Angela Wang is an experienced product designer turned fashion entrepreneur who has a knack for finding creative solutions. When work and travel kept Angela constantly on the go, she decided that she would create a solution that would help her travel extremely light, even for extended stays. Armed with ingenuity, product design knowledge, and the will to solve her packing problem, Angela sewed her first mock-up for a foldable garment that could be clipped on to a backpack or even carried as a clutch. After multiple sketches, more mock-ups, and product testing, Origamei was born. In our interview, Angela tells about her process from concept to production. If you have a witty & profitable idea that you want to get off the ground or know someone who does; you need to hear Angela’s story.

Sincerely,

Dr. Melissa Manuel, Host of The Fashion Alumni Podcast

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Angela Wang

Website: https://origamei.com

IG: @theorigamei

IG: @angewange

On Fashion Alumni Episode 50, I’m talking with Salone Monet, a luxury shoe designer in New York City. This leading lady built her namesake brand “Salone Monet” from the ground up by learning how to create her own designs and cobble her own shoes.

Salone didn't start in shoe design; far from it. She earned her college degree in communications from American University in Washington, DC. Then she went on to work in PR for the federal government and trade associations; while also working in a high-end shoe boutique. Intrigued by the ingenuity of shoe design, Salone decided to study shoe making.

When I met Salone, I was thoroughly impressed by her desire to support women of color through her work and also her desire to honor ethical design by guaranteeing fair wages.

If you are wondering if it’s too late for you to shift career directions and begin again, the answer is emphatically, no! It’s never too late to follow your soul’s intuition and do the work that will fill you up and light up the world in the process. Salone is doing just that! Listen in as she shares how she made it happen. And if the shoe fits, you know what to do :-)

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Salone Monet

Website: salonemonet.com

IG: @salonemonet

IG: @onesalonemonet

I NEED YOU TO SUCCEED. The world needs you to succeed. We need your influence, your gifts, and your talents for our communities to survive and thrive. Today on the Fashion Alumni Podcast, Elliot Carlyle, author of The Influence Workbook uncovers many of the barriers to success. He also shares a blueprint he has developed through his own experiences that will position you to finally achieve the success you've been dreaming of. If you're ready to commit to doing the work it takes to move forward and you want to be held accountable, this episode is for just you!

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Elliot Carlyle

Website: TrajectifyYourLife.com

IG: @elliotcarlyle

IG: @elliotcarlylecreative

Are you trying to grow your creative business, but you're running into resistance?

In Episode 48 on The Fashion Alumni Podcast, listen in as I share my own experience with resistance and how I broke the cycle so that my podcast could continue to grow. If you are trying to launch or grow your own creative business, this will be a game changer!

Website: www.fashionalumni.com

IG: @drmelissamanuel

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

As entrepreneurs, there are times when it seems that everyone is winning, but you. That's a scary time, because you start to question your skills, your choices, and your future. The pressure of feeling behind can be daunting, and the hope of getting what you want in life & business can seem out of reach; but there is hope! In this episode, I share 4 strategies that will help you overcome that feeling of overwhelm and get you back on track.

You're not alone. I invite you join the Fashion Alumni community via our mailing list so that we can stay connected. I want you to receive the encouragement and the support that you need.

Website: www.fashionalumni.com

Also, please share this episode with other entrepreneurs who need support.

Today's solo-cast is all about building a loyal business team as an entrepreneur.

Every business that wants to scale and grow in its future needs a growth plan. And that plan must start with building a loyal team who can help to take on some of the responsibilities that cannot be done by just one person.

But, no need to fear, the perspective I'm sharing won't add more to your to-do list. It will actually help to lighten your load.

It's time to take action, press play to listen.

Please share with other entrepreneurs who need encouragement and support.

Join the Fashion Alumni Community at www.fashionalumni.com

In today's solo-cast, I'll be sharing several strategies for prioritizing your self-care as an entrepreneur.

SELF CARE is a divine responsibility. I used to put off resting, eating well, and exercise in the past because I was “too busy”. But, there came a time when my body chose rest for me. And the choice was no longer mine. I decided then that my health had to become first priority.

Listen as I share the strategies I used to get re-aligned. I believe these strategies will truly support you in your entrepreneurial journey.

In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing additional topics that will provide encouragement, support, and insight, for our creative colleagues. I'm here to support you; you're not alone.

I hope you'll stay tuned.

If you are a fashion entrepreneur and would like community support, be sure to join the Fashion Alumni Community at www.fashionalumni.com

In today's solo-cast, I'll be sharing foundational tips for building confidence as an entrepreneur.

Confidence is a key factor for making your business last, especially in the lean times. So, we'll start here.

In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing additional topics that will provide encouragement, support, and insight, for our creative colleagues. You're not alone.

I hope you'll stay tuned.

If you are a fashion entrepreneur and would like community support, be sure to join the Fashion Alumni Community at www.fashionalumni.com

Ontavia Roulette is an American Couturier whose personality is magnetic. That same magnetism exudes from each piece of couture wear she designs.

Armed with skill, grit, and a bit of whimsy, Ontavia set out years ago to turn her empty garage into a master design studio to launch her own fashion brand. And she did just that. But, she didn't start out in fashion; far from it. Ontavia was an opera singer trained by some of the greats and also worked for one of fastest growing company's in America.

But, even as her career blossomed, she was still being wooed by fashion's call. Wanna know how she made her career transition to fashion? Well, you'll just have to listen to our talk to find out. Get ready to learn some expert entrepreneurial tips on following your passion, finding your focus, building your team, and creating opportunities for your brand to get noticed. Press play!

Connect with Ontavia Roulette:

IG: @rouletteont

Website: www.ontaviaroulette.com

Connect with Fashion Alumni

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

Website: www.fashionalumni.com

And the Winner is....Anthony! Those were the words that changed this designer's life forever. Since winning Season 6 of LifeTime TV's Project Runway All Stars, announced April 5th, 2018, Anthony has been making moves to solidify the Anthony Elle Williams Brand. His work with Anne Fulenwider, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire magazine, is already underway and ohhhh so much more. If you want to hear Anthony's behind-the-scences experiences, press play! You'll be delighted.