Podcast appearances and mentions of christene barberich

This week, Simi Botic—author, founder of Unmeasured, and my best friend—joins me to talk about PIVOT, a new zine of essays I compiled. After breaking my leg this summer, being stuck inside gave me time to put this together. Simi was the first person I sent it to, partly because she's a character in it and wrote one of the essays with me, and because she's always so gentle and supportive. I don't know how I got so lucky to have her as a friend but I did.In this, we talked about seeing each other through different phases. And about the uncomfortable feelings that come from revisiting our old work but try to do as Didion advises, "stay on nodding terms" with our past selves. PIVOT is one big nod to my 20's, including all the lessons I learned and the experiences that taught me them. Let us know if you listen. Show notes:- PIVOT zine is here - sign up for my paid Substack & we'll mail you a copy | LA launch party on 9/27!- My book on journaling | WRITE kit- Find Simi on the Web | Instagram | Podcast- Simi's class, Unmeasured- Find me on IG: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout | Substack- 5 spots left in the Creative Clinic: book a call with me here If you liked this episode, try out from the archive:Episode 455: Saying What We're Afraid to with Founder R29 & A Tiny Apt. Christene Barberich

This week I spoke with the iconic writer and editor Christene Barberich. I first knew of her as the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Refinery29. I've loved her work for years, through R29, her own writing, and the podcast she hosted for many years called Unstyled, so when recent guest Erika Veurink connected us, I was thrilled.We spoke about starting R29 and what that time was like, reflecting on some of her best interviews with everyone from Linda Rodin to Jenny Slate. She also talked about leaving her role there and the excitement of new beginnings. At the root of her newest project, A Tiny Apt., is how the right environment fosters growth, creativity, safety and vulnerability, particularly as that relates to big dramatic change and leaps of faith. She discussed the changes she's been navigating: becoming a mom later in life; the double standard of aging especially as it relates to work; how she's redefining success and ambition as she enters this new era of her work and life. I loved getting to talk to her and I'm eager for her to return.  Let us know if you listen! Show notes:- Find Christene on the Web | Instagram- Unstyled podcast | A Tiny Apt. substack- Find me on IG: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout | Substack- A couple spots left in the Creative Clinic: book a call with me here- Check out the Let It Out Kits | Write Kit | Talk Kit Waitlist- More on Creative Underdogs/In Process here | waitlist If you liked this episode, try out from the archive:Episode 452 Long Live: Erika Veurink Is Here (Part 1 of 2)

Christene Barberich is a renowned writer, founder, and former global editor-in-chief for Refinery 29. With an illustrious career that includes stints at iconic publications like Gourmet magazine and the New Yorker, Christene has continuously redefined the landscape of women's content. Her journey, marked by a commitment to storytelling and nurturing evolving narratives, has been an inspiration to many. Through her unique perspective, experience, and humor Christene tells us what it is to navigate having a public persona, building an iconic brand, and tapping into her limitlessness.    In this episode, we discuss: 00:02:18 - Early Influences 00:07:38 - Navigating Fear and Success 00:12:57 - Importance of Conscious Communication 00:17:43 - Morning Rituals and Mental Health 00:22:05 - Leaving Nothing on the Table 00:24:21 - Cultivating Limitlessness   Connect with Christene Barberich Website: christenebarberich.com Instagram: @christenebarberich Linkedin:   linkedin/in/christenebarberich Substack: tinyapartment.substack.com   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai    Resources  The Soul's Code  

From the outside, founders seem to have so much freedom in running their own businesses. But how much control do they really have? When is it an advantage to retain control over decisions, and when is it time to let go? Christene Barberich, cofounder of Refinery 29 and author of the newsletter, A Tiny Apartment; and Rebecca Minkoff, founder of her own fashion brand, sat down to talk through the nuances of working with cofounders, selling a company, and watching it grown beyond a single person's control.

Christene Barberich is a writer, editor, advisor and thrifting aficionado. She famously co-founded Refinery29,  which started in 2005 and was sold in 2019. Most recently, she started a Substack Newsletter called A Tiny Apt. devoted to home (particularly small spaces), life, and personal style as well as her ongoing pursuit of amazing vintage and various sidewalk or foot-path finds. It's one of my favourite Substack reads and I highly recommend you subscribe to it here.In this episode we go deep - talking about thrifting as a life line, how it sees us through life's highs and lows; from it being our only means of shopping when we're broke, to rediscovering glamour after lockdown. It's a beautiful episode, by far one of my favourites from this season, and will have you craving a rummage session at the local thrift store in an instant. Show Links:Follow Christene on Instagram @christenebarberichSign up to A Tiny Apt. on Substack My Debt Story by Christene on her SubstackWhen Sneaker Met Blazer by Christene on her SubstackArticle I recently wrote for MamaMia about living at home in your 30sListen to Amy Abram's episode from Season TwoListen to B.Jones Style episode from Season OneOrder your copy of the How To Be Fabulous book on Booktopia here. This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. Use the link www.betterhelp.com/befabulous to get 10% off your first month of Better Help. #sponsoredThis episode was hosted & produced by writer & vintage fashion expert, Charlotte Dallison. Follow @charlottedallison on Instagram or subscribe to her Substack: Blonde not Beige Mail.Follow us @htbfabulous on Instagram.For advertising enquiries please email charlotte@charlottedallison.com

