Advertise on podcast: Spirit of 608: Fashion, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability + Tech

What happens when a Bay Area-born VC operator turns a solo consulting practice into a scaled firm and a thriving community for venture's back office? Kristen Ostro shares how she built Strut Consulting, why she rebranded Let's Talk Ops to VIA, and what she's learned about choosing clients, scaling thoughtfully, and creating leverage without losing quality. In this episode, Kristen breaks down: How she moved from NEA and emerging funds into consulting, and why the pandemic and a major life reset pushed her to scale. Why consulting can be a powerful path for VC operators who want more choice, more autonomy, and more breadth of experience. How she thinks about seeding a consulting business through referrals, alliances, and community. What changes when you scale from solo to team, including people management, systems, and the real costs of growth. The tech stack she uses to keep Strut running, from Front and Slack to Ramp, Airtable, Notion, and ChatGPT. How she stays grounded through mentorship, workouts, long walks, birds, travel, volleyball, and a life outside work. Plus, Kristen shares why the best consultants know how to build trust, stay visible, and make it easy for the right people to say yes. Kristen Ostro on LinkedIn  Mentioned in this episode: Strut Consulting  VIA  NEA  Homebrew  ChatGPT  Grammarly  Scale or Fail  Tanya Geisler

What happens when a former journalist, film sales agent, and startup operator becomes the platform partner helping shape a venture firm's visibility, messaging, and community presence? Stephanie Rich shares how she built a nonlinear career in venture by leaning into curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of connecting people, ideas, and resources. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Bread and Butter Ventures uses personal LinkedIn accounts, community presence, and a small-team mindset to prioritize quality over vanity metrics. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why clear ICP and core messaging matter more than ever in the age of AI, and how brand sprints can help teams get there faster. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The tools she uses day to day, including Ordinal for social approvals and Anything for building practical internal workflows with vibe coding. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How a designer made a full demo of what he could do with Brett's Brain, showed exactly how he'd contribute, and turned that creative pitch into a job. Plus, Stephanie shares the habits, reading, and creative experiments that help her stay energized, and explains why connecting the dots may be the most valuable platform skill of all. Get Out There in your inbox and connect with me on LinkedIn. Mentioned in this episode: Stephanie Rich on LinkedIn Anything Ordinal Bread and Butter Ventures Brett's Brain VC Platform Via Beck Bamberger Northwestern University  People Magazine Techstars Tanya Geisler  Fourth Wing

What happens when a higher ed PR professional becomes the sole marketer for a venture studio with 40 portfolio companies? Dan Landau shares how he landed at AI Fund through an unexpected connection in a Seth Godin marketing course, built a viral app in 30 minutes using Claude Code, and developed a framework for triaging work between human hands and AI assistance. In this episode, Dan breaks down: His three-tier system for deciding what to automate and what to keep hands-on How he uses Orbit for event matchmaking, OnePitch for finding reporters, and Opus Clip for video repurposing Why Claude has become "the rest of his team" as a team of one The BuildOn hackathon where developers created five functional apps in a single day His non-negotiable morning routine (movement + spiritual connection) and why being a curious generalist is the biggest career hack for VC platform roles Plus: Dan talks about his upcoming book featuring portraits of remarkable women drawn on maps, and why remembering that 90% of startups fail helps him maintain perspective. Find Dan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danlandau AI Fund: https://aifund.ai/team-member/dan-landau/

In today's episode of 'Spirit of 608' podcast host, Lorraine Sanders talks with guest Joie LaFrentz telling us what she has been up to and sharing the real deal behind how she has been building Jola.

