etc. They are solving a problem I think so many people have faced when trying to sell their clothes. Also right now, while you're looking at your wardrobe on Future Reference, you can go check out your wardrobe wrapped. So basically Spotify wrapped, but for the items in your closet. They have so many data points on your wardrobe from resale value, amount spent per item, color palette, and so much more. I am loving using future reference. I think it's just at the beginning of all the potential that they have and it is so exciting. I can't wait to see all of their success. I'll let Claire share more. So let's get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Locker Links: Locker Follow Future Reference: IG: @futurereference.xyz TikTok: @futurereferencej.xyz LinkedIn: Future Reference Website: https://www.futurereference.xyz/ Follow Birdy Bandanas: IG: @birdybandanas Website: https://birdybandanas.com/ Thank you for listening!

A big thank you to all the guests who came onto the podcast this year. I learned so much from each conversation and feel so grateful for the opportunity to connect so many amazing people and share their stories.  I put together a bonus episode with snippets of advice that founders shared from their experience. This ranges from fundraising, building a team, finding a co-founder the struggles of entrepreneurship. Mental health as a founder. What not to do tips on getting started, books and resources, finding your motivation. How to stay motivated and so much more.  This includes 13 different episodes. And even if you've listened to all of these, trust me, I think I have listened to each at least 20 times through and I found this still such a great and powerful reminder. I love these different snippets, so let's get into it and let's hear from them.  In this episode: Trinity Hislop founder of ThirdClaire Stepanek founder of ErgoJade Begueling founder of 4AM SkinJen Keane founder of Modern SynthesisMary Korlin-Downs founder of Cropd.co Fashion TechKate Sanner founder of BeniKristine Locker founder of LockerNaama and Manya founders of Threads of TechJulia O'Mara founder of Pickle Genia Mineeva founder of BEEN LondonDiana Kakkar founder of  MAES London Georgie Hyatt founder of RotaroNatalia Ohanesian founder of BiptyFollow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Fashion and founders the Podcast my name is Victoria Smith and this week I spoke with Trinity the founder of Third.   Third is an AI-powered search, compare and discover platform for preloved luxury handbags, featuring the largest range of rare and hard-to-find pieces available at present. This episode is not just for the luxury handbags and vintage lovers, this is one of the first episodes in which a founder really talked about the mental health component of being an entrepreneur. She discusses obstacles, how she still priorities her mental health, building confidence, and more. Trinity shares about her journey building a fashion tech business, her experience in London, and more so let’s get into the episode Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Third: IG: @thirdfind TikTok: @jadebeguelin LinkedIn: Website: https://thirdfind.com/  Follow Valore: IG: @shop.valore TikTok: @shopvalore Website: https://www.shopvalore.com/shop  Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Fashion and Founders the Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I am joined by Claire Stepanek, the founder and CEO of Ergo.  Have you ever wondered how brands decide on the price of an item. Or why it seems like brands always have a 10% off sale? Maybe you would buy something if it was $25 instead of $28?  Claire is building Ergo, a shopify tool that allows potential customers to make an offer of their best price when shopping. Providing brands with real time pricing analytics and empowering customers to have a voice in the shopping transaction.  If youre used to sending an offer on second hand platforms like ebay or depop Ergo is bringing a version of this to everyday online shopping by allowing customers to tell brands their desired price.  Claire went to MIT and worked at Goldman Sachs, Apple, and Doordash before starting Ergo in 2023. She has so much knowledge to share on fashion tech, fundraising, and more.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Locker Links: VictoriaS Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Ergo: IG: @ergo.offers LinkedIn: Ergo Website Wishlist Giveaway Follow Larson: IG: @larsonthebrand IG: @camrynlarsonn Website Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I’m joined with Jade Beguelin the co-founder of 4AM SKIN. You may have seen Jade from one of her TikToks about what hot girls in New York City are gatekeeping or wearing her viral under eye masks for her brand 4AM SKIN. She is how I found out about Pickle and the big silly trivia game, and she shares her best tips for growing on TikTok and some rumblings of what the hot girls are currently doing.  4am is not your regular skincare brand. Their launch party was at a club, they’ve partnered with 818, and their inspiration comes from the downtown girls that are up all night but still look great in the morning. Focusing on minimalism, they’ve created skincare that’s easy enough to do at 4AM and actually works. You can find them on REVOLVE and urban outfitters and they just became part of Sephora’s 2025 accelerate class. Jade and her cofounder Sabrina were also named Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2025. Jade and her co-founder met at Georgetown and as a fellow alum it was very fun to connect with someone else in the beauty fashion space. She shares some really great knowledge on starting a business in your 20s and more so let’s get into it.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Jade: IG: @jadebeguelin TikTok: @jadebeguelin LinkedIn: Jade Beguelin Follow 4AM: IG: @4amskin Website: https://4amskin.com/ LinkedIn: 4AM SKIN Follow Philippa Made: IG: philippa__made Website Thank you for listening!

