In this episode of How’d She Do That?, host Emily Landers welcomes cake artist and entrepreneur Julie McAllister, whose hyper‑realistic confections have captured the attention of food lovers, design enthusiasts, and Netflix viewers alike. From working in advertising to launching her namesake cake business, Julie shares how she discovered cake artistry, built her brand from scratch, and landed a spot on Is It Cake?—where she wowed judges and viewers with jaw-dropping edible illusions.

Whether you’re an aspiring creative, a baking enthusiast, or simply curious about how to turn a niche hobby into a thriving business, Julie’s story is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration.

• How Julie transitioned from marketing into cake design

• What goes into creating hyper-realistic cakes (think oysters, citrus trees, handbags!)

• Behind-the-scenes details from Is It Cake? for Netflix

• Building a brand and business from scratch

• The highs and lows of entrepreneurship in the food space

• Growing a client base and creating viral, high-impact content

• Teaching workshops, taking creative risks, and what’s next for Julie

In this episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily is joined by Sarah Collins Lawler, the founder and designer behind TELA Mercantile, just six weeks into her journey as a new mom.

Sarah shares a beautiful and candid look back at her creative upbringing, where fashion and entrepreneurship were sparked early.

After earning a degree in Apparel & Textile Design from the University of Alabama, Sarah planned to take on New York’s fashion scene. But a traumatic boating accident right after college changed everything. In this unexpected season of healing, she found herself creatively rerouted—eventually landing roles in fashion sales and later at SPANX, all while quietly nursing her passion for design.

The seeds for TELA were planted during the pandemic, when her husband gifted her a sewing machine. What started as a creative outlet at home blossomed into a globally inspired, size-inclusive brand known for its effortlessly elegant kaftans. TELA—Spanish for “fabric”—represents Sarah’s love of textiles, travel, and timeless design, all grounded in a deep respect for intentional sourcing and inclusive silhouettes.

Sarah opens up about launching the brand in 2021, the joys and challenges of building something meaningful, and how becoming a mother has shifted her perspective on time, purpose, and creativity.

⸻

You’ll Love This Episode If You’re Curious About:

• ​ Turning personal challenges into a creative reset
• ​ Launching a fashion brand with global inspiration and purpose
• ​ Embracing the early, unfiltered days of motherhood while running a business
• ​ Designing with intention—both in fabric and in life

In this inspiring episode of How’d She Do That, Emily sits down with the effortlessly chic and incredibly driven Diana LoMonaco, the founder and creative visionary behind Classic Six, a timeless clothing brand redefining capsule wardrobes. Diana shares her unexpected journey from working in fashion magazines to creating her own brand rooted in versatility, quality, and simplicity.

Listeners will hear the story behind the name “Classic Six,” the highs and lows of launching a fashion startup, and the intentionality Diana brings to everything from fabric selection to customer experience. She opens up about managing business growth, maintaining a strong brand identity, and the value of timeless design in a world of fast fashion.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking inspiration to pursue your own dreams, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a beloved brand from scratch.

Episode Highlights:

• ​ How Diana’s career path took a sharp and exciting turn toward entrepreneurship
• ​ The moment she realized there was a gap in the market for versatile, quality staples
• ​ What “Classic Six” really means—and why it resonates with so many women
• ​ The challenges (and joys!) of building a business during uncertain times
• ​ Diana’s advice for women looking to take their next bold step

Connect with Diana:

• ​ Website: classicsixny.com
• ​ Instagram: @classicsixny

…and sharing all about it in today’s episode!

Today on How’d She Do That?, we’re celebrating style, school spirit, and the power of family business with Kim and Frances — the mother-daughter duo behind FOSTER, a collegiate lifestyle brand born in East Texas and rapidly capturing hearts across the country.

FOSTER is not your average college merch company. Think cozy pajamas, chic tailgate looks, and timeless pieces designed to celebrate your alma mater — all with elevated design and a personal touch. Inspired by their own Southern roots and a deep love for tradition, Kim and Frances are bringing a fresh, fashionable twist to campus gear.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The origin story of FOSTER and how the idea took shape

• What it’s really like to build a brand as mother and daughter

• Finding success in a niche market by honoring authenticity and style

• The creative process behind their iconic products

• How they balance business, family, and their shared creative vision

If you’re a fan of collegiate spirit with a sophisticated edge, or you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own lifestyle brand, this conversation is for you. Kim and Frances are thoughtful, driven, and as charming as the products they create.

In today’s episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily Landers welcomes Jen Burch and Margaret Dillard, the talented co-founders behind the elevated home and entertaining brand Half Past Seven. What began as a shared appreciation for thoughtful design and meaningful gathering has blossomed into a celebrated business known for its handcrafted home essentials that combine function, beauty, and story.

