Focus on Women

In this episode, we’re joined by globe-trotting author and professor Stephanie Elizondo Griest to talk about her latest book, Art Above Everything. Stephanie spent the past decade traveling across a dozen countries, interviewing women she calls “art monks,” creatives who have made profound sacrifices in the name of their work.

As a longtime writer, educator, and advocate for the arts, she shares what these stories taught her about d...

In this episode, we're joined by London-based commercial photographer Jenni Helin, whose work is known for its colorful storytelling and subtle touch of nostalgia. Growing up in Finland with her grandparents, Jenni spent her Sundays immersed in classic black and white 60s films, a cinematic influence that still shapes her visual style today. She shares how she's grown her photography business over the past two years, what...

In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Cronin and Devin Gmitter of Greener Concepts Inc., a powerhouse agency transforming brand strategies into compelling visual content. You may recognize Melissa's name, and that's because she joined us on the podcast in 2021 and 2023!

Today, she and Devin are talking all about their newest endeavor. Finding Stoke is a powerful documentary that explores the transformative impact of sur...

Today we're talking to Karen Williams, a visual creative director, keynote speaker, and the founder of Black Visual Queen. With over a decade of experience in the brand and editorial photography industry, Karen shares how she’s turning her passion for mentorship into a movement for equity and access. From working with powerhouse brands like Netflix and WIRED to coaching the next wave of visual creatives, Karen brings insight, ...

Today we're talking to Lucia Rollow, a photographer, educator, and founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom. Lucia shares her journey of building a thriving artist-run space dedicated to keeping analog photography alive in NYC. With over a decade of experience fostering creative community, she talks about the importance of accessibility, DIY culture, and mutual support in the art world. Tune in for a conversation about passi...

This episode is all about being bold in how you show up. Whether you’re just starting to define your personal brand or wondering if it’s time for a rebrand, we’re diving into what it means to truly own your voice as a creative. From marketing with intention to finding clarity in your messaging, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to take brave steps forward.

This episode is an edited recording from a Focus on Women Com...

Jenny Wilson is a seasoned and forward-thinking stylist with over 20 years of experience in wardrobe and prop styling. With a sharp eye for market trends and a background spanning fashion to floral design, Jenny is known for her adaptability, fast learning, and collaborative spirit. She’s ready to bring her versatile skillset and refined art direction to bold new challenges.

Check out Jenny's amazing work on her website and mak...

As professionals in the commercial photography industry, social media is an essential tool for marketing, client connections, and inspiration—but it can also become a trap of endless scrolling and comparison. In this Community Call, we sit down with creative entrepreneur Colette to explore how we can be more present in everyday life, create more than we consume, and still harness the positive power of social media for our businesse...

In this special episode, we’re diving into the food styling industry with insights from past guests who have mastered the craft. Janine Kalesis shares how her background as a chef and years in the restaurant industry shaped her journey into food and prop styling. Victoria Granof, a James Beard Award finalist and former pastry chef, takes us behind the scenes of her evolution from food stylist to director. And Bee Berrie brings her ...

Today we're checking in with Melissa Dunne! In her last appearance on the show in 2023, we talked about how she got her start, the lessons she learned, and the creative path that led her forward. Today, she returns to share how her career has evolved into art direction, what it means to shape a brand’s visual identity, and the creative decisions that go into every photoshoot.

As the Art Director and Creative Content Manager at ...

Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer.

Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Ch...

Today Lauren and Traci are talking to Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle of Agency Access! 

Keith found his passion for business and marketing early in life. He started at Agency Access as a researcher, where his natural talent quickly became evident. Seeing his potential, the company's owner gave him the opportunity to develop its Sales and Marketing department. In 2000, Keith took a leap and bought the company, transforming his indu...

Today we're talking to Kaylei McGaw! Kaylei is a prop stylist specializing in designing immersive spaces for commercial and editorial projects. She works closely with photographers, art directors, designers, and architects to craft compelling visuals for marketing campaigns, brand portfolios, and editorial spreads.

Kaylei’s journey into prop styling began with a background in apparel and textile design, followed by assisting fa...

Jillian Lenser is a Brooklyn-based beauty and product photographer whose self-taught journey has fueled in her a deep sense of curiosity and intention. She approaches each project with thoughtful precision, asking, What do you notice? What do you wonder? to shape every detail—from lighting to client experience. Her signature style blends vibrant grit with soft tones, capturing both the energy of bold moments and the quiet beauty of...

Caitlin Dooley is a dynamic fashion professional with a diverse background in styling and editing. She began her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist for Anchor Artists, gaining invaluable experience working with a variety of talent and creative projects in Brooklyn, NY.

Currently, she leads as the fashion editor for a local company while also running Grace of Grit, her personal styling business dedicated to helping clients feel c...

Today we're talking to recent SCAD graduate Allison Martinek! Allison is a photographer and artist from Cresco, IA. Her work is driven by a passion for body inclusivity and a love for capturing authentic connections through portraiture. Allison’s photography has been featured in multiple exhibitions, including Power and Perspective sponsored by Leica, and published in AAP Magazine.

Check out Allison's website to see her in...

Rachael Kershaw is a gifted photographer based in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Originally from the UK and raised in Switzerland, her love for nature and exploration has profoundly shaped her journey. Rachael crafts captivating images that blend authentic storytelling with a serene, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Specializing in empowering portraits and brand collaborations, she partners with women and businesses worldwide to cre...

Dawn Heumann’s upbringing shaped her into the heart-driven storyteller she is today. Raised by a filmmaker father and producer mother, she traveled the world as they created captivating travel films, instilling in her a love for curiosity, resilience, and kindness. With a BA in Philosophy and an MFA in Fine Art Photography, Dawn’s thirst for knowledge and worldly experience remains boundless.

Known for her approachable and collabora...

Happy New Year, everyone!

Today we're talking to Jigisha Bouverat of Rise Creative Studios! Throughout her 20 years at TBWA\Chiat\Day, she revolutionized the art production industry, managing teams and collaborating with creators to produce iconic campaigns. As the owner of Bouverat Collective, Jigisha built a roster championing diversity, with over 50% women and artists of color.

Now, as a partner at Rise Cr...