Fashion Tech Talk: short, bite-sized information answering your most asked questions about fashion tech! This series is with Naama and Manya the founders of Threads of Tech a community for fashion creatives and technologists.  Topics this week  How to pitch your skill set to fashion companies or fashion tech startups?What can current students do to get involved in fashion-tech?Current job openings and summer internships for students?They also share they have an upcoming Fashion Tech event for NYFW in February so follow them to stay updated! Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Threads of Tech: Instagram: @threadsoftech Job Board LinkedIn: Threads of Tech Substack: Threads of Tech Follow Naama: Instagram: @mieuxnaama LinkedIn: Naama Paulemont Follow Manya: Instagram: @manyaownbusiness LinkedIn: Manya Jain Thanks for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast. This week I spoke with Jen Keane the Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Synthesis.  Modern synthesis is a London-based biotech company bringing life to new materials by working with bacteria to produce an entirely new class of nanocellulose based materials for fashion without using any plastic or animal inputs.  Jen’s background leading up to founding her own company is so impressive and she has accumulated so many experiences in textiles and circularity.  She did her undergraduate degree at Cornell University with a major in fiber, science and apparel design. She then worked at Adidas for five years getting so much experience in this large company. And then did a masters in material futures at Central Saint Martins of University of Arts London. If you are interested in the bio technology and material innovation side of fashion Tech, this episode is for you. They’ve worked on some really cool projects like “growing a shoe.” A collaboration with Ganni on their iconic Bou Bag, and theres so much more to come so let’s get into the episode. Follow Fashion & Founders: Instagram Website Youtube TikTok Substack Follow Modern Synthesis: Instagram Newsletter They’re hiring! Website Follow Baggy: Instagram Website Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast, my name is Victoria Smith and this week I spoke with Mary Korlin Downs. She has become a fashion tech thought leader through her Tiktok, Instagram, and Substack where she posts weekly job boards, fashion tech news, and more.  Mary used to work at Bipty, a fashion rental company and I actually have an episode with the founder Natalia. She then went to Recurate a company powering brand owned resale. She then started her own agency Cropd working with fashion tech clients.  Mary talks about how she got started in fashion tech by working on a startup while at a full time job in medical device sales. So if you have questions on how to transition into fashion tech listen to this episode. She shares great advice on how to build your portfolio, get started as a student, and her transition into being a founder and starting an agency working with fashion tech clients.  This is the fashion tech episode to listen to, it’s a bit longer than other episodes because I went through all the comments and DMs I had gotten on fashion tech so I could get Mary’s take to share with you all so lets get into the episode.  Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Mary Korlin Downs: IG: @marykorlindowns TikTok: @maykorlindowns Substack: All Things Fashion Tech LinkedIn: Mary Korlin-Downs Follow Pink Antique: IG: @pinkantique_ IG: @emilyanndeutsch Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Fashion and Founders The Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith and this week I spoke with Kate Sanne the Co-Founder of Beni. Beni is a google Chrome extension that shops alongside you, helping you find secondhand pieces.  Kate shares some great insight into what the future of the fashion tech industry holds. She recently moderated a panel at Harvard Business School’s Retail and Luxury Goods Club and shares learnings including AI in fashion, consumer discovery, and the future of search. If you haven’t already downloaded Beni, it is a hack that once you use it, you wonder how you lived without it, and Beni just launched their resale registry for the holiday season so that you can make a wish list of some vintage secondhand things you want and then it’s super easy because then you can just text it to someone. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Beni: IG: @join_beni TikTok: @join_beni Website: joinbeni.com Follow Grandpa’s Shirts IG: @grandpasshirts LinkedIn: Grandpas Shirts Thank you for listening!

