Listen to how Lisa Pongrass has created THE ultimate luxury handcrafted leather bags and created her own business platform in these new retail times.  Listen to how the brand is creating a new wave of selling both retailers and consumers.

Accessories Authority

Lisa Pongrass found the American dream with Canvas &Hyde

We got to speak with Bella Neyman and JB Jones the originators of NYC Jewelry Week! We talk about how they were inspired to create an event like Jewelry week. Funny stories of how they met with Jewelry Icons to kick it off and where they see year 3 going amidst this Corona virus environment now.  We recorded it via video call so bear with some small glitches, but we love talking to entrepreneurial spirits like these two wonderful ladies!

We talk to NYC Jewelry week creators JB and Bella!

We got to go to Brittany Merrill Underwood's house in Dallas Texas and learn how Akola started (under a tree in Uganda) and how she and her team are changing lives of Women and their families. Moving to Uganda after graduating college, she realized this was where she was meant to make a difference in the world. One of our favorite recordings.

The Akola Project is more than beautiful, it changes lives

Stanley Korshak is an American luxury goods specialty department store in Dallas, Texas.   In this disruptive retail world, listen to Melissa Geiser and Cindy Pierce's secret sauce to continue to thrive in this market. Stanley Korshak is the largest independent department store in the United States, it is located in the Uptown neighborhood in The Crescent retail complex.

Listen to how Stanley Korshak keeps thriving in these unique retail times

Listen to how The Queen of Raw - Stephanie Benedetto is saving our planet by reusing rags.  Sustainability is key.

Stephanie Benedetto turns pollution into profits for companies

Holly and I were in Dallas talking to Amir at Grand Time and it was fantastic. From his family's watch roots starting in India, to being around the business from a small child. We talk marketing, the life cycle of a watch and the challenges and lessons with creating a genuine brand like JBW and Breda watches.  

We had an excellent time with Grand Time

We jump right in and start talking with Taylor Turner, the young entrepreneur and owner of made in america, Hazen and Co.  Incredible background of how she got started, what's critical to social media involvement, and why made in the US is so important. Oh, we also learn Holly doesn't know what Cheese Straws are.

We jump right into learning about Hazen and Co.

We talk to Rachel and Elizabeth Mandelbaum about their family company Gold and Honey!  How they started out, what it's like working with family day in and day out and "animated voices" at work.   They tell us about social media ups and downs as well as their struggles with finding good influencers in the jewelry market.  

Family, Sisters, and Gold and Honey

We had a great conversation with Ron Thurston from Intermix. He's spot on with where the industry is today as well as what is needed to draw that customer.  When to hold them and when to fold them, sometimes you have to let go of customers who only look for discounts and have no loyalty. We discuss it all! Oh and Echo the cat makes her first appearance in our 20th episode!

Ron Thurston from Intermix talks retail with us

We talked to the lovely and amazing Melissa Joy Manning. She talks about her start, inspiration, and how having a 3yr old really keeps her grounded.  She shares how to take a no as an opportunity when starting out and how she manages to keep her Ethos always at the forefront of her designs.

Mindful and Ethical artisan jewelry with Melissa Joy Manning

Taking time from Phantom's new Columbia Watch License agreement, Jeff Wells tells us about the benefits and challenges of Licensing. From Nike, to Adidas, to Callaway and now Columbia Sportswear. Phantom shares who a good license partner is and who to specifically avoid. He also talks the start of the Michael Kors watch craze.

Licensing can be a "Royal" opportunity with Phantom Brand and Jeff Wells

We take a walk down brand and fashion lane with Marc Beckman. Marc the founder of DMA United, an advertising agency that represents brands and individuals. Holly and Marc reminisce about college, early in the industry and the state of Brand and Celebrity engagement. This was a fun episode to record.

We talk to Marc Beckman about the fashion eco-system in DMA United

We go to the Hari Mari headquarters in Dallas Texas to talk to Jeremy Stewart. From patents to paying off college kids for their thoughts, Jeremy takes us way back to the start.  By far one of our most favorite casts. Plus he gave us free beer, so... bonus.

Politics, cold beer, and Hari Mari Flip Flops

Most fun so far recording Gary Coleman and his WD Lab Grown Diamonds story. We talk the direction of Lab grown, the processes involved, and the impact of Lab grown diamonds in sustainability. We also show how much Sam doesn't know about lab grown diamonds. 

We create beauty with Gary Coleman and WD Lab Grown Diamonds

We jumped right in and talked to Jessica Richards, the Design director for Hudson's Bay Company over Handbags, Footwear, Accessories, Women's and Men's owned brands. You've got to hear her background, the importance of sustainability, her private label perspectives and how she met and worked with her mentor an industry icon.  Plus we talk margin and American versus Canadian buying styles.

Jessica Richards Design Director at Hudson's Bay Company

Content and insight into the accessories world. From Shoes to watches, Jewelry to bags and everything that impacts them in the market. Comprised of interviews and discussions with the most influential leaders and owners in the industry. We talk trends, news, and topics important to know. Retail is changing, download our podcast and stay ahead.

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Accessories Authority

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