Stay ConnectedWelcome to Vanessa Wants to Know, a podcast where you’ll hear conversations that move you. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired, as you listen to host Vanessa Hong talk to paradigm shifters about their wins, losses, and everything in between.
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Copyright: © Vanessa Hong
Sophia Roe & Dani Giardina sit down with Vanessa & Amy to discuss the unique dynamic that exists between a Talent and their Assistant (aka Paid BFF). In this rolling conversation we explore:
• The origin story of each duo (hint: it all started on IG)
• What does an assistant REALLY DO?
• Debunking the myth that you cannot do business with friends
• Never before told stories of the ups, downs and ugly cry moments of working together in the crazy world of food + fashion
You can find our guests here:
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MOTHER’S DAY EDITION featuring stories from our closest friends of the pod including: Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Michelle Lee, Joanna Czech, host Vanessa Hong, and co-producer Amy Wan.
Each guest is asked:
• Name
• What do you do?
• Fondest memory of mom
• Best piece of advice mom ever gave me
• How will you be celebrating your mom this year?
Make sure to check out everyone and their moms' pictures here!
Resources:
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Vanessa sits down with 3 of her favourite NYC based Creatives (an influencer, a makeup artist, & fashion photographer) to discuss what it means to be a millennial working the gig economy during lockdown. Even if you may be familiar with Alyssa Coscarelli, Meghan Nguy or Tyler Joe’s work, expect the unexpected from this very candid conversation. Some things we cover:
• The quick pivot each guest made to meet the new conditions and environment of operating in the digital space
• How the scrappiness and ingenuity inherent to all freelancers have helped all 3 guests navigate the space, while still getting ‘work’
• Navigating the murky waters of working with brands during COVID
• Refinding the Joy in making stuff in the name of creativity vs commerce: the unexpected outcome of being home quarantined
• TIK TOK vs Instagram, paid content vs unpaid ‘cross pollination’, authenticity vs being another trend
• PLUS: tips/coping methods (hint: lots of gospel music LOL)
Resources:
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Vanessa and Amy return to the mic after a brief hiatus and get candid on what it’s like living in New York in the time of COVID19 & what brought them back to the podcast. In this conversation between our show producers we dive in and discuss:
• The herculean task of producing, podcasting + editing from home (sans sound engineer, editor, proper recording space)
• Vanessa and Amy’s ‘super-luxury-podcasting-home-studios’ (hint: it’s claustrophobic AF)
• How we are really feeling; the tools, practices & mantras helping us cope
• Silver lining? What’s next for those of us inhabiting the digital creative space?
• And more importantly, Vanessa gets back into peanut butter 🥜
Stay safe out there friends.
Resources:
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I just got back from a month-long fashion marathon—and I hit a wall.
Basically, in Paris, I had an emotional breakdown and resulted in an IGTV video that gained some traction. Ever since that trip,I’ve been constantly asking myself, “Is this what I want to do be doing with my life?” and, “Is fashion truly in alignment with where I want to go?”
These heavy, deeply personal topics are why I decided to dedicate this season to saving the planet. So, on today’s episode, Amy and I are unpacking everything that went down in Paris and what brought me to where I am today.
Some Questions Amy Asks:
· How have things escalated over the past month? (3:05)
· What advice do you have for those in a transition period like yours? (9:30)
· Where will your center be moving forward? (25:10)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
· How Vanessa handles the misalignment with the fashion industry and her passion for saving the earth. (6:33)
· What led Vanessa to a deep, personal transformation. (10:54)
· What motivates Vanessa to dedicate this season to saving the planet. (19:02)
· How Vanessa continues pushing herself to grow. (25:37)
Resources:
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Can we save the planet?
This whole topic can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing—if we don’t know where to even start. But don’t worry – there’s still so much hope. Creating a healthy, sustainable world is still possible with the right mindsets, education, and a willingness to unite.
On today’s episode, I sit down with Sophia Roe, a food activist, model, influencer, and so much more. Like many of us, Sophia pivoted from her day job as a chef to become one of the most respected names in the wellness digital space. Sophia is gusty, intense, funny, and all-around the real deal.
Throughout our conversation, Sophia and I chat about actionable changes that we can do right now to help heal our planet. We discuss the required mindset to move forward with sustainability, and how to stay active and engaged even when current events make us feel deflated.
Some Questions I Ask:
· How can we unite to give the planet a fighting chance? (8:33)
· What advice do you have for influencers who want to be more authentic online? (30:27)
· What are some things you really want to do this year? (43:27)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
· How Sophia finds small, actionable ways to save the planet. (4:02)
· How to spread positivity and joy around your community. (13:03)
· Why the earth cannot be treated as a commodity. (22:35)
· How Sophia, as an influencer, holds brands accountable for creating excess waste. (27:00)
· Why Sophia consciously chooses to be vulnerable and authentic on social media. (30:58)
· How Sophia will invest in herself in 2020. (43:42)
Connect with Sophia Roe:
Pillow Talk Sessions Instagram
Resources:
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Eating on the Wild Side by Jo Robinson
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It’s Fashion Week here in New York City.
This is one of the busiest weeks of the year in the fashion industry. Normally, Phillip Lim would be stuck in the thick of it, but this year he’s opting out. Instead, Phillip is having a “studio day.” In other words, he will be hosting a house party where the full collection will be on view, just like the runway, but without the exclusivity. No front row, no RSV, no list. Anybody can walk into the store.
