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"

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Equiano Mosieri, Principal and Chief Storyteller and Artistic Director of Omnicolos and 10th Element, shares his journey from a childhood influenced by cartoons and music to becoming a storyteller inspired by literature legends like Richard Wright and James Baldwin. 

He also discusses the powerful influence of his Nigerian heritage and experiences, including resilience and overcoming bullying. Frances Van Mak speaks about her experiences of growing up in New York and the influence of diverse cultures on her vision.

Together, they elaborate on the legacy and social impact goals of their ventures, emphasizing empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of art and storytelling. This insightful conversation explores how their personal journeys and cultural backgrounds shape their work, aiming to inspire future generations. The episode underscores the power of storytelling and art as tools for connection and societal change.

00:00 Introductions 

00:31 Equiano's Journey into the Arts

02:25 Cultural Influences and Family Expectations

03:02 Discovering Storytelling and Theater

07:20 Impact of Nigerian Heritage

10:46 Global Experiences and Cultural Exposure

15:01 Building a Legacy Through Art and Storytelling

20:51 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

26:35 Vision for the Future and Legacy Work

31:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Stay Wellthy™.

Follow instagram.com/xethebrand and visit xethebrand.com to join the movement.

Directed and Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network

Intro & 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"

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss how 10th Element is revolutionizing fashion, wellness, and social impact. The team emphasizes the importance of fashion as a vehicle for meaningful change, focusing on slow fashion to combat waste and promote sustainability.

They highlight the role of culture in communicating health and wellness, the increasing demand for purpose-driven luxury from younger consumers, and how meaningful ROI includes societal benefits. The conversation also covers the diverse and high-level expertise of the 10th Element team, their innovative approaches, and their aspiration to build a legacy of positive social impact.

Looking ahead, the hosts express their commitment to partnerships, collaborations, and investments that align with their values, aiming to further their impact and share their vision of 'staying wealthy' through community wellness, social responsibility, and high-quality fashion.

 00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Podcast

00:26 Redefining Fashion and Social Impact

02:32 The Problem with Fast Fashion

03:26 The Rise of Conscious Consumerism

04:28 Slow Fashion and Sustainable Practices

06:52 Collaborating for Collective Impact

13:38 The Team Behind 10th Element

24:06 The Core Value: Stay Wellthy

26:34 Seeking Partnerships and Investors

31:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

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"

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss the inspiration, mission, and vision behind the 10th Element brand. They explore how the brand aims to integrate elements of hip hop culture and social impact to promote community wellness and empower individuals.  

The founders emphasize the importance of slow fashion, sustainability, and the use of fashion as a tool for social and mental health awareness. They also touch on the importance of authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the transformative power of storytelling in fashion. This insightful conversation underscores the brand's commitment to making a positive impact on society through intentional design and meaningful narratives.

00:00 Introduction to the 10th Element Stay Wellthy Podcast

00:26 The Concept of the 10th Element

02:27 Aspirations and Impact

03:12 Fashion as a Medium for Wellness

05:07 The Journey and Vision of 10th Element

08:40 The Unique Approach of 10th Element

21:14 Fashion for Social Impact

33:02 Commitment to Mental Wellness and Community

40:14 Concluding Thoughts and Lasting Message

Stay Wellthy™.

Follow www.instagram.com/xethebrand and visit www.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"