In this special episode — the last one before Emily’s maternity leave — we’re joined by the incredible Melissa Clayton, founder and CEO of Tiny Tags, a fine jewelry brand that celebrates motherhood, connection, and meaningful stories.
Melissa opens up about the early days of building Tiny Tags, how a simple idea turned into a beloved brand worn by thousands of women, and the lessons she’s learned as both a business owner and a mother. From launching her business at her kitchen table to growing it into a nationally recognized name, Melissa shares the real and raw behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her journey.
Emily and Melissa also dive into:
• How to trust your instincts and lead with purpose
• The importance of staying true to your brand’s mission
• Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship
• What it means to build something that lasts
Whether you’re a founder, a dreamer, or a fellow mama, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and heart.
🎧 Listen in as Emily closes this season of How’d She Do That? with a conversation that celebrates bold women building meaningful businesses.
In today’s episode, Emily sits down with sisters Mary and Taylor, the founders of Shop Surcie, a bespoke stationery and gifting studio known for its thoughtful details and timeless design.
What began as a shared creative spark has grown into a thriving business that blends Mary’s eye for interiors with Taylor’s background in fashion PR, resulting in beautifully branded paper goods and curated gifts for weddings and celebrations of all kinds.
In this conversation, the sisters share how their business began, what it’s like working together as family, and how they’ve navigated the balance between creativity and commerce. You’ll hear about the lessons they’ve learned in scaling a small business, finding their aesthetic, and building something that reflects both their passions and values.
Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, a paper lover, or simply someone inspired by stories of women building meaningful brands — this episode is for you.
What started as a frustration with limited engagement ring options turned into a luxury jewelry empire. Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, has redefined what it means to shop for fine jewelry and bridal pieces.
In this episode, Nicole shares how she went from working in fashion merchandising to disrupting the jewelry industry with a direct-to-consumer brand that speaks to the modern woman. She dives into the early days of Ring Concierge, the power of social media in building her brand, and the lessons she’s learned leading a fast-growing business.
Listeners will learn:
• The pivotal career shift that inspired Nicole to start Ring Concierge
• How she bootstrapped her business and gained early traction
• The strategies that fueled exponential growth (including leveraging Instagram)
• Her perspective on leadership, scaling, and staying innovative in luxury retail
• Advice for entrepreneurs eager to break into a traditional or male-dominated industry
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a jewelry lover, or simply curious about how a brilliant idea becomes a globally recognized brand, this conversation is filled with inspiration and practical insights.
What if the secret to radiant skin was hiding in your family’s orchard? In this episode of How’d She Do That, Emily sits down with Allison Taylor, co-founder of Le Prunier, the clean beauty brand harnessing the power of plums from her family’s century-old California farm.
Allison shares how she and her sisters turned an unlikely superfruit into a cult-favorite skincare line, the behind-the-scenes journey of building a sustainable beauty business, and what it takes to balance innovation with heritage. From farm life to beauty counters, this conversation is full of entrepreneurial insights, beauty wisdom, and inspiration for anyone dreaming of starting something new.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily sits down with Kristi Lord and Lindsay Droz, the powerhouse founders behind L’AVANT Collective, to talk about the journey of building their business from the ground up.
Together, they discuss:
• The inspiration behind launching L’AVANT Collective
• The early challenges of starting a business and how they overcame them
• Lessons on partnership, collaboration, and trust when co-founding a brand
• Their unique approach to brand building and community creation
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to pursue their own big ideas
This candid conversation offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to launch, grow, and sustain a business with a co-founder—and why Kristi and Lindsay believe in building something bigger than themselves.
In this episode, Emily welcomes Rebecca Goesling — a forecaster, brand storyteller, and color material finish (CMF) designer, as well as the visionary behind The Goesling Group.
Rebecca shares how she built a career at the intersection of design, strategy, and storytelling. With expertise in forecasting cultural and aesthetic trends, guiding brand narratives, and shaping the look and feel of products through CMF design, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how creativity meets business.
