FashionTalks

In part two of discussing the film, Dawn Dusk, Donna sits down with designer Chelli Look to explore the intimate relationship between fashion, emotion, and identity. In this moving conversation, Chelli traces her earliest style memories, the power of accessories, and fashion generally. She opens up about Dawn Dusk, the documentary that followed her craft and her healing, and explains how forgiveness transformed chaos into order—on the inside and in her designs. From chain wallets and second-grade confidence to the precision of working with leather, Chelli reveals how clothing and accessories become a visual conversation with ourselves and the world.The episode goes deeper into creativity as a tool for processing grief, the role of natural light and movement in emotional regulation, and the quiet power of building a brand with intention, community, and care. Chelli shares practical wisdom for designers navigating dark seasons—stay curious, keep creating, and don’t tie your identity to a single medium. With insights on entrepreneurship, material honesty, and fashion as a bridge to connection, this is a must-listen for creators, founders, and anyone who believes style can help us make meaning.Check out Part 1 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Links in this episode:Chelli Look: chellilook.com | InstagramDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode of FashionTalks, host Donna Bishop welcomes in the first part of a two part series, filmmakers Blue and Jason, the creative duo behind the award-winning documentary Dawn Dusk. Their film follows Chicago-based leather artisan Chelli Look, whose minimalist, slow-fashion designs became a vessel for processing profound personal loss. As Blue and Jason share, what began as a short maker film evolved into a deeply human story about creativity, resilience, and the healing power of art.Through intimate storytelling, the conversation explores how fashion can transcend aesthetics to become a form of therapy and connection. From Chelli’s quiet studio to the symbolic light that inspired her designs, Blue and Jason reveal the intersection between craftsmanship and emotion—and how observing beauty in life’s darkest moments can illuminate a path forward.Check out part two coming out soon featuring Chelli LookThis is an episode for anyone who believes that style, story, and soul are woven from the same thread.Links in this episode:Blue & Jason: dawnduskfilm.comDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode, Donna sits down with makeup artist and drag visionary Viktor Peters (a.k.a. Verushka) to explore the transformative power of beauty, fashion, and self-expression. From growing up in a modern Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico to studying music at Canadian Mennonite University and finding his voice in Winnipeg and Toronto, Viktor traces his path through MAC Cosmetics, the discipline of skin tone and texture mastery, and the confidence that makeup can unlock, reframing beauty as artistry, adornment, and identity.Viktor opens up about building Verushka—the “look queen” persona known for fully realized head-to-toe storytelling—and the life-changing night Madonna invited him on stage during “Vogue.” If you’re passionate about beauty culture, drag, Toronto’s scene, MAC legacy campaigns, and the courage it takes to be seen, this conversation delivers inspiration, craft insights, and a powerful testament to the confidence that style can spark.Links in this episode:Viktor Peters: @viktorpeters | Viktor Peters/VeruschkaDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

Beauty isn’t vanity—it’s self-respect. In this episode, Donna sits down with Brittany Gray, makeup artist and founder of Fancy Face; a beauty service and retail boutique and product line, to explore the transformative power of makeup and the business behind a leading Canadian beauty brand. Brittany shares how performing in Chicago at age 15 and watching Catherine Zeta-Jones on set sparked her vision to bring celebrity-level artistry to everyday women. She traces Fancy Face’s growth from apartment studio to flagship stores (including their PATH Toronto location), and explains why services now span bridal makeup, special events, makeup lessons and virtual consultations across North America.You’ll get quick makeup tips for women 35+-plus Brittany’s “outside-in” philosophy for rebuilding confidence after life’s hard seasons. We also get candid on entrepreneurship: patience, resilience, and building a legacy brand without outside funding. If you’re curious about makeup lessons, bridal beauty, or how to scale a purpose-driven company, this conversation delivers inspiration and practical takeaways in equal measure.Some key points from the episodeHow working with Catherine Zeta Jones impacted her careerThe power of makeup and what she sees when people come into Fancy FaceA crossroads that changed the course of her careerHer unique vision for the future of her businessMakeup tipsCheck out links from the episode:Brittany Gray: Fancy Face | @brittanygrayliving | @fancyfanceincDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspodCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