Welcome! Come along with me on my journey into the metaverse and what's next. Kicking off the first season of the Making it in the Metaverse, here's How to Start Making it in the Metaverse without Spending Anything At All.  Consider this your toe-dip into the landscape from a journalist-turned-ethical-fashion-advocate who got crypto curious in '18 but didn't fall all the way down the rabbit hole until mid-2021.  Let me make your journey easier, more fun, less scary. Special bonus: Couples & Crypto.  None of this is financial advice y'all.  Just a girl with a complicated life in a complicated world aiming to make it on the path to what's next.  Connect with me here: Twitter: @lorrainesanders Instagram: @spiritof608 Web: lorrainesanders.com  Web: spiritof608.com

Welcome! Come along with me on my journey into the metaverse and what's next. Kicking off the first season of the Making it in the Metaverse, here are 6 Ways Regular Folks Can Start Making it in the Metaverse. Consider this your toe-dip into the landscape from a journalist-turned-ethical-fashion-advocate who got crypto curious in '18 but didn't fall all the way down the rabbit hole until mid-2021.  Let me make your journey easier, more fun, less scary. Special bonus: Couples & Crypto.  None of this is financial advice y'all.  Just a girl with a complicated life in a complicated world aiming to make it on the path to what's next.  Connect with me here: Twitter: @lorrainesanders Instagram: @spiritof608 Web: lorrainesanders.com  Web: spiritof608.com

Welcome! Come along with me on my journey into the metaverse and what's next. Kicking off the first season of the Making it in the Metaverse, here are 5 Things I Want You to Know About Crypto Culture.  Consider this your toe-dip into the landscape from a journalist-turned-ethical-fashion-advocate who got crypto curious in '18 but didn't fall all the way down the rabbit hole until mid-2021.  Let me make your journey easier, more fun, less scary. None of this is financial advice y'all.  Just a girl with a complicated life in a complicated world aiming to make it on the path to what's next.  Connect with me here: Twitter: @lorrainesanders Instagram: @spiritof608 Web: lorrainesanders.com  Web: spiritof608.com

Oh hey we have a brand new series coming out this spring (and beyond). A head's up on what's happening is waiting for you in today's episode. More to come so soon. The TLDR: come with me on my journey into web3, blockchain, crypto and all things metaverse-y. There's so much happening. Let's figure it out together.   Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app.   Linkage: Instagram: @spiritof608 Twitter: @lorrainesanders and @spiritof608 Website: www.spiritof608.com   Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.

Mentioned in the show: Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code SPIRIT at checkout. Ethical Fashion Insiders' Response and Proposed Amendments New York State Senate Bill S.7428 Why A Beloved Ethical Fashion Startup Closed Up Shop To Embrace An Entirely Different Future in FEST with Helpsy's Rachel Kibbe The Mavericks Repairing & Revamping Patagonia, Prana & Other Ethical Apparel Brands with Nicole Bassett of The Renewal Workshop Fashion Advocates Believe 'Fashion Act' Lacks Key Elements

In this episode of the Spirit of 608 podcast, we dive into web3 and why ethical fashion should be paying attention to the possibilities in this rapidly unfolding space. If you've wondered how web3 technology and everything under that umbrella (cryptocurrency, blockchain technology and the Metaverse for a start) could be relevant, useful and game-changing for fashion brand and entrepreneurs seeking to create positive change in the space. You'll hear how web3 is not to be ignored — and how you can get started in this new reality. Mentioned in the show: Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code SPIRIT at checkout. Making it in the Metaverse podcast — COMING SOON Near Foundation Near Marketing DAO The Sandbox Game Decentraland NFTs For Newbies Podcast OpenSea Rarible

