Second Life

Ron Robinson, a seasoned cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat, shares his journey from Clinique to crafting Hailey Bieber's skincare line, Rhode. He delves into the complexities of skincare innovation, emphasizing the science behind his popular vitamin C serum. Robinson debunks myths, revealing that not all trending ingredients are effective, while stressing the role social media plays in shaping consumer choices. He also discusses the challenges of product reformulation and the significance of consumer feedback in developing new products.

Alyssa Wasko Stein, the founder of the womenswear brand Donni, transitioned from a Chanel intern to a designer inspired by personal loss. She creatively channeled her grief into making scarves, which blossomed into a full clothing line as she realized her desire for stylish, comfortable pieces. From her humble beginnings to rebranding in Los Angeles, Alyssa discusses the lessons learned in maintaining artistic integrity and the importance of community support. Her journey emphasizes resilience in the face of challenges and the delightful surprises of pursuing a passion.

Join beauty editors Jamie Schneider, Kaitlyn McLintock, and Maya Thomas as they delve into their top picks from the Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards. They discuss standout products across haircare, skincare, and makeup after months of rigorous testing. Discover the benefits of innovative items like the Vegamore Grow Serum and Ula Henriksen moisturizers. Tune in to hear their insights on must-have beauty tools, transformative routines, and the evolving world of fragrances, ensuring you stay ahead in your beauty game!

Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe and body-acceptance advocate, returns to share her insightful journey. She discusses the evolution of Megababe and the unique challenges of bootstrapping a beauty brand. Sturino opens up about her foray into fiction writing with her debut novel, Sunny Side Up, exploring themes of self-acceptance and emotional storytelling. She also reveals her experiences working with a ghostwriter and the balancing act of career transitions while fostering community engagement. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth and creativity!

Ann Foley, a talented costume designer, has crafted detailed wardrobes for iconic shows like The Last of Us and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In this engaging conversation, she dives into the journey of creating character-driven styles in a post-apocalyptic world. Foley unpacks how clothing reflects personal growth and emotional states, emphasizing the significance of items like Joel's jacket. She also explores the collaborative process with actors and how stylistic choices reveal deeper narratives, alongside practical tips for fashion in survival scenarios.

In this engaging discussion, Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and author of 'Fight Like a Mother,' shares her journey from corporate communications to grassroots activism. She reflects on how the Sandy Hook tragedy ignited her fight against gun violence. Shannon discusses the challenges of navigating volunteer management and emphasizes the power of collective activism among mothers. She also delves into her book 'Fired Up,' exploring women's journeys to authenticity and the importance of supportive communities in effecting change.

Emilia Wickstead, a New Zealand-born designer based in London, is celebrated for her playful take on modern femininity. In this conversation, she shares her early fashion influences, from her artist mother's creativity in Auckland to transformative moments in Milan. Wickstead discusses her artistic process, inspired by film and fine art, and her passion for empowering women through fashion. She also reveals exciting details about her bespoke bridal designs and upcoming collaborations, including unique wedding attire and elegant invitations.

Jessica Malaty Rivera is an infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator who has made significant waves in public health communication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a captivating discussion, she delves into her transition from a potential medical career to focusing on science communication. Rivera shares her experiences with the COVID Tracking Project and the importance of clear messaging in public health. She emphasizes the need for transparency, addresses challenges women face in freelance compensation, and reflects on her heritage and personal growth.

Kathleen Felix-Hager, an Emmy Award-winning costume designer known for her work on Hacks and Veep, discusses the vibrant wardrobes of Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels. She shares the inspiring personal stories behind Deborah's maximalist fashion, influenced by her grandmother, and the thoughtful evolution of Ava's style over the seasons. Felix-Hager reveals the challenges of costuming for comedy and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with actors and showrunners to create authentic and relatable characters.

Anushka Salinas, the CEO of Nanit and former VP of merchandising at Rent the Runway, shares her inspiring journey through fashion and tech. She discusses her passion for data-driven approaches to parenting, highlighting Nanit's innovative baby monitors that provide AI insights for families. Salinas reflects on her career pivots, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning from the fashion industry to tech. She also touches on the importance of communication in pediatric care and the role of technology in enhancing parental peace of mind.