Liberty Sessions With Nada Jones | Celebrating Women Who Do & Inspiring Women Who Can |

This episode was originally released on March 10, 2021.Kimberly Lewis is the owner and buyer of Emerson Grace, a women’s elevated-casual contemporary boutique in Nashville, Tennessee. Kimberly oversees the creative and fashion direction for the store alongside a team of stellar managers and stylists who go beyond selling to build relationships to encourage women to discover and realize their own personal style.  Amy Williams is the CEO of Citizens of Humanity, a premium denim company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. In her role, Williams oversees all aspects of the business for the company’s family of brands including Citizens women’s and men’s divisions, as well as women’s denim labels AGOLDE and GOLDSIGN.In this episode, Nada sits down with Kimberly and Amy to reflect on their experiences as a retailer and fashion manufacturer navigating a year like no other. Listen as they share the lessons they’ve learned, how business as usual will never return and why that’s a good thing, and the ways they shif

This episode was originally released on March 17, 2021.When good friends and busy, working moms Karey Burke, Dawn Olmstead and Jenn Worley couldn’t find a great facial that they could afford on a regular basis, they decided to build it.The powerhouse trio envisioned a place where men, women & teens could get spa-grade facials without all the fuss sans dark rooms and Peruvian flute music. Their goal was to create a fun, fresh, modern destination with an upbeat and uplifting vibe. Together with celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer, and a team of superstar estheticians the Face Haus was launched in Los Angeles in 2013, and the brand hasn’t stopped growing—or glowing—since.Join our conversation with CCO, Jenn Worley, for a look at how she built a disruptive service brand, took on investors to expand into multiple locations, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity with employees and customers alike.Follow Jenn at @jenn_worley  and Face Haus @facehaus on Instagram. Be sure to check out Face Haus services a

This episode was originally released on November 10, 2021.Christy Desai is the Co-Founder and CEO of Okay Humans. After unsuccessfully trying to outrun the stress of life, Christy finally looked for a therapist in hopes of catching her breath. What started as “3-5 sessions” turned into years of deep inner work. Her own experience turned into a personal mission to help other people feel better, stronger, and more alive. Christy returned to school to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology as well as become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Okay Humans is a completely fresh approach to face-to-face talk therapy dedicated to modernizing and destigmatizing the entire experience around therapy.In this episode, Nada sits down with Christy to discuss why she used a retail model to rethink how we offer talk therapy services. Christy’s passion for making Okay Humans accessible permeates through every customer touchpoint, from finding a therapist to membership to the MentaliTEA bar. Christy resourced her franc

This episode was originally released on November 3, 2021.Dimitra Davidson is the President & COO of Indeed Labs. She is a champion of great skin for real people. As the driving force behind this global independent brand, Dimitra has built a reputation on asking tough questions about ingredients, formulations, industry trends and product usage so that everyone can get to real results faster. Since the brand's launch in 2011, Indeed Labs has been a pioneer of scientific, no-nonsense skincare. In this episode, Nada sits down with Dimitra to discuss how she was able to scale Indeed Labs from kiosks to global distribution. She leaned into customer focus groups and identified where Indeed Labs could create targeted solutions.This fourth episode in our retail season focuses specifically on consumer feedback. Dimitra consistently reiterates, “Asking questions, listening to consumers and creating accessible solutions are essential to scaling your business.”This conversation will give you plenty of ideas--from enga

This episode was originally released on October 20, 2021.In 2003, Chelsea Shukov and Jamie Grobecker came together with a common goal: to develop a collection of fine stationery for a new generation. Sugar Paper would have the quality of the fine paper goods they saw on their mother’s desks, but with an aesthetic and feel that was made for the modern girl. Armed with an antique letterpress, they brought their vision to life in a stationery collection centered on quality, love and dedication to the craft.Nearly twenty years later, that quality, love and dedication are still seen in every Sugar Paper product they design and make in their Los Angeles studio.In this episode, Nada sits down with Chelsea and Jamie to discuss how they have navigated growing their retail brand into an Omnichannel business and lifestyle brand to include multiple retail locations, a wholesale division, a  licensing partnership with Target, and selling DtC.This is the second episode in our season focused on retail, but if you want the b

