Office Chats with Madame Blue

Episode 55: Today's guests are Hannah Behzad Varamini, the founders of Tend Prenatal. Tend is the world's first prenatal bar made entirely from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, providing 25+ prenatal nutrients along with ingredients proven to reduce nausea. Hannah is an artist and start-up consultant with a lifelong aversion to pills. Behzad is a professor with a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on prenatal nutrition and infant brain development.In this episode, Hannah and Behzad chat about: Developing a prenatal bar that provides more nutrients than a traditional pill or gummyHow they're balancing their start-up growth with other jobs and responsibilitiesHow their product has impacted the lives of womenTips for starting a business with your partnerIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 54: Ju Rhyu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics. Hero Cosmetics launched in 2017 with one product, The Mighty Patch, a hydrocolloid pimple patch that visibly flattens and minimizes pimples overnight. Today, Hero Cosmetics sells a box of the Mighty Patch every three seconds, and it's been the number-one product in the skincare and acne care categories on Amazon for several quarters.Since I last spoke to Ju on the podcast, Hero Cosmetics has expanded with over 30 products launched and generated $100 million in revenue in five years. Most recently, Hero Cosmetics was acquired by Church & Dwight in September 2022 for $630 million. In this episode, Ju chats about: Hero's successful omnichannel distribution strategyThe company's product innovation processTop takeaways from Hero's $630M acquisitionTips for founders and entrepreneursIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 53: Yumna Jawad and Anu Naithani join the podcast to discuss going all in on oats!  Yumna Jawad is the founder of Oath Oats and is best known for her successful blog, Feel Good Foodie, where she shares healthy recipes and cooking tips with over 3 million loyal followers.  Anu Naithani is the CEO of Oath Oats and originally founded his own health food company before he and Yumna crossed paths. In this episode, Yumna and Anu chat about: Their journey to make healthy eating simple with convenient products that have whole ingredients and no refined sugars Yumna's transition from content creator to managing a traditional business How Oath launched in November of 2022 with products that looked and felt tenured Their best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 52: Rachel Clark is the founder of Dearest Rachel, a floral business based in New York that provides unique creations for events, weddings, and installations. Rachel is known for her appearance on HBO Max's Full Bloom and Bravo's latest season of Winter House. She was included in Florists' Review's Top 35 Florists Under 35 and has created floral installations for brands like Gucci, Chanel, Nike, 818, and more. In this episode, Rachel chats about: How she found her passion in floral design after leaving her career at Nordstrom The importance of working for others before working for yourself The logistics and unique challenges that go into floral design Why asking for help is an underrated business skill What her experience on Winter House was like and whether she'd join a future season If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 51: Léo Dominguez is the Co-Founder of Léo et Violette. Léo et Violette offers timeless and elegant leather handbags and accessories designed in Paris and made in Italy. Léo and his now-fiancé Violette Polch founded their company in 2013 while they were in college after failing to find high-quality goods at a fair price. In this episode, Léo chats about: Founding his company on Kickstarter with no prior fashion experience How he and Violette went from shipping products out of their college apartment to opening a flagship store in Paris The benefits of starting a business in college His biggest advice for founders and entrepreneurs  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 50: Mike Xhaxho and Connor Saeli are the founders of Waterboy. Waterboy offers hangover recovery and sports recovery hydration packets that have natural formulas and ingredients that help with dehydration, nausea, and hangxiety.  Compared to Liquid IV, Waterboy has more electrolytes, more Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, with fewer calories and no sugar. In this episode, Mike and Connor chat about: Their journey from finance to entrepreneurship How they've grown their business and team since launching in 2021 How their unique approach to social media marketing has benefited them Plans for scaling their business If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 49: Founded in 2010 by Amanda Wadsworth and her mom, Kit Seay, Tiny Pies offers sweet and savory pies baked from scratch daily, using recipes that go back four generations in Amanda's family. Tiny Pies uses high-quality ingredients, sourced from local Texas farms when in season. Their pies are available in 5 retail locations in Austin, and they ship nationwide on their website.  In this episode, Amanda chats about: How she turned a farmer's market side hustle into a booming business Lessons learned from operating 5 retail locations How Tiny Pies creates joy in people's lives through food What's next for Tiny Pies in terms of growth & expansion If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 48: Milly Fotso, the Founder of The Braided Life, a braiding salon in East Austin that aims to celebrate the Black hair experience.  In this episode, Milly chats about: How moving from Cameroon to the United States impacted her childhood Why she decided to leave the corporate world at L'Oreal to start a business that celebrated all types of beauty  Memorable moments and lessons from opening her self-funded salon How The Braided Life aims to empower the Black community in Austin If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 47: Morgan Potts is the founder and CEO of Granarly. Granarly is the world's first whiskey-baked granola that comes in unique flavor combinations and is packaged in waterproof pouches so that you can bring your snack on any adventure!  In this episode, Morgan chats about: Turning down vet school to start her own business How she got her products into retailers like Whole Foods and Central Market The importance of viewing business as an adventure You can use the code OFFICECHATS at Granarly for 20% off your order. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 46: Thurman and Torrence Thomas are the duo behind THEBROSFRESH, an R&B, southern hip-hop, and rock band based in Austin, Texas.  When they're not writing, performing, and creating music, Thurman and Torrence are busy running a nonprofit organization they created called Tankproof. Founded in 2011, Tankproof is working to address the 64% of minority children in the U.S. that are not water safe and at risk of drowning. In addition to swim lessons, the organization provides meals to youth, veterans, and homeless shelters. In this episode, Thurman and Torrence discuss: Their career in music, including performing at this year's ACL festival What inspires Tankproof's mission to create equity and opportunity in underserved communities  The impact Tankproof is having on kids nationwide Their top advice for creatives and founders

