Warriors & Roses with Michelle Rose

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.In this episode my co-host, Bob Smith, and I sit down with creative apparel designer Adrienne Mercante.Adrienne has led design at some of the most innovative brands in the performance apparel space—including Outlier, Betabrand, Western Rise, Nathan Sports, and Skechers. Moving fluidly between concept and execution, her work blends aesthetic vision with hands-on problem-solving across startups and scaling companies.We talk about the early sparks of her creativity, the subcultures that shaped her, and what it takes to keep evolving in an industry that often tries to pigeon-hole. From freelancing to leadership, menswear to 3D prototyping, Adrienne’s story is one of risk, reinvention, and the resilience built by forging your own path.00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast00:05 Meet Adrienne Mercante: A Journey in Creative Apparel Design02:02 Early Influences and Childhood Memories05:16 Discovering a Passion for Sewing and Creativity08:24 High School Subcultures: Goth and Raver Fashion13:49 College Years: Balancing Columbia and FIT17:01 Navigating the Post-College Job Market25:26 Freelance Bookkeeping and the Mysterious Woman with an Eye Patch37:04 Joining Outlier: Revolutionizing Performance Apparel43:43 In-House Production and Pattern Making at Outlier46:54 Meeting and Career Beginnings47:03 Betabrand Experience47:32 Challenges at Betabrand50:31 Transition to Freelance51:28 Niche Career Path51:57 Industry Challenges and Pigeonholing52:39 Leadership and Creativity58:34 Men’s Wear Design Rules01:20:10 AI and 3D Technology in Fashion01:28:42 Risk Taking and ResilienceADRIENNE MERCANTEAdrienne Mercante is a creative apparel designer with both aesthetic and business credentials. She holds degrees in fashion, pattern making and art history, as well as an M.B.A. Her background and capabilities in concept and color, technical design and product development, make her a preferred choice for a start-up apparel business or an apparel business entering a growth phase. She has worked at many such businesses, including Betabrand, Outlier, Western Rise, Nathan Sports, and Skechers. She is always on the hunt for new technologies or skills to apply to her craft and is currently engaged with 3D prototyping. When she isn’t in full on design mode, you may spot her and her partner, the one and only Bob Smith, out in the world cracking jokes and talking shop.STRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.In this episode, Bob Smith and I sit down with Damien E-LOVE Matthias, award-winning producer, entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the early formation of hip hop.We begin at the intersection of music, design, and cultural resistance with the story of how E-LOVE himself became immortalized as the figure in the iconic Public Enemy logo. From that lasting image, we trace his journey… from growing up in the Caribbean, South Bronx, and Queens, to shaping the early sound and message of hip hop alongside legends like LL Cool J, Chuck D, and Rick Rubin.In this conversation, we open a window into how creativity moves culture, how identity is shaped across geographies, and how E-LOVE turned vision into venture, never losing sight of purpose or people.00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast01:00 Hip Hop's Early Days and Influences with Bob and Michelle04:32 E-LOVE joins in: Technical Difficulties and Personal Stories08:29 E LOVE's Iconic Public Enemy Logo11:34 E LOVE's Early Life and Influences20:12 Meeting LL Cool J, Rick Rubin, and the Rise of Def Jam25:40 The Evolution of Hip Hop28:03 The B-Boy Stance and Breakdancing31:43 Creating a Culture and Marketing Strategies36:34 Hip Hop Movies and 'Krush Groove'39:26 Taking Chances in the Creative Industry41:14 The Political Evolution of Hip Hop42:02 The Impact of 'Do the Right Thing'43:08 A Life-Changing Incident in 198944:01 Transition to Politics and Bill Clinton's Campaign01:00:03 The Role of Technology in the Future01:03:09 Tokyo Comic-Con and Stan Lee01:10:52 Final Thoughts and Inspirational MessagesAN E-LOVE STORYE-LOVE is a multi-platinum award-winning writer, producer, director, and a Federally Registered Lobbyist who sold more than 40 million records as an Artist/Producer and marketing Guru since 1984. He was an integral player in the ascension of Hip Hop, where brand references became shorthand for aspiration and status with nothing more than references in a song or shots in a video.E-LOVE is best known for co-producing and performing with LL Cool J, among Def Jam Records’ first artists, and was instrumental in launching the careers of Tupac and John Forte. E-LOVE was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 30, 2021, and is literally the symbol of hip hop, the Public Enemy Logo, the # 1 hip hop logo of all time. He is the silhouette of the man in a hat, standing, arms folded, with a crosshair positioned over the top.E-LOVE was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, the middle of eight children of Caribbean immigrants. He grew up in South Bronx and Queens, New York. At age eight, E-LOVE recognized the incredible power of the media after winning a prize on the nation’s number one kids’ show, Wonderama, earning instant fame that lasted a week, a feeling he would never forget. From dean’s office to favorite student, to a producer earning a Grammy and multiple MTV and Soul Train, to co-founder of VR Innovator, in 2014, a pioneering hardware and