Welcome to the latest episode of FashionTalks! In this episode host Donna Bishop speaks with designer and founder of Mayana, Nadine Woods. Nadine shares many personal details about her unconventional fashion journey.How the birth of her child influenced her businessThe surprising power of lingerieHow she launched her brand with no formal design educationThe importance of her Caribbean heritageHow she eschews traditional business practices and business paradigm she is developing and valuesDonna Bishop @thisisdonnabFashionTalks @fashiontalkspodMayana @wearmayanamayanageneviere.comCAFA @cafawardscafawards.caTRANSCRIPT:00:01.14Donna BishopHello, Nadine. It is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks.00:04.49NadineHi, thank you so much for having me, Donna. I'm really looking forward to our conversation today.00:08.69Donna Bishopah Oh my goodness, it's going to be so juicy because you have such, not just an amazing business, but your purposefulness of the business is so important and interesting, and we're going to get to it.00:20.37Donna BishopBut first I want to start off, I love starting with this question with everyone. Everyone, I believe, who works in fashion, who loves fashion, has that moment where they realize, wow, this thing, clothing, this thing, fashion, it carries more power than just making sure I don't get a sunburn, making sure I don't get wet when it rains.00:40.01Donna BishopDo you have a moment where you became aware of the power of fashion?00:44.72NadineYeah, definitely. i think it's definitely when I started my business, I had a baby and I really was not prepared for my recovery process because they scare us to death into the birth and delivery ah really. And truly, they just make it very fear-based in the West.01:04.50NadineUm, And we're not really prepared for the recovery process. Like we have no idea what's going to happen. And to be fair, so many things could happen.01:16.38NadineBut in general, i wasn't prepared for the fact that I wouldn't be able to wear my pre-existing undergarments, like my underwear. And I was used to wearing a certain type of thing, like at that time, like something a little bit, like I would wear thongs. I would wear like all these other things that just,01:35.15Nadineyou know, wire bras as as we all do.01:36.94Donna BishopAs we do. so01:39.86Nadineum And i mean, pre COVID, I would say definitely. And I was really used to things that were really pretty underneath. And then when I had my baby, I couldn't fit into anything, but nevermind, I couldn't fit into anything.01:55.58NadineIt didn't work for what I needed because when you have a baby, you bleed for six weeks straight and i think a lot of people don't realize that um and there's a lot of things happening if you decide to breastfeed now your breasts are working and so they require space and room and they're uncomfortable because you're getting...

In the latest episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop speaks with award winning fashion designer Christopher Bates. Donna and Christopher chat about:Christopher's foray into fashion (his second career)The small moments of inspiration and big swings that built his brandHow an iconic design element brought people together for lifeThe balancing act of being an entrepreneur and a designerDonna Bishop @thisisdonnabFashionTalks @fashiontalkspodChristopher Bates @chistopher.bates.official ChristopherBates.comCAFA @cafawardscafawards.caTRANSCRIPT:Donna Bishop: [00:00:00] Christopher Bates, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thanks so much for joining me. Christopher Bates: Thank you for having me. Donna Bishop: Oh my gosh, it's such a pleasure. And I know we'll get into, because you're coming to us from Milan, Milano. So I love the internationalness of our conversation. Thanks for dealing with the time zones. Christopher Bates: No problemo. Donna Bishop: I love to start off with the same question, which I'm very excited for you to answer, is I believe that all of us who have a love of fashion, who work in fashion, there is a moment, often when we're very young, when we understand that clothing, that fashion has a power beyond just protecting our our bodies from the elements. And I'm wondering if there's one that stands out for you. Christopher Bates: Yeah, I'm glad you asked because I certainly had that moment. And for me, it was when I was young. um i grew up in Vancouver and this would be during the s. I was really into skateboarding and my mom bought my brothers and I [00:01:00] really cool clothes, and Chip and Pepper, TNC surf, lots of neon. And I just loved it. and i was an energetic kid. I remember I never liked wearing pants. I would always wear shorts, even if it was winter in Vancouver, it gets pretty cold. But I'd put on my favorite shorts. I'd run to school every day. And I just felt like, okay, I was in a good mood. Putting on an outfit that I liked made me in a better mood. It enhanced my mood. And I was aware of that even as a kid. I wanted to wear my favorite outfits all the time. So yeah, I loved, loved clothes and I was creative. So I started sketching even back then when I was a kid, just ideas for logos and different pieces.Donna Bishop: And it sounds like you had parents that didn't fight you if you wanted to wear something that made you feel good. Because I'm just thinking about, you know, skateboarding was probably one of the things where I became aware of, you know, street wear and something that was very different from my small town, [00:02:00] Ontario, growing up environment. And it was such a revelation in how different it was. Christopher Bates: Yeah. And I would literally seek that out. Like even from a young age, like if everybody was wearing like blue jeans, I wouldn't want to, I always wanted to be an individual. So I would look for, you know,...

