What We Wore

In this episode of What We Wore, host Laura Vinroot Poole sits down with designer and former corporate lawyer Busayo Olupona for a deeply moving conversation on identity, destiny, and the spiritual nature of entrepreneurship.

Busayo shares her journey from growing up in Ife, Nigeria, to moving to California at age 11, where she faced the harsh realities of assimilation, eventually discarding the traditional clothes she now crafts for a living.

She opens up about leaving the "golden handcuffs" of corporate law, surviving two life-altering cardiac events, and learning to surrender the hustle in order to build her brand with soul, trust, and alignment. Together, Laura and Busayo explore the power of adornment, Yoruba craft traditions, and why fashion is ultimately an invitation to connect with your higher self.

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In a special live episode recorded at Capitol, Laura sits down with close friend, serial entrepreneur, and clean beauty pioneer Gregg Renfrew. Together, they walk through Gregg’s extraordinary multi-decade career—from founding Nantucket cleaning services and bringing The Wedding List to the U.S. to creating the modern clean beauty industry with Beautycounter.

Shelton Wilder is the founder and CEO of the Shelton Wilder Group, a former Capitol team member, and a Los Angeles real estate maven who has generated over $1 billion in sales. Known for her radical transparency, infectious positivity, and unwavering work ethic, Shelton has built an extraordinary career by turning every life obstacle—from rock bottom and bankruptcy to public failure—into a launchpad for growth.

In this episode of What We Wore, Shelton joins Laura Vinroot Poole to discuss her journey from Gastonia, North Carolina to building a real estate empire in Los Angeles. She candidly reflects on her path to 17 years of sobriety, the humbling lessons of failing on national television, and the core philosophies behind her new book, Southern But Savage. Together, they explore the power of radical responsibility, consistency, and why staying true to your word is the ultimate foundation for success.

In a very special mother-daughter episode, Laura sits down with her daughter, Fidelia "Fifi" Poole, following Fifi’s summer internship at Capitol. Together, they pull back the curtain on the luxury fashion industry, moving past the perception of glamour to discuss the true realities of retail, buying trips in Paris, and the grounding nature of purposeful work.

From demystifying what a fashion career actually looks like to navigating mother-daughter dynamics, generational perspectives, and honoring family legacy, this conversation is an intimate look at growing up alongside a brand.

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Stephanie Suberville is the founder of Heirlome, a luxury fashion brand dedicated to preserving Mexico's rich textile traditions through collaboration with master artisans. What began as a search to reconnect with her own heritage has grown into a brand rooted in craftsmanship, cultural preservation, and timeless design.

In this episode of What We Wore, Stephanie joins Laura Vinroot Poole to discuss growing up in Mexico, moving to New York to attend Parsons, and how distance from home deepened her appreciation for the traditions that shaped her. She shares the story behind Heirlome, her partnership with generations of master artisans, and why preserving handmade craftsmanship is more important than ever.

Jennifer Fisher is the founder and creative force behind her eponymous jewelry brand, known for redefining everyday luxury through bold, personal design. But long before her signature pieces became staples of modern fashion, she was building a life guided by instinct, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode of What We Wore, Jennifer joins Laura Vinroot Poole to discuss her upbringing in Santa Barbara, moving to New York, navigating health scares, motherhood, surrogacy, and building multiple businesses from personal necessity. From the origins of her jewelry brand to her wellness philosophy, Jennifer reflects on the experiences that shaped both her career and her perspective.

Emilie Rubinfeld is the president of Carolina Herrera, who's confidently leading the House into a new chapter after the departure of Carolina in 2018. Emily offers a window into the vast opportunities in the business of fashion, and shares how she's pivoted and communicated openly in challenging times, and that there's no playbook for running a global fashion house.

Jenny Bird, Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous jewelry brand, built her business through evolution, shaped as much by personal turning points as creative ones.

From a defining quarter-life crisis to navigating perimenopause while leading a company, her approach is rooted in designing a life that reflects who you are.⁠

Tune into the episode to hear how she’s built a brand alongside her own growth, embracing change at every stage.⁠

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Instagram: @whatweworepodcast

Youtube: What We Wore Podcast

Yaser Shaw's family has been in the shawl business for over 200 years, and Yaser is leading this generation of the family business. On this episode, Yaser and Laura discuss the intricate art of shawl making with over 700 artisans across Kashmir.

From the shearing of the goats to the hand-weaving and embroidery, the process to create one shawl can take anywhere from three months to several years and remarkably, "not one drop of electricity is used."

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Growing up in a rural art community in New Zealand meant Frances Howie developed a point of view untouched by trend cycles — one rooted in instinct, independence, and distance from the noise.⁠
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Tune into the episode to hear how that early perspective shaped her journey across Paris, London, and New York, and eventually to Fforme.⁠