Welcome to the first episode of season three of fashion and founders the podcast. This week I am joined by Kristine Locker founder of Locker, the Pinterest for online shopping. In this episode, Kristine talks about the founding of Locker the amazing community that she has built, all about fundraising, working with Maggie Sellers as an angel investor, and so much insight into her founder journey. Kristine has some really exciting things lined up for Locker and they’re really innovating how we online shop. If you haven’t already definitely sign up for the Locker shopping club, they send out monthly challenges that you can participate if you choose to and the winner will get a $500 gift card to a certain brand of the month. You can also join the waitlist for the Shopping Payback feature locker is offering. We were able to film this in person in New York and I got to meet Hanna, the Locker social media manager. I’ve recently been getting a lot of questions and interest in fashion tech and Kristine has described Locker as shopping tech before which I think definitely falls into this category of fashion tech so this is definitely a great episode to listen to if you’re interested in learning more about companies in this space and hearing how people got it directly from the founders themselves. Follow Fashion & Founders: Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Podcast LinkedIn: Fashion and Founders Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Podcast Substack: Fashion and Founders Follow Locker: IG: @wantlocker TikTok: @wantlocker Website: wantlocker.com Follow Kristine: IG: @kristinelocker TikTok: @kristinelocker Thank you for listening!

Hello and welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of Fashion & Founders The Podcast, Conversations in Fashion Circularity, Tech, and Innovation!  Formerly Interwoven Stories, but all those episodes will still be available! Intro in what's coming and some changes, I have lots of amazing episodes lined up! Conversations with founders and innovators working in different sectors of the fashion industry, offering an opportunity to get involved in this growing space. Hear directly from the people building the future of fashion about entrepreneurship, job opportunities, fashion tech, circularity, biomaterials, and more. Follow Fashion & Founders Podcast IG: @fashionandfounders Podcast Website: fashionandfounders.com Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias

