How'd She Do That?

By Emily LandersBusiness

How'd She Do That? episodes

May 23, 2023 151. Ariel Okin, Founder of Ariel Okin Interiors, Sharing How She Launched Her Impressive Namesake Brand & Continues to Elevate Her Clients' Spaces Through Interior Design
Today's guest is Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors. Ariel's New York-based, full-service interior design firm specializes in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the country. Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable, and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, emphasis on clean lines, and mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic, yet no two projects are alike.
Ariel established her firm in 2016 and has since been featured and profiled in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Domino, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine, among others. In 2022, she was recognized as one of House Beautiful’s Next Wave Designers, an exclusive list of the top interior design talent in the country.
In 2021, she was named a House & Garden Gold List Designer, and Elle Decor declared “Okin’s impeccable design efforts are striking.” In 2019, Ariel’s work for Lena Dunham’s West Village home graced the cover of the Fall issue of Domino; Ariel also designed the New York Headquarters for Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop that same year.
Ariel has launched multiple capsule collections – in Spring 2022; she debuted a wallpaper line with The Mural Source at High Point Market; in 2021, an accessory collection with One Kings Lane; in 2020, a wallpaper collection with Chasing Paper. A lighting and rug collection and her first book are in the works for 2022/23.
Separate from her design work, Ariel also helms her editorial and e-commerce site, Fenimore Lane, a menagerie of interior design inspiration, interviews, and a shop focused on all things home and lifestyle.
In addition to designing, Ariel is a contributing writer to Vogue.com, Architectural Digest, and Domino.
Current residential projects range across the country, from Park Avenue and Central Park West to Locust Valley, NY, and Greenwich, CT. Ariel lives in Westchester, NY with her husband, two daughters, and dog, Charlie.
49 min
May 16, 2023 150. Lisa Sadoughi, Founder and Creative Director of Lele Sadoughi, Shares Her Story From Creating Costume Jewlery for J. Crew in New York City, to Opening Multiple Locations of Her Namesake Brand
Today's guest Lisa Sadoughi is the founder and creative director of Lele Sadoughi. Lisa “Lele” Sadoughi started her namesake brand as a jewelry line in 2012. Over time, her eponymous brand has expanded into other categories and become the ultimate accessories destination. Some even call her “The Headband Queen.” Sadoughi covered a lot of ground in the world of fashion accessories before launching her own business. For many years, she oversaw the designs of trims and patternmaking at Rebecca Taylor, where her love for detail in hardware and adorning clothing was born. She also worked at Tory Burch, Club Monaco, and Banana Republic.
In 2006, Sadoughi launched J.Crew’s first-ever jewelry collection and grew the business significantly over the next five years. After her success at J.Crew, Sadoughi held the jewelry design director position at Tory Burch and began her namesake jewelry company. The company has grown with the support of more than 150 global retailers and countless female leaders, such as Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Mindy Kaling, and Naomi Campbell. A Dallas native, Sadoughi began her fashion career 20 years ago when she moved to New York City.
We know listeners will love hearing Lele's story on today's episode of How'd She Do That.
48 min
May 09, 2023 149. Bria Hammel, CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou, Shares Insight Into How to Launch Your Own Interior Design Firm, Keeping Clients, & Growing Your Offerings as a Business Owner
Today's guest is Bria Hammel! Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home ﬁlled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories.Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and as well as many other local magazines. Most recently, Bria was named in Traditional Home's 2022 Rising Stars of Design, a huge honor to her team and firm. Her roster of past accomplishments are nothing short of amazing as well— Brooke & Lou's flagship store in Edina, MN, received House Beautiful's Best Home Stores in America 2022, received 2nd Place in Sub-Zero Wolf's Kitchen Design Contest in the Traditional category in 2019, was a finalist for an International Design Award, was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority, and awarded the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV.Bria has been fortunate enough to travel the world, which has given her a unique perspective on how people live, as well as a deep understanding of how different spaces can come together in incredible ways. We know listeners will enjoy today's episode!
47 min
May 02, 2023 148. Grace Lee Founder of Gracefullee Made on Launching Her Social Media Agency, Supporting Clients, and Creating a Life You Love
Today's guest, Grace Lee is the Founder of Gracefullee Made. In 2010, Grace launched her personal style blog: Gracefullee Made. What originally started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a passion. Through her 10+ years of experience, she has expanded her skillset as a content creator, podcaster, and freelance social media strategist.
In today's episode Grace shares, more about her passion and focus on storytelling through content creation, organic social growth, and brand strategy on various platforms. Upon graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in public relations, Grace now works as a full-time social media agency owner. She is passionate about helping brands find their voice on social media platforms while enriching those communities to help meet her clients' business goals. Her experience spans from corporate companies to successful start-ups across various industries. We know listeners will enjoy getting to know Grace today!
42 min
April 25, 2023 147. Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long Founders of The Southern C on Creating Lasting Connections, Cultivating Friendships Throughout Your Career, and Finding Ways to Collaborate
Today's guests, Cheri Leavy, and Whitney Long are the founders of The Southern C. The Southern Coterie developed out of a mutual love for the South and passion for the people and unique businesses that shape the region. After achieving much success both personally and professionally in former careers with local and national publications, Whitney and Cheri decided to bring their shared interests together and create The Southern Coterie. Their dream was to cultivate a space in-person and online where like-minded individuals could connect and be inspired.
For Cheri, born with a knack for instantly connecting with people, The Southern C seemed like a natural progression. From novice beginnings’ writing a “cousin newsletter” to operating a successful online and print publishing business (Bulldawg Illustrated and guide2athens) with her husband, it’s Cheri’s enthusiasm and inspiration that has made the Southern Coterie and its live events – the Southern C Summits – a must visit for Southern entrepreneurs looking to make valuable connections.
After a successful career as a scout, stylist and contributing editor for some of the biggest names in print media like Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Southern Living and Better Homes & Gardens plus various special interest titles, Whitney took time off to focus on her favorite job – being a mom to four – but the scouting didn’t end there. Whitney draws on her years of curating unique places and people for the lifestyle magazine industry to create connections, find strategic partners and cultivate a talented team of writers and presenters.
Listeners will love getting to know two of our favorite women on today's episode!
50 min
April 18, 2023 146. Sophia Demirtas Founder of Fanm Mon Sharing Her Experience Working as a Social Worker Before Pivoting Into Fashion & Launching a Brand That Gives Back to Communities She Loves
Today's guest, Sophia Demirtas is the Founder of Fanm Mon. Fanm Mon was launched in 2013 as an ode to their Hatian Heritage and the magic and enchantment of Hatian Couture. Over the years, they've embraced the artisanal techniques of Ukraine, where they were once based, and Turkey, where they have now found a new home.
Today, a potpourri of delightful colors, unique motifs, fairytale silhouettes, and extraordinary craftsmanship have become hallmarks of their brand. Through their collections, they celebrate the bounty of nature and the beauty of the human spirit. Their home is where they can connect with their community in a meaningful way to nurture beauty from the inside out.
Fanm Mon comes to life through the dedication of a close-knit team from their local community. They cultivate a family spirit in the atelier, knowing that their team is invaluable! Listeners are going to LOVE hearing Sophia's story and getting to know her better in today's episode. https://shophsdt.com/collections/fanm-mon