Episode 45: Andrea Lisbona is the founder and CEO of Touchland. While the pandemic brought hand sanitizer to the forefront of everyone's minds, Andrea Lisbona's vision to beautify the hand sanitizer industry began over a decade ago.  In the early 2010's Andrea sought to commoditize a stale industry that hadn't seen innovation in 20 years with the creation of the moisturizing, sleek, fast evaporating, and cruelty-free sanitizing formulations from Touchland, that are available in elevated scent profiles. In 2019, Touchland closed its first year in business with over $1.5M in sales bolstered by distribution with retailers like Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Sephora, Ulta, and Target. They also had a collaboration with Disney that increased their sales by 86% within just one week launching.  Touchland is currently in over 1,500 retails doors, has won awards from Allure, and is loved by celebrities like Kris Jenner and Mindy Kaling. In this episode, Andrea discusses:  Her journey immigrating to the U.S. from Spain to pursue her brand vision How Touchland utilized social media to accelerate its business growth The impact her company has had on a relatively untouched market  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 44: Austin M. Pittman is the Co-Founder of Blue Norther.  Founded in 2019, Blue Norther brews award-winning craft hard seltzer in Austin, Texas with real fruit and organic agave nectar. Their seltzers are lightly carbonated, free of strange aftertastes and confusing ingredients, and come in refreshing Southwest flavors like Prickly Pear, Wild Blackberry, and Watermelon. They also operate the state's first hard seltzer Tasting Room, where they host live music and more every week. Find Blue at H-E-B, Whole Foods, and other retailers in the Greater Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston markets. In this episode, Austin chats about: What inspired him and his father to create a hard seltzer unlike any other  Lessons learned from getting Blue Norther into top retailers  Advice for founders to stay positive and maintain their entrepreneurial drive  You can visit the Blue Norther Hard Seltzer tasting room at 440 E St Elmo Rd Building C1, Austin, Texas. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 43: Katie Diasti is the founder and CEO of Viv, an eco-friendly period care brand that is free of harmful toxins.  After graduating from Boston College in 2019, Katie knew her calling was to combine her passion for women empowerment and sustainability to build a brand that empowered consumers rather than thriving off their insecurities.  In this episode, Katie shares:  How she turned a college assignment into a business that has raised $1 million in pre-seed rounds The process of developing eco-friendly menstrual products that are both effective and comfortable The importance of building a supportive community as a solopreneur 3 tips for entrepreneurs seeking investments You can follow Viv on Instagram @vivforyourv! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 42: Tracy Adkins is the founder of Jivana, a skincare brand made from a blend of Ayurvedic botanicals and skincare actives. Tracy is a nurse and Ayurvedic practitioner that unintentionally turned a home remedy for her toddler's eczema into a small business. In this episode, Tracy explains: Exactly what Ayurveda is and the role it plays in skincare How Jivana's products target the needs of three specific skin types The biggest lessons learned from running a small business If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 41: Mbali Z. Ndlovu is the founder of Lukafit, an empowering activewear brand designed with curves in mind. Lukafit's mission is to celebrate women of all shapes, sizes, and shades along their health and wellness journeys. In this episode, Mbali discusses: How her own health and wellness journey led her to create an activewear brand The importance of community both in business and life Her advice for entrepreneurs on staying mentally sound What sets her small business apart from others on the market If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 40: Lina and Louis Guarin are the founders of Stivali New York, a women's leather footwear label founded in 2016. Stivali has a story to share—that of Columbian families, immigrants, and entrepreneurs around the globe. Designed in New York and handcrafted by artisans in their family's atelier in Colombia, Stivali New York offers shoes that are sophisticated and stylish without sacrificing comfort. In this episode, Lina and Louis discuss: Immigrating from Columbia to New York City with just $100 in their pocket How their family and culture inspires their designs and business Making the shift from a majority retail footprint to direct-to-consumer Advice on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 39: Liz Cook is the Founder and CEO of One Seed, an organic perfume brand based in Australia. One Seed perfumes are free of synthetics and contain all-natural ingredients that are gentle on the body and the environment. Liz launched One Seed in 2009 after first building and selling three natural skincare boutiques in South Australia. She has been a part of the natural and organic beauty world for over twenty years, formulating natural fragrances for her own brands and other skincare and wellness brands worldwide. In this episode, Liz discusses: Her journey growing One Seed  The importance of being informed about the products we put on and in our bodies What inspires her to create new, unique scents Little-known facts about the perfume industry Leadership advice everyone can learn from  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 38: Alisa Pospekhova is the founder of Kindroot. Kindroot offers plant-based lozenges infused with vitamins, adaptogens, herbs, and aromatherapy flavors. They are gluten-free, made with organic ingredients, and made in the US! In this episode, Alisa talks about: What inspired her to create Kindroot How she got her product into retailers and stayed in them Her advice for growing a business independently and the benefits of doing so They key to being a successful entrepreneur If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 37: Coabi Kastan and Janine Seale are the Founders of Out Of Office.  