This week I spoke with Manya and Naama founders of Threads of Tech. Together they are creating a community in the fashion tech community from putting on events during NYFW to their job board and connecting people to their dream jobs.  Naama has a background as a software engineer and knitwear designer and Manya as a Data Analyst and Fashion Designer. What started out as a roommate search ended up with them putting on two major events in 5 weeks and becoming co-founders. Manya and Naama are often behind the scenes making sure their events run smoothly, so I am excited to share their story here and help others learn more about the really exciting work they are doing.  Maybe you follow data but make it fashion on instagram or have seen a cool new fashion tech startup, if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about fashion tech whether you’re a student or someone looking to use their tech background at a fashion brand this episode is for you because they share a lot of insight.  Follow Interwoven Interwoven IG: @interwovenstories.pod Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Interwoven LinkedIn: Interwoven Stories Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Interwoven Substack: @interwovenstories Follow Threads of Tech: Instagram: @threadsoftech Job Board LinkedIn: Threads of Tech  Substack: Threads of Tech Follow Naama: Instagram: @mieuxnaama LinkedIn: Naama Paulemont Follow Manya: Instagram: @manyaownbusiness LinkedIn: Manya Jain Listener Story: Instagram: @too.many.jackets Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week I am joined by Kaley, editorial director at Cascale, formerly known as Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). You may have heard of the Higg Index, a collection of tools that measure the environmental and social impact of products and supply chains in the apparel, footwear, and textile industries In 2009, Walmart and Patagonia founded the SAC to convene apparel industry stakeholders on a pre-competitive basis and develop a common approach to measuring sustainability and in 2010 they launched the Higg Index. Each year, over 24,000 users rely on the Higg Index to measure their footprint, improve and take action.  Kaley played a founding role as Sustainability Editor at WWD, covering business, spearheading digital properties like the “Sustainability Scene,” and moderating live events. After 5 years at WWD, Kaley now oversees editorial and currently guides Cascale’s distinctive voice across content and live media operations, all key to the organization’s rebrand’s success.    An avid community gardener and activist, she’s contributed to U.N. Women USA NY during the chapter’s reign, and recently served as an advisory committee member for the 2023 U.N. Conscious Fashion Campaign & Lifestyle Network. Listen for some shoutouts for vintage and repair stores in New York too. With such a strong record in sustainable fashion journalism, Kaley is a thought leader in this space and offers great insight in this episode, I’m very excited to share it. Follow Interwoven: Interwoven IG: @interwovenstories.pod Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Interwoven LinkedIn: Interwoven Stories Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Interwoven Substack: @interwovenstories Follow Cascale: Instagram: @cascale_org LinkedIn: Cascale Website: cascale.org Follow Kaley: Instagram: @kaleyroshitsh LinkedIn: Kaley Roshitsh Website: kaleyroshitsh.com Listener Story: Instagram: @sofia_bergstrom Business: @stchsbys Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Emily Stochl, Vice President of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Remake. Emily has been in the sustainable fashion space for many years now and began at Remake as an ambassador. She also hosts her own podcast, the Pre-Loved Podcast, so check that out as well. Remake is working on systems change in the fashion industry and creating a more ethical fashion industry. In todays epiosde we cover a lot as Remake is involved in so many branches of the sustainable fashion industry, from legislation with the Fabric Act, the Brandy Hellville Documentary, the no new clothes challenge, and of course there preloved fashion show during New York fashion week.  If you’re looking for a way to get involved and find a community in the sustainable fashion space, remake’s ambassador program is a great way to get started and you can learn more about all the opportunities they offer throughout the episode.  Follow Interwoven Interwoven IG: @interwovenstories.pod Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Interwoven LinkedIn: Interwoven Stories Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Interwoven Substack: @interwovenstories Follow Remake: Instagram: @remakeourworld LinkedIn: remake.world Website: remake.world Ambassador Application: apply here! Follow Emily: Instagram: @emilymstochl Website: emilystochl.com Listener Story: Multiple listener stories in this episode! From Remake’s Preloved Fashion Show at NYFW from Remake Ambassadors, the Circ x Mara Hoffman dress, and many more! Find the full stories on the Interwoven Instagram and Substack Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to Interwoven Stories, this week I had interviewed Julia O’Mara, Co-Founder and COO of Pickle. Pickle is a peer to peer fashion rental platform headquartered in New York City and we were able to meet in person amidst New York Fashion Week. In this episode Julia shares some fun stories about the early days of Pickle, advice for entrepreneurs, and really fun renter stories from engagements to revenge dresses.  Julia has not always worked in fashion and before joining Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Female Founders List, she studied Materials Science Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania and before founding Pickle, served as Senior Product Manager at The Blackstone Group, where she met her co-founder Brian.  I can’t recommend Pickle enough, not only because they have the best dresses or that I had so much fun recording this with Julia, but I can honestly say I’ve made hundreds of dollars in just a couple of weeks. You can visit them in person at their store in the West Village or download the app and get $20 off your first rental. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, fashion tech, or just love the Pickle app, keep listening. Follow Interwoven Interwoven IG: @interwovenstories.pod Victoria TikTok: @vfsmith11 Interwoven LinkedIn: Interwoven Stories Victoria Pickle Closet: @victorias Follow Julia: Julia IG: @julia_omara Julia TikTok: @julia_omara Julia LinkedIn: Julia O'Mara Follow Pickle: Pickle IG: @shoponpickle Pickle X: @shoponpickle Pickle TikTok: @shoponpickle Pickle LinkedIn: Pickle Listener Story: Dani IG: @daniskov Dani TikTok: @danigskov Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week I am joined with Jeanine Co-Founder and CEO of World Collective, the first digital transformation hub for the fashion industry. She has an incredible background in fashion with two decades of experience from the Otto Group to being the VP of Supply Chain at Calvin Klein to the Global VP at the Innovation Lab of PVH Corp to founding a nonprofit to support women and children working in the fashion industry to the executive Director of Fashion for Development. Jeanine‘s vision for the future of fashion is so incredibly inspiring. You can feel how much she believes in the work she is doing and the possibilities it can create. everyone to create a more ethical, innovative fashion industry through the business model the world collective supports and has created, whether you’re a student interested in designing your first collection, a small business, or a large corporation or creating your own material collective has something and someone for you to connect with and learn from.  World Collective Links! Insta: @worldcollective.official Website Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Listener Story! Insta: @dizzylizzyshopp Depop! Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week I was joined with Genia the founder of Been London. Started in 2018, BEEN London is an award-winning accessories brand that was named 'one of the most innovative fashion companies in the world' by British VOGUE. Genia is on a mission to make beautiful things out of waste and help us all reimagine what objects can be. She has a really cool approach to design and sustainability and I found this conversation inspiring and informative on what it’s like to be a founder of sustainable fashion brand revolutionizing a product.  BEEN London Links! Insta: @been.london Website Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Listener! Insta: @destinyjoelivia By Rotation Jacket Code DESTINY15 for 15% a rental! Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week on Interwoven Stories,  I spoke with Diana Kakkar the founder and chief executive of MAES London, a luxury garment manufacturing studio located in North London specialising in designer womenswear. I got the opportunity to tour her factory and it was incredible to see firsthand what she has built. Diana is deeply integrated in the UK fashion scene as she is also a mentor at the British Fashion Council, a visiting lecturer at the University of art London, and an ambassador for the uk fashion and textile association.  We discuss her entrepreneurial  journey and she shares some great tips as well as her advice for aspiring founders. She is at the forefront of fashion innovation and is on a mission to reconnect designers with the people who make their clothes.  Diana shares her knowledge from creating her own business to mentoring and teaching upcoming designers making this episode not one to miss for anyone looking to get involved in fashion from students to designers to founders.  Follow MAES London! @maeslondon @dianakakkar Follow Interwoven! @interwovenstories.pod Listener Story! @sugarsequinvintage @katerina.styles Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Kelly Drennan, the founder and executive director of Fashion Takes Action (FTA).  FTA is Canada's only non-profit organization devoted to advancing sustainability in the entire fashion system through education, awareness, research and collaboration.  Kelly shares how she started Fashion Takes Action in 2007 and discovered a real need to education and collaboration in sustainable fashion and how in wake of the Rana Plaza Factory Tragedy she found a way to educate and empower young people. Kelly has become a true leader in the industry and served as Fashion Revolution’s country coordinator for Canada for the first three years.  FTA does a lot of work around education so if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by media around climate change, Kelly offerers her insight with years of expertise on how to effectively approach and communicate these difficult topics. Her work around education in for young people to adults, using fashion as a channel to empower people to take action has created a ripple effect of change.   Follow Fashion Takes Action! FTA Instagram: @fashiontakesaction MCMW Instagram: @myclothesmyworld Sign up for the newsletter here! Listener Story! Danielle Perryman Studio Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Natalia, the founder of Bipty a fashion rental platform. She shares how she got started running around her college campus delivering clothes and how she built her business where it is today as they launch an app July 11th as well! Natalia has great advice for people who want to start their own business and get started renting out their clothes and have a great side hustle. She has built such an incredible community and I can’t wait to see what she continues to create.  For those interested in entrepreneurship, side hustles, fashion, and more you’ll learn a lot from this episode! Follow Bipty! Ig: @bipty.fashionrental Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I interviewed Georgie Hyatt a London based entrepreneur. She was named Forbes 30 Under 30 and Drapers 30 under 30 in 2022, for her fashion rental business Rotaro. Who What Wear featured her as one of “The Best Wardrobes in Britain."  Georgie’s fashion journey began at WGSN, a trend forecasting and analytics company. She then founded Rotaro, a UK based fashion rental company that offered rental as a service for brands. After consolidating Rotaro with another fashion rental company, Georgie moved into consulting and the VC space scouting for climate tech companies. She expressed her passion for building a great produce and business and will be starting her own company soon again and I can’t wait to see what she does. Georgie has such an interesting background and if you are interested in fashion forecasting, consumer insights, entrepreneurship, fashion tech, and vc investing, Georgie has the experience and knowledge to learn from. she shares a a very fully circle story of how Ganni’s legal team sent them a letter at the beginning of their business so keep listing to find out how that ended.  Follow Georgie! Ig: @georgiehyatt Out of Retirement Vintage Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Nora, the marketing manager at Colorifix. Colorifix is a business creating a natural dye solution through a biological process using bacteria as opposed to the toxic chemical dyes currently being used by most of the fashion industry. These dyes have multiple environmental consequences like water pollution which was the genesis for the founders of Colorifix to begin on this journey.  Nora breaks down how Colorifix creates dyes that mimic nature and I know it’s science but it also kind of seems like magic to me. They are able to sequence the DNA of the color wherever it is found in nature, transfer that DNA code into a microorganism that the can produce that color then through fermentation, and without using any additional harsh chemicals to fix the dye onto a fabric. We discuss material innovation in the fashion industry, what is going on behind the scenes in the supply chain to help move the industry forward, the scalability of such innovations and the the big potential business opportunity in investing. Colorifix Ig: @colorifix_ Follow Interwoven! Instagram: ⁠@interwovenstories.pod⁠ Tiktok: ⁠@interwovenstories⁠ Featured intro story: @cbyevoli @_clementine_music_ Vintage find: Diane Freis Dress on Vestiaire Collective which can be altered with Sojo! Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story ⁠here⁠! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Michelle Gabriel an educator, researcher, and sustainability strategist in the fashion space.  We met at The Sustainable Fashion Forum back in April as she kicked off the conference with a workshop on policy. Michelle has been involved with the New York Fashion Act and in this episode shares her insight and breaks down the act.  Michelle shares her diverse range of experiences in fashion and what lead her to where she is now in education and academia. For anyone not on a linear path with multiple interests who wants to work in fashion you will definitely find comfort and inspiration in hearing her background. I find the New York Fashion Act to be a really exciting piece of legislation as it written in a way that attempts to tackle global issues the entire fashion industry faces on a state level since the fashion economy in New York is one of if not the largest in the world.  Whatever component of sustainable fashion you are interested in you can learn something from this episode and the different facets of this bill.  More on Michelle! New York Fashion Act Links! The Fashion Act Ig: @nsifashion2030 Follow Interwoven! Instagram: ⁠@interwovenstories.pod⁠ Tiktok: ⁠@interwovenstories⁠ Featured intro story: Upcycled jeans by Sadie! Vintage find: Dolce & Gabanna Jacket that Victoria Beckham wore Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story ⁠here⁠! Thank you for listening!