This episode was originally released on September 18, 2019.When good friends and busy, working moms Karey Burke, Dawn Olmstead and Jenn Worley couldn’t find a great facial that they could afford on a regular basis, they decided to build it.The powerhouse trio envisioned a place where men, women & teens could get spa-grade facials without all the fuss sans dark rooms and Peruvian flute music. Their goal was to create a fun, fresh, modern destination with an upbeat and uplifting vibe. Together with celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer, and a team of superstar estheticians the Face Haus was launched in Los Angeles in 2013, and the brand hasn’t stopped growing—or glowing—since.Join our conversation with CCO, Jenn Worley, for a look at how she built a disruptive service brand, took on investors to expand into multiple locations, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity with employees and customers alike.Follow Jenn at @jenn_worley  and Face Haus @facehaus on Instagram. Be sure to check out Face Haus servic

This episode was originally released on May 26, 2021.Alli Webb is the Co-Founder of Drybar and Squeeze and an N.Y. Times Bestselling Author. After spending 15 years as a professional hairstylist, Webb left the hair industry in 2005 to start a family. Alli was a stay-at-home mom for 5 years before deciding it was time to pursue the creative side of hairstyling at a new mom-pace. She began offering affordable in-home blowout services to her mommy friends, which quickly expanded into a mobile operation. 10 years later and over 150+ locations across the U.S., Webb’s Drybar has exploded into a nationally recognized and highly sought-after brand.In this episode, Nada sits down with Alli to discuss her recently launched jewelry company Becket + Quill. This is her first experience with a direct-to-consumer business and first venture without her Drybar team involved. At the age of 46, she advises it is never too late to start a business and if there is something you don’t feel confident doing, find people that have th

Garance Doré is the founder of the skincare line Doré, which launched in May 2022. Born in Corsica, Garance grew up dipping in and out of the sea and running wild through nature. She established her career, and creative spirit, in Paris before moving to New York to become internationally recognized for her illustrations, street-style photographs, and writing.Garance has returned to her French roots and has merged her love of simplicity and nature with a desire to deliver clean, gentle, and effective Made-in-France skin care for everyone. This newest iteration of Doré was born because Garance believes, "life isn’t meant to be spent in front of a mirror." In this episode, Nada sits with Garance to discuss her journey from fashion influencer and blogger to skincare company founder and writer. Garance holds nothing back and opens up about her struggle with anxiety and depression. From sharing her news on social media to her refusal to be defined by the experience, she is candid and accessible at every turn. Garan

Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, author, speaker, and full-time working mother of two. She is a Stanford University-trained private-practice pediatrician. Dr. Whitney, as she refers to herself, holds a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a Mama Mindset Thought Leader and the author of The New Baby Blueprint: Caring for You and Your Little One (American Academy of Pediatrics, March 2020) and The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting without Losing Yourself (American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2021). Her work focuses on helping working moms prevent and banish overwhelm and burnout. Dr. Whitney hosts the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast and is the Founder and CEO of the Modern Mamas Club App. In this episode, Nada sits down with Dr. Whitney to discuss the reality of juggling your work, passions, and family life. She shares her

Lori Runnfeldt opened her boutique, True Love Always, in 2022. She spent years gathering a collection of her favorite things from all over the world, and now they are available for discerning shoppers to enjoy at her Montecito boutique. There is something for everyone in this curated collection of accessories and treasures for your home, wardrobe, and jewelry box. TLA's little-of-this and a little-of-that merchandise mix makes every nook and cranny a place to discover. At the heart of the brand is  Lori's philosophy, built on finding objects that burrow their way into our everyday narrative and grow to hold value beyond any thread count, design motif, or fashion trend. Loving it and sharing it is what this start-up does best. In this episode, Nada sits down with Lori to discuss heading into life as an empty nester and looking for her next move. Runnfeldt shares the soup-to-nuts experience of launching a retail shop. From the backroom and the first wholesale account to finding people to fill in the gaps and le