Listeners will hear how Jen and Margaret met through work, connected as moms of young boys, and went on to build a business rooted in the mantra “more joy, less stress.” From the origins of the brand name to their passion for traditional craftsmanship and Mexican artisanship, this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and laughter.

With product lines ranging from hand-blown glassware to hand-painted ceramics and pewter serveware, Half Past Seven empowers women to entertain with ease and confidence—elevating the everyday with products that hold both purpose and style.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who simply loves gathering people together, this episode will leave you deeply inspired.

In this inspiring episode, Emily sits down with Jeanelle Teves, the dynamic Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo North America. Jeanelle shares her remarkable journey from a first-generation Filipina-American upbringing in Sacramento to leading one of the most innovative parenting brands globally. With a decade-long tenure at Nike and a passion for empowering women and parents in the workplace, Jeanelle offers invaluable insights into navigating corporate success while maintaining personal harmony.   

What You’ll Learn

• ​ Early Influences: How Jeanelle’s entrepreneurial parents instilled a “you can figure it out” mindset that propelled her career.
• ​ Global Experience: The impact of international exposure on her professional trajectory, including her time at Nike’s European headquarters.
• ​ The 1% Gain Philosophy: Jeanelle’s approach to incremental growth and how small, consistent improvements lead to significant life changes.
• ​ Work-Life Integration: Strategies for balancing a high-powered career with motherhood.
• ​ Productivity Hacks: Her morning routine, prioritization techniques, and the concept of “biological prime time” for peak performance.
• ​ Personal Branding: Tips on building a personal brand as a corporate leader and content creator, and the power of authenticity in leadership.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform!

Welcome to a very special solo episode of How’d She Do That? — the one where you finally get to know the voice behind the mic! In today’s casual episode, host Emily Landers shares her full story — from growing up in a small town, dreaming big, and navigating unexpected turns, to building a podcast that celebrates women’s stories around the globe.

- Emily takes you behind the scenes of her life journey:

- Her formative years and family life that shaped her values

- High school highs and lows and learning to lead

- Her college experience and the choices that set her on a new path

- What it was really like living in New York post-grad — the jobs, the grind, the growth

- And the big transition to life in Southern California, where she now lives and records the show

Whether you’re a longtime listener or brand new to the show, this episode is the perfect introduction to Emily’s voice, vision, and the heart behind How’d She Do That?. You’ll hear candid stories, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments that haven’t been shared before.

💬 Plus: Emily shares what inspired the podcast, how it’s grown since launching in 2020, and what you can look forward to in upcoming episodes and Instagram series like “How’d She Do That: Day in the Life.”

In this episode of How’d She Do That?, host Emily Landers sits down with Jocelyn Gailliot to delve into her inspiring journey from the world of finance to the helm of a thriving fashion brand. Jocelyn shares the story of how she transitioned from investment banking to co-founding Tuckernuck, an online retail destination known for its classic yet unique pieces. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that resonates with busy, successful women seeking stylish and approachable fashion.   

What You’ll Learn:

• The inspiration behind Tuckernuck and its connection to Nantucket

• How Jocelyn’s background in finance influenced her approach to entrepreneurship

• Strategies for building a loyal customer base and achieving high retention rates

• The importance of curating authentic content and products

• Insights into leading a company through growth and expansion

Resources & Links:

• Tuckernuck Website: tnuck.com

• Follow Tuckernuck on Instagram: @tuckernuck 

Subscribe & Listen:

Tune in to How’d She Do That? on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily chats with Jackie Laurian Long—founder of TheraPaint Studio in Nashville. Jackie shares how a tough season in her life led her to create something beautiful: a paint-throwing wellness studio that helps people release stress, emotion, and energy through art. From navigating her husband’s surgeries to caring for loved ones through health struggles, Jackie turned her personal journey into a space where others can heal too. TheraPaint isn’t just about art—it’s about letting go, having fun, and finding peace.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Jackie’s background in psychology helped shape TheraPaint

• The emotional story behind how the studio got started

• Why throwing paint can be surprisingly therapeutic

• How the studio keeps things eco-friendly (yes, even the paint gets composted!)

• Events and experiences offered at TheraPaint—like a special “A Moment to Breathe” day for Mental Health Awareness Month

Check Out TheraPaint:

Website: therapaintstudio.com

Instagram: @therapaintstudio

Hang Out with Emily:

Instagram: @emilylanders

Website: howdshedothatpodcast.com

Like What You Heard?

Leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more listeners find us! And share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration (or a good paint-throwing session).