This week I am joined with two amazing leaders at Fashion Revolution on the US team, Kelly, who manages education and Madison who leads the community work.  Fashion Revolution is a nonprofit founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013. Fashion Revolution has a global reach with teams all over the world and is a go to source for educating yourself on ethical practices and they have lead a multitude of campaigns, you may have seen people holding signs that say “who made my clothes?” Or “what’s in my clothes?” With many efforts towards creating more transparency in the fashion industry, the organization also releases an annual report called the Fashion Transparency Index where they rate the biggest fashion brands based on key indexes of disclosure, supply chain practices, and many other factors in ethical and sustainable practices. Fashion Revolution has many ways for anyone to get involved and they are opening up their ambassador program and looking for city leads so check out the link in bio to apply to get involved. Fashion Revolution Links! Ambassador Application Ig: @fash_rev Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Vintage Fashion Finds Dress Ig: @thegreatvintagescavengerhunt Featured intro story! Ig: @cg.dezign Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

Introducing the first episode of my new series Fashion 3, 2, 1: News, Trends, and Vintage Finds This week covers 3 pieces of fashion news   1. Pre-loved luxury items being sold on TikTok Shop Is this a step forward for secondhand, or a step back for slow fashion? 2. Chanel’s legal battle with upcyclers Is there a way for fashion houses to work with upcyclers and resellers to give their products another life? 3. Luxury’s returns problem Will brands decide for themselves that even though it's not the industry standard yet, they’re going to pioneer sustainability efforts and find solutions in what seem to be their problems? 2 Secondhand Finds Linked to the trend so you can stay on trend and shop secondhand. ⁠Depop⁠ & ⁠Poshmark⁠ 1 Fashion Trend The Charlotte Russe Leopard Print Sequined Shorts that took TikTok by storm creating a bidding war in the comment section of a Poshmark listing that began at $6 and went to over $100.

