

Business of HYPE
HYPEBEAST
Business of HYPE is a limited interview series hosted by Creative Director and Founder of Awake NY, Angelo Baque. The conversations dive into the successful careers of well-known creatives, brand-builders and entrepreneurs from various corners of streetwear culture. We learn about the realities behind the dreams they’ve built with encouraging words of advice peppered along the way.
As always, thank you for tuning into Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe.
As always, thank you for tuning into Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 19, 2020 • 25min
Stay @ Home With John C Jay
Today's "Stay @ Home" series is with John C Jay, (previously S5 E1 & E2) former Executive Creative Director at Wieden+Kennedy and current President of Global Creative at Fast Retailing and Uniqlo. Calling in from Portland, Oregon, he updates us on how his work environment has changed, what big changes that a major company like Uniqlo is doing to support the current crisis and maintain its business and the importance of having this time to reset.
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Revisit John C Jay's past episodes:
Part 1: https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/John-C-Jay---Part-1-e427a2/a-a1l7n0n
Part 2: https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/John-C-Jay---Part-2-e44qeo/a-a1l7n0n
https://www.instagram.com/john_c_jay/?hl=en

Apr 17, 2020 • 1h 7min
Stay @ Home With Roy Choi and Nick Morgenstern
Today's "Stay @ Home" series offers a deeper look into the food industry. Roy Choi (previously S4, E2) is a restaurateur and chef, known for his various restaurants, but in particular his famed Kogi Truck that disrupted the former fine-dining-based food industry. Nick Morgenstern (previously S7, E9) is an experienced chef who is also the Founder of one of NY's most iconic dessert shop, Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream.
First on call with Roy, he gives us an honest look inside how his business has been affected, from closing restaurants to using Kogi Truck in as a means to provide food and support neighborhoods that have been hit with the current pandemic. Jeff then calls Nick, who gives us a detailed look inside the food industry in NYC and how despite the chaos, he remains hopeful.
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Roy Choi: https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/Roy-Choi-e37hdo/a-a1l7n0n
https://www.instagram.com/chefroychoi/
https://kogibbq.com/
Nick Morgenstern: https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/Nick-Morgenstern-of-Morgensterns-Finest-Ice-Cream-eb3vhs/a-a1l7n0n
https://www.morgensternsnyc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nicholasmorgenstern/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/morgensternsnyc/?hl=en

Apr 16, 2020 • 53min
Stay @ Home with Christina Paik and Liz Beecroft
On today's "Stay @ Home" series we have artist Christina Paik (previously S6, E7) and psychotherapist Liz Beecroft (previously S6, E6). Both calling in from NYC, they update us on how their daily lives have changed being in the epicenter.
Christina briefs us on restarting her past time passion of ice-skating prior to the pandemic and what methods she's been using to stay motivated. As a therapist, Liz updates us having to adjust to Telehealth appointments and the need to find empathy during this time.
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Christina Paik:
https://christinapaik.com/
https://www.instagram.com/christinapaik/?hl=en
Liz Beecroft:
https://www.lizbcroft.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lizbcroft/?hl=en

Apr 15, 2020 • 1h 3min
Stay @ Home With Jessica Washick and Melody Ehsani
Today's "Stay @ Home" guests are two creatives currently killing it in the streetwear landscape. Jessica Washick (previously S7, E7) is a nail artist and Nike's Senior Color Designer and Melody Ehsani (previously S1, E6) is a designer of her own popular namesake label. They both have had an impenetrable footprint, having designed some of your favorite Nike collaborations and color ways.
Calling from Portland, Oregon, Jessica stresses the importance of maintaining your mental health and advises us on ways to cope (such as meditation). After, jeff calls Melody who updates us on her situation from having to delay her future Jordan Brand projects to the importance of self-reflection during this time.
Help support those in need of PPE (personal protective equipment) in hospitals here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/zvks9-protect-those-who-protect-us
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Jessica Washick:
https://www.instagram.com/jessicawashick/?hl=en
https://hypebeast.com/2020/2/jessica-washick-interview-business-of-hype-episode-66
Melody Ehsani:
https://www.instagram.com/melodyehsani/?hl=en
https://hypebeast.com/2018/3/the-business-of-hype-with-jeffstaple-episode-6-melody-ehsani

