In Episode 3 of Collective Connection, host Corentin Christian sits down with trailblazing designer Alexa Stark. Known for her innovative approach to fashion and interior design, Alexa shares her journey from studying integrated design to redefining sustainable practices. 

Discover how she builds communities through teaching, empowers conscious consumption, and channels her artistry into creating spaces and garments that connect people. This episode is an inspiring exploration of creativity, resilience, and the power of staying true to your vision.

Chapters:

1. Welcome and Introduction
   Corentin introduces the podcast’s theme and guest, Alexa Stark, highlighting her transformative impact on sustainable design and community-building.
2. A Journey Through Design
   Alexa reflects on her education at Parsons and the pivotal decision to embrace sustainability, integrating fashion, fine arts, and communication design.
3. Breaking Boundaries in Fashion
   Learn about Alexa's early ventures, the challenges of upcycling, and her realization that teaching and community-building are the most sustainable practices.
4. The Waldoboro Inn: A New Canvas
   Alexa recounts how she brought history and modernity together in her interior design project, using creativity to foster inclusivity and connection.
5. Advice for Aspiring Creators
   Alexa shares practical wisdom for navigating the creative industry, from teaching skills to embracing individuality and building sustainable paths.
6. On Slowing Down and Evolving
   The conversation shifts to the importance of rest and reflection, with Alexa revealing her current focus on interiors and her shift to mindful creation.
7. Redefining Success
   Alexa and Corentin discuss their definitions of success, emphasizing happiness, impact, and the value of authenticity in both personal and professional life.
8. Final Reflections and Messages
   Alexa offers a heartfelt message about staying true to oneself and the importance of consistency in carving out a unique path.
9. Closing Remarks
   Corentin wraps up the episode, reflecting on the inspiring conversation and inviting listeners to share Alexa's message of sustainability and connection.

About Alexa Stark:

• Website
• Instagram
• Waldoboro Inn

Alexa is not only known for her bold, timeless collections but also for her commitment to upcycling, locally handmade wear, and championing sustainable communities in both fashion and interior design. She’s also recently made waves with her interior design work, such as her transformation of the Waldoboro Inn in Maine, where she seamlessly blended modern style with the historical charm of the space.

Today, we’ll explore how Alexa is building a design philosophy that supports local communities, prioritizes quality over over-consumption, and connects creativity across different disciplines.

In this episode of Collective Connection, actor, activist, and storyteller Griffin Matthews dives deep into the power of self-discovery, authenticity, and inner work as tools to transform the collective. From his life-changing move to Madrid to his reflections on art, activism, and parenting, Griffin shares how embracing individuality fuels meaningful connections. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about why we should be celebrating others’ wins (with the likes of his friend Cynthia Erivo) redefining success, and creating a life that aligns with your true self.

Griffin's BIO:

Griffin Matthews is an American actor, writer, singer and director best known for his roles in television and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his recurring roles in TV shows like "Dear White People" and "The Flight Attendant", where he played Shane Evans, Emmy-award winning anthology series "Genius" where he plays Bayard Rustin, designer Luke Jacobson in "She-Hulk" Marvel and soon to be released series Youth season 5 as Teddy on netflix. In addition to acting, Matthews is also an accomplished playwright and activist.He co-created the semi-autobiographical musical "Witness Uganda" (later retitled "Invisible Thread"). Beyond his creative work, Matthews is a dad to two beautiful souls, openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, often using his platform to speak about inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry.

Chapters:

• A Thanksgiving Abroad: Embracing Change and New Cultures
• Art Meets Activism: Navigating Responsibility Over Pressure
• The Power of Inner Work in Building a Stronger Collective
• Fashioning Freedom: Clothes That Speak Your Soul
• Journaling, Spirituality, and the Search for Miracles
• Why We Should Celebrate Each Other’s Wins
• The Women Who Taught Me to Love More
• Raising Adventurers: Parenting with Authenticity and Freedom
• Living Authentically: How Letting Go of Control Creates Space for Miracles
• We Are All the Same: A Call for Compassion and Unity

Links & Resources:

• Griffin on instagram 
• The Artist's way by Julia Cameron
• Corentin Christian on instagram
• Corentin Christian's website
• Wicked, The Movie 
• Wicked Soundtrack
• Griffin's IMDb 

Reach out on Instagram, LinkedIN or email [email protected] - Copyright 2024 Corentin Christian

In the debut episode of Collective Connection, host Corentin Christian sits down with Vienna-based fashion designer Goran Bugaric to explore his remarkable journey from a mining town in Serbia to building a flourishing design career in Vienna. Together, they discuss the transformative power of creativity, the role of women as mentors in their lives, and the importance of sustainability and collaboration in reshaping the fashion industry. Reflecting on resilience, love, and the artist's responsibility to educate, this episode offers an intimate look at how independent designers are crafting a more mindful and connected world.

Key Topics 

- Introduction to Collective Connection

- Goran’s Early Life in Serbia

- Finding Inspiration Through Family

- Pursuing Fashion Against the Odds

- Dreams of Paris and Milan

- The Role of Women in Creativity

- Fashion as an Expression of Love

- Challenges in the Modern Fashion Industry

- Sustainability and Ethical Craftsmanship

- The Power of Independent Designers

- Collaboration Over Competition

- Rooted Locally, Dreaming Globally

- Resilience and the Will to Persevere

- A Closing Message of Love and Authenticity

Guest Bio

The founder and managing director is Goran Bugaric from Bor, Serbia. The bespoke designer has been running his own label BUGARIC in the ‘Schnittbogen’ in one of Vienna's underground railway arches near the Gumpendorfergürtel since October 2012. BUGARIC stands for high-quality materials and first-class workmanship, for which the bespoke designer is not least responsible with his many years of training and experience (master craftsman's certificate for women's dressmakers). However, the label is not only characterised by outstanding craftsmanship. Customer satisfaction is also a top priority, which is why it is very important to Goran Bugaric that every customer feels comfortable in their garment.

Guest Links

Instagram

Website

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Get In Touch

We would love to hear from you to get your views, opinions or guest suggestions!

Reach out on my Instagram, LinkedIN or email

[email protected]

Copyright 2024 Corentin Christian