(Almost) Reckless

A conversation with Daniel Dooreck and Amy Smilovic. Daniel is the Founder and Head Potter at Danny D’s Mud Shop, an independent ceramics company based in Los Angeles, California. What originally began as a side-hobby out of Daniel’s garage in Echo Park has blossomed into a lively brick-and-mortar store/workshop in East Hollywood where Daniel and his small team craft and design every day. Each piece is a one-of-one created by hand without the use of machines or molds, taking influence from the American West, traditional tattooing, and quirky illustrations collected by Daniel overtime. Select pieces from the Mud Shop can be found across the globe in specially chosen retailers from Tokyo to Toronto. Throughout this episode, Amy and Daniel discuss the unique path that has led Daniel to where he is today, connecting the dots between previous jobs, dreams, and hobbies to formulate the greater picture that is Danniel’s thriving career at present. The episode was shot and produced live in Danny D’s Mud Shop in East Hollywood, CA.

Fran Camaj, founder of the Gjelina Group in Venice, California, shares his entrepreneurial journey with Amy Smilovic. He discusses the evolution of his brand, from the original Gjelina restaurant to multiple thriving locations, emphasizing his gut instincts and passion. Fran reveals the challenges of learning to manage a business without mentors and the resilience required after setbacks like a fire in NYC. He highlights the importance of community authenticity, the creative constraints faced while expanding, and the value of real estate in driving his ventures forward.

A conversation with Javier Peral and Amy Smilovic. Javier is a Music Director and Producer for a variety of creative industries spanning art, fashion, and design. Javier has been directing music for Tibi for over two decades, dating back to Tibi’s Spring 2004 Runway. Over the course of this time working together, Amy and Javier have struck a rapport only feasible through a relationship that spans 21+ years, one that allows for nearly frictionless communication through the medium of music, and an innate trust in each other’s vision and perspective. It is for this reason that Tibi has been able to successfully implement notable songs like Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses, She’s a Rainbow by The Rolling Stones, and If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot. The two discuss how your work can keep you young, the fear in explaining one’s job description to others who may not understand, and the influence of others’ perception of “giving up” on your dreams. The episode was shot and produced live at 666 Studios.

A conversation with Mara Hoffman and Amy Smilovic. Mara Hoffman is an Artist, and the Founder of Mara Hoffman, her independent, namesake label that she led as President and Creative Director for 24 years. As a prominent leader for sustainability in the luxury fashion industry, Mara decided to close her doors in the Spring of 2024, ultimately realizing that the best path forward in her environmental advocacy would be through a different lens. This episode is a journey through Mara’s career and a no-frills discussion, from Amy and Mara’s 50 years of combined experience, about the many foundational and deeply rooted issues that independent designers confront in pursuit of building a business based on principles and values that extend beyond just revenue and profit. This episode was shot and produced live at 666 Studios.

A conversation with Malcolm Mitchell and Amy Smilovic. Malcolm Mitchell is a best-selling author, poet, founder of Share the Magic Foundation, and Super Bowl champion. After retiring from the NFL in 2019 after two years due to an injury, Malcolm was confronted with a career shift earlier than expected and altered his focus to being a full-time author, writing children's books and championing the importance of youth literacy through his "Read with Malcolm" initiative. In 2016 Malcolm published his first book, The Magician's Hat, followed by My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, which was published in 2020. Malcolm and Amy's paths first crossed at the tail end of his career with New England Patriots, and the two have remained great friends since. The episode was shot and produced live at 666 Studios.

A conversation with Yasemin Demirci and Amy Smilovic. Yasemin is the founder and owner of The Store by Schneeweis, an independent, luxury boutique located in the heart of Vienna, Austria that has carried Tibi for just shy of 15 years. Since opening its doors in 2008, Schneeweis has come to represent the pinnacle of especially curated, luxury clothing and accessories in Vienna. The two founders compare and contrast their experience in the fashion industry and the differences within their specific niches, as well as the details behind the launch and creation of a new Viennese apartment in the Fall of 2025, in partnership with Yasemin and Schneeweiss. The episode was shot and produced live in Paris, France.

A conversation with Beth Hutchens and Amy Smilovic. Beth is the Founder & Creative Director of FoundRae, a collection of fine jewelry, more specifically intently crafted modern heirlooms for self-expression. Beth and Amy have known each other for more than two decades, as Beth’s origins in the fashion industry began when she co-founded Rebecca Taylor in 1996. The discussion touches on Beth and Amy’s shared experience founding luxury clothing brands in the late 1990s, coming up together in the industry, and Beth’s change of course in 2015 when she ventured into the world of jewelry – the ups and downs, first principles of success, and most prominently, the biggest risks and their respective outcomes. The episode was shot and produced live in at 666 Studios.

A conversation with Ken Wallin, Gabriel Smilovic, and Amy Smilovic. Ken is a Multidisciplinary Artist and Gallerist from St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. More importantly, Ken is Amy’s father and the grandfather of Gabriel, who joins the discussion as our third guest, and is the Manager of New Media Projects and Collaborations at Tibi. Born in Chesterton, Indiana, Ken grew up in the Midwest and was a practicing psychologist in the Chicago medical and educational systems before moving to St. Simon’s Island with his wife and two daughters. There he continued his psychology practice, while also embarking on an art career across a range of creative mediums, from sculpture to oil painting, with a focus on abstract impressionism. His work can be found in various fine art galleries around the country, as well as at the Wallin Gallery on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. The episode was shot and produced in Ken’s studio on St. Simon’s Island.

Ted Dennard, Founder and Head Beekeeper of Savannah Bee Company, shares his journey from a small-town childhood in St. Simons Island to revolutionizing honey branding. He passionately discusses the importance of authenticity in business, recounts his unique path of learning beekeeping through the Peace Corps, and reflects on failures as stepping stones to success. Ted emphasizes the value of teamwork and the significance of staying true to one’s story while navigating the complexities of growth without compromising integrity.

A conversation with Frances Shoemack and Amy Smilovic. Frances is the Founder & CEO of Abel, the world's first 100% natural luxury fragrance house. Abel was created by Frances in 2013 in Amsterdam, a time when many believed it wasn’t possible to create a luxury perfume using only natural ingredients. Today Abel is based in Wellington, New Zealand, with global distribution and worldwide acclaim. The riveting discussion provides deep insight into the perfume industry, dissecting the term "industry" itself, the origin story of Abel, Frances goals for the future of the perfume world, and the many correlations that exist between Amy and Frances, two female independent business founders. The episode was shot and produced live in the Tibi Atelier.