In this latest episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop talks with Myriam Maguire, President and Lead Designer of the award winning brand Maguire (founded in 2017). While the 2024 CAFA winner of Accessories Designer of the Year has focused on footwear, it is ever expanding its offerings into a wider range of accessories. Donna and Myriam dive into:her story of launching the brand and what sparked her love of footwearunique strategies that resulted in a successful launch and growth, both creative and fiscal a peak behind the curtain of show productionher take on consumer and business trends in this turbulent timesMaguire Shoes - @maguireshoes - www.magguireshoes.comDonna Bishop - @thisisdonnabFashionTalks - @fashiontalkspodCAFA Awards - @cafawardsTRANSCRIPT:Donna BishopMyriam, welcome to Fashion Talks. It's so wonderful to have you here today.00:04.58MyriamYeah, thank you for having me.00:06.99Donna BishopSo I love to start with the same question, which is, when was the moment where you were aware that fashion had more power than just clothing that protected us from the elements? When did you realize that there was something more to it than that?00:22.04MyriamI think like when I was in high school, like I was in high school in like the 90s and the early two thousand So the style was pretty conservative. It was kind of grunge, like a lot of navy, dark colors.00:36.06Donna BishopOkay.00:36.03Myriamand the And then I was looking at magazines and I would see these fun like Mick 60 ads and like things that were really colorful. So I decided high school to wear zebra pants, even though it was like not on trend. It was not a thing.00:51.52MyriamAnd then I realized that everyone was like confused and started looking at me differently. So I was like, and and then it kind of, I think ah kind of built my self-confidence that I was, I could wear something different and I can be any, anything I want, even though like there's like very, and and especially in the nineties and the 2000, it was like the style, there was like one or two style and that's it. You had to be part of a group.01:17.75MyriamAnd I think not, being part of a group and being completely different, I think made made me realize that the the power of fashion and how you can like be anything you want, basically.01:31.14Donna BishopI love stories like that where we realize, like, to me, there's such a paradox where we realize that the power of fashion comes from being being different, but yet sometimes we're dressing to fit in. Like, I love feeling that, you know, that that tension between those two things.01:46.66MyriamAnd I think there was, because there was like different group, but everyone would accept me in like my difference. They would be like, I wouldn't wear it, but it looks really good on you.01:57.46MyriamLike that's what I would get in terms of comments. So I felt like it was nice to feel free to do whatever you want, basically.02:01.31Donna BishopYeah.02:06.83Donna BishopAnd where did you grow up, Miriam? where did you yeah like Where did you go to school? What kind of kid were...

On this episode of FashionTalks host Donna Bishop chats with designer Alan Anderson. Alan has been designing his eponymous line since 1997. His fashion history (and British Royals) knowledge is deep and vast. Alan and Donna discuss:how he began his line (an inspiration for anyone)the history and importance of costume jewelrythe fascinating story of where he sources the vintage crystals he used in his designshis connection to Elizabeth Taylorthe lost art of every day dressing upand moreAlan Anderson - @jewelsbyalan | alananderson.designDonna Bishop - @thisisdonnabFashionTalks - @fashiontalkspodCAFA Awards - @cafawardsTRANSCRIPT:00:01.27Donna BishopAlan Anderson, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thanks for being here.00:05.81AlanThank you, Donna. Thank you for asking me.00:08.02Donna BishopAnd look at you in your beautiful atelier. I know we'll get into, you know, kind of your your work and all sorts of things about crystals and costume jewelry, but I love that you're in your workspace.00:20.06Donna BishopIt's so nice to get peek behind the curtain that way.00:21.36AlanI am. I'm actually in the workroom. The atelier, of course, is in this historic mansion on Jarvis Street in Toronto. And we we like to say it's one of the last Gilded Age mansions.00:33.61AlanThere's just this little stretch between Carleton and Isabella where we've they've saved these beautiful Victorian buildings.00:34.83Donna BishopThank you.00:40.33AlanSo we've been here now. It's weird to say we've been in this space over two years and we just signed the new four-year lease, which is kind of exciting. And we're going to be expanding. We're actually renovating this summer to make the showroom bigger.00:53.43AlanBut the workspace is, this would have been one of the principal bedrooms in this beautiful house. This house is This half is 1891. The showroom half is 1897. It was built for Edward Blake, who was one of the first premiers of Ontario.01:09.10AlanAnd it's Elliot Knox, one of the foremost Victorian architects in Toronto. And 1900, Jarvis Street was the most fashionable address in Canada, which is really funny to think. Like this was the Gilded Age show. This was the Gilded Age.01:28.93AlanAnd then the history of this building is so intense because not only do I work in this room and I pulled the blinds down cause it's so sunny out. Um, but Ben Wicks, the famous cartoonist, we all grew up with Ben Wicks.01:42.29AlanBe nice, clear your eyes for 20 years.01:43.65Donna BishopAbsolutely.01:46.21AlanThis was Ben Wicks cartoon studio and where my work bench is in the window was where his cartoon bench was. And I've actually had people in the neighborhood that are old enough to remember him.01:58.34AlanSay they used to look up and seeing him, seeing him, him drawing it as bench and...