Apr 14, 2020 • 56min
Stay @ Home With Ben Baller
Today's Stay @ Home guest needs no introduction. Ben Baller (previously S2, E5) is a celebrity jeweler and frequenter on the Business of HYPE. On today's episode, he updates us on how he's been coping during COVID-19. Calling in from California, the entrepreneur spares no detail. He's been prepped for the world-wide pandemic since the beginning of the year as stated in his popular podcast Behind the Baller Podcast with Ben Baller and gives us insider knowledge on his end.
He details what celebrity projects he was working before the pandemic hit, how he's maintaining his business, his own life lessons, words of advice and so much more.
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Ben Baller's IG: https://www.instagram.com/benballer/?hl=en
Ben Baller's Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/benballerpod/
Ben Baller's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-baller-podcast-with-ben-baller/id1475680946?mt=2&app=podcasts&ign-itsct=pod_baller_behindtheballer&ign-itscg=80085

Apr 13, 2020 • 43min
Stay @ Home With Jerry Lorenzo & Nicole McLaughlin
You guys asked, and we answered. As COVID-19 is gripping the world right now, Jeff interviewed former guests of the show to see how they are staying home and staying afloat through the pandemic. During the next couple weeks, we'll be dropping new episodes starting with today's guests Jerry Lorenzo and Nicole McLaughlin.
Jerry Lorenzo is the Founder of Fear of God (previously on S4, E1) and Nicole McLaughlin (previously on S5, E3) is a conceptual designer. Jeff phones in with first with Jerry and then with Nicole to discuss how the two world-class creative have been remaining productive, how their businesses have changed, what hard truths they've learned and much more.
Thank you so much for tuning into our special Stay @ Home Series. We hope you guys stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and find ways to still stay inspired during this time. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other show.
Jerry Lorenzo:
https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/Jerry-Lorenzo-e35sgp/a-a1l7n0n
https://hypebeast.com/2019/2/jerry-lorenzo-fear-of-god-nike-interview-business-of-hype-with-jeffstaple-episode-31
Nicole McLaughlin:
https://anchor.fm/businessofhype/episodes/Nicole-McLaughlin-e470bb/a-a1l7n0n
https://hypebeast.com/2019/6/nicole-mclaughlin-reebok-instagram-interview-business-of-hype-jeffstaple-episode-43

Mar 8, 2020 • 1h 19min
Joshua Vides
On the season 7 finale, we sit down with artist, Joshua Vides. Today he is a well-known figure who's monochromatic stencil work can be seen on sneakers, purses, installations, chapels and more. The California native originally started in streetwear where he worked at The Hundreds doing everything from driving the van to West Coast sales representative. While there, he began his own brand CLSC. The brand gained quite the momentum, gaining over couple million in sales, selling at Zumiez and having various investors. Despite the momentum, Josh eventually left in April 2017 in pursuit of other endeavors and over time found himself experimenting with artwork on social media.
Years later it would come into fruition as Joshua Vides, the former streetwear owner to, Joshua Vides, the well-known artist. His artwork blurs the line of dimension and challenges viewers to view everyday objects differently. He's collaborated with the MLB, the NBA, T-Mobile, Converse, Fendi, Herschel and more. Despite his rampant success, Josh remains humble, having worked in numerous jobs prior and knowing the ephemeral nature of the industry. Breaking down his career he also discusses his future endeavors from galleries and collabs to opening his coffee store, Matte Black Coffee.
Thank you so much for tuning into the season 7 finale of Business of HYPE. As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other shows The Anthropology, The HYPE Report and HYPETALKS.
For more info: https://hypebeast.com/2020/3/joshua-vides-interview-business-of-hype-jeffstaple-episode-69-clsc-stencil-art
Joshua Vides' Website: https://reality-to-idea.com/
Joshua Vides IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshuavides/ & https://www.instagram.com/realitytoidea/
Matte Black Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/matteblackcoffee/