Out Of Office is a travel app that allows users to discover the best hotels, restaurants, and must-sees curated by friends and influencers. Instead of searching through texts, Instagram, or Yelp to curate your next getaway, you can find everything you need in Out Of Office! In this episode, Coabi and Jan discuss: How Out Of Office is changing the way people travel The importance of female representation in male-dominated spaces Advice for founders preparing to start a business The key to having a successful business partnership with a friend If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 36: Connie Shih is the Founder and CEO of Heralogie, an eco-friendly period underwear brand. After trying dozens of brands on the market, Connie created Heralogie to fit a need she had for period underwear that was both comfortable and extremely effective in preventing menstrual leaks.  In this episode, Connie discusses: Leaving a successful career at an investment firm to start a small business The challenges of growing a brand in the menstrual care industry Her advice for growing an online following and customer base The importance of de-stigmatizing periods and period poverty If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Kim Lewis is best known as the lead designer behind ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." She is the founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Austin, TX. In six years with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kim designed over 120 homes in 43 states. Her work has been featured on networks like ABC, HGTV, TLC, National Geographic, FYI's "Tiny House Nation,” and more. Today, Kim designs for restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and even the homes of celebrities. I was also thrilled to learn that Kim is a fellow Texas Aggie! In this episode, Kim discusses:  The journey to starting her own design company How she has seen design change peoples' lives Her advice for working moms The importance of displaying grit through life's challenges.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 34: Sophia Karbowski is the Co-Founder of Rollin' and Bowlin' Cafes and Rollin' n Bowlin'. Rollin' n Bowlin' started with açaí bowl cafes on college campuses after Sophia and her Co-Founder Austin Patry saw a lack of healthy food options at Texas Christian University.  Today, Rollin' n Bowlin' cafes are on seven college campuses across the U.S., offering healthy smoothies, acai bowls, and more. Rollin' n Bowlin' is not only a health foods cafe for college students but their healthy snack options like nut-butter-filled dates can be found on their website and in grocery stores nationwide. In this episode, Sophia shares the lessons she's learned while growing two businesses, how Rollin' n Bowlin' is supporting young entrepreneurs across the country, her mission to make healthy snacks more accessible, and more.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 33: Mary Young is the founder of her namesake lingerie and swimwear brand with a mission to empower women of all sizes. Founded in 2014, Mary Young is based in Montreal, Canada, and is committed to creating ethically made garments with quality, environmentally safe materials. In this episode we discuss: How Mary started her lingerie company after graduating from college The making of ethically-made slow-fashion garments Mary Young's initiatives to promote self-love and inclusivity  Mary's advice for young entrepreneurs If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 32: Ria Safford is the Founder and CEO of RiOrganize, a modern organization company based in Southern California and the Dallas/Fort Worth area that offers full-service luxury organization, design, and space planning.  In this episode, Ria discusses: Leaving a six-figure job to launch her business  Growing a side-hustle into a full-time career Top advice for founders and entrepreneurs Simple steps anyone can take to get organized If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow the show and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Episode 31: Diana Jarrar is the Founder and CEO of Magic Dates, a vegan snack company that takes dates, walnuts, and other natural ingredients and covers them in 100% dark chocolate.  Diana recently appeared on Shark Tank where she made a deal with Kevin O'Leary for $150,000 in exchange for 33.3% of the business. In this episode, Diana discusses: How her culture inspired her to create Magic Dates The history of dates and the benefits that make them a superfood Pitching on Shark Tank and making a deal with Mr. Wonderful Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the CPG space You can learn more and shop for Magic Dates here.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you!