In This Episode You Will Learn About: Removing emotion from failure What stops women from achieving their potential Creating something you love Viewing your career in the long run Remembering why you started your business Mastering the art of the ask   Resources: rebeccaminkoff.com Read: “Fearless” Listen: Superwomen Podcast Instagram: @rebeccaminkoff Get a free $75 credit at indeed.com/happy Visit liquidiv.com and use code HAPPY for 25% off your first order   Show Notes: Rebecca Minkoff is a legend in the fashion industry. Her new book “Fearless” shares how you can find courage, creativity and success on the other side of fear. We talk about everything from imposter syndrome to living into your big dreams and all of the fears she’s still facing in her life right now and how her mindset helps her get through all of it. You’re going to learn to think like her so you can get through the hard things too. Question Highlights: What has the book journey been like for you? Why did you choose the topic you did for your book? What do you do in the interim when you don’t have any answers yet? What do you see that stops most people? Who was your customer and what excited you about what you wanted to create? What’s something you’ve learned that’s a universal truth for success in business? How did you start to enjoy the journey along the way? How do you create positive pressure in your life? What was the tipping point for creating your own business? When did you get pulled out of your zone of genius? What roles do relationships play in your life? How do you go about asking for what you need? What’s the value you’ve gotten from your podcast? What do you do when things do not end the way that you want?   Guest Bio: An industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel, Rebecca Minkoff’s  modern bohemian designs are inspired by strong, confident and powerful women who are drawn towards a  west-meets-east sensibility.   After developing an affinity for design while in the costume department in high school, Rebecca Minkoff  moved to New York City at age 18 to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer.  In 2001, Rebecca designed a version of the “I Love New York” t-shirt as part of a five-piece capsule  collection, which appeared on The Tonight Show and became an overnight sensation.  In 2005, Rebecca designed her first handbag, which she dubbed the “Morning After Bag,” a.k.a. the “M.A.B.”  This iconic bag ignited Rebecca’s career as a handbag designer and inspired her edgy, feminine creations in  the years to come. Rebecca’s success was further enhanced by the support of her brother, the company’s  CEO and co-founder, Uri Minkoff, who helped usher in and pioneer the company’s industry-leading  innovations with technology and fashion.  After four years of designing statement-making handbags and accessories with her trademark leathers,  studs and hardware, Rebecca returned to her roots of apparel design and introduced her first ready-to-wear  collection in 2009.  Today, Rebecca Minkoff is a global brand with a wide range of apparel, handbags, footwear, jewelry and  accessories products. In the spring of 2017, Rebecca Minkoff Watches was launched, reimagining the  category through their decidedly downtown, rock-and-roll aesthetic.   The brand has 3 national retail stores, eight international locations, and is distributed in over 900 stores  worldwide. In 2015, Rebecca Minkoff stores unveiled the first ever “Magic Mirror” technology, where  customers could interact with mirrors installed in the dressing room walls of her store and tap to pick out  additional sizes, colors and styles of clothing.  In 2011, Rebecca won industry recognition when she was awarded the Breakthrough Designer Award from  the Accessories Council. She is an active member of the CFDA, and supports multiple philanthropies  including Baby2Baby organization. In August of 2017, she was announced as a member of the first-ever New  York State Council on Women and Girls, in the company of other female industry leaders including  Refinery29 founder Christene Barberich, SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan and Deloitte CEO Cathy Engelbert.  Rebecca is dedicated to bringing women together to enact positive change.  In September of 2018, she established the Female Founder Collective, a network of businesses led by  women who invest in women’s financial power across a socio-economic spectrum by enabling and  empowering female-owned businesses.  In 2020, Rebecca will launch a diffusion line of children’s clothing called ‘little minkoff”, marking a foray into  designing a truly sustainable and environmentally friendly collection. She will also launch a new name sake  fragrance to be sold at retailers nationwide.  Rebecca is married to director Gavin Bellour, and they reside in Brooklyn with their three children.

“You have to constantly put yourself in situations that you're learning and you're exposed to new things and new ideas and new people. Even if it's through books. It's more important to be interested than interesting.” That was Jane Fonda speaking with Christene Barberich in their interview on the “Unstyled” Podcast. Tune in for more on what Jane calls her “hair epiphanies” during life transitions, why we don't want to waste time on bullsh*t relationships as we age and regrets that come with staying in them, when we know deep down, it's time to move on.Links and Show Notes:Listen to the full episode of today's clip, "Jane Fonda on Sparking Your Own Personal Revolution," on Unstyled.Follow Christene on Instagram.Check out the "Unstyled" website on Refinery29.Follow Jane Fonda on Instagram.Check out the documentary, "Jane Fonda in Five Acts." Sign up for the "Invisible You" Newsletter here.Check out the "Invisible You Podcast Playlist" on Spotify.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share. As always, thanks for listening! .