software/content creator for all media, gaming, television, film, VR, and AI.By March 1984, while NYU students Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons were co-founding the independent, fledgling Def Jam Label, E-LOVE was in junior high school in Queens, creating demos in his parents’ garage. In his neighborhood, all the kids were into rap. Run D.M.C. from Queens just broke, about to drop their record, and on the radio with Kurtis Blow, the first rapper to sign a major record deal. All the kids were making demos to emulate Kurtis Blow and Run D.M.C. So E- LOVE purchased $3500 worth of recording equipment with money he won in a snow shoveling contest.Around that time, E-LOVE and LL Cool J met as teenagers in Queens when the hip-hop scene was first “blowing up”. They teamed up, produced a single, “I Need A Beat” and “Dangerous” on the B side, and submitted their demo to numerous record companies with no response. E-LOVE and LL Cool J ultimately sent their demo to Rick Rubin. Rubin liked the single and invited them to a meeting in New York. E-LOVE and LL Cool J, with $5 between them for pizza, jumped the turnstile at the train station in Queens, rode to New York, met Rubin, and signed a record deal.In 1984, Def Jam released LL Cool J’s debut single, “I Need A Beat”. This debut single sold over 500,000 copies due in large part to Def Jam’s cutting-edge innovative marketing strategies developed by E-LOVE based on the birth of the “Street Team” for Peter Gatien, known as the “King of New York City Nightlife” in the eighties and nineties. The “Street Team” brought out all the “A” listers who ran New York, from the sports, entertainment, and Wall Street, to Gatien’s clubs, including the Limelight, the gothic club for the Marilyn Manson followers; the Palladium, the pop club, the Madonna audience from Studio 54; and The Tunnel, the hip hop mecca – everybody from Run D.M.C., LL to the Notorious B.I.G. All were regulars and all performed at Peter’s clubs making him the “King of New York City Nightlife”.In 1985, LL Cool J, DJ Cut Creator, E-LOVE, and the Fat Boys appeared as themselves in the feature film, Krush Groove, a fictionalized version of the early days of Def Jam produced by Jackson/McHenry Productions and distributed by Warner Bros, starring Kurtis Blow, Sheila E., Run D.M.C., the Fat Boys, and introducing TV Star, Blair Underwood, to film. This was one of the first hip-hop movies to go mainstream. LL Cool J performed the single Radio in Krush Groove that sold over one million copies.E-LOVE developed a global fan base touring and performing internationally with icons and legends LL, Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, and other rising stars. His keen eye for recognizing, developing, and marketing untapped talent was instrumental in launching the careers of Tupac Shakur and John Forte.In 1989, E-LOVE was shot 8 times during an attempted robbery and carjacking and rushed to the ER. After several days, he woke up in the middle of Last Rites being administered as he lay barely conscious, strapped to a hospital bed, tubes everywhere, nearly flat line vitals. E-LOVE was one of the first patients to be administered a treatment that consisted of an IV drip of CBD and THC. His recovery progressed over three years, with multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. E-LOVE miraculously beat all odds, his life transformed, Last Rites never forgotten.In the late 90s and early 2000s, E-LOVE enrolled at the American Conservatory of Music (ACT) in San Francisco, California, majoring in directing, screenwriting, and producing. This life-changing decision was made after a deep conversation with music mogul, Lyor Cohen, former president of Def Jam, former Warner Bros. executive, and current global head of Music at YouTube, that E-LOVE return to school… he followed Cohen’s sage advice.@eloveglobalSTRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.In this episode my co-host, Bob Smith, and I dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence with creative director Allison Ross.We explore the evolving landscape of AI in the creative industry, discussing its implications for designers, musicians, and artists of today and tomorrow. Allison shares her insight on AI's potential and the importance of maintaining human agency and leadership. We also address the fears and challenges AI presents, and look for balance at the intersection of technological advancement and human values. Join us as we navigate the dawn of AI, its impact on different generations, and strategies for creatives to stay ahead in this rapidly changing field. 00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast00:58 Welcoming Allison Ross01:41 The AI Landscape and Its Impact02:24 Allison's Background and Creative Journey05:08 Setting Intentions for the AI Discussion10:57 Diving into AI: First Impressions and Experiences15:02 The Evolution of AI in Creative Work20:05 Exploring AI Tools and Platforms33:55 The Dark Side of AI: Fears and Challenges44:47 The Threat of AI in Apparel Design46:50 Shared Reality and AI's Impact49:21 Generational Perspectives on AI51:00 AI in Education and Design57:46 The Role of Agents in AI01:07:09 Human Creativity vs. AI01:14:40 Embracing AI: A Balanced ViewALLISON ROSSAllison is a creative director and visual artist with almost 20 years of experience helping brands step up and shift culture for good.Allison spent nine years at JDK Design, starting as a designer and rocketing up to design director. While at JDK, she worked