Kristina Synder is a former photography agent, photo editor, photographer, and travel writer. She has meandered through creative communities in New York City since arriving from her native Sweden in the late 80s. During the day, she worked as an editor and researcher at magazines like Newsweek, Time, and People, and in the evenings, she was “the girl who schlepped music equipment from CBGB’s at three in the morning” after her husband's gigs.  Today, Kristina is the founder and CEO of SNYDER, one of the most well-respected artist representation agencies, with offices in the US and the UK. Kristina has used her experience to build and develop illustrators, animators, and visual artists. Many of the artists SNYDER represents are award-winning creators and industry leaders. Kristina herself has taken home multiple awards for Creative Direction.  Kristina is in the very beginning stages of writing a book on creativity and risk-taking. She believes that creativity is a mindset that can benefit both business and lif

Amy Swift Crosby is a brand strategist and copywriter. She has positioned or voiced messaging across the commercial spectrum, from iconic brands like Mandarin Oriental, PepsiCo, Guess Brands, Limited Brands, Pottery Barn, and BVLGARI to boutique brands like B&H Photo and Video, Sur La Table, The Wild Unknown, The Class by Taryn Toomey, ErgoBaby, Barre3 and legendary metaphysical bookstore, Bodhi Tree. Outside of these industries, she has created strategic plans and messaging campaigns for hospitals, real estate campus projects, universities, the U. S. Government, and the State of California. Amy has also been active in the entrepreneurial space as a founder of SMARTY, a community for women-owned business leaders, and BDY SQD, a group of health and wellness studios in Boston and New York City. She now consults with brands, founders, and CEOs using brand strategy to drive growth and build relevance within a channel or industry.In this episode, Nada sits with Amy to discuss the decision to close BDY SQD’s do

BURU was founded in 2013 by Morgan Hutchinson after she realized that there was a fashion void for new moms. Today she designs and produces responsibly-made bespoke pieces from her downtown LA micro-factory. Morgan began her career in Manhattan and managed to build a successful lingerie company called Passport Panties before moving to Beijing with her now husband, Brett. Just weeks after moving back to the US from China, Morgan became a mother and struggled to find clothing that would withstand the demands of new motherhood. While she didn't want to sacrifice style, she needed pieces that were comfortable, washable and functional. Her BURU designs transcend generations, seasons, and phases of motherhood. In this episode, Nada sits down with Morgan to discuss how she launched her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. She shares how she, along with her business partner and husband, has chosen the slower route of building their brand and how that benefits their long-term goals of owning the entire manu

Korinna Howie is the digital creator behind the Instagram account @isthistooyoungforme. There she shares her love of sustainable fashion, cruelty-free beauty, and stuff that makes her, and consequently us, happy. When a family issue required Korinna’s time and attention, she put her career on hold. Desperate for a creative outlet, she decided to try her hand at social media. Her interest in fashion and beauty and her relaxed and casual approach turned her into everyone's BFF. Her account has become more than a “what clothes to wear and which potions to apply” platform. ITTYFM has become a community of kind and like-minded women looking for connection as much as advice.In this episode, Nada sits down with Korinna to discuss her unintended role as an influencer. She gets honest about the money she has made, the types of brands she works with, and the 3 hours a day spent answering DMs. With a focus on being more than a curated account on “the Gram”, she shares the one question she always asks herself before post

Together Segal was founded in 2019 by twin sisters Amy and Melissa Segal. The two launched their independent clothing label for petite women who live consciously and choose thoughtfully.  As petite women, the sisters felt a gap in the market for sustainable and timeless wardrobe essentials for women under 5’4. The Segal sister’s simple mission is to create intentional designs for petite women and offer timeless, minimal, and versatile wardrobe essentials made to last.  In this episode, Nada sits down with Amy and Mellisa to discuss how their business backgrounds equipped them to create their clothing label and how they divide and conquer some tasks while sharing others. The co-founders share how they had to educate themselves about the industry, surround themselves with experts, and ultimately take a leap of faith. The two trade stories about the importance of community; whether their community of petite women or fellow female entrepreneurs, they are passionate about building and leaning into a circle of like