Tim Chan is the Co-Founder of So Gay Rosé and the current Senior Director of Commerce at Rolling Stone. Along with his friend and Co-Founder Josh Campbell, Tim took on an exciting wine venture with a mission to support the LGBTQ+ community and redefine the meaning of the phrase, “That's so gay.” In this episode, we discuss:  How Tim and Josh turned a spur of the moment idea into a business Why Tim believes entrepreneurs should have a back up plan or multiple sources of income How So Gay Rosé is promoting self-love and acceptance while breaking stereotypes and supporting the queer community  P.S. You can use the code TIMFRIENDS for $20 off your purchase at sogayrose.com  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and be sure to subscribe/follow the show on your preferred streaming platform. Thank you!

Episode 29: Sequoyah Johnson is the creator behind The Coy Collection, a small ceramics business based in Austin, Texas.  In this episode, she shares her journey to growing a small business with a mission to spread joy, what collaborating with organizations like Nike and West Elm was really like, her advice for small business owners, and more. You can keep up with Sequoyah and The Coy Collection online and on social media.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review! It goes a long way and helps grow the show. Thank you!

Episode 28: Today's guest is Sarah Uslan. Sarah is a celebrity and editorial makeup artist that has worked with Beyoncé, Florence Pugh, Emma Roberts, and more. Her work has been featured on the red carpet and in magazines like Allure, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. In 2022, Sarah launched LULA—a clean beauty company that provides natural products made with nourishing botanicals and essential oils that give the skin a healthy glow. LULA's packaging is made from recyclable materials and as part of their broader commitment to sustainability, they use a zero waste platform to keep empty jars & bottles out of landfills. In this episode, Sarah shares her career journey as a celebrity makeup artist including working with Bobbi Brown, what inspired her to create LULA, and her mission to create multi-generational good.  Sarah's Mom, Nancy Uslan, also joined this episode to discuss her organization NEU Global, which supports clean water initiatives in the U.S. and Rwanda. They're partnering with LULA for a great cause during the month of April!  Use the code EARTHDAY for the LULA lineup at wearelula.com to get 20% off your order and $5 will go to support NEU Global's clean water initiatives in Rwanda.

Episode 27: Harshit Gupta and Elliott Curelop are the founders of Madhu Chocolate, an Austin-based chocolate company that infuses a variety of Indian spices, nuts, and flavors into their chocolate. They ethically source high-quality cacao beans with fair and transparent trading. Their facility operates on 100% renewable wind energy, and they compost a large number of their waste products in an ongoing effort to minimize their carbon footprint. In this episode, Elliott and Harshit share how they started their company, their inspiration for creating unique flavors, their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and more. You can keep up with Madhu on social media @madhuchocolate.