with serious culture shifters like Burton, Nike, lululemon, Seventh Generation, and Planned Parenthood.After leaving JDK, she spent two years as the Creative Director at Nau—a brand driven by the marriage of style and substance, fashion intertwined with sustainability and soul. Because she was on the leadership and senior management teams at nau, she was able to dive deep into retail, wholesale, e-commerce, supply chain, marketing, and learn from the inside what leading a brand really means. What she learned above all else is leading a brand is no joke, but that’s no excuse to be timid or safe.She then spent 4 years as the head of creative at BBMG, a branding and social impact studio. While at BBMG, she worked with brands like ASPCA, OceanX, Taco Bell and Estée Lauder to find new and authentic ways to communicate and operate with the health of humanity at its core.In 2020, Allison launched the branding consultancy Yesterday, a collective of creatives and strategists challenging the old-school approach to branding. Allison’s motto is “friends don’t let friends create boring meaningless shit” which has helped her build strong relationships with the right clients, and has done a great job at keeping the less-right ones out.https://yesterday.rip/STRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.In this episode, my co-host, Bob Smith, and I talk with three young artists shaping music today....Musician and Studio Founder Harun Bonnett, Artist and Performer Lake Kyle, and Producer and Mix Engineer Juan Carlos Hernandez.From growing up in the underground music scene, to studying at Juilliard, Berklee and the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, to working with major TV shows like La Voz Mexico, sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, and touring with the influential ska group The English Beat...... we talk with this next generation of creators about hustling in the modern music industry, the value of networking and community-building, and the importance of simply showing up.00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast00:59 Meet the Guests: Juan Carlos, Lake, and Harun01:35 NAMM Experiences and Networking03:28 Community and Support in the Music Industry07:14 The Power of Showing Up08:25 Karen Dunn and the Experiment26:03 Musical Influences and Backgrounds31:44 Musical Family Influences32:13 First Encounter with Drums33:24 Live Music Experiences34:43 Church and Early Music Education36:57 Path to Professional Music42:41 Classical Training and Beyond59:09 TV Music Production Journey01:02:20 Defining Roles in the Music Industry01:03:04 The Evolution of Music Creation01:05:32 The Importance of Collaboration01:06:44 Technology's Impact on Music01:15:14 Navigating Social Media as an Artist01:23:57 Challenges and Opportunities in the Music Industry01:29:24 Future Aspirations and AdviceHarun Bonnett is a versatile and accomplished musician, music director, and multi-instrumentalist whose passion for music began at the age of three when he started playing drums in church. A lifelong dedication to his craft led him to prestigious training programs, including Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP) and Mannes College, and he graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2019.Harun’s artistry spans multiple roles, including producer, arranger, programmer, and performer, making him a sought-after collaborator in both the studio and on stage. His credits include working with renowned international artists such as Xin Liu, Karencici, and Tia Ray, where his arranging and programming skills have contributed to globally recognized projects. As a multi-instrumentalist, he is equally comfortable behind the drums, keyboard, and other instruments, showcasing his adaptability and creative vision.Currently, Harun is a proud member of the New York Giants Drumline, where he delivers high-energy performances as part of Blue Devils Entertainment. He has also toured extensively as a keyboardist with the legendary ska band, The English Beat, performing at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl.In addition to his performance career, Harun is the founder of Pacobear Studios, a recording studio based in New York City with plans to expand to Los Angeles. Through Pacobear Studios, Harun not only provides a creative space for artists but also serves as a mentor and producer, fostering emerging talent while pursuing his own innovative projects.Harun’s career reflects his dedication to pushing musical boundaries, his ability to seamlessly navigate different genres, and his commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, Harun Bonnett continues to establish himself as a dynamic force in the music industry.IG @harunthemastermindBorn and raised between the vibrant energy of Queens and the serene rhythms of Connecticut, Lake Kyle blends hip-hop, soul and electronic elements into a unique sonic experience reflecting his diverse roots.His journey through music has led him to share stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, DJ Battlekat, and DJ Scratch, have music featured on playlists hosted by Red Bull Music, and land placements featured on major television networks and streaming platforms including Hulu, Netflix, Paramount, CBS Sports, international sports coverage on Ligue 1 Soccer. Fearlessly authentic and constantly evolving Lake Kyle is making his mark as an artist in the modern era. IG @lakekyleJuan Carlos Hernandez is a Mexican Producer and Mix Engineer based in Durango, Mexico. He