Today we released part two of our interview with Fashion entrepreneur, Aidan Meany. He’s the founder and CEO of Found Surface, a Cleveland-based factory specializing in apparel and soft goods.  Aidan leads the company’s innovation in digital knitting—blending technology with traditional craftsmanship to create high quality and sustainable goods. 

Before Found Surface, Aidan launched Impossible, an experimental art store and project space that became a creative catalyst in Cleveland’s art and design community. 

Aidan is becoming a major player in the field of fashion manufacturing, so join us for this motivational and informative interview!

Today we released part one of our interview with Fashion entrepreneur, Aidan Meany. He’s the founder and CEO of Found Surface, a Cleveland-based factory specializing in apparel and soft goods.  Aidan leads the company’s innovation in digital knitting—blending technology with traditional craftsmanship to create high quality and sustainable goods. 

Before Found Surface, Aidan launched Impossible, an experimental art store and project space that became a creative catalyst in Cleveland’s art and design community. 

Aidan is becoming a major player in the field of fashion manufacturing, so join us for this motivational and informative interview!

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Valentina Caprini.  She’s a jewelry designer, artist and teacher based in Florence, Italy.  She comes from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, and studied at the Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence.  

Valentina founded Linfa Studio Gallery in 2019 and has given lectures on jewelry-making around the world. Her designs incorporate the ancient filigree technique of weaving metal threads, into what she describes as “wearable art.”  

If you are looking for inspiration in building your arts studio, you won't want to miss Valentina's interview! ​​​

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Valentina Caprini.  She’s a jewelry designer, artist and teacher based in Florence, Italy.  She comes from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, and studied at the Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence.  

Valentina founded Linfa Studio Gallery in 2019 and has given lectures on jewelry-making around the world. Her designs incorporate the ancient filigree technique of weaving metal threads, into what she describes as “wearable art.”  

If you are looking for inspiration in building your arts studio, you won't want to miss Valentina's interview! ​​

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with fashion entrepreneur Aimon Ali. Her rich background includes being a fashion runway show producer, stylist and creative director. After moving from Toronto, where she worked in the Canadian fashion industry, she moved to Cleveland where she launched Fashion Talks, a boutique fashion services and events agency with a footprint in Cleveland, NYC and Toronto. ​

Today we released part one of our interview with fashion entrepreneur Aimon Ali. Her rich background includes being a fashion runway show producer, stylist and creative director. After moving from Toronto, where she worked in the Canadian fashion industry, she moved to Cleveland where she launched Fashion Talks, a boutique fashion services and events agency with a footprint in Cleveland, NYC and Toronto. ​

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with New York-based fashion designer Gita Omri. She's an Israeli-American fashion designer who focuses on inclusive fashion design for women. Her intensive design process is made doubly rigorous given the range of sizes for which she creates. Gita fits every garment in several measures before the pattern is finally graded for production. Her brand's mission is to reintroduce fashion as a tool to enhance one's confidence and self-esteem—so we hope you'll tune in to hear how Gita uses her creativity and passion to help empower women to "present themselves  to the world in their true form with pride, acceptance, and authenticity.

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with New York-based fashion designer Gita Omri. She's an Israeli-American fashion designer who focuses on inclusive fashion design for women. Her intensive design process is made doubly rigorous given the range of sizes for which she creates. Gita fits every garment in several measures before the pattern is finally graded for production. Her brand's mission is to reintroduce fashion as a tool to enhance one's confidence and self-esteem—so we hope you'll tune in to hear how Gita uses her creativity and passion to help empower women to "present themselves  to the world in their true form with pride, acceptance, and authenticity.x

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Tracy Vollbrecht. She’s the founder of Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting, an adaptive fashion consultancy rooted in universal design principles. With work featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, Oprah Daily and Cosmopolitan, Tracy is a recognized adaptive and universal design consultant. Her first experience with inclusive, functional fashion came when she unknowingly put universal design principles into action to help her dad manage his Multiple Sclerosis. Prior to starting her company, she held designer positions at companies such as JuniperUNLTD’S Yarrow and ULEX,  and Macy’s. Tracy is an ardent proponent of fashion for all, so you won't want to miss her thought-provoking interview.

 As the fashion world wakes up to the diverse needs of all its consumers, Tracy takes us through the exciting opportunities blossoming for entrepreneurs in this space. Her insights reveal the critical importance of consumer education in bridging the gap between available adaptive options and those who need them most. Understanding the complexities of catering to various needs, she underscores the significance of collaboration with the disabled community in creating truly inclusive clothing. From discussing the exciting potential of getting adaptive fashion into brick-and-mortar stores to the personal stories driving change, this episode is a beacon for anyone passionate about inclusive design.

Join us as we uncover the heart of what makes adaptive fashion not just necessary but revolutionary. Tracy shares a sneak peek into her upcoming course that promises to fill the educational void and propel forward-thinking creators into the spotlight. She fires up our imaginations with tales of how questions can fuel both artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, all while highlighting the beauty of inclusivity in fashion. By the end of our conversation, you'll feel the pulse of an industry on the cusp of greatness and be inspired by Tracy's dedication to fashion that truly fits everyone. Subscribe and stay tuned to see how the world of fashion is being reshaped for the better, one stitch at a time.

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Today we released part one of our interview with Tracy Vollbrecht. She’s the founder of Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting, an adaptive fashion consultancy rooted in universal design principles. With work featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, Oprah Daily and Cosmopolitan, Tracy is a recognized adaptive and universal design consultant. Her first experience with inclusive, functional fashion came when she unknowingly put universal design principles into action to help her dad manage his Multiple Sclerosis. Prior to starting her company, she held designer positions at companies such as JuniperUNLTD’S Yarrow and ULEX,  and Macy’s. Tracy is an ardent proponent of fashion for all, so you won't want to miss her thought-provoking interview.

​Ever wondered how a simple piece of clothing can become a game-changer for someone with unique physical needs? Prepare to be enlightened as Tracy Volbrecht, the innovative mind behind Volbrecht Adaptive Consulting, takes us on a journey through the transformative world of adaptive and universal fashion design. From her academic roots to shaping the industry's inclusive future, Tracy's story is a testament to how passion can drive progress. Our conversation delves into how the fashion landscape is shifting, with startups and major brands alike rethinking design for the diversity of human bodies and abilities. 

Tracy gives us an insider's look at the evolution taking place behind the scenes as well as on the store shelves. We explore how Tracy's expertise helps brands seamlessly integrate adaptive features, the rise of marketplaces dedicated to these innovative products, and the profound personal stories fueling this movement. By examining how existing products can be adapted for wider use, we uncover the symbiotic relationship between universal design and targeted adaptive solutions, and how this approach can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Life doesn't fit neatly into compartments, and neither should our passions. Tracy embodies this belief, sharing how her love for outdoor adventures enriches her professional endeavors, offering fresh perspectives on adaptive design. Our discussion also spotlights the importance of ongoing education, as Tracy details her venture into creating online courses to equip future designers with knowledge crucial for fostering inclusivity. Wrapping up, we're reminded that inclusivity is a journey we're all part of – one that requires our collective effort to make small, meaningful changes towards a world where everyone feels included. Join us for an inspiring dialogue that stitches together innovation, empathy, and the drive to make a difference.

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