EP 26: Maria Karr, Co-Founder and CEO of Rumore Beauty (@rumore_beauty), the first and only online platform dedicated to the discovery of Russian beauty products in the U.S. Maria was born and raised in Russia, in the Siberian city of Barnaul, but since 2007, New York City has been her home. Before creating Rumore, Maria led PR, communications, and influencer marketing efforts for leading global beauty brands for the past 10 years. Today, Rumore Beauty has been featured in Forbes, Allure, Vogue, and more. In this episode, Maria discusses what led her to create Rumore beauty, her advice for other start-ups, and more.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE In 2017, Ashley Oerman joined Cosmopolitan as the senior wellness editor, becoming Hearst's first editor to work on both print and digital teams. Today, Ashley is Cosmopolitan's lifestyle director, overseeing the brand's food, home, money, career, and health content both online and in magazines. Her work has reached millions of eyes across the U.S. and internationally. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR How Ashley got her start in the editorial industry What the company culture at Cosmopolitan is like Ashley's career advice for young writers and content creators RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Ashley Oerman on Instagram and LinkedIn SUBSCRIBE You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Office Chats on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Follow @officechats on Instagram for more content.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Nina Rowan is the Director of Marketing at Wardrobe—the world’s largest luxury and archive vintage clothing rental service. In this episode, we discuss Nina’s career in the fashion industry, how wardrobe is shaking things up in the industry, and her advice for young professionals. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR - How Nina went from an intern on Wardrobe’s startup team to Director of Marketing - How Wardrobe is shaking up the sustainable fashion industry and paving the way for new consumer habits - What it’s like working for a startup in the fashion industry - The role influencers and social media play in the company’s marketing strategy RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Wardrobe | Wardrobe on Instagram Nina Rowan on Instagram SUBSCRIBE You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Office Chats on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Follow @officechats on Instagram for more content.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Cristina Lynch is the Founder and CEO of Mi Golondrina—a fashion and lifestyle brand inspired by the rich and colorful culture of Mexico. Every Mi Golondrina garment is born in the small villages of Mexico, hand-stitched by skilled artisans who have been using these methods for over 200 years. As a young girl, Cristina frequented her grandfather’s ranch house in Mexico and would see small swallows or ‘golondrinas’ nesting in the eaves of the roof. She envisioned these golondrinas flying about, delivering the beauty of Mexico to women all over the world. You can listen to our full podcast episode below or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR - How and when Cristina decided to start her own business - The biggest challenges she’s overcome bringing her brand to the market - How she’s been able to scale a handmade clothing business - What about the Mexican culture inspires her the most - Lessons she learned from her entrepreneurial family and career experiences, including working at Oscar de la Renta RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Mi Golondrina’s Website | Mi Golondrina on Instagram and Facebook Cristina Lynch on Instagram and LinkedIn SUBSCRIBE You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Office Chats on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Follow @officechats on Instagram for more content.

About This Episode As a television personality from the popular reality tv shows The Bachelor and Bachelor In Paradise, Kendall Long is the author of Just Curious: A Notebook of Questions. Inspired by her time on the show as well as her personal life, Just Curious aims to enhance and strengthen human connections. Now residing in Los Angeles, Long spends her off days studying science, zoology, and entomology as well as spending time with her dog, Pistachio that she rescued from Bunny's Buddies. In This Episode, You'll Hear - What Kendall's experience was like on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise - How her book, Just Curious, creates deeper connections and sparks curiosity - What sparks her passion for taxidermy - Her advice for aspiring authors Resources From This Episode Kendall Long on Instagram and Kendall's Website. Madame Blue on Instagram and | Office Chats on Instagram Share The Podcast Madame Blue community has been so incredible sharing our podcast with others, and we thank you! We do have more stories to tell and more people to reach, so here’s how you can help: - The most powerful way you can support this podcast is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. - Follow us on Instagram and share your favorite Office Chats episodes with your friends and on social media. Tag or mention @officechats so we can give you a virtual high five and a thank you! With your support, we hope to expand our reach in inspiring future founders and entrepreneurs. Thank you!