Gucci is one of Italy’s oldest and most storied luxury houses. The brand’s start and early years seem to mimic Hermes and the similarities are hard to ignore. Both luggage and equestrian manufacturers favored by nobility and later celebrities, the brands were resounding successes run by fashion families. So, what changed? Why did the brands veer off on separate paths in the late 1970s? Join us this week for Part 1 of our look into the Gucci history. Trust us, there’s a lot of dirt in this family story. Then in Style Snacks, Christene Barberich and Leandra Medine Cohen both step away from the media outlets they helped found after complaints of racial inequality, Samira Nasr is named Editor and Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, the LVMH Tiffany takeover might be on the rocks and Chanel presents its first digital showing for Cruise 2021 (but doesn’t really plan to continue the digital trend). www.runwaywalkscurrenttalks.com https://www.instagram.com/runwaywalkscurrenttalks/ https://twitter.com/RunwayTalks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW7W32h_5l7nnlrL1vazjlw/featured

If I could use one word to describe Christene Barberich, it would be “visionary.” She saw the flaws in traditional women’s media, and created Refinery29 in response to that perceived need for inclusion and acceptance. In other words, she was made to sit at the helm of a global digital media brand. Listen to the latest episode of MTOT to hear Christene’s thoughts on becoming a mother at 49, the story behind Refinery29, and the power of an Instagram DM.

Jane Fonda has been a Hollywood icon since the 1960s, starring in films like Barbarella, Klute, and 9 to 5, and Coming Home (for which she won her second Academy Award). She’s also been a steady force in the world of political and social activism, marching against the wars in Vietnam and Iraq, and speaking out in support of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, in addition to her role on the mega-hit Netflix show Grace & Frankie, Fonda is working with Greenpeace and today’s leading environmental activists on Fire Drill Fridays, an ongoing protest targeting the urgency to the climate crisis. On this episode of UnStyled, Jane joins Refinery29 global editor-in-chief Christene Barberich to discuss everything from growing up in Hollywood to camping out in our nation’s Capital to the power of hair epiphanies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comedian Celeste Barber has 6.8 million followers on Instagram thanks to her iconic #celestechallengeaccepted photo series. But when she’s not whipping up very funny takes on sexy celebrity photos, she’s also a writer, actor, mom, and outspoken feminist. And, well, if that’s not enough, the Australian comedian just broke the Facebook fundraising record, raising $32 million for Australian wildlife relief with donations from 1.2 million people globally. She wears a lot of hats, but it’s her refreshing openness about everything from body image to fleeting fame that makes us super fans. Celeste joins Refinery29 global editor-in-chief Christene Barberich on the latest installment of UnStyled to talk motherhood, #MeToo, and her highly relatable brand of funny. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aya Kanai is Marie Claire’s newly minted editor-in-chief, and she has big plans for the iconic women’s pub, including ramping up political coverage, getting in touch with its French roots, and…wearing her favorite jeans and combat boots to the office. Aya has written, edited, and styled for some of the top fashion publications in the world, and though she’s found incredible success, she doesn’t take the path to the top for granted. Aya joins Refinery29 editor-in-chief Christene Barberich on the latest installment of UnStyled to talk fashion, friendship, and, trusting your gut when it comes to taking life’s biggest risks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Norma sits down with her dear friend Christene Barberich, co-founder and global editor-in-chief of Refinery 29, to dig deep into topics like the challenges of pregnancy later in life, dealing with the realities and uncertainty of cancer, the silence around miscarriage, and more.

Sam Taylor-Johnson is one of just four percent of the Hollywood directors of the top 100 films who are women. Such astonishing odds haven’t stopped her from making films that are often visionary in their exploration of the beauty gleaned from a flawed existence. Her latest, an adaptation of James Frey’s controversial best-selling book A Million Little Pieces, stars her husband and creative partner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with whom she also co-wrote the script. Sam joins host Christene Barberich in the studio to talk about life as a working mom, beating cancer twice, and the biggest lessons she learned from 50 Shades of Grey. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shattering conventions... In this episode, Paula Wallace talks with cultural juggernaut Refinery29's Christene Barberich and Amy Emmerich. The three catch up on the evolving digital landscape, their revolutionary Shatterbox programming, and the role of media in shaping culture.

In this episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear a story that’s highly personal to our host, Neha Gandhi. Before working as the COO of Girlboss, Neha spent six years at Refinery29, where she worked under the leadership of Christene Barberich. Christene is one of Refinery29’s co-founders as well as its current Global EIC. She and Neha met during a pivotal moment when they were each dreaming big about Refinery29, albeit from very different perspectives. Neha was looking for an opportunity to carve our a new editorial perspective in media, while Christene was looking for someone who would be entrusted to carry out the company’s vision. Over the years, the two women formed an intimate mentor and mentee relationship where they discuss everything from management styles to motherhood. Tune in to hear how Christene helped Neha find her voice in the workplace and how you can also find yours.

In this episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear a story that's highly personal to our host, Neha Gandhi. Before working as the COO of Girlboss, Neha spent six years at Refinery29, where she worked under the leadership of Christene Barberich. Christene is one of Refinery29's co-founders as well as its current Global EIC. She and Neha met during a pivotal moment when they were each dreaming big about Refinery29, albeit from very different perspectives. Neha was looking for an opportunity to carve our a new editorial perspective in media, while Christene was looking for someone who would be entrusted to carry out the company's vision. Over the years, the two women formed an intimate mentor and mentee relationship where they discuss everything from management styles to motherhood. Tune in to hear how Christene helped Neha find her voice in the workplace and how you can also find yours.