51 min
April 11, 2023 145. Mel Bolin & Lina Dickinson: Founders of MERSEA Share Their Story And Purpose Behind One of Our Favorite Coastal Inspired Brands
Today's guests Melanie and Lina are the founders of MERSEA. MERSEA’s story began in 2013 with a singular passion in mind: Travel, and the nostalgic scents that come along with it. Fascinated by scent’s ability to transport the body and soul to places old and new, this led our founders to uncover the creations of artisans found in corners around the world. Now, MERSEA is no longer exclusively a destination for scents and self-care, but a curated collection of travel essentials crafted entirely for your journey—wherever you may go.
A California native, Lina spent her childhood summers in San Diego attending surf camp and soaking up the sun. After marrying her college sweetheart, she moved to Kansas City, got her MBA, and met Melanie at their children’s small school. She is a lover of the ocean and adventure, and when she’s not working or traveling for MERSEA, Lina enjoys playing cards with her four kids.
Born in Texas but destined for the West Coast, Melanie lived in Los Angeles for many years embracing the creativity, adventure, and ample opportunities in the brand marketing world. Melanie then moved to Kansas City alongside her husband and two children in 2004—subsequently meeting Lina. At MERSEA, Melanie manages all things creative.
We know listeners will love today's episode!
50 min
April 04, 2023 144. Sirena Singleton, Founder of Aneris Photography on Pivoting Later in Your Career, Pursuing Your Passions After Leaving a Successful Career, & Learning News Skills You Didn't Learn in School
Today's guest Sirena Singleton is the Founder of Aneris Photography. After a successful career in science, Sirena left her role in the lab to focus on helping brands gain clarity, developing a strategy, and crafting an authentic brand that attracts connections and converts through her photography. She loves capturing creative entrepreneurs and their processes and she is a firm believer that the magic is in the process and within that process is your brand story.
Sirena specialized in helping her clients become inspired so that they can transform their brand, and serve their communities well.
She loves exploring new locations, finding amazing light in clients’ homes or offices, and documenting moments that help immortalize your legacy. She loves capturing the REAL you! Every creative, couple and family is different and the goal is to capture memories that will last a lifetime. We know listeners will be encouraged by this conversation!
51 min
March 28, 2023 143. Lauren Robbins Owner of Lauren Robbins Interiors on How Your Business Can Propel You Forward, Finding Success Through Hardwork, & Commitment to Your Clients
Today's guest, Lauren Robbins is the owner of Lauren Robbins Interiors. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lauren worked for an event planning and catering company in New York City. There, food was art. Attention to detail and outside-the-box thinking regarding food display and event design allowed Lauren to rethink the way we use everyday items.

