From Boutique Dreams to QVC Star: Dawn Del Russo’s Reinvention Story | Emily Blumenthal & Dawn Del Russo

Dana Bowling, a former Hollywood casting director turned entrepreneur, shares how she walked away from a high-profile career to build a business on her own terms. In this episode, Dana reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood, the pressures of personal branding, and how she successfully pivoted into coaching creatives and entrepreneurs—helping them find their voice and build authentic businesses. Whether you're an emerging handbag designer or a creative professional, Dana’s journe...

25 Feb 36min

Ginna Christensen, a creative recovery expert, shares her journey in helping individuals reclaim their creative spark amid the pervasive threat of burnout. Burnout doesn’t just slow us down—it erodes our ability to create, innovate, and lead. In this episode, Ginna discusses the early signs of burnout, the social shifts driving its rise, and the challenges of sustaining creativity in an always-on culture. Takeaway Points Recognizing Burnout: Learn how burnout has moved from a personal struggl...

18 Feb 29min

Jessica Minor, a rising fashion influencer, shares her journey from thrifting enthusiast to a viral TikTok sensation. Her passion for affordable fashion alternatives has made her a leading voice in the handbag dupe community. In this episode, Jessica discusses the evolving perception of dupes, the social media trends driving their popularity, and the challenges faced by luxury brands in an age of 'super fakes.' Takeaway Points Shifting Perceptions: Learn how dupes have moved from stigma to ...

11 Feb 23min

Kim Vaccarella’s journey from hospitality to the creative force behind the Bogg Bag is a story of resilience and innovation. Kim shares how she transformed skepticism into success, navigating the unpredictable fashion industry with determination and creativity. Drawing inspiration from Crocs, she crafted a unique product that defied expectations, proving the power of vision and perseverance. Takeaway Points Resilience in Action: Kim’s journey highlights how persistence can turn initial skep...

4 Feb 46min

Discover how Stanley Major, founder of Sea Leather Wear, is revolutionizing sustainable fashion by transforming discarded fish skins into luxurious leather alternatives. In this episode of the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, Stanley shares his journey of upcycling carp, Nile perch, salmon, and sea bass skins into eco-friendly materials that are captivating designers and eco-conscious consumers alike. With insights from handbag design expert Emily Blumenthal, this episode highlights fish skin le...

28 Jan 22min

Nancy Rhodes shares her journey from aspiring designer to leader in sustainable fashion. With experience at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, Nancy gained insights into consumer behavior before designing footwear for brands like BCBG and Kenneth Cole. Through Alternew, she’s revolutionizing fashion care by digitizing alterations and repairs, making sustainability accessible. Her approach highlights how technology can enhance satisfaction, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices. Nancy’s c...

21 Jan 30min

Petia Abdur-Razzaaq, a marketing expert who transitioned from pharmacy to branding, blends scientific precision with creative storytelling to offer strategies for building standout brands. Emphasizing authenticity, consistency, and engagement, she shares actionable advice on crafting memorable first impressions, thoughtful networking, and leveraging modern tools. Petia empowers small businesses to define their value, refine messaging, and connect with ideal customers. Drawing on examples like...

14 Jan 31min

Discover the world of handbag innovation with Treniece Green, the visionary behind Covered by T, who started her journey with a crochet hook and t-shirt yarn during college. This episode uncovers how Treniece transformed a stress-relieving hobby into an eco-friendly fashion statement, crafting handbags from sustainable materials that are sturdy and stylish. Through her story, we learn the art of merging creativity with functionality, creating unique pieces that reflect personal passion and a ...

7 Jan 30min