In this episode of Mentor Memos, the new podcast from the Girlboss Radio Network, produced in partnership with TRESemmé, we hear a story that’s highly personal to our host, Neha Gandhi. Before working as the COO of Girlboss, Neha spent six years at Refinery29, where she worked under the leadership of Christene Barberich. Christene is one of Refinery29’s co-founders as well as its current Global EIC. She and Neha met during a pivotal moment when they were each dreaming big about Refinery29, albeit from very different perspectives. Neha was looking for an opportunity to carve our a new editorial perspective in media, while Christene was looking for someone who would be entrusted to carry out the company’s vision. Over the years, the two women formed an intimate mentor and mentee relationship where they discuss everything from management styles to motherhood. Tune in to hear how Christene helped Neha find her voice in the workplace and how you can also find yours.

Hey, vintage lovers, I’m Emily Stochl and this is Pre-Loved Podcast -- the show about rad vintage style and guests you’ll want to go thrifting with.  I’m spending the month of August bopping around Europe from Berlin to Budapest with my husband, Curtis -- if you want to see what we get up to follow me over on Instagram where I’m @brumeanddaisy, for all the fun.  But while I’m gone I don’t want you to miss out on your weekly Pre-Loved Podcast, so I’ve got a rerelease for you-- a popular episode from the show’s first season!  It’s with Annette, the editor of A Vintage Splendor, a lifestyle blog which showcases her vintage meets modern personal style. Looking back on this episode, I love our chat about thrifting in the Los Angeles area, how to rock the flea market, and scour eBay for amazing pieces. Listening to Annette’s tips on thrifting is like truly getting a thrift education! Plus, as a little bonus, we hopped on the line to catch up and chat about what Annette’s up to this summer. She gives us the scoop on her latest finds, where she’s getting style inspiration, and all that good stuff! You’ll find that update at the end of the episode.  Whether you’re a long-time listener of the show, or brand new, thanks for tuning in and let’s dive in to this episode with Annette! All the Episode Links: Annette’s blog, A Vintage Splendor A Guide to the Best Vintage Shops in Los Angeles The Pasadena City College Flea Market The Rosebowl Flea Market 45 Three Modern Vintage  Jet Rag Playclothes Vintage Annette’s Guide for Shopping Vintage Levi’s Abby from @clothesandpizza Our Pre-Loved Podcast episode with Abby 30 Day Jeans Challenge Beth Jones of BJones Style Beth and Annette go vintage shopping together here.  Dee Murphy of Murphy Deesign Brimfield Flea Market in Boston Annette’s Guide for Shopping the Flea Market eBay Annette’s Guide for Shopping Vintage Online Annette’s personal Vintage Styling Services and Vintage Styling Tours Annette’s 1959 Pasadena ranch home, as featured on Domino Chairish Richard Wainwright of A Current Affair and Pickwick Vintage Erica Reitman Jane Aldridge from @seaofshoes Christene Barberich of Refinery29 Krys Melo of @Melodrama  Taylor Made Style on Pre-Loved Podcast Abby of Clothes and Pizza on Pre-Loved Podcast Beth of B Jones Style on Pre-Loved Podcast #thrillofthethrift on Instagram Want to get in touch? Email me at prelovedpod@gmail.com Pre-Loved Podcast is created by Emily Stochl of Brume & Daisy. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and my blog.  

“I think about how little we knew, but how—I believe—how courageous we were,” says Christene Barberich, reflecting on the early days of Refinery29. Before she and co-founder Piera Gelardi were the women at the helm of one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the world, they were new entrepreneurs working tirelessly on a vision (first sketched on a napkin) that outsiders failed to understand. The Refinery29 founding team formed in 2004, and in those early days (before Twitter had even launched), people struggled to grasp even the concept of digital media. The co-founders’ pitches were met with skepticism. “We would go talk to people, and they would act like we were trying to sell them a carpet or something,” Gelardi says. “They thought it was a scam.” Potential advertisers and brand partners also didn’t think customers would ever want to buy something online. “I just remember thinking, like, ‘I don’t think that’s true,’” Barberich says. That skepticism gave them an advantage, though: It gave Refinery29 the freedom to operate and experiment without the pressure of competition. Today, Refinery29 has an international audience of 550 million and has earned multiple distinctions, including Webby awards and Inc. 500 list mentions. Key Takeaways How the two met and influenced each other’s decision to go all in on Refinery29 The early days at Refinery29 when wireframes were hand-drawn The freedom of operating under the radar when digital media was still the Wild West The critics who doubted the business model and thought it was a scam What they lose sleep over How they approach content creation What they look for when hiring The advice they would give to entrepreneurs who want to use content to grow their businesses How they define quality content