About This Episode Casey Dworkin is the founder and creative director of Sylven New York, a sustainable, luxury footwear brand. Born on Earth Day, Dworkin has been dedicated to sustainable practices from a young age as a result.  Before launching her own line, Dworkin spent her professional career working within small footwear and fashion companies, and attributes a lot of her early knowledge and experience to “being thrown in the deep end.” When she decided to launch a company of her own, she felt compelled to base her brand equally on craftsmanship and mission – finally getting the opportunity to combine her affinities for both fashion and sustainability. Recently, Casey has been working to redesign footwear from the inside out, focusing on materials such as apple leather (a vegan material made from organic apple waste), linings made from wheat and corn byproducts, leathers treated naturally with tree barks, and vegan leathers derived from 100% recycled fibers. In This Episode, You'll Hear - How Casey is turning food waste into luxury shoes - The pros and cons of both vegan and leather products - How the fashion industry is adapting to meet consumer demands for sustainable products - Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Resources From This Episode Sylven New York on Instagram and Facebook Madame Blue on Instagram and LinkedIn | Office Chats on Instagram Share the Podcast The Madame Blue community has been so incredible sharing our podcast with others, and we thank you! We do have more stories to tell and more people to reach, so here’s how you can help: - The most powerful way you can support this podcast is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. - Follow us on Instagram and share your favorite Office Chats episodes with your friends and on social media. Tag or mention @officechats so we can give you a virtual high five and a thank you! With your support, we hope to expand our reach in inspiring future founders and entrepreneurs. Thank you!

About this episode Based in NYC, Jarry Lee is an agency-signed model, actor, musician, influencer, and former journalist originally from England, Wales, and Connecticut. Jarry has a following of over 850,000+ across her verified social media channels, and appeared as herself on the Netflix show “Dating Around.” In this episode you'll hear Why Jarry left her career at Buzzfeed to pursue acting and modeling What is was like filming Neflix’s “Dating Around” The importance of diversity and representation in the media How the entertainment industry has changed since COVID-19 Resources from this episode Jarry Lee on Instagram Madame Blue on Instagram and LinkedIn | Office Chats on Instagram Share the podcast The Madame Blue community has been so incredible sharing our podcast with others, and we thank you! We do have more stories to tell and more people to reach, so here’s how you can help: The most powerful way you can support this podcast is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram and share your favorite Office Chats episodes with your friends and on social media. Tag or mention @officechats so we can give you a virtual high five and a thank you! With your support, we hope to expand our reach in inspiring future founders and entrepreneurs. Thank you!

About this episode  Sarah Coakley is the founder of Coakley Public Relations, a creative, relationship-based public relations agency that works with talented artists, specializing in multi-hyphenate artists and entertainment. In this episode, you'll hear How Sarah's career in journalism led her to create a PR firm Sarah's experience working on the Netflix hit "Brown Girls" Advice for young PR professionals Resources from this episode Sarah Coakley on Instagram | Coakley PR on Instagram |  Madame Blue on Instagram and LinkedIn | Office Chats on Instagram Share the podcast The Madame Blue community has been so incredible sharing our podcast with others, and we thank you! We do have more stories to tell and more people to reach, so here’s how you can help: The most powerful way you can support this podcast is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow us on Instagram and share your favorite Office Chats episodes with your friends and on social media. Tag or mention @officechats so we can give you a virtual high five and a thank you! With your support, we hope to expand our reach in inspiring future founders and entrepreneurs. Thank you!

About This Episode Founded in 2020 by Dana Cohen, Hyer Goods is a sustainable fashion brand that offers accessories made from leather and fabric sourced from factory scraps. By upcycling trash, Hyer Goods helps eliminate the massive energy footprint needed to cultivate land, livestock, crops, and fertilizers while also reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. "My career in corporate fashion coincided with the rise in fast fashion, so I felt like it was my last hope in the industry to create my own brand that was more sustainable both in lifestyle and how it treated the planet." In This Episode You'll Hear - How Cohen's career in corporate fashion inspired her to create a sustainable brand - Ways consumers can create change in the fashion industry - Tips for shopping sustainably and reducing waste in your life - Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Resource From This Episode Hyer Goods on Instagram and Facebook Madame Blue on Instagram and LinkedIn | Office Chats on Instagram Share The Podcast The Madame Blue community has been so incredible sharing our podcast with others, and we thank you! We do have more stories to tell and more people to reach, so here’s how you can help: - The most powerful way you can support this podcast is by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. - Follow us on Instagram and share your favorite Office Chats episodes with your friends and on social media. Tag or mention @officechats so we can give you a virtual high five and a thank you! With your support, we hope to expand our reach in inspiring future founders and entrepreneurs. Thank you!

Ashley Jennett is the founder of The Bee and The Fox - a lifestyle and apparel brand that she started on Etsy. In this episode we discuss taking her business from a side hustle to a full-time job, balancing work and life, and staying inspired during challenging times. 