Our lives are not lived in linear paths. The zigs and the zags are often what allows the most magical, unexpected and impactful moments to bubble up and become a reality. Such is the case with this week's guest, Danielle Salinas, co-founder of popular sustainable fashion brand Maison de Papillon and, most recently, New York-based retail store and — as you'll hear — a whole lot more: Project Gaia. Starting out in advertising and moving on to build a thriving dental practice with her then-husband, Danielle eventually followed her instincts toward her true calling and landed at Parson's School of Design. That's where she met co-founder Shriya Mistra. The two launched Maison de Papillon in 2013 and have become known for elevated, luxurious basics that fit in just as well during a day of meetings as they might lazing around with an afternoon tea. During the pandemic, Project Gaia became the co-founders' somewhat unlikely bet on the power of retail during an unprecedented time. More than just a store, the Manhattan space is evolving into an incubator and accelerator for the next generation of sustainable and ethical brands. Listen in for Danielle's story, get inspired by how she lives her life and runs her businesses on her own terms and learn why taking the unexpected route to open a retail space at a time when so many businesses were closing was ultimately the right move. Learn more below: Meet Danielle: Danielle Salinas is the Co-Founder and Co-Designer of Maison de Papillon, a luxury ready-to-wear clothing brand for women. Maison de Papillon's collection of elevated essentials is designed for the modern woman who desires chicness without sacrificing ease and versatility. Raised in South Texas, Danielle's career path was certainly unconventional. Her strong entrepreneurial spirit motivated her from a young, single mother of humble beginnings and served as the catalyst for her first career step into the world of advertising. As she launched herself into this industry, she found her passion for business in working with entrepreneurs. Soon, she gained the confidence that allowed her to build a successful dental practice with her then-husband. As a woman on-the-go who craves simplicity and ease, Danielle noticed a void in the loungewear, ready-to-wear segment of the fashion industry. Ambitiously, she applied to Parson School of Design where Danielle met her now business partner Shriya Misra. Sharing a passion for luxury and versatility, these two women created Maison De Papillon. Today, you can find Maison de Papillon in over 200 of the best hotels and luxury boutiques in the world. You can learn more about Danielle and her company at www.maisondepapillon.com. Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code spirit20 at checkout. Want More Visibility? Get Access to Our Free DIY PR Masterclass for Ethical Fashion Brands Now Linkage — Connect with Maison de Papillon Instagram: @maisondepapillon Facebook: @MaisonDePapillon Website: www.maisondepapillon.com Looking for a job in FEST? Get access to the new Spirit of 608 jobs page Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.

Ethical and sustainable fashion has become a conversation with global reach and proportions with entrepreneurs around the world building businesses seeking to create positive social impact through carefully-made clothing. One such founder is this week's guest, Shahd AlShehail, whose Abadia clothing brand delivers sweeping, feminine silhouettes inspired by the traditional artisan craftsmanship of the Saudi Arabian peninsula and made in partnership with female makers across Saudi and the UAE. Listen to her story for her journey from the business world to social and environmental justice and how those two areas ultimately led her to fashion. More below: Meet Shahd: Shahd AlShehail is an award-winning social entrepreneur focusing on areas of sustainability, women's economic development, and cultural preservation. After completing her MBA at Johns Hopkins University in 2012, she went on to secure a fellowship with Acumen which exposed her to the power of entrepreneurship in addressing social and environmental issues. In 2013, Shahd co-founded Project JUST, a fashion-tech start-up focused on creating transparency and accountability in fashion supply chains. Continuing on with this theme, Shahd co-founded Abadia, an ethical luxury brand dedicated to preserving the craftsmanship of her region through timeless contemporary products. Abadia works with female artisans across Saudi and the UAE to celebrate their heritage and provide them with a sustainable source of income. You can learn more about Shahd and her company at www.abadia.me. Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code spirit20 at checkout. Want More Visibility? Get Access to Our Free DIY PR Masterclass for Ethical Fashion Brands Now Linkage — Connect with Shahd and Abadia Instagram: @abadiaofficial | @shahdalshehail Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahdalshehail/ Website: www.abadia.me Looking for a job in FEST? Get access to the new Spirit of 608 jobs page Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.