Excited for this week’s episode and with Rachel Kibbe. We met at the Sustainable Fashion Forum in Austin in April and I’m so glad we had the opportunity to keep talking about her work. We discuss the Americas Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in March 2024 and the textile circularity portion Rachel wrote, incentivizing innovation in the US. Rachel is the CEO of Circular Services Group and American Circular Textiles with members leading the circular fashion space such as The RealReal, Rent The Runway, Reformation, Trove, and many more. Follow Rachel: Ig: @circulargurl Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Featured intro story! Ig: @katie_capozzi Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Get featured and submit your own story here! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Marika a content creator who shares her thrifted outfits on instagram. We talk about how social media has impacted shopping behaviors and outfit repeating, and our own personal style as we are flooded with content. From upcycled jumpers, a coach bag passed down from her mom, to a jacket she loved so much she actually bought it from her sister, which I find hilarious and something anyone with a sister can probably relate to. If you’re interested in starting out as a sustainable fashion content creator and looking for a creative outlet definitely listen to this episode and you can watch the video version on Spotify to see the pieces we talk about and follow along. Follow Marika! Ig: @thecolourfulthrifter Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I spoke with Xyee, the founder of Fairycity. A luxury vintage boutique specializing in the most stunning clothes from lux French designers to rare runway Blumarine. She expertly curates pieces for girls around the world, with even Matilda Djerf following her.  With over 15K Depop followers, her pieces are not ones to miss. Definitely check out her instagram and depop for some incredible vintage inspiration that definitely embody “fairycore.”  Xyee is passionate about giving clothes a second life and sharing the the timeless beauty and quality of the vintage pieces she sources. Definitely check out her page on Depop and Instagram for some incredible vintage inspiration.  I hope you enjoy this episode getting to know the the stories behind the brand Fairycity.  Follow FairyCity! Ig: @FairyCityx Depop: @FairyCity Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

This week I am joined by Sarah, the founder of rental company Our Pinterest Wardrobe based in the UK. She is also a By Rotation ambassador and exemplifies how to you can still be sustainable as a fashion lover and even make money from it.  We talk all things rental fashion and Sarah offers tangible tips on getting started and the business side of renting out her closet.  Although somehow Sarah has never seen the Sisterhood of the traveling pants movie, she shares stories behind the experiences girls create through her shared wardrobe from birthdays, nights out, to potential proposals.  If you needed a reason to book your first rental or starting making money off the clothes sitting in your closet, keep listening. Follow Sarah! Ig: @ourpinterestwardrobe Use code SARAHINTHECITY15 for 15% off your first By Rotation rental! By Rotation Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