Mar 1, 2020 • 1h 29min
Nick Morgenstern of Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream
Nick Morgenstern is the founder of Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream, one of New York's most popular ice cream parlors. Founded in 2014, Morgenstern's boasts of the most unique array of 88 home-made flavors from pistachio strawberry pesto and mango chili to french fry and tahini. The parlor also specializes in ice cream sandwiches, cakes, pies and sundaes that also serve at the bar during special hours.
Prior to his ice cream days, Nick was a restaurateur and a chef for various Michelin star restaurants. He has an extensive resume of working in the realm of fine-dining, having gained culinary experience all throughout Europe. He's worked at famed restaurants such as Daniel and Gramercy Tavern and also worked with esteemed chef Paul Liebrandt. When it comes to work ethic, Nick is well aware of the rigorous dedication the culinary world requires.
In this episode, he breaks down his impressive career and tells us how he opened his two locations within Manhattan. Today Morgenstern's is the go-to ice cream place for locals and visitors across America. Nick reminds us that aside from his success it's not about making money, but more so about making the best ice cream in America.
As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other shows The Anthropology, The HYPE Report and HYPETALKS.
For more info: https://hypebeast.com/2020/3/nick-morgenstern-interview-business-of-hype-jeffstaple-episode-68-morgensterns-ice-cream
Morgenstern's Website: https://www.morgensternsnyc.com/
Morgenstern's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgensternsnyc/?hl=en
Nick Morgenstern's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholasmorgenstern/?hl=en

Feb 23, 2020 • 1h 32min
Dre Hayes of The Foundation
Dre Hayes is the Co-Founder of The Foundation, a full service agency that owns, licenses and distributes various fashion brands, home goods, lifestyle and tech accessory brands. Founded in 2007 alongside Co-Founders, Antwain Freeman, Ari Langsdorf and Daniel Yadgard, The Foundation has repped brands from Creative Recreation and Super Sunglasses to current brands like Billionaire Boys Club, Kappa, Marshall Headphones, Polaroid and more.
The Virginia Beach native breaks down his successful career from being the youngest sales representative at RP55 Group to eventually starting his own company based in New York and Los Angeles. Having gained experience from working with predominantly older, white sales men, Dre that this experience taught him the craftsmanship of sales which would become his base for everything else in his career.
In this episode, he discusses why the keys to running a successful company, why doesn't like being the coolest guy in the room, the current state of e-commerce and so much more.
As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other shows The Anthropology, The HYPE Report and HYPETALKS.
For more info:
Dre Hayes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dre_hayes/?hl=en
The Foundation Website: http://thefndtn.com/
The Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fndtn/?hl=en

Feb 16, 2020 • 1h 22min
Jessica Washick of Nike
Jessica Washick is a Senior Color Designer at Nike focusing on primarily on Air Force 1's for Men's Footwear. When she's not creating your favorite Nike AF1's (think interchangeable swooshes or double stacked eyestays) by day, she's a professional nail artist by night. Her instagram page gives us a glimpse into her thought process where jelly nails coincide with the AF1's jelly swoosh or her iridescent manicure cross over with the iridescent details on a sneaker. Both careers require meticulous attention to detail, and for Jessica, they draw inspiration from each other.
The Parsons graduate boasts of an impressive resume where she's utilized her fashion design degree at Fossil, Rocawear, Marc Jacobs, Coach and more. During her seven year career at Coach, she began using nail art as a form of therapy from a bad break up and thus began her successful side hustle. Her website, U Don't Need a Man, U Need a Manicure was a hit success and she began taking freelance projects alongside her day job. Through a number of trial and error in her career, she breaks down how she landed her coveted role at Nike and balances her two careers today.
Beyond her work, she stresses the importance of self-reflection and being able to "ask ourselves the hard questions", the value of finding a job that nourishes creativity and the often necessity to start over and take risks.
As always, thank you for tuning into HYPEBEAST Radio and Business of HYPE. Please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe to our other shows MIC/LINE, The Anthropology, The HYPE Report and HYPETALKS.
For more info: https://hypebeast.com/2020/2/jessica-washick-interview-business-of-hype-episode-66
Jessica Washick's Website: https://uneedamanicure.tumblr.com/
Jessica Washick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawashick/?hl=en