Hello and welcome to season five of FashionTalks. I am your host, Donna Bishop. I know it has been a minute, so thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so glad you're here.I can think of no better guest than to launch this season than Jeanne Beker. Now, Jeannie's been on the podcast before. I'll link it down below. And we talked then about her 27 years as host of fashion television, which transformed the fashion media landscape.Past episode with Jeanne:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59AYV2Pr1QbfDssPC5QnD7?si=nxfSt2MZT9upb_ROiIHo0wAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/fashiontalks/id1271856693?i=1000623963957Today, we are talking about her latest book and newest memoir, Heart on My Sleeve. It is full of intimate, funny, warm, always open and personal stories from all facets of her life and the articles of clothing that inspired them.Transcript:Donna BishopJeannie Becker, it is so wonderful to have you here on Fashion Talks. Thank you so much for joining me.00:06.49Jeanne BekerWell, thanks for inviting Always love talking with you, Donna.00:10.41Donna Bishopoh my gosh, it's such a pleasure. So I always start with the same question and I'm quite delighted because I feel like given our conversation is going to be around your new book, the memoir, Heart on My Sleeve, I love to ask people, because I believe that all of us who love fashion, who work in fashion, have a moment when we realize that clothing, that fashion holds a power that is more than just protecting our bodies from the sun, the wind, the rain, the snow.00:37.06Donna BishopAnd I'm wondering if there's a moment where you remember harnessing or acknowledging that power.00:44.05Jeanne BekerI mean, I think from my earliest memories as a little girl, you know, the the party dresses that I would wear, I mean, that that was always a big deal. ah you know That was the thing that you just look forward to the most.00:57.02Jeanne BekerI mean, I know these days, lots of little girls have actual costumes that they wear, you know, like princess costumes and whatnot. I mean, it back in the day, for me, it was just those party dresses with the the crinolines and you know the taffeta dresses, organza dresses, the frills, the lace, the but little applique flowers.01:05.04Donna BishopThank you.01:18.40Jeanne Bekeryou know So I can't remember specifically there's ah this whole... you know batch of them that I that I have in my in my mind's eye right now but so specifically you know when that was you know I wore my first party dress but I always realized that you know yes that meant a special time and it was incredibly empowering because you just felt the most beautiful in that dress the most beautiful you'd ever seen yourself so definitely going back to my childhood birthday parties.01:49.45Donna BishopI love that. And of course, you talk about your 16th, your sweet 16 in the book, which is such a beautiful story.01:52.69Jeanne BekerHmm.01:55.28Donna BishopAnd I so loved reading your book, Jeannie. And like I told you, I actually listened to it while i I also read it. So it was so lovely to hear your voice sharing these stories.02:02.53Jeanne BekerHmm. Hmm.02:05.15Donna BishopAnd I couldn't help but wonder, you know what was your process doing this? Did you have diaries that you could um refer to? Or did you just...

FashionTalks is back for season 5! Join host Donna Bishop as she chats with industry leaders and hot emerging talent about key insights they have learned, how they are got to where they are in life and career, and their love affair with clothes

Presented with the CAFA Changemaker Award in 2023, Amber-Dawn Bear Robe is a curator, art historian and Fashion Show Program Director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. Born in Alberta, Canada, and a member of the Siksika Nation, Bear Robe has spent her career working and lecturing in Native art institutions. Through her work and advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in the representation of Indigenous designers on a national platform. She has demonstrated profound dedication to empowering Indigenous talent, art, and design history and has set the stage for a more inclusive and culturally rich fashion landscape.

