Transition of Style

Learn about the journey of building a groundbreaking gender-free brand with Rob Smith, the visionary CEO behind The Phluid Project.

In this episode, Rob discusses the expansion of Phluid into a wide array of retail stores nationwide, the development of gender-affirming products, and his ambitious goals for the Phluid Foundation. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for marginalized communities, particularly trans women of color and homeless queer youth.

Rob's insights into leveraging a digital and physical presence to create a robust brand narrative are invaluable for anyone interested in social entrepreneurship.

Episode Highlights:

Tune in to gain insights into the power of community-focused branding and the impactful journey of The Phluid Project.

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NiK Kacy, the visionary behind NiK Kacy Footwear, is revolutionizing the queer fashion scene. Joining us on Transition of Style, NiK discusses their groundbreaking journey in the industry, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs as a queer entrepreneur. This episode delves into NiK's experiences from navigating microaggressions to pioneering LGBTQ-focused fashion initiatives like Equality Fashion Week in LA.

Episode Highlights:

Tune in to explore the inspiring world of queer fashion entrepreneurship, understanding the intersection of identity, advocacy, and business acumen.

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STEEZO, an Atlanta-based musician and stud trailblazer in queer fashion and a burgeoning entrepreneur, has rapidly grown a dedicated following online, captivating audiences with his bold fashion choices.

STEEZO joins Transition of Style to share his journey in the fashion world, intertwining his personal coming out story as a queer individual with his ascent in the fashion industry. As STEEZO recounts his experiences, he offers invaluable insights for queer professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion sector.

Episode Highlights:

Tune in to explore the vibrant world of queer fashion entrepreneurship, learning how to merge personal identity with professional ambition, all while maintaining mental well-being and authenticity.

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Join an in-depth conversation about a sustainable streetwear brand and its evolution into the home goods space – and what you can learn about shifting into new markets.

Nicole Zizi, founder of NICOLE ZÏZI STUDIO and NICOLE ZÏZI HOME – a proud Black queere entrepreneur of Haitian descent – graces Transition of Style in this discussion about sustainability and gender-neutral designs as a driving force in her brand's development.

In this episode, she shares her journey, the role of trends in timing market entry, and the significance of brand values in product expansion.

Episode Highlights:

Join us to explore how strategic brand evolution can lead to success in the dynamic world of fashion and lifestyle.

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Abby Luke has amassed 600,000 followers on TikTok over the past three years, and she's learned a lot in the process. Abby joins Transition of Style to discuss her journey on TikTok, her separate but overlapping coming out journey as a bisexual woman, and the challenges of content creation. As Abby shares her experiences and insights, several key points emerge that every digital content creator should take note of.

Episode Highlights:

Tune in to delve deep into the world of content creation, understanding the balance between staying relevant and ensuring mental well-being.

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Jay Jaxon was the first African-American haute couturier, having worked in the prestigious luxury houses of Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Jean-Louis Scherrer in the 1960s and 70s. Rachel Fenderson uncovered Jaxon's work while researching as a student in Parsons Paris' Fashion Studies program. She has since organized exhibitions at the Queens Public Library and Queens Historical Society about Jaxon's work.

In this episode of Transition of Style, we celebrate LGBT History Month in the United States by discussing Jay Jaxon. Let's get a sneak peek at what Jay Jaxon's life in Paris would have been like – not only as an American in Paris, but an African-American non-heterosexual man in Paris. Where was he during the 1973 Battle of Versailles Fashion Show, the iconic fashion spectacle that put American and French designers and models on the map? What would life have been like for a 20- or 30-something year-old non-straight man in Paris? Listen to the episode to find out.

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In this week’s episode, we have an insightful conversation with Finnegan Shepard, the founder of Both& Apparel, diving deep into the fashion challenges faced by underrepresented communities, particularly the transgender, gender-fluid, and gender-free audience. 

Shepard sheds light on the hardships of fundraising as an underrepresented founder, particularly in early-stage fundraising. We discuss the hurdles of the fundraising process, noting that while it can be hard for everyone, it’s especially challenging for marginalized groups and those in sectors like fashion. Shepard also opens up about the importance of community in his journey, underscoring that no founder truly goes it alone. 

✅ Key discussion points:

Your host, Rocio Sanchez, ends the episode with key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of robust market research, authentic storytelling, and clarity in brand communication. 

The episode serves as an eye-opener into the complexities of serving an underrepresented market and the value of truly understanding one's audience.

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In this episode of Transition of Style, host Rocio Sanchez sits down with the dynamic Teresa Morcho, founder of Stud Model Project. Dive deep into an initiative that's reshaping the modeling and fashion landscapes, championing representation for Black, masculine-presenting women and non-binary people. Unpack the nuanced layers of identity and explore how the Stud Model Project combats societal stereotypes while fostering a space for skill development, growth, and genuine self-expression. Whether it's challenging the inherent masculine perception of Blackness or broadening fashion aesthetics beyond just street style, this conversation is an enlightening journey into the heart of representation and inclusivity. Tune in for an insightful chat that celebrates diversity, empowerment, and the beauty of breaking molds.

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After a long hiatus since December 2020, Transition of Style is back with a renewed focus and a fresh voice. Former host Phil Corinne introduces the new host, Rocio Sanchez, an accomplished multilingual brand strategist and digital marketing expert. Rocio has a background in fashion and is particularly passionate about lifting queer entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color in the fashion industry. The two bond over shared experiences and discuss the evolving landscape of the fashion world.

Rocio gives listeners a sneak peek into the revamped direction of the podcast. It will feature diverse guests, ranging from TikTok influencers to CEOs of budding fashion brands. The conversations will blend personal experiences with business insights, offering both heartwarming stories and actionable steps for budding entrepreneurs.

Rocio shares their fascinating journey from their early days in fashion, their time at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the challenges they witnessed in the fashion industry. Drawing inspiration from shows like Pose on FX, Rocio emphasizes the enduring and influential presence of the queer community in fashion.

This episode serves as a bridge between the podcast's legacy and its new future, promising listeners engaging, insightful, and empowering content on the intersection of fashion, identity, and entrepreneurship in the queer community.

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In the revamped version of Transition of Style, Rocio Sanchez, a digital marketer specializing in queer business, takes over from Phil Corin to guide listeners on a journey into the business side of queer fashion. This podcast explores fashion, identity, and how queer leaders today are actively reshaping the fashion industry. 

From business leaders to models and influencers, Rocio will engage a variety of individuals who are at the forefront of inclusivity in fashion. This podcast is an essential listen for those interested in understanding the transformation of the fashion industry from the perspective of queer leaders. The discourse underscores the significant role that the LGBT community has played in setting fashion trends, moving from a footnote to the forefront of the industry.

Join Rocio Sanchez every Tuesday starting August 29th, 2023, for in-depth discussions about queer fashion, and its impact on the industry. Subscribe on your preferred platform and follow along for more marketing tips and case studies at Marketing by Rocio. Prepare to be a part of a movement that celebrates individuality and inclusivity in style.

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