After 15 years as co-founder of the cult cosmetic brand Three Custom Color Specialists, Trae Bodge felt like she hit a wall. She decided it was time to branch out. Her search for a corporate spot in her industry yielded nothing so she turned her attention to writing freelance. Discovering her love for sharing budget friendly living ideas landed her a job at RetailMeNot, eventually becoming their spokesperson. A layoff prompted another search for what was next, she took matters into her own hands and launched her career as a smart-shopping expert.    Today Trae is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator specializing in smart-shopping, personal finance, and retail for over a decade. She has appeared on TV over 1,000 times; including Today Show, GMA3, NBC Nightly News, Inside Edition, and network affiliates nationwide. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, on podcasts and IG Lives, addressing such topics as media relations, entrepreneurship, and how to navigate the media landscape as an on-ai

Heidi Zumbrun is a life-long fine art and commercial photographer living in Los Angeles. With roots seated deeply in the surf and motorcycle worlds, her lens provides a unique and daring firsthand photographic diary of Los Angeles’ beach and street cultures. Her editorial perspective is fueled by a love of fashion, good waves, two wheels and the lifestyle that goes along with it.Heidi received a BFA from UC Santa Barbara and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her photographs are included in the permanent collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Berkeley Museum, Denver Museum, and the Ulrich Museum.  She is a recipient of the Phelan Award, Alexander Gerbode Foundation Award, and the Artadia Fund for Art & Dialogue. Heidi’s always seeking the unusual to create the beautiful.In this episode, Nada sits down with Heidi to discuss the wild ride that her photography career has taken her on. From her start in a fine art gallery to learning to develop film in a tent as a white water rafting

Faith Blakeney is a designer, stylist, and mother. As a child, she spent countless hours in her Berkeley, California home redecorating her room, dressing up, and dancing in the mirror. She studied architecture at UC Berkeley, designed costumes for the local theater, and immersed herself in all things old and beautiful at the local auction house where she worked. After fifteen years of studying and working in France, Italy, and New York, Faith launched her design studio in 2010. Today, she brings passion, purpose, and play to her clients, whether dressing them for the red carpet or designing their dream spaces in LA, NY, and beyond. In this episode, Nada sits down with Faith to retrace her incredible journey from living in Italy to understanding firsthand what Dolce Vida means. Her dream of taking a leap into interior design was confirmed one day when she earned her first client while chatting up a guest at a wedding reception. The two laugh and tear up as Faith conveys her passion for creating spaces for othe

Corrie Sullivan is an artist and the founder of Corrie in Color. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Aaron, and three daughters, Sienna, Scarlett, and Indigo (yes, all color names). The two initially left Ireland to spend a year exploring LA and are still here 12 years later. Corrie has always been creating. Her childhood love of texture and art led her to a degree in Textile Design and Art History from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. Corrie is fascinated by the powerful way in which art influences and moves people. She loves soaking up inspiration from creative cities, museums, fashion, and food. And if you ever have the pleasure of running into Corrie she is sure to be wearing one of her quintessential bright outfits. In this episode, Nada sits down with Corrie to discuss how her pursuit of creating spaces of joy led her into the art installation world. Whether for private events, corporate events, short-term installations, or permanent installations, Corrie has become the go-to des

Roz Kaur is a Sacramento-based stylist, as well as a diversity and pro-age activist. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 30 years, teaching women how to develop and maintain their authentic personal style.In this episode, Nada sits down with Roz to discuss her journey as a stylist and influencer. Roz’s fearless approach to dressing has garnered a loyal Instagram following and earned her a top spot amongst pro-age advocates. Her secret sauce, she does it all "for the fun of it." Ms. Kaur shares that the only thing she is trying to sell is confidence. Her passion for empowering women is infectious. And listen until the end–you won’t want to miss the three simple and accessible style tips Roz shares to amp up your wardrobe!Follow Roz on Instagram: @roz_creativestylist.Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram--that's where we hang out the most. And please rate and review us —it helps to know if this podcast is inspiring and equipping you to launch and grow your ventures. Hosted on Acast. Se