On today’s episode, Phillip Lim and I discuss why he decided to do something so drastically different for fashion week. He explains how he is working toward a more sustainable and mindful way to be and make fashion, and what the risks are when trekking this new terror.
Some Questions I Ask:
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Connect with Phillip:
Resources:
Phillip Lim's WWD article by Bridget Foley
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We're back! This season we are tackling sustainability, mindful consumption and the big question we are all asking: CAN WE SAVE PLANET EARTH?
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You can pursue anything you want in life – but does it have substance?
My mom asked me that question when I was a child, and it really stuck with me. She understood that I was a creative person starting from childhood and would thrive in a place where I could use my natural talents and my hard-earned skills together in a creative way. The fashion industry isn’t known for its substance or emotional or intellectual depth. So, I found a way to make it substantial.
On today’s episode, we’re switching things up. My assistant interviews me, and no question is off-limits. I share quite a bit about my childhood and college experience, leading to my first job post-graduation. Even though I earned a degree in sciences, I knew that industry wasn’t the right fit for me. So, throughout this interview I tell my story of how I started up my first fashion blog, pursued my passions, and found my substance.
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When was the last time you saw yourself in media?
Many brands nowadays strive to find the perfect balance of “diversity and inclusion.” Sometimes, this means just checking off a “diversity” box, and for other companies, it means actually lifting up minorities’ voices and giving them a seat at the table. Michelle Lee, Editor in Chief of Allure Magazine, works to make sure everyone’s voice is being heard, and everyone’s beauty is seen.
On today’s episode, Michelle and I discuss themes around Michelle’s early life and how that shaped her, the distinction between diversity and inclusivity, and ultimately how she is contributing to transforming the world into a place where diversity and inclusion are not just buzz words, but common practice.
Get ready for a highly intelligent, thoughtful, and introspective conversation with one of the most inspiring women in the game.
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What does it mean to be fearless?
For many, it’s walking into a situation, knowing that you’re supposed to be afraid of what’s to come, but pushing through anyway. For others, like Jen Rubio, being fearless is just always making the most of every decision, and not allowing the idea of "fear" stop you from following your intuition.
On today’s episode, Jen and I discuss the success of her luggage brand Away, what it means for her, and how she got to where she is today. Specifically, I ask Jen about her personal background that created the foundation for the future that she cultivated for herself. She shares her experience of immigrating to the US at age 7, understanding what it means to be different, and how going with the flow in life can be incredibly beneficial.
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"Clothing is just clothing until someone decides to put it on."
Everyone consumes fashion. The runway is an inspiration for what we end up seeing in shops. It's hard to work in the fashion industry and it's getting harder, but it’s also amazing! Tommy has had an indelible impact on the industry and how we consume and view fashion, and he's just getting started, at 35.
On today's episode, I sit down with Tommy Ton - famed fashion street style photographer and recently turned women's wear designer. Tommy has worked for some of the biggest names in the Industry, like GQ, Lane Crawford, Louis Vuitton, and of course, we can't forget his six years of covering fashion weeks for style.com.
Listen to Episode 4 of Vanessa Wants to Know, where Tommy and I talk about his early life, about how he discovered fashion at age 13 and the crystalizing moment while attending his first European fashion show in 2007 that helped him realize, "This is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
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"If you don’t know where you’re from, how can you get to where you want to be?"
Knowing the “why” behind your decisions and dreams is one thing that can constantly fuel your motivation. In a society that favors familiarity, breaking new ground is no easy feat. For Nicole Ponseca, a Filipino woman that’s transforming the restaurant industry, she’s experienced first-hand what it’s like to break into new spaces.
On today’s episode, Nicole and I discuss how she went from being an advertising executive to a successful restaurateur. Nicole’s experience is unique, being a woman of color in an industry dominated by white men. We also discuss the racial tensions that came with opening up the first Filipino restaurant in NYC, how she handled racism hurled her way, and how she’s breaking cultural boundaries and transforming the perception of Filipino culture.
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We're living in such a strange moment in culture right now, because we put so much emphasis on social validation. There's a lot of pressure, but at the end of the day, social media only portrays a mere fraction of someone's life. Reflecting on her decade long career in the fashion and digital space, Aimee Song affirms that her anchor in this industry is being able to find happiness within herself.
On today's episode, Aimee and I chat openly about her struggles with getting lost in chasing the likes, and how she has been able to rediscover her passion by prioritizing her happiness with the help of therapy, and the JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out). Aimee also talks about her upbringing, and how it shaped the strong values that have always helped her stay grounded.
Listen as Aimee takes us through an inside look at her life, and how she has been able to stay true to her purpose, in a world that can so often lead us astray.
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In the fashion industry, designers are always dreaming and visualizing their next beautiful creation. With all the runways, models, and hustle that comes with this work, it’s easy to get carried away and forget your roots. For designer Phillip Lim, he finds unique ways to stay grounded to ensure that he always remains balanced in his work, life, and passion projects.
On the first episode of this podcast, Phillip and I tackle this concept of balance. While dreaming is an essential part of identifying passions and utilizing your creative talents, Phillip finds ways to stay grounded in order to experience joy in all areas of his life. He discusses why it’s important to stand in the stillness even within the hustle and bustle of life, how to be courageous, and what to do when you start to feel stuck or stifled.
Take a listen to learn about Phillip Lim’s journey to finding meaningful success in fashion.
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Host Vanessa Hong talks about how everything in her life has led to her starting this podcast.
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