Episodes
In this episode, we're talking with Jen Schmitz, an artist agent with REDEYE, an agency known for supporting voice-driven, art-focused work, blending commercial projects with the freedom for artists to pursue personal creative visions.Jen shares how her diverse career path—from political science to administration—has shaped her approach as an agent and how every experience can lead to realizing your passion. Based in California, Jen is dedicated to connecting artists with opportunities that a...
Published 10/31/24
Say hello to Tori Spadaro Weintraub, a photographer, creative director, and producer for photoshoots and music video shoots! Tori's passion lies in crafting content that sparks wonder and captures authentic emotion. Her dynamic approach allows her to create visually compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences. After initially pursuing a career in nursing, Tori found her true calling in creative direction and visual storytelling. Tune in to learn about her journey, her creative...
Published 10/24/24
Today Shelly is chatting with Hollie Fraser, an award-winning multidisciplinary Creative Director with over 15 years of experience developing compelling concepts, repositioning brands, and garnering media attention for clients. Known for her ability to craft modern, talkable ideas that earn attention in today's media landscape, Hollie's work has been recognized by prestigious awards including Cannes Lions, Clio Image Awards, The Webbys, and BIMAs.As the founder of We Are Shelance, a global ne...
Published 10/17/24
Today we're talking with Iri Greco, a photographer and video producer whose journey into photography began after spending over a decade working as a chef and food stylist. From her time in restaurant kitchens and bartending to styling for TV shows like Martha Stewart and Food Network, Iri brings a deep understanding of food and the people who create it.Now the co-owner of BrakeThrough Media, a photo agency specializing in active lifestyle, sports, and food culture, Iri’s work is a uniqu...
Published 10/10/24
In this episode, we’re joined by Helynn Ospina, a photographer, artist, and storyteller. Born in Colombia and raised in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, Helynn’s journey has been shaped by the search for identity. Her path has been anything but conventional, from serving in the U.S. Marines to working in scientific research, all while her passion for photography quietly grew. Helynn’s work reflects her deep curiosity and connection to both the seen and unseen. Her unique perspective has...
Published 10/03/24
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Sandy Grigsby! Sandy started as a commercial model for major brands like T-Mobile, Apple, and Cadillac, and later transitioned into designing celebrity websites with top photographers in LA. Despite her success, Sandy faced her own struggles with self-image, but everything changed when she embraced photography.She discovered a talent for capturing stunning portraits of people who hated being in front of the camera, helping them see the beauty and co...
Published 09/26/24
In this episode, Lauren is chatting with Katie Marble, a California native and lifelong creative with over 15 years of experience in both agency and freelance work. Katie’s passion for storytelling, style, and attention to detail brings a fresh perspective to everything she shoots.Her journey in photography began when her uncle invited her to sit behind the scenes of a TV show set, where the magic of collaboration inspired her career. Today, Katie has developed a passion for creating vibrant,...
Published 09/20/24
In this episode, we're joined by Allie LeFevere, the Creative Director and Co-founder of Obedient, a humor-driven branding agency that transforms businesses into unforgettable, bold brands. Allie, alongside her best friend and business partner Lyndsay Sanders, uses humor and creativity to craft product launches and campaigns that grab attention and stand out in the marketplace. With over a decade of experience, Allie knows that humor is the key to capturing consumer attention.You can go to Ob...
Published 09/12/24
Lisa Sylvester is the co-owner of Interrobang Design Collaborative, an award-winning and internationally published strategic brand development and graphic design studio based in Vermont. Known for her calm, steady approach and positive attitude, she helps guide clients through complex projects with ease. Lisa’s individualized and thoughtful process creates brand strategies and design solutions that solve problems, achieve goals, and make a meaningful impact. Fueled by a deep love for design, ...
Published 09/05/24
In this episode, we’re joined by Erika Bierman, whose story begins in a small Hungarian town, where she developed a deep connection to nature and sustainable living. Growing up, she spent her days biking through fields, learning the art of winemaking, and nurturing a love for simplicity. Although she initially pursued economics, Erika’s passion for fashion led her to start a modeling career at just 14, taking her from Hungary to the fashion capitals of New York and Los Angeles. A chance meeti...
Published 08/29/24
In this episode, we’re joined by Brehan Todd, a creative force with over two decades of experience in the fashion industry. Brehan's unique perspective has shaped her career as a designer, stylist, art director, and creative producer, allowing her to lead creative teams and drive the art direction and styling of content creation. Known for her bubbly personality, humble attitude, and commitment to sustainable fashion, Brehan approaches every project with the same level of care, whether she’s ...
Published 08/22/24
You might remember Neysa's amazing story from back in Season 19. Neysa is a multi-skilled life coach, entrepreneur, author, and podcast host dedicated to helping others show up authentically and boldly. As a co-owner of Ginger and Carrot Productions, an LA-based production agency, Neysa uses her creative talents to inspire, uplift, and encourage people to color outside the lines through documentaries, brand videos, and more. Today, we're diving into the business side of Neysa's career! Specif...