Media, Refined How four founders turned a sketch on a cocktail napkin into an iconic digital media brand. One night in 2004, in a bar in New York City, three ambitious entrepreneurs huddled around a cocktail napkin and sketched out a vision. They essentially wanted to translate the concept of the mall for the internet, only instead of catering to big name brands and retailers, it would connect visitors to all of the amazing independent brands and makers that were flourishing at the time. That initial sketch—it started as a picture of a virtual mall—has evolved a lot since that night, and the team solidified around four dedicated co-founders. But 15 years later, the dream of Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries, Christene Barberich, and Piera Gelardi has become a reality, and so much more, in the form of now-iconic digital media company Refinery29. “One of my biggest regrets to date is that we didn’t save the napkin,” Stefano says. Since they set out on that journey, the team has created an online space where media targeted toward women is distilled, removing the impurities of stereotypes, taboos, and shame. Initially focused on fashion and style, Refinery29 has since expanded to a staggering breadth of content. Covering almost every topic imaginable—from skin care to the latest in immigration legislation—Refinery29 is a comprehensive digital media company dedicated to elevating women’s voices. It’s built an international audience of more than 550 million across all its platforms, which include all major social media, a YouTube channel with nearly 2 million subscribers, an award-winning podcast in its fourth season, a short film series, an app, and more. But Stefano and von Borries, the two who initially had the idea for Refinery29, didn’t come from a background in publishing or fashion. In fact, as you may have noticed, they aren’t even women. But they saw a need, set out to meet it, and connected with the right partners to realize their vision and help it evolve. Refiners Assemble In the early 2000s, Stefano and von Borries were just a couple of friends from high school, who had recently graduated from NYU and Columbia, respectively, and were embarking on their first post-grad endeavors. Von Borries headed off to Washington, D.C., to work for a political startup called The Globalist, and Stefano took a position with the Civilian Complaint Review Board in New York City, where he investigated complaints against the NYPD. Despite the distance, the duo stayed close, and maintained a group of friends who were mostly in the creative space. They began to notice a frequently recurring topic of conversation among the group: dissatisfaction with media coverage, especially when it came to fashion. “Most of the media companies that existed, most of the magazine businesses, were fairly mainstream,” Stefano says. “They would write about big designers that bought pages in their magazines. That’s how the model worked.” Stefano and von Borries found that many of their friends still read these magazines, but not because they felt particularly connected to the content. “They didn’t think it was good. They didn’t think it was interesting,” Stefano says. “It was just what they were forced to read, because that’s what you could buy at a newsstand.” Their friends hungered for something with a more independent edge and authenticity, but couldn’t find it anywhere. So the pair had the spark of an idea: What if they created something that appealed to young New Yorkers by focusing on serving their audience rather than on serving big companies and brands. But with no experience in publishing or fashion, they knew they needed to call in reinforcements. At the time, Piera Gelardi was dating von Borries (they went on to get married), who worked as the photo director at CITY Magazine. When von Borries shared their idea and asked for her advice, she encouraged him to reach out to her former boss and mentor at CITY, Christene Barberich. Her knowledge of fashion and brands, as well as the world of publishing, would prove invaluable to the pair. Barberich says that she was already paying close attention to the transformation happening in the media landscape. She noticed that with the rise of the internet, the one-way nature of traditional publications, with outlets talking at their audiences instead of with them, was slowly being set aside in favor of platforms offering more conversational approaches. So when von Borries and Stefano shared their idea, she had a gut feeling that they were on to something big. She immediately reached out to Gelardi and told her that she didn’t just want to consult. She wanted to become a partner in the endeavor. Barberich’s infectious excitement for the project then made Gelardi reevaluate her own position as a consultant. “Because she wanted to sign up, it showed me that bigger vision and also reminded me to think about my own value in the equation,” Gelardi says. “Now we have four co-founders.” Building the Brand With the team assembled, the quartet was anxious to get their vision off the ground as quickly as possible. But all four of them still had day jobs, so much to learn, and very little money to put toward the project. They met in a coffee shop every night after work and on every weekend as they powered toward their goal. “It just became an obsession until we got it live,” Stefano says. They called in all kinds of favors with friends who were programmers, engineers, and graphic designers, and built the first iteration of Refinery29 over a period of six months. “It felt like forever,” Stefano says. “That six-month period, I think it felt years of work went into that.” But in June 2005, the wait was finally over, and the team celebrated the launch of Refinery29 at a bar called Union Pool over pizza and beers. Looking back at nearly a decade and a half and several waves of changes since, the founders are still proud of the original website they launched that day. “When you look back at the first iteration of Refinery29, it just really, deeply warms my heart, because I think it’s still beautiful,” Barberich says. While the website received some fanfare on launch day, growth was a slow, gradual process, and they struggled to be taken seriously, especially by traditional media outlets. “Most of the traditional publishers saw digital as a phase,” Gelardi says. “It’s so laughable now, but truly we would go talk to people, and they would act like we were trying to sell them a carpet or something. They thought it was a scam.” Challenges aside, the untested nature of their business model was also a blessing in disguise. “I think we were able to really pioneer this new space because it was, you know, an open road,” Gelardi says. Barberich agrees. “When you start out and you really are at the beginning of something, you have so much freedom to just test things,” she says. “I do credit that period—the first two years when we were essentially flying under the radar—as this really important testing ground for us.” They gradually tried out new content, such as a segment called “Neighborhood Watch,” in which local creatives shared fun activities and events they loved, and “Spotlight,” a section featuring products by homegrown, independent makers. “The products that we would feature would sell out overnight,” von Borries says. “That was the first time that something we had created had really been validated. So we started to look into commerce.” In early 2006, they decided to raise capital for the first time to fund a marketplace on their website, and in 2006, it launched, taking Refinery29 into its next phase. “We didn’t engineer this thing at all to be what it is today,” von Borries says. “In fact, I think the journey for us has been sort of going down the river and hitting different moments of momentum in the business and seeing the world shift.” And as the world shifted, so did they. Experiments and Expansions Before long, von Borries had quit his D.C. job and returned to New York City to work full time for Refinery29, and not long afterward the other three joined the work full time, too. Stefano says that, over the first five years, they sold ads, hosted live events, held sample sales (retail events that involve selling extra prototypes, often from big names in fashion or design) and did everything they could to drive slow-but-consistent growth that took them to $1.7 million by their fifth year. They then decided