Need inspiration for your evolution as an entrepreneur? Well that's coming to your ears in this week's episode, which features a conversation with Arkansas-based designer and maker Alyssa Bird. Well-known in the indie design scene that's bubbled up online in recent years, Alyssa has garnered fans with her brightly-colored, upbeat accessories and jewelry — not to mention her fun, authentic personality that comes through in her regular Instagram videos and social media. When you're entrenched in one business, it can be easy to stay there even when you foresee challenges to growth and scale. Earlier this year, facing some of those challenges, Alyssa made the bold move to launch a new business that carries her commitment to upcycling and making forward in a form that has the potential to reach many more people through ingeniously cute wall art kits that pair deadstock fabric with wood cut frames anyone at any age can use to craft their own eco-friendly art. Listen in for her story and how she's building a new company that continues her path in a whole new way. More below:   Meet Alyssa: Pictokits founder Alyssa Bird spent 3 years in the Los Angeles fashion industry and saw a desperate need to reduce the waste from clothing production. Her innovation, mission for upcycling, and love for learning reached a turning point when she developed a new mixed-media art concept by merging the rescued textiles with laser cut wood. Picto Kits is an elevated hands-on experience of art and education that requires no previous training and delivers a playful adventure inspiring individuals of any age. You can learn more about Alyssa and her company at www.pictokits.com.   Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code spirit20 at checkout. Want More Visibility? Get Access to Our Free DIY PR Masterclass for Ethical Fashion Brands Now Pictokits is offering 25% off on individual kits to the Spirit of 608 podcast listeners! Use code SPIRIT25 for 25% off your first purchase. Linkage — Connect with Pictokits Facebook: @PictoKits Instagram: @pictokits Website: www.pictokits.com Looking for a job in FEST? Get access to the new Spirit of 608 jobs page Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.

Curious how to use community and events to generate buzz and reach new audiences for your sustainable fashion brand? On this week's show, I am excited to bring you Costa Rica and L.A.-based designer Diana Ganem for a conversation that's one-part story and one-part live media strategy coaching. Like many professional designers who've worked in the fashion industry for years, Diana left the corporate world to launch Nightswim, a company that aligns with her values and devotion to sustainable and ethical practices. Now that she's established her brand and built a foundation for her breezy leisurewear, this sustainable fashion designer is ready to take her business to the next level. Already successful with using events and community to grow, she's wondering how to balance time and budget to better connect to members of the media so she can reach new audiences. Listen in for her story and what I advise her to do with her brand right now in order to build stronger relationships with the media that will last. More below:   Meet Diana: Diana Ganem's early life saw her moving from Mexico, to the American Southwest, and ultimately to Los Angeles, where, discovering her life's passion, she attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). After over a decade in various roles in the fashion industry, she decided to become her own boss, and began work on developing a socially responsible fashion brand that aligned with her values in sustainability and ethical practice. Now based in both Los Angeles and Costa Rica, Nightswim, launched in 2018, is a conscious leisurewear brand rooted in respecting the planet and its people. The brand strives to empower consumers in making wiser shopping decisions, while at the same time providing high quality pieces that make women feel confident and comfortable. You can learn more about Diana and her company at www.nightswimbrand.com. Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Want More Visibility? Get Access to Our Free DIY PR Masterclass for Ethical Fashion Brands Now Nightswim is offering a $25 gift card to the Spirit of 608 podcast listeners! Use code INSPIRIT for $25 off your first purchase. Linkage — Connect with Nightswim Facebook: @nightswimbrand Instagram: @nightswimbrand Website: www.nightswimbrand.com Looking for a job in FEST? Get access to the new Spirit of 608 jobs page Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.

If there's one thing I truly believe about getting visible through DIY PR and earned media (i.e. media you didn't have to pay for, a.k.a. advertising), it's this: there's no one-size-fits-all solution. There just isn't. Yes, there are a ton of best practices and standard strategies, and they are great, but there are always questions that come up about people's individual businesses. That's, in fact, exactly why I created the PressDope DIY PR course program and set it up the way it is. The goal is to give entrepreneurs the training and materials they need to do their own media outreach, but also get an opportunity for individual feedback and guidance when they need it. On today's episode, we're diving into a question from one PressDope DIY PR Course program member, an ethical designer who is wondering how to use a new partnership as part of her marketing — but doing it in an authentic way that feels right for her and her brand. Listen in for my tips and advice on leveraging a non-profit partnership in your ethical fashion business's marketing. Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game.  HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Be on the Podcast: Ask Spirit of 608 a Question One for One Program | One Tree Planted Spirit of 608 Specials: Try personal faves Madison Reed and NakedWines Find ethical and sustainable fashion jobs Spirit of 608 DIY PR Masterclass Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com. This post may contain affiliate links that will send a small commission to the Spirit of 608 for recommending products and services we love and use.