John Fluevog has been designing shoes since the 1970s. His unmistakeable footwear has graced not just runway shows around the world, but have been worn by countless celebrities including Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. George Clinton, known as Parliament known as Funkadelic, came to prominence in the 60s, revolutionized R&B music in the 70s and continues to make music with a host of artists including Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, LL Cook J and Drake (one of his latest).Dame Zandra Rhodes has been a fashion designer for over 50 years and is the founder of the British Fashion and Textile Museum. She has dressed countless celebrities from Natalie Wood to Diana Ross to Freddy Mercury to Princess Diana.Clinton and Rhodes were in Toronto to launch their latest Fluevog collaborations. Donna Bishop sat down with them in the flagship Fluevog store in Toronto to chat about:collaborationcreative inspirationthe importance of feelingsand of course, shoesTo learn more about John Fluevog - https://www.fluevog.com/To learn more about George Clinton - https://georgeclinton.com/To learn more about Dame Zandra Rhodes - https://zandrarhodes.com/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

David Cash, founder of Cash Labs, has been identified by Vogue Magazine as the leading force in bringing web3 to market. David, the 2023 CAFA Innovation Award winner, is the founder of Metaverse Fashion Week and has worked with dozens of global brands from Farfetch to Estée Lauder to Verizon to the NBA.In this episode David and host Donna Bishop discuss:David's journey to founding Cash LabsThe origins of Metaverse Fashion Week (and what is that experience?)Breaking down Web3, AI, VR, Blockchain and other technologies How these technologies impact and are essential for anyone in fashion to be aware of and pay attention toExplaining how prevalent so much of this technology is alreadyWhy the gaming world is relevant right now and in the futureUnderstanding the scope of the digital realm and why it matters in a broad sense (you may be surprised)Amazing advice for anyone working in fashionTo learn more about Cash Labs - https://www.cashlabs.io/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cashlabs.ioDavid Cash - https://www.instagram.com/davidcash888/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

As the founder and CEO of Talk Boutique, Andrea Sampson has been training individuals in delivering engaging talks, compelling stories, dynamic presentations and building active communities based on developing thought leadership.Listen to Andrea and Donna Bishop discuss: The dual value of being a thought leaderWhy fashion is ripe for new thought leadersHow to start being a thought leaderThought leader vs expert vs trail blazer vs influencer vs change makerWhy an emotional connection is essential to being a thought leaderWhat is the unique mindset of a thought leader and how to cultivate itHow thought leadership supports business goals - including salesTo learn more about Andrea Sampson - https://talkboutique.com/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Qasim Mohammad is an investor who currently works out of Wittington Venture. His expertise is deeply rooted in consumer brands.In this episode Qasim and Donna discuss:Outside investing 101 - what is venture capital and other financing optionsWhat are the goals of the VC/ investorHow to build you network for potential investingWhat makes a great pitch Advice for crafting a pitch and where to look for pitch decksScaling for capitalHow to present your opportunity and examples of companies that are doing it wellBreaking down what the market is and how it impacts financingExpectations for founders/ entrepreneurs on the fundraising process - during and upon success of financing What is on trend in the market currentlyThe video Qasim mentions in the episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXYxCBBPeggTo learn more about Qasim, his thoughts on the marketing and investing, and to connect - https://qasimmohammad.com/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Branding/ fashion lawyer and trademark agent Ashlee Froese breaks down so many myths around the relationship and importance between entrepreneurship (and not just fashion designers), legals, trademarks, IP and more.In this episode you will hear Ashlee Froese and Donna Bishop discuss:What it means to be a fashion lawyer and the eco system of the industryWhen it is beneficial to engage a lawyer (likely sooner than you think)Why freelancers benefit from working with a lawyer (its not just for big businesses)The critical business tools that fall under legal protectionThe big misstep shoe empire Manolo Blahnik made and how you can avoid itDemystifying IP: copy write, trade secrets, trademarks and moreWhat to know about contracts from employees to suppliers to independent contractorsHow to choose a lawyer to work withSuccess storiesHow to avoid brand trollsArticles mentioned in this episode:https://www.froeselaw.com/post/crocs-case-confirms-industrial-design-as-tool-in-fashion-lawhttps://www.froeselaw.com/post/structuring-your-independent-contractor-agreementsTo connect with Ashlee Froese - https://www.froeselaw.com/contactHost Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/More about Ashlee:Ashlee Froese is a branding & fashion lawyer and trademark agent. She has been practicing law since 2007. She is recognized by the Law Society of Ontario as a Certified Specialist in Trademarks Law; 1 of 6 female lawyers to carry that designation. Since 2017, Ashlee is consistently listed in the World Trademark Review as one of the top 1000 trademark lawyers in the world. In 2019, Ashlee was one of 39 lawyers across Canada to be granted the Lexpert Zenith Award, which recognizes her as a change maker in law. In 2021, Ashlee was granted the World Intellectual Property Review’s Diversity award as an Influential Woman in IP, one of only 69 lawyers worldwide. In 2022, Ashlee was an awardee with the Canadian Law Awards in the Female Trailblazer of the Year category. Prior to launching Froese Law, Ashlee was a partner on Bay Street. She fast tracked to partnership within 6 years.Ashlee's scope of practice includes trademarks, copyright, contract, licensing, domain name, social media, marketing/advertising, packaging/labeling and start up corporate laws.Ashlee holds numerous leadership and mentorship positions