to raise capital to grow their branded content and native advertising. This resulted in a single-year leap to $8.9 million in revenue. “It was not a fast journey,” Stefano says. “I think that a lot of people have this belief that you’ll launch a business and within, you know, 18 months, you’re going to be on fire, but it often takes far longer. And I would say it took us probably 10 years before we felt like we had a business that was here to stay.” As von Borries and Stefano toiled away on the technical and management side, Barberich and Gelardi dove into the content and creative aspects of the business. “Our desire has always been to elevate underrepresented voices, to really bring these new ideas to the surface and challenge sort of what is in the mainstream, and how the media speaks to and about women,” Gelardi says. While the focus was initially centered on fashion and style, the pair slowly experimented with content expansions that appealed to the women who visited the site. Barberich was interested in topics surrounding health and wellness, so she tested the waters and found the audience receptive. Gelardi noticed that most mainstream editorial content on sex for women was “not focused on women’s pleasure or bodily autonomy,” so she looked to offer something better. As they grew, they found an almost endless hunger for content on just about every topic imaginable, and with each new addition, a new wave of readers joined the ranks. Soon, stories on politics, finances, and entertainment appeared on the website, continuing to meet the interests of modern women. They were also able to quickly learn from mistakes and make changes, thanks to the instant feedback provided by comments, shares, and analytics. “We really were focused on experimentation,” Gelardi says. “We were so invigorated by having access to the knowledge of our audience in real time.” With the kinds of data that traditional media outlets simply didn’t have at their fingertips yet, they were able to make informed decisions and pursue avenues that seemed utterly foolproof. But, Barberich says, information in this space can be both a blessing and a curse. “I think in some ways you lose that spontaneity,” she says. “Just having an idea to do something and being able to pursue it and not worry so much about what the outcome was going to be or worry that it was going to hit a certain traffic benchmark.” So while they take advantage of the analytics available to them, Gelardi says she always wants to leave room for risks. “I think influence also comes down to risk-taking,” she says. “It’s the art and the science; it’s not just about volume. Quality can be subjective, as well, but I think it is about risk-taking and knowing that core of who you are and staying true to it.” Barberich and Gelardi say that they see their roles as a balancing act between the numbers and creative spontaneity. “I think that that’s really what motivates people,” Barberich says. “When they feel like they’re making content that they deeply love, but that’s also touching a person’s life. The greatest success is to know that something struck a chord that is universally felt.” Scaling With Heart As the company continued to grow, all four founders felt an overwhelming pressure to keep the train on the tracks. “I think that a lot of people lose sleep in this company because they care so much,” Barberich says. “In laying that foundation, we want to make sure that people feel really fulfilled by it and it doesn’t lose its path.” They knew they had to stay true to the heart of their mission and remain in sync with their audience, all while rapidly expanding far beyond what they had imagined possible. “The audience has been the single most important focus—and staying committed to that audience—and clearly everything that’s happened in the world at large has sort of snowballed our commitment to serving women amazing content,” von Borries says. “Our belief is that, in this moment, to really build a long term, sustainable brand in this space, you really have to mean something to your audience.” And Barberich believes the key to scaling while staying true to the heart of the business lies in a single, but incredibly vital, part of the business. “Honestly, if I’ve learned anything in the near-14 years that we’ve been doing this it’s that it all comes down to the people that you hire,” she says, “because scale is all about the people that you’re trusting to handle the scale.” And she says they have been fortunate at Refinery29 to find and hire people who care deeply about the mission of their brand. “When you bring people on board that really, automatically love the brand, when things get har, and they will inevitably get hard, it actually helps those people to deal with the issues that arise and recover quickly.” Gelardi also believes that hiring new staff members who have that entrepreneurial spark inside them helps the brand thrive. “The industry that we’re in is ever shifting. The work that we do is ever shifting,” Gelardi says. “I think it requires that level of entrepreneurial creativity in order to really be able to roll with things and to find the solutions.” Establishing a Legacy Much has changed in the 15 years since the four founders first tossed around the idea for Refinery29. Especially on the internet. What once felt like a wide open space, now feels more like an overstuffed room pumped full of noise. Because of this, von Borries believes people have begun seeking more intimate, offline experiences, something Refinery29 is working to supply. “We were always doing events,” he says. “Back 15 years ago when we launched Refinery, we would host local events at stores and boutiques and would bring people together. We’ve always been thinking about the real world, and when you do something in digital, the real world is very validating.” One such example of Refinery29 IRL is 29Rooms, an art exhibition that features 29 collaborative spaces touching on topics meaningful to readers, such as virtual reality, body positivity and music. At the end of the day, all four founders are focused on building a legacy they can be proud of. “You can’t have a media company, I don’t think, without having a really true understanding of what it is you want to leave behind someday,” Barberich says. And she believes that today’s world, with its renewed focus on social justice, women’s rights, and political activism, is the perfect place for a platform like Refinery29 to thrive. Now more than ever, people are seeing unmet needs, especially in areas of representation and diversity, and feeling driven to meet those needs. “I think the motivation to start a business is fairly universal,” Barberich says. “You feel that there is something missing. You feel that there is something missing and usually, you’re not the only person.” She encourages those who feel that tug not to ignore it, but to step out boldly. “When that happens, you have to really face the facts that this is going to be scary. It’s going to be a ton of work. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to need the help of a lot of people, and a lot of times you’re going to need their help for free, and you have to be able to ask for that help, so great relationships really make a difference.” When looking at Refinery29, that was certainly the case. If one thing made Refinery29 what it is today, it’s relationships. The relationship built between two high school friends. The relationship between a mentor and her intern. The relationship between a couple that brought them all together. And the relationship between a business and its audience—a two-way exchange of encouragement and authenticity that has amplified the voices of women for 15 years and will continue to do so into the future. Key Takeaways Details on the night Philippe and Justin sketched the rough idea for Refinery29 on the back of a bar napkin One of Justin’s biggest regrets How long it took them to launch the first iteration of Refinery29 and how much it cost What the first version looked like and how the launch was received At what point they left their jobs and started monetizing the site The stats—audience size, subscribers, event sales—that show how their business is doing now The new media model and what to consider if you plan to start a media company When a bootstrapped company should start monetizing Monetization models for media companies Exciting moves coming up for Refinery29

