40+ Years of Handbag Mastery with Frank LaMendola 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Frank LaMendola

✨ A re-release of one of our favorite episodes! Step into the heart of New York’s fashion legacy with Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, as she shares the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic handbag brands of all time. 👜💫 From rural Kansas roots to building a global fashion empire alongside her best friend, the late Katie Brosnahan (aka Kate Spade), this episode is a love letter to friendship, creativity, and fearless entrepreneurship. 🎨 Elyce brings us be...

22 Huhti 47min

What started with plastic grocery bags and Ziplocs sparked a travel accessory empire. Eram Siddiqui turned personal frustration into the polished, fashion-forward brand Hudson+Bleecker—now carried by Nordstrom, Revolve, and QVC. Her journey from sewing with her mom to sourcing manufacturers in China is a testament to grit, adaptability, and style-first problem solving. Takeaway Points 1. Persistence Meets Purpose: Eram’s story shows how trial, error, and handmade beginnings can lead to premiu...

15 Huhti 34min

Step into the world of fashion marketing with Ernest Moore, of Moore Marketing & PR, a seasoned pro who’s worked with top PR agencies and retail giants like Macy’s and Saks. In this must-hear episode, Ernest unpacks the biggest marketing mistakes emerging designers make—and how to get real results without wasting time or money. 💸✨ With honest advice and real-world stories, Ernest challenges designers to think smart, embrace feedback, and build relationships that actually move the needle. ...

8 Huhti 39min

What happens when brands fail to adapt? Journalist Bernadette Giacomazzo breaks it down, sharing why evolution is essential for survival in today’s retail landscape. From Blockbuster vs. Netflix to the rise of secondhand shopping and upcycling, this episode dives into the shifts shaping fashion and retail. 🌿📈 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Adapt to Survive: Why evolving with consumer behavior is non-negotiable. 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: The shift from fast fashion to long-lasting value. 🔹 Retail Anthrop...

1 Huhti 35min

Step behind the scenes of venture capital funding with Rachel Johnson, co-founder of J&O Law Firm and founder of Ami Health. With a decade of experience guiding high-growth companies, Rachel shares her dual insights as an attorney and founder, offering invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating the world of funding. 📈💡 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Is Venture Funding Right for You? Not every business needs VC backing—know your path. 🔹 Go All In: Why full commitment and massive growth potential ...

25 Maalis 25min

Step into the world of fashion, strategy & storytelling with industry powerhouse Idalia Salsamendi! From PR to fashion leadership, Idalia shares the must-know fundamentals of branding, competition, and consumer demands—especially in sustainability. 🌿✨ 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Brand Identity Matters: Understanding your niche & standing out. 🔹 Creativity Meets Business: Turning handbag dreams into reality. 🔹 Sustainability’s Role: Why conscious fashion is the future. This episode is packed wi...

18 Maalis 29min

Join us as we sit down with Oleg Chebotarev, the visionary Creative Director of Jump From Paper, who shares his unconventional journey through the fashion world. From post-communist Russia to the bustling creative hubs of China, Oleg’s path is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and the intersection of culture and design. Oleg’s career began with dual passions—international relations and fashion—leading to a bold move to China during the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the cha...

4 Maalis 29min