We also dive into the founding of The Goesling Group, where Rebecca channels her expertise into helping brands and teams anticipate what’s next and craft meaningful connections with their audiences.
This conversation is rich with insights on creativity, leadership, and carving out a career path that doesn’t always follow a straight line.
In today’s episode, Emily sits down with Kay Stanley, the visionary founder of Spartina 449, a lifestyle brand inspired by the charm and beauty of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. What began as a passion project has grown into a beloved company known for its handbags, accessories, apparel, and home goods, each carrying the coastal elegance of its Lowcountry roots.
Kay shares how she made the leap from her previous career into entrepreneurship, what sparked the idea for Spartina 449, and how she’s built a business that has both a strong regional identity and national recognition. Listeners will love hearing about the early challenges, the role of storytelling in branding, and the lessons Kay has learned about leadership, creativity, and resilience along the way.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a lover of Southern style, or simply curious about how someone turns a creative vision into a thriving brand, this episode is full of wisdom and encouragement.
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, we step onto the fairway with Mary and Molly, the inspiring mother–daughter team behind Baffie Golf—a luxury children’s golf apparel brand that’s as much about heritage and storytelling as it is about style.
Baffie was born from a shared love of the game and a desire to create something timeless for the next generation of golfers. The name itself, drawn from a 19th-century Scottish term for a 5-wood, speaks to the brand’s deep roots in tradition. But Mary and Molly aren’t just looking back—they’re reimagining what golf apparel can be for young players today, combining classic design with the comfort and function kids need on the course.
We talk about how their unique strengths complement one another—Mary bringing entrepreneurial vision and love of the details, Molly bringing an eye for fashion. Together, they’ve created pieces that feel heirloom-worthy.
From sketching designs to telling stories, from honoring tradition to building something new, Mary and Molly share the joy, challenges, and lessons they’ve learned in turning their passion into a brand. Whether you’re a golfer, a parent, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of family entrepreneurship, their journey is one you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, host Emily Landers welcomes cake artist and entrepreneur Julie McAllister, whose hyper‑realistic confections have captured the attention of food lovers, design enthusiasts, and Netflix viewers alike. From working in advertising to launching her namesake cake business, Julie shares how she discovered cake artistry, built her brand from scratch, and landed a spot on Is It Cake?—where she wowed judges and viewers with jaw-dropping edible illusions.
Whether you’re an aspiring creative, a baking enthusiast, or simply curious about how to turn a niche hobby into a thriving business, Julie’s story is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration.
How Julie transitioned from marketing into cake design
What goes into creating hyper-realistic cakes (think oysters, citrus trees, handbags!)
Behind-the-scenes details from Is It Cake? for Netflix
Building a brand and business from scratch
The highs and lows of entrepreneurship in the food space
Growing a client base and creating viral, high-impact content
Teaching workshops, taking creative risks, and what’s next for Julie
Julie McAllister Cakes: juliemcallistercakes.com
Follow Julie on Instagram: @juliemcallistercakes
Watch Is It Cake? Season 3 on Netflix
Book a cake or workshop: Contact Julie
Website: howdshedothatpodcast.com
Instagram: @howdshedothatpodcast
Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily is joined by Sarah Collins Lawler, the founder and designer behind TELA Mercantile, just six weeks into her journey as a new mom.
Sarah shares a beautiful and candid look back at her creative upbringing, where fashion and entrepreneurship were sparked early.
After earning a degree in Apparel & Textile Design from the University of Alabama, Sarah planned to take on New York’s fashion scene. But a traumatic boating accident right after college changed everything. In this unexpected season of healing, she found herself creatively rerouted—eventually landing roles in fashion sales and later at SPANX, all while quietly nursing her passion for design.
The seeds for TELA were planted during the pandemic, when her husband gifted her a sewing machine. What started as a creative outlet at home blossomed into a globally inspired, size-inclusive brand known for its effortlessly elegant kaftans. TELA—Spanish for “fabric”—represents Sarah’s love of textiles, travel, and timeless design, all grounded in a deep respect for intentional sourcing and inclusive silhouettes.
