Evolve or Perish: Retail Insights with Bernadette Giacomazzo 👜✨| Emily Blumenthal & Bernadette Giacomazzo

✨ 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 Apr 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 Apr 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 Apr 39min

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 Mar 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 Mar 29min

Step into the world of timeless design & craftsmanship with legendary handbag designer Frank LaMendola! With over four decades in the industry, Frank shares insights on fashion’s cyclical nature and today’s shift toward understated luxury & quality. 🔄✨ Frank also reveals plans for his new handbag brand, built on quality craftsmanship that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or handbag lover—this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Sust...

11 Mar 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 Mar 29min