What happens when you stop forcing a path, and start listening to curiosity instead?

Ellen Mirojnick is a legendary costume designer whose work spans decades of film and television, including Bridgerton, Oppenheimer, and The Greatest Showman. But Ellen's story doesn’t start with certainty or a perfect plan. It starts with being asked to leave fashion school, not fitting the mold, and choosing courage, communication, and perseverance anyway.

Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by Ellen to explore the mindset behind a career and life built on curiosity, adaptability, and deep connection. Ellen shares how she 'accidentally' discovered costume design, navigates self-doubt, and leads massive creative teams in one of the most demanding industries in the world. This episode isn’t about fashion alone; it’s about learning how to think on your feet, trust your instincts, and build a life that grows with you.

After this episode, you'll know:

– How to build real confidence without having all the skills.

– The communication skill nobody teaches but everybody needs.

– What perseverance looks like (while maintaining boundaries & avoiding burnout).

– Hacks for thinking on your feet.

– A blueprint for tackling situations that feel overwhelming.

Whether you feel boxed in and overwhelmed, are questioning your choices and direction, or are a creative trying to make your passion into something bigger, Ellen’s wisdom will challenge the way you see school, work, and yourself. After this episode, you will feel braver, more curious and excited about life, and ready to lean into what’s next.

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Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with the Oscar-winning costume designer from the sets of Black Panther and Malcolm X, Ruth E. Carter. In this episode, Ruth dives into hacks for managing criticism, how to be a better teammate, and she takes us BTS of some of the most iconic film sets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠listen + watch now!

(00:00) Welcome, Ellen!

(02:09) Getting Into the Fashion & Movie Industry

(03:20) Redirecting Her Path

(04:29) Top Tips For Feeling Confident

(06:45) Leaving Fashion School: Doubt? Uncertainty?

(08:53) The MOST Important Hack

(11:35) Trying To Be Everything To Everyone

(13:07) Your Blueprint To Becoming A Better Communicator, TODAY

(15:44) Finding Joy Despite Challenges

(19:15) How Can I Think On My Feet?

(21:13) Why YOU NEED Communication Skills!

(22:47) Spread Some Happiness

(23:37) A Moment Ellen Will Never Forget

(24:36) BTS of the Costume Design Process

(29:06) Tips For Becoming Curious

(34:00) How Does Ellen Choose Her Projects?

(36:49) The Costume That Stands Out to Ellen

(38:12) Transform Your Sleep

(38:38) Want To Become a Costume/Fashion Designer? Here's Your FIRST Step!

(41:43) Ellen’s Favorite Classic Films

(43:11) Which Era in Fashion Would Ellen Re-Visit?

(44:22) Ellen To Her Teenage Self

(46:52) What Brings Ellen A Small Bit of Happiness?

(47:47) What’s Next?