If you’ve ever needed inspiration to pop into your first charity shop or thrift store I truly believe Jenn can convince you. Jenn shares so many wonderful stories about how fun secondhand shopping can be and how as a parent she shares this with her kids in a super special tradition she has created.  She also shares some really great tips on getting started secondhand shopping and the joy of the search, not knowing what you’ll come out of the charity shop with. Jenn is an avid charity shopper based in the UK and shares her finds on her instagram @susiesecondhand.  Follow Jenn! Ig: @susiesecondhand Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

I am joined today by Isabel, a vintage curator and seller based in New York City, who runs the brand 7drawers. Isabel shares her best tips of sourcing and authenticating vintage designer pieces from heels to handbags. Vintage designer handbags and heels are her speciality as you can see from the amazing array she has curated on her Depop page.  If you’ve ever wanted to get started selling or curious about the process this episode is for you. She shares a lot of tangible tips on how to get started, branding, sourcing, how to get authentication, and more.  She has a great eye for sourcing and styling with an incredible collection of vintage designer handbags, shoes, and clothes so definitely check those out on her page linked in this episode because they’re truly one of the kind. Follow Isabel! Ig: @7drawers TikTok: @7drawers Depop: @7drawers Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

The Best of DC Thrifting with Vintage Lover and Curator Caroline Le. First episode of Season 2! Caroline Le is a vintage lover and curator with her own amazing collection of preloved pieces effortlessly styled. You can also shop her look as she runs her own pop ups at Ella Rue in Georgetown, DC. Caroline also shares some of her favorite vintage spots in Washington, DC that many people don’t know about where she has found one-of-a-kind pieces. Follow Caroline! Ig: @vintagebycaro TikTok: @carolinemailan Follow Interwoven! Instagram: @interwovenstories.pod Tiktok: @interwovenstories Share your own stories about vintage, thrifted, preloved, secondhand, rental, and any meaningful pieces you have! Thank you for listening!

Last episode of Season 1! Sheridan shares pieces that have travelled with her all over the world. She talks about the experiences she has created in her clothes and the memories her clothes hold, transporting her back to the places she’s been. After all, we are human beings first, not consumers. Sheridan embodies this and shares her mentality around clothing, shopping, and getting dressed in the morning to be ready for any activity.  Thank you for listening! Instagram TikTok

This week Charlotte Turner, a sustainable consultant and educator joins me. She discusses the joy in making her own clothes and the family influence. She tells the beautiful story behind her wedding dress, one with many layers and adorned in pearls. Thank you for listening! Instagram

This week, Maura, talks about what has inspired her bold and graphic sense of style from her art background to a desire to be heard. Fashion in an incredible channel to express your individual identity, who you are, how you wan the world to see you, and how you hope to see yourself. Thank you for listening! Instagram

This week, Lucy, my roommate joins me and we reminisce on our favorite memories and unsurprisingly we both can remember what we wore (often each other’s clothes). She talks about the fun and joy she gets from sharing clothes with people and recalls some of her most memorable pieces. Thank you for listening! Instagram 

Little hiatus since the last episode, but this week, Isabella, who is starting a sustainable and size inclusive denim brand joins us. She shares stories of shared pieces and the large significance that even the smallest pieces we own hold.  Thank you for listening! Instagram 

This week, Kirsty, a writer who definitely has a way with words discusses dressing in color for joy and culturally. She also talks about colonialism in the context of her own life and fashion.  Thank you for listening! Instagram 

This week features, Chloe, who studied sustainable fashion and is now getting a master's in luxury brand strategy. She talks about how some of the favorite things she has in her closet were her grandmother's, and the second life she can give to these pieces now. Thank you for listening! Instagram

First guest! This week Valeria, who works in PR and is a full time masters student, talks about different articles of clothing she’s worn for major moments in her life (good and bad). She’s also a big advocate for outfit repeating and the creativity making a lot of outfits from a little takes.  Thank you for listening! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interwovenstories.pod/

Hello and welcome to the first episode of Interwoven Stories! In this episode Victoria, the host, describes the reason for starting this storytelling series, explains the concept, and shares a couple stories of her own.   Thank you for listening! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interwovenstories.pod/