Published 08/15/24
Join us in this episode as we chat with Shaina Fishman, an accomplished photographer with a passion for capturing the essence of animals. Shaina's journey began with her family pets and has taken her around the world, photographing wild lions in Kenya, street dogs in Peru, and stray cats in Jerusalem. With a background in commercial photography from Syracuse University and a decade of experience working with renowned fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, Shaina brings a unique blend of fashio...
Published 08/08/24
Today we're talking to Christy Day, a talented designer and stylist with a foundation rooted in furniture and photography. Since 2006, Christy has developed a distinct design vision that's modern and clean, with a touch of traditional class. Drawing inspiration from her travels and experiences, she utilizes crisp lines and eye-catching simplicity to create visually stunning spaces.Christy's work combines utilitarian elements, rustic styling, pops of classic color, and varying textures, result...
Published 08/01/24
Today we're celebrating 200 episodes of the podcast by talking to Focus on Women's co-founder, Traci Terrick! In 2009, Traci founded Poppy Creative, an innovative, inclusive creative agency representing visionary photographers, insightful stylists, and bold creatives. With over 20 years of experience in design, art direction, production, business development, and artist representation, Traci has significantly impacted the creative services industry.Join us for a lively conversation filled wit...
Published 07/25/24
Today Lauren is chatting with Jenna Yandle, a talented photographer and aspiring art director based in Marin County, California. Jenna discovered her passion for visual arts in high school. She recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in commercial photography and a minor in fashion merchandising. Jenna is an artist who believes in creating images, not just taking them. Her work in analog, alternative processes, and digital photography is driven by a passion f...
Published 07/18/24
Join us as we chat with Chiara Gianelli, a Dublin-based content creator, food photographer & stylist, and social media marketer. Originally from Italy, Chiara has a deep-rooted passion for food. She transformed her love for culinary storytelling into a thriving business, creating standout narratives and mouth-watering visuals for food, beverage, and wellness brands.Chiara shares her transition from scientific research to content creation, and how she combines her analytical skills with cr...
Published 07/11/24
Los Angeles-based Emily Burnette is a luxury personal and wardrobe stylist with an intuitive ability to dress clients for any occasion. Emily got her start in NYC, working with Neiman Marcus Group, Barneys New York, The RealReal, and Diane von Furstenberg, gaining extensive experience in luxury fashion and high-level client service.Her talents don't stop at personal styling! In the commercial space, Emily has a knack for choosing pieces that bring products to life. Emily's hard work and aspir...
Published 07/04/24
Today we're talking to Andrea Martins, an extremely talented storyteller with over 20 years of experience. Andrea believes entertainment is a powerful tool for brands and individuals to share their stories. Known for her talent, strong communication skills, charisma, and empathy, she excels in building connections and blending storytelling with brand objectives.In this episode, we're also talking about Andrea's new project, "If This Is Not Love," a docuseries that explores the various types o...
Published 06/27/24
Today we're talking to Asha Holmes about her career in visual merchandising. Asha has a knack for creating eye-catching displays and elevating store presentations, having worked for Ann Taylor, Francesca’s, and Club Monaco. She later joined Wayfair as a home decor stylist, where she dreamed up and shot amazing whole-room lifestyle images, product vignettes, and conceptual product shots for their photo studio, both for print and online.Now, Asha is a freelance stylist specializing in interiors...
Published 06/20/24
Emily Jahr is a globally experienced photographer and creative partner known for her ambitious work style and creative mind. Despite being so early in her career, Emily is incredibly experienced and intelligent with a lifetime of potential ahead of her. Combining photography and creative direction, she crafts cinematic and powerful images that tell compelling stories. Emily has collaborated with notable clients such as Liza Gershman, National Geographic photographer Suzi Eszterhas, Bath Box, ...
Published 06/13/24
Today we're talking to Hayley Fisk, a versatile photographer and videographer specializing in product, beauty, and food & beverage in Los Angeles. After earning her BFA in photography in Illinois, she moved to LA to pursue her passion. Hayley bridges fine art and commercial photography, creating captivating images that boost audience engagement. Hayley is passionate about focusing on and promoting diversity and inclusivity in every piece of art she creates.You can learn more about H...
Published 06/06/24
Today we're talking to Neysa, a multi-skilled life coach and entrepreneur dedicated to helping others show up authentically and boldly. As a co-owner of Ginger and Carrot Productions, an LA-based production agency, she encourages creatives to color outside the lines. Neysa is also an accomplished author and podcast host, passionate about storytelling and elevating people through her creative gifts.Describing herself as a creative spirit and deeply intuitive, Neysa thrives on using her talents...
Published 05/30/24
Meet Colette Peri, a creative entrepreneur dedicated to weaving magic into advertisements, marketing strategies, and everyday life. On a mission to empower others, Colette aims to unlock your creativity, awaken your imagination, and encourage you to take risks in pursuing what you love. Balancing a dynamic career of creating videos for brands and teaching creatives how to infuse their work with magic, Colette also finds joy in making homemade matcha in Stinson Beach and hiking through the red...
Published 05/23/24