Sarah opens up about launching the brand in 2021, the joys and challenges of building something meaningful, and how becoming a mother has shifted her perspective on time, purpose, and creativity.
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You’ll Love This Episode If You’re Curious About:
In this inspiring episode of How’d She Do That, Emily sits down with the effortlessly chic and incredibly driven Diana LoMonaco, the founder and creative visionary behind Classic Six, a timeless clothing brand redefining capsule wardrobes. Diana shares her unexpected journey from working in fashion magazines to creating her own brand rooted in versatility, quality, and simplicity.
Listeners will hear the story behind the name “Classic Six,” the highs and lows of launching a fashion startup, and the intentionality Diana brings to everything from fabric selection to customer experience. She opens up about managing business growth, maintaining a strong brand identity, and the value of timeless design in a world of fast fashion.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking inspiration to pursue your own dreams, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a beloved brand from scratch.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Diana:
…and sharing all about it in today’s episode!
Today on How’d She Do That?, we’re celebrating style, school spirit, and the power of family business with Kim and Frances — the mother-daughter duo behind FOSTER, a collegiate lifestyle brand born in East Texas and rapidly capturing hearts across the country.
FOSTER is not your average college merch company. Think cozy pajamas, chic tailgate looks, and timeless pieces designed to celebrate your alma mater — all with elevated design and a personal touch. Inspired by their own Southern roots and a deep love for tradition, Kim and Frances are bringing a fresh, fashionable twist to campus gear.
In this episode, we chat about:
• The origin story of FOSTER and how the idea took shape
• What it’s really like to build a brand as mother and daughter
• Finding success in a niche market by honoring authenticity and style
• The creative process behind their iconic products
• How they balance business, family, and their shared creative vision
If you’re a fan of collegiate spirit with a sophisticated edge, or you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own lifestyle brand, this conversation is for you. Kim and Frances are thoughtful, driven, and as charming as the products they create.
In today’s episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily Landers welcomes Jen Burch and Margaret Dillard, the talented co-founders behind the elevated home and entertaining brand Half Past Seven. What began as a shared appreciation for thoughtful design and meaningful gathering has blossomed into a celebrated business known for its handcrafted home essentials that combine function, beauty, and story.
Listeners will hear how Jen and Margaret met through work, connected as moms of young boys, and went on to build a business rooted in the mantra “more joy, less stress.” From the origins of the brand name to their passion for traditional craftsmanship and Mexican artisanship, this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and laughter.
With product lines ranging from hand-blown glassware to hand-painted ceramics and pewter serveware, Half Past Seven empowers women to entertain with ease and confidence—elevating the everyday with products that hold both purpose and style.
Whether you’re a design enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who simply loves gathering people together, this episode will leave you deeply inspired.
In this inspiring episode, Emily sits down with Jeanelle Teves, the dynamic Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo North America. Jeanelle shares her remarkable journey from a first-generation Filipina-American upbringing in Sacramento to leading one of the most innovative parenting brands globally. With a decade-long tenure at Nike and a passion for empowering women and parents in the workplace, Jeanelle offers invaluable insights into navigating corporate success while maintaining personal harmony.   
What You’ll Learn
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform!
Welcome to a very special solo episode of How’d She Do That? — the one where you finally get to know the voice behind the mic! In today’s casual episode, host Emily Landers shares her full story — from growing up in a small town, dreaming big, and navigating unexpected turns, to building a podcast that celebrates women’s stories around the globe.
Emily takes you behind the scenes of her life journey:
📍 Her formative years and family life that shaped her values
🎓 High school highs and lows and learning to lead
🏛️ Her college experience and the choices that set her on a new path
🌆 What it was really like living in New York post-grad — the jobs, the grind, the growth
🌴 And the big transition to life in Southern California, where she now lives and records the show
Whether you’re a longtime listener or brand new to the show, this episode is the perfect introduction to Emily’s voice, vision, and the heart behind How’d She Do That?. You’ll hear candid stories, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments that haven’t been shared before.