The modern tastes of New York combined with her love of antiques and other period pieces, allowed Lauren's transitional style to truly evolve. In 2009, she returned to the South to work with her mother-in-law, where they formed Robbins Interiors, LLC, a duo that brought beautiful decor to the beaches of North Carolina and other lovely homes throughout the Southeast. In 2018, Lauren went out on her own and established Lauren Robbins Interiors in Augusta, Georgia. She opened her own retail store at Summerville Studio in the Fall of 2021.
Lauren loves being able to use antiques and collected pieces to create looks that feel truly curated and one-of-a-kind. She builds relationships with her clients so she can truly understand their style and help them create a home that is uniquely theirs. When she isn't curating designs for her clients, she loves being with and traveling with her husband John, and their three children Grove, Henry, and Eloise. We can't wait for listeners to hear Lauren's story!
51 min
March 21, 2023 142. Alexa Von Tobel: Founder & Managing Partner at Inspired Capital on Raising Capital, What Makes a Successful Entrepenur, & Her Experience Selling Her Company at Such a Young Age
Today's guest, Alexa Von Tobel is the founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital - a VC fund she started with former Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.
Prior to Inspired Capital, Alexa founded LearnVest in 2008 with the goal of helping people make progress on their money. After raising nearly $75 million in venture capital, LearnVest was acquired by Northwestern Mutual in May 2015 in one of the biggest fintech acquisitions of the decade. Following the acquisition, von Tobel joined the management team of Northwestern Mutual as the company’s first-ever Chief Digital Officer. She later assumed the role of Chief Innovation Officer through which she oversaw Northwestern Mutual’s venture arm.
Alexa, who holds a Certified Financial Planner™ designation, is the New York Times-bestselling author of Financially Fearless and Financially Forward. She is also the host of The Founders Project with Alexa von Tobel, a weekly podcast with Inc. that highlights top entrepreneurs.
Alexa is a member of the 2016 Class of Henry Crown Fellows and an inaugural member of President Obama’s Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship. She has been honored with numerous recognitions including a Forbes Magazine cover story, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Fortune's Most Powerful Women, Inc. Magazine's 30 Under 30, and World Economic Forum's Young Global Leader.
We know listeners will love getting to know Alexa in today's episode!
49 min

About How'd She Do That?

From the publisher's feed

Have you ever looked at different women's lives and thought, 'How'd She Do That?' This encouraging and fun podcast answers that question in each episode while speaking to women who have created inspiring lives and careers.