Christene Barberich is a highly accomplished woman. She's the Global Editor in Chief and co-founder of Refinery29, the award-winning lifestyle media company. She came from the publishing world holding positions at places like Gourmet Magazine, The New Yorker and The New York Post. She's also the host of the UnStyled podcast.She's a mom to a beautiful baby girl and has been very open about her difficult journey to motherhood after suffering 7 miscarriages before giving birth to her daughter, Rafaela. Christene joined Hilaria & Daphne to talk about this rarely discussed highly emotional experience so many mothers go through.Our Favorite Things:Christene:Duffy Cashmere Hoody, Glitter Berkenstocks, Miranda Kerr's Kora Turmeric Facial Scrub, Bouguessa Poncho Shirt Dress, Honest Wipes, Petite BateuDaphne: Lenore Greyl Eclat Naturel Nourishing and Protective Styling CreamHilaria: Sabon Citrus Blossom Body ScrubKeep the emails coming to mombrainpod@gmail.com!Follow Mom Brain on Instagram!

It’s our final episode of 2018! We won’t go into the long story of how we lost—and found—these interviews, but we’re happy to share them with you because they represent two very different facets of the food world. First up, Jen Agg, the Toronto restaurateur who penned the autobiography titled I Hear She’s a Real Bitch. Jen’s a fantastic writer and she’s always fighting for the industry to be a better place for women—and for everyone. Jen joined us in April and discusses the #MeToo movement, her book, her businesses, and more. In the second half of the show, Christene Barberich joins us. Co-founder and global editor in chief of Refinery29, Christene worked at the legendary Gourmet magazine and shares how she learned to be an editor and what it takes to make a bulletproof recipe. Thank you for tuning in and for listening all year long! And thanks to Le Cordon Bleu, Vital Farms Pasture Raised Eggs, and Bob’s Red Mill for supporting our show. You’re all the Bombe! Radio Cherry Bombe is powered by Simplecast.

Have you ever needed to make a decision but were held back by fear? Refinery 29 co-founder Christene Barberich talks about how she overcame those fears while listening to her gut, and found the importance of rooting for the people around you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/superwomen/support