💬 Plus: Emily shares what inspired the podcast, how it’s grown since launching in 2020, and what you can look forward to in upcoming episodes and Instagram series like “How’d She Do That: Day in the Life.”
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, host Emily Landers sits down with Jocelyn Gailliot to delve into her inspiring journey from the world of finance to the helm of a thriving fashion brand. Jocelyn shares the story of how she transitioned from investment banking to co-founding Tuckernuck, an online retail destination known for its classic yet unique pieces. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that resonates with busy, successful women seeking stylish and approachable fashion.   
What You’ll Learn:
• The inspiration behind Tuckernuck and its connection to Nantucket
• How Jocelyn’s background in finance influenced her approach to entrepreneurship
• Strategies for building a loyal customer base and achieving high retention rates
• The importance of curating authentic content and products
• Insights into leading a company through growth and expansion
Resources & Links:
• Tuckernuck Website: tnuck.com
• Follow Tuckernuck on Instagram: @tuckernuck 
Subscribe & Listen:
Tune in to How’d She Do That? on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
In this episode of How’d She Do That?, Emily chats with Jackie Laurian Long—founder of TheraPaint Studio in Nashville. Jackie shares how a tough season in her life led her to create something beautiful: a paint-throwing wellness studio that helps people release stress, emotion, and energy through art. From navigating her husband’s surgeries to caring for loved ones through health struggles, Jackie turned her personal journey into a space where others can heal too. TheraPaint isn’t just about art—it’s about letting go, having fun, and finding peace.
What You’ll Hear:
• How Jackie’s background in psychology helped shape TheraPaint
• The emotional story behind how the studio got started
• Why throwing paint can be surprisingly therapeutic
• How the studio keeps things eco-friendly (yes, even the paint gets composted!)
• Events and experiences offered at TheraPaint—like a special “A Moment to Breathe” day for Mental Health Awareness Month
Check Out TheraPaint:
Website: therapaintstudio.com
Instagram: @therapaintstudio
Hang Out with Emily:
Instagram: @emilylanders
Website: howdshedothatpodcast.com
Like What You Heard?
Leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more listeners find us! And share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration (or a good paint-throwing session).
In this episode of How Did She Do That?, Emily sits down with the incredibly talented Kim Lapin—founder and principal designer of Kim Lapin Interiors, a boutique interior design studio known for creating timeless, personalized, and effortlessly stylish spaces.
Kim shares the story of how she transitioned from corporate life into full-time entrepreneurship, carving out a space in the competitive world of interior design. From building her brand and finding her signature style to working with clients across the country, Kim takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, her business evolution, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• How Kim discovered her passion for interiors and took the leap into design
• The early days of starting her own studio and finding her first clients
• How she balances creativity with the realities of running a business
• Advice for aspiring designers and female founders looking to turn passion into purpose
Whether you’re a design lover, a creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about how women build beautiful businesses, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
Connect with Kim:
• Website: kimlapininteriors.com
• Instagram: @kimlapininteriors
In this bonus episode of How Did She Do That?, Emily shares a personal update and pulls back the curtain on an unexpected hiatus during the month of April.
After suffering a lower back tear that left her navigating debilitating pain, Emily took time to rest, heal, and regroup. This candid update gives listeners a glimpse into the realities of juggling wellness and work, especially when life throws you a curveball.
But the good news? She’s back—and more excited than ever.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• Why the podcast took a pause in April
• Emily’s experience with intense back pain and what recovery has looked like
• A sneak peek at what’s coming this spring and summer
• Big-name guests who are lined up (yes, the names in our inbox!)
• Gratitude for the community that continues to listen, support, and show up
If you’ve missed the show, you’re not alone—and if you’re new here, welcome. Big things are coming, and this is just the beginning of a beautiful new season.
Support the Show:
Love what you hear? It would mean the world if you could take a moment to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more listeners discover the show—and make it possible for us to bring on even more incredible guests.