Lara Koretsky is a leadership and business coach pulls back the curtain how she supports her clients to achieve professional success and satisfaction, as well as personal expansion and growth.In this episode Lara talks with host Donna Bishop about:the essential connection between aligning personal values and professional goalsditching your "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee"identifying burnout vs stressboundaries, boundaries - what they are and how to keep themreality check about "time off"the one minute tool that can make a huge impacthow leaders can support their team memberscommunication tools you can implement right now to build stronger teams the neuroscience of moving through fear and negative emotionsstories of successthe power of a To Be listTo learn more about Lara Korestsky and her coaching work - https://www.larakoretsky.com/Connect with Lara - https://www.larakoretsky.com/contactLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakoretsky/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

Grant financing can be the perfect cash injection to take a business to the next level. In this episode grant consultant Weiyi Chang unpacks the process, shares expectations and offers advice on how to determine if grant financing is right for your business and setting you up for success.Weiyi Chang and host Donna Bishop discuss:Debunking fashion and access to grant fundingGrant financing 101 - what it is, what is it for and what to expectWhere to find grantsThe importance of key word strategies when researching grantsRole of the granting officer and how to leverage itTips for applying for grant financingWhat to expect when you are successful in being awarded grant financingFrom this episode:Databases mentioned:https://grantconnect.ca/loginhttps://ontario.grantwatch.com/grants-for.phphttps://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding.htmlArticle on Government Grant Financing - https://www.froeselaw.com/post/diversify-your-business-financing-with-government-grantsGuest Weiyi Chang - email weiyi@froeselaw.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/weiyi-c-55600a193/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/

The Oscar nominated Costume Designer Luis Sequeira got his start in fashion. In this final BEST OF episode Luis and assistant Costume Designer Ann Steel joined Donna Bishop for a live recording of FashionTalks during Toronto Fashion Week.In this episode you will hear Luis and Ann talk about:Their fashion backgroundThe process of working with Academy Award Winning Director Guillermo del Toro on his Oscar winning Best Picture film The Shape of WaterInsider details about The Shape of Water and stories of working on the film and designing the costumesTo learn more about Luis Sequeira - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0784751/IG - https://www.instagram.com/luis_sequeira_costumes/?hl=enHost Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/Mentioned in this episode:FashionTalks for Industry Midroll

Evan Biddell has been designing clothes since his teens. Before he became a viral sensation with The Playsuit, he talked with Donna Bishop in an early FashionTalks episode.In this episode you will hear Evan talk candidly about:His upbringing in the Canadian PrairiesBeing on, and winning, the first Project Runway CanadaHis commitment to sustainability, the 81 Pound Challenge and this collection being on display in the Vancouver MuseumHis long relationship with super model Stacey McKenzieHis thoughts on style, why fashion kids love Norm Core, how he works with clients and more, including what he has in common with Alexander McQueenTo learn more about Evan Biddell - https://biddell.shop/IG - https://www.instagram.com/biddell/Host Donna Bishop - https://thisisdonnab.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisisdonnab/Follow the podcastIG - https://www.instagram.com/fashiontalkspod/To learn more about CAFA - the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards https://www.cafawards.ca/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cafawards/This episode was produced by Jason PerrierIG - https://www.instagram.com/ajasonperrier/Thank you to Nick Craine for the amazing artwork - https://www.nickcraine.com/