Everyone's talking about Kanye's nutty meeting with Trump in The Oval Office last week; whilst Melania, in her most frank televised interview yet, described herself as the most bullied person in the world. Meanwhile, Fendi has made a £750 scarf which looks like a vulva (transcendental experience of being ‘born again' presumably baked in to the price), the Duchess of Sussex is having a baby and we discuss the juiciest tidbits of the 850-guest royal wedding that we both, accidentally, got really quite into. Also this week we discuss why 1/3 of Gen Z don't drink (and interview two Gen Z authors Scarlett Curtis and Charly Cox about their differing attitudes to alcohol) and some brilliant pieces of journalism this weekend by Josh Glancy and Max Hastings, that discuss how feelings have trumped rational thought. Is The Enlightenment's 300-year intellectual tenure under threat? And what are the dangers of placing heart and gut above facts and mind? E-mail thehighlowshow@gmail.comTweet @thehighlowshow Links It's time to do away with the gay best friend, by Philip Ellis for Man Repeller https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/10/gay-best-friend-stereotype.html I'll Be There For You, by Kelsey Miller https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Kelsey-Miller/Ill-Be-There-For-You/22458067 Motherhood, by Sheila Heti https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sheila-Heti/Motherhood/22325906 The xx, by Angela Chadwick https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Angela-Chadwick/XX/22437212 Christene Barberich interviews Hanya Yanaghihara for Refinery29's UnStyled podcast https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/hanya-yanagihara-on-making-your-mark-in-brave-new-media/id1171140955?i=1000421309939&mt=2 @brian_bilston on Instagram for poetry How have we let feelings obscure rational debate, by Josh Glancy's column for The Sunday Times magazine https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/josh-glancy-brett-kavanaugh-case-has-ignited-online-fury-like-never-before-how-have-we-let-feelings-obscure-rational-debate-6nq6h6hpq We're in a dark age where hearts rule minds, by Max Hastings for The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/we-re-in-a-dark-age-where-hearts-rule-minds-5p7gl6g5q For millennials, thinking and emotions are equals — more or less, by Karl Moore https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlmoore/2017/06/26/for-millennials-thinking-and-emotions-are-equals-more-or-less/amp/Sophie Wilkinson on Cara Delevigne for Grazia:

Christene Barberich is the cofounder and global editor in chief of Refinery29, a media company focused on empowering women by starting conversations about body image, politics, and careers. Refinery29 says it will connect with 425 million people this year across its site, social media, videos, and live events. Before launching Refinery in 2005, Barberich spent her career in media, and helped build the scrappy City Magazine. The lessons she learned there gave her the confidence she needed to take on Refinery29, which would turn out to be a more ambitious project than anyone expected.

Christene Barberich is the Global Editor in Chief of Refinery29 but was also one of the original Co-Founders of the award-winning lifestyle media company back in 2005. She came from the publishing world holding positions at places like Gourmet Magazine, The New Yorker and The New York Post. On this episode, Christene opens up about why she decided to make the leap from print to digital, the importance of balancing feedback while staying true to your own vision, and gets candid about her struggles with fertility. Congratulations to our No Limits Entrepreneur of the Week: Karli Mullane, Founder of Galuxsee.com Find out more: http://www.galuxsee.com/ Want to be a featured NLEOTW? Know someone who should? Send your nominations to NoLimitswithRJPodcast@Gmail.com Don

UnStyled is a weekly podcast hosted by Refinery29 Global Editor-In-Chief & Co-founder, Christene Barberich, that explores the funny, inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking tales of life, work, and love—as told through the things that we wear. Guests this season include Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Miranda Kerr, Chloe x Halle, Alexa Chung, Gabrielle Union, Sophia Bush and more. For more UnStyled extras check out @christenebarberich and sign up here for our exclusive UnStyled newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every week. Thanks for tuning in! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fashion is often dismissed as frivolous, superficial, shallow, and in the age of global warming, even irresponsible. Yet when we look in the mirror, we still want our outside to reflect what's inside. Refinery29's co-founder Christene Barberich talks about how clothing connects us- when you find your style, you find yourself.What are your Strong Opinions? Let me know! Instagram: @popculturepirateTwitter: @popcultpirateHashtag: #SOLHpod #StrongOpinionsLooselyHeld See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You know Refinery29. How could you not? This week, Oh Boy host Jay Buim sat down with Christene Barberich, co-founder and Global Editor-in-Chief of Refinery29, to find out how she rose to the top of one of America's fastest growing companies. An editor at heart, Christene shares excellent advice for both burgeoning editors and ambitious young folk. Take a listen, take notes and enjoy. Want more Christene? @christenebarberich Want more Jay? @beardwizard Edited by Jay Buim Produced by Kate Barnett

Christene Barberich is a media force. As the Co-Founder and Global Editor-in-Chief of Refinery29, Christene has grown the company from a niche website about New York boutique designers into a lifestyle brand that's expanding globally. Before founding at Refinery29, Christene held positions at The Daily, Gourmet Magazine, and The New Yorker. On this episode, Sophia and Christene discuss their parallel career trajectories, brand identity, and the late David Bowie. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. When you decide to sign up for Squarespace, make sure to use the offer code GIRLBOSS to get 10 percent off your first purchase. This episode is also brought to you by FreshBooks. If you believe that living your best life includes being your own boss, then you've got to try FreshBooks. Go to Freshbooks.com/GIRLBOSS for your free 30-day trial.

Christene Barberich is a media force. As the Co-Founder and Global Editor-in-Chief of Refinery29, Christene has grown the company from a niche website about New York boutique designers into a lifestyle brand that's expanding globally. Before founding at Refinery29, Christene held positions at The Daily, Gourmet Magazine, and The New Yorker. On this episode, Sophia and Christene discuss their parallel career trajectories, brand identity, and the late David Bowie. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. When you decide to sign up for Squarespace, make sure to use the offer code GIRLBOSS to get 10 percent off your first purchase. This episode is also brought to you by FreshBooks. If you believe that living your best life includes being your own boss, then you've got to try FreshBooks. Go to Freshbooks.com/GIRLBOSS for your free 30-day trial.