How'd She Do That?

When she was four, Soon’s family fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. After a perilous 12 days on a boat and another six months at a refugee camp, the family ultimately settled in Fresno, California, sponsored by an uncle who had fought for the South Vietnamese. Her parents’ determination to create a successful life in America by becoming entrepreneurs inspires and defines Soon to this day. Soon has co-owned several PR/marketing firms including Luxe Communications, which she founded, and Centigrade a marketing, communications and events company with several offices in North America and Europe. Her global brand communications experience includes developing strategy for many of the world’s top brands, including Lamborghini, Ducati Motorcycles, eBay Motors, Black River Caviar, Xellent Vodka and Breitling watches. Since 2016, Soon has overseen Hagerty’s brand strategy in support of the company’s stated purpose to save driving and fuel car culture for future generations. In 2022, she was named one of the U.S.’s “Top Women in Communications” by Ragan Communications for her work in transforming the Hagerty brand. She played a lead role in transforming Hagerty from a local specialty insurance company operating in a basement to a global publicly traded lifestyle brand for car lovers that joined the New York Stock Exchange (HGTY) in 2021 with a value of more than $3 billion. A believer in “doing good by doing well,” Soon is founder and co-owner of The Good Bowl, a mission-based Vietnamese restaurant in Traverse City, Michigan, that donates $1 per bowl to charity. She is also the creator of “Help in Heels,” a women’s volunteer group, and “Running in Heels,” a women’s entrepreneur group. Soon is married to McKeel Hagerty. Together they plan to launch a non-profit to support women entrepreneurs nationally. Of everything she has done in her life, Soon is the most proud of her daughter Ava and her step-daughters, Olivia and Sophia.

Today's guest is Sophie von Oertzen, the founder of Sophie Williamson Design. Throughout her childhood, Sophie witnessed numerous scenes of Gastfreundschaft at joyful dinner parties with her parents’ friends, family holiday gatherings, and society events. And it’s those memories of listening in on the buzz of conversations and raucous laughter shared at parties and over candlelit dinners that she’s on a quest to emulate today. For Sophie, making a house a welcoming home isn’t about following the latest design trends or subscribing to fashion norms. It’s about challenging the status quo and letting your own authentic style shine—an aesthetic that signals to guests that they can do the same. It’s in the warm lighting diffused through a beautiful lampshade or an intricately set table adorned in vibrant colors that welcomes every diner. It’s in the details, the tasteful trim of a pillow or the delicate pattern of a napkin, that shows a guest you care enough about them enough to share your very best. We know listeners will love listening to (and shopping) Sophie’s story!

No notes, just me thinking of you all, and sharing what’s on my mind! In this 15 minute clip we’re chatting all things business, shophsdt sales, longevity and securing podcast sponsors.

Today's guest is Natalie Holst, Founder of HOLST + LEE. HOLST + LEE believes jewelry can be the most transformative thing you can wear. These words spoken by the iconic Iris Apfel is the core principle and inspiration for Natalie's company. Their collections are inspired by the vivid colors of art, music, nature, and the symbols that make life beautiful and fun.  HOLST + LEE was founded by Creative Director, Natalie Holst, in New York City in 2012. Before launching HOLST + LEE, Natalie trained with Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs by day, and by night she worked in the hub of New York’s nightlife scene, where she witnessed the best in outrageous cutting-edge fashion. Craving a fusion of art, texture and fresh design in accessories that she couldn’t find anywhere else, Natalie started making her own jewelry, which captured the attention of everyone she came in contact with. It comes as no surprise that she quickly made the leap to introduce HOLST + LEE, which has grown exponentially since. We know listeners will love listening to today's episode! Brought to us by Texas De Brazil.

Today’s guest is Laura Park of Laura Park Designs. A self-taught artist, Laura’s passion for painting began in her childhood as she explored the world of color in her grandmother’s art studio. Laura took to painting full-time in 2012, pulling inspiration from her travels and personal experiences. Before long, Laura’s art started to gain recognition, leading to features in several well-known galleries in Charlotte, Raleigh and Atlanta. Laura Park Designs launched in 2016 after Park began photographing her art and creating digital patterns that could be transferred onto textiles. Creating pillows from her vibrant signature patterns, Laura launched her designs at the New York Now trade show and the brand took off. What began with pillows has now carried over into wallpaper, lifestyle accessories, tabletop décor and more! Laura’s flagship store is located in Charlotte, NC where she resides with her husband Trip Park, also an artist and cartoonist, their four children, and three dogs.

Happy Easter Weekend! In today’s quick 10 minute episode, I am sharing an update on why I have decided to put our Patreon channel on hold, how excited I am to focus on our e-commerce, and a personal update as we buy our first house! I am taking time to sit back and enjoy this holiday weekend! I hope you can do the same. I’m thankful for this community!

Today's guest, Katy Allen, is the founder of Artful Agenda! When Katy started Artful Agenda, she didn’t know a thing about creating a digital product or service. Katy had to meet with a lot of people, ask a lot of questions and work a lot of long nights, but she wouldn’t change a single minute. Creating Artful Agenda has been the most exciting and rewarding professional experience of her life and we can't wait for you to hear the story behind the brand today. It’s her passion project, and nothing makes Katy happier than watching it help other people live fuller and more inspired lives. She hopes we love using it as much as she loved creating it. Today's episode is brought to us by shophsdt.com! Shop Emily's curated picks and pick up where you left off with our incredible previous guests! New products are being added weekly. Head to shophsdt.com for all of your shopping needs.

A quickly hello from our host sharing about a recording she had today with an upcoming guest, all things shophsdt.com, and her next shop update happening for this weekend’s customers! Enjoy!

Today's guest is Nicole Newhouse, CEO of Solly Baby, the sustainably sourced baby wrap, made of 100% certified TENCEL™ Modal. The brand has gained a cult following over the years with rave reviews and has even been named “best wrap” by the New York Times and Glamour. We know listeners will enjoy getting to know Nicole in today's episode and hearing how one of our favorite brands continues to grow. This episode is brought to you by ShopHSDT.com. The ultimate conversation-inspired e-commerce collection, connecting our listeners to some of our favorite previous guests, and their products, all while providing listeners with a one-stop to shop all things female-founded brands!

I am really excited for you all to hear tomorrow’s episode with Nicole Newhouse, CEO, of Solly Baby! In the meantime, join me over on Instagram as I share a shophsdt.com tour and a link to sign up for our newsletter! Talk to you soon xoxx