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Frances Van Mak, Co-Founder — From Refugee to Red Carpet to Redefining “Business as Usual”
In this episode of the 10th Element, Stay Wellthy Podcast, principal and creative director Frances Van Mak shares her incredible journey from being a refugee to becoming a high-end fashion designer.
Raised in 1980s New York, Frances discusses the unique challenges and influences that shaped her life, from growing up in a chaotic, multicultural environment to finding solace in art and eventually designing for notable figures like Michelle Obama.
Together with Equiano Mosieri and Talib Jasir, they explore how their experiences and backgrounds inform their current work on fashion for social impact projects, emphasizing the importance of mental health, diversity, and youth empowerment.
Highlighting pivotal moments such as attending protests and forming the brand Omnicolos, the discussion underscores the power of inspiration, resilience, and using creativity for meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction to the Hosts
00:20 Frances Mak's Early Life and Influences
02:31 The Chaotic New York Experience
03:41 Discovering Art as a Sanctuary
07:00 Pursuing a Career in Design
11:15 The Impact of Diversity and Culture
15:05 Fashion for Social Impact
19:49 Mental Wellness and Youth Empowerment
23:25 The Birth of Omnicolos
31:37 Conclusion and Future Conversations
Stay Wellthy™.
Follow instagram.com/xethebrand and visit xethebrand.com to join the movement.
Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network
Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - “Y U Gotta B Like That"
Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"
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In this episode of the 10th Element, Stay Wellthy Podcast, principal and creative director Frances Van Mak shares her incredible journey from being a refugee to becoming a high-end fashion designer.
Raised in 1980s New York, Frances discusses the unique challenges and influences that shaped her life, from growing up in a chaotic, multicultural environment to finding solace in art and eventually designing for notable figures like Michelle Obama.
Together with Equiano Mosieri and Talib Jasir, they explore how their experiences and backgrounds inform their current work on fashion for social impact projects, emphasizing the importance of mental health, diversity, and youth empowerment.
Highlighting pivotal moments such as attending protests and forming the brand Omnicolos, the discussion underscores the power of inspiration, resilience, and using creativity for meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction to the Hosts
00:20 Frances Mak's Early Life and Influences
02:31 The Chaotic New York Experience
03:41 Discovering Art as a Sanctuary
07:00 Pursuing a Career in Design
11:15 The Impact of Diversity and Culture
15:05 Fashion for Social Impact
19:49 Mental Wellness and Youth Empowerment
23:25 The Birth of Omnicolos
31:37 Conclusion and Future Conversations
Stay Wellthy™.
Follow instagram.com/xethebrand and visit xethebrand.com to join the movement.
Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network
Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - “Y U Gotta B Like That"
Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"