Revells plays an integral role in curating a sales platform for European and Southeast Asian clothing designers at 3NY and 3NYconcept.com. In this episode, Revells talks his start in the fashion industry and shares how 3NY creates unique experiences for their customers. In one example of his creativity, Revells called upon one of Italy's best designers, Ludovica Virga to stage a House of Mua Mua runway show in 3NY’s flagship location in New York. During his tenure at 3NY, Revells secured franchise agreements for what would become the company’s most successful retail brands, including Besfxxk, Greedilous, and  Pushbutton.

Michael Bumgarner on how a background in rural farming led him to create a CBD skin-care brand, how a shift in marketing strategies helped his company scale globally, and how Cannuka is reintroducing cannabis to consumers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Austin high schoolers Sarah Zeng and Alice Huang decided to create a small cookie business that would allow them to cheer people up with homemade treats while donating 80% of proceeds to All Together ATX for COVID relief. Zeng and Huang's business, Dough Re Mi Cookie Co, has since donated upwards of $3,000 for COVID Relief in the Austin community. "Our mission was to bring together the community at a time of stress and anxiety," said Huang. Check them out on Instagram @drm.cookies and if you're in Austin, treat yourself or a friend with some cookies for a cause!

Audree Lopez (@simplyaudreekate) is a fashion stylist, editor, and consultant. Audree runs her styling studio, AUDREE KATE STUDIOS with clients such as Alice + Olivia, Peloton, L'Oreal, Covergirl, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. She launched a digital course and community, Fashion Fundamentals, where she shares steps for success in the fashion industry. Audree started The Fashion Fundamentals Foundation, a scholarship and mentorship program for students from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities.

Paulana Lamonier (@itspaulana) is a Haitian-American, and an American Red Cross certified swim instructor and lifeguard for the past 10 years. She is founder of Black People Will Swim (@blackpeoplewillswim_), where her sole mission is to help people conquer their fears and learn how to swim. Outside of running BPWS, she's a multimedia journalist, sharing her dynamic storytelling with publications like Forbes, Fast Company, Complex and Shondaland.

Nadine Joseph is the founder and entrepreneur behind Peak and Valley - a small health and wellness company that offers science-backed, and honest products to the world of wellness. In this episode, we learn how Nadine's research career led to the start of her company, how Peak and Valley is helping people balance stress, and much more! If you're interested in trying Peak and Valley's unique adaptogen blends, use code MADAMEBLUE for 10% off your order at peakandvalley.co.

Designer Ardelle Fawehinmi on creating her own fashion label, how her Nigerian heritage inspires her designs, her advice for aspiring designers, and how she plans to continue expanding her brand. 

Luxury real estate pro Maya Vander joins us to discuss her career journey, motherhood, what filming Netflix's "Selling Sunset" is like behind the scenes, and much more! 

Ju Rhyu (@jurhyu) is the co-founder/CEO of Hero Cosmetics, a skincare brand dedicated to fighting acne. Hero Cosmetics launched in 2017 with one product, Mighty Patch, as a test on Amazon. Now, Hero Cosmetics sells a box of Mighty Patch every 30 seconds through channels like Amazon, Target, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and more. In this episode, Ju discusses the beginnings of her career, how she plans to grow the company, and the best advice she's ever gotten. 

Ashley Feinstein Gerstley is the founder and CEO of The Fiscal Femme (thefiscalfemme.com). Gerstley is an author, entrepreneur, and feminist on a mission to end inequality through financial well-being. She is the creator of the 30-Day Money Cleanse program, which has helped thousands of women cultivate harmonious relationships with money and achieve their financial goals. As a trusted money expert, she has been featured by Forbes, NBC, Glamour and the New York Times, among others.

Nicole Haworth (@nicolehaworth) and Ashley Layfield (@missash_lay) on creating a unique dance-based fitness experience with one mission: to empower women and encourage an appreciation for their bodies. The duo talk about what it's like working with your best friend, how they're marketing their new business, the inspiration behind The Workout LA, and more!

Nadia Ismail (@nadiazismail) is a Palestinian American with a passion for activism and equity. In her day job she works as the Senior Manager of People Growth and Inclusion at Door Dash, where she develops strategies to create a more inclusive workplace culture for women and minorities. In her down time, she sits on the board of a newly formed nonprofit who’s purpose is to elevate and empower the voices of minority groups within the outdoor community. She has also spent some time collaborating with a Palestine Youth Movement and general activism. We're discussing all things career, the importance of knowing your worth, and helping women of color navigate their workforce.