has worked on major projects like La Voz Mexico and La Vecindad de El Chavo dPōrt, collaborating with artists such as Kike Jimenez, Lake Kyle, and Hans Halstead, as well as with companies like Line 6 (Yamaha Guitar Group), KMD Productions, TEC Awards, Casa Mexico Foundation and SHE-Q Audio.Juan Carlos developed his skills early on, inspired and guided by his father’s and family's influence. He further honed his skills at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and earning multiple certifications. His career has included key roles such as an intern at Westlake Recording Studios, assisting at the National Association of Music Merchants TEC Awards editions 37 and 38 in Anaheim, and Front-of-House engineering for churches in Mexico and the U.S.In June 2024, he was invited by Casa Mexico Foundation and SHE-Q Audio to lead a workshop on music production, recording, and mixing at the National Music Centre in Calgary, Canada, aimed at supporting and inspiring the Latin community.Juan Carlos is an expert in both contemporary popular music styles (pop, rock, EDM, etc.) as well as traditional Latin and regional styles, particularly from his home country of Mexico.IG @jcsoundSTRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast!In this episode my co-host, Bob Smith, and I talk with legendary artist and creative director Scott Clum. First Design Director for Sims Snowboards in the eighties, Co-Founder of Morrow Snowboards in the nineties, and early Design Director at Raygun Publishing. A pioneer in the early days of snowboarding, Scott went from team rider to graphic designer to building brands, products, and periodicals that defined a culture. Scott's human-crafted style, mixing photography and typography with hand-torn edges and rough details, merges old school zine design with high art. We talk with Scott about his early days in the world of skate and snow and how that shaped him as an artist. We dig into the lessons of his past, his vision for the future, and his advice for young creatives in this new age of technology and AI.00:00 Introduction to the UnStruktured Podcast 01:01 Casual Banter and Setting the Scene 01:35 Scott's Early Days and Inspirations 03:54 The Evolution of Snowboarding and Design 06:42 The Art of Graphic Design in Snowboarding 30:08 Transition from Snowboarding to Morrow Snowboards 30:40 Early Days at Morrow Snowboards 31:41 Challenges in Graphic Design 33:56 The Evolution of Graphic Design Techniques 50:31 Magazine Work and Industry Impact 01:00:29 Breaking the Mold in Skateboarding and Graphic Design 01:01:30 Expressing Visceral Energy Through Design 01:04:31 Rebellion and Authenticity in Creative Work 01:11:43 Navigating the Impact of AI on Creativity 01:18:54 Encouraging the Next Generation of CreativesSCOTT CLUM Scott Clum is an internationally known Graphic Designer, Type Designer, and Creative Director. Recognized for his work in typographic treatments and graphic design arrangements in action sports and publication design, Scott's combination of classic design instruction and found materials has helped create a deeper pass into what design and graphics can be. For over 30 years, Scott has had a deep history in action sports as a skateboarder/snowboarder and being one of the most prolific snowboard graphic designers across the industry, continuing to design and develop snowboard graphics still today. Scott spent 7 years at RAYGUN Publishing, co-founding and creative directing 3 separate magazine titles, “Bikini”, “Stick”, and “Nylon” with publisher Marvin Jarrett. With these publications, Scott and Marvin went on to push the boundaries of publication design even further. Scott’s unique style and aesthetic comes from keeping ideas unfiltered and working outside the computer to create typographic and graphic tensions that challenge the overall design convention. Scott is the creative director at quango where he works on tech and outdoor lifestyle clients, he also continues to freelance projects from his personal design studio ride. scottclum.com \ @scottclum_design STRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast. I'm Michelle Rose... musician, martial artist, and design leader shaping some of the largest brands in the outdoor industry from The North Face to Columbia Sportswear, former espresso slinger and barista trainer at Starbucks and stylishly badass girl. In this episode I introduce you to my new co-host, the one and only Bob Smith... fellow musician, graphic designer, and creative leader defining iconic brands such as Nike, New Balance, and Pendleton, former band poster maker and slacker at Kinkos and still-ever-curious kid. In this series, Bob and I connect with the creators behind the scenes of brands and bands across modern fashion and music. We'll bring you deep conversations and insights from the people behind the things you use, wear, and listen to every day.00:00 Introduction to the Unstruktured Podcast 00:20 Meet the Co-Host: Bob Smith 01:00 Early Memories of Music 03:47 The Impact of MTV 04:45 The Evolution of Music Tastes12:03 Discovering Jazz and Musical Journey 16:12 The Intersection of Music and Design 18:48 The Birth of Struktur 40:28 Challenges in the Design Industry 43:26 Creating the Event You Want to Attend 44:10 Sponsorship Challenges and Support 45:12 Networking and Outreach Efforts 47:06 Reflecting on the Golden Era 48:11 Interactive Events and Community Building 51:10 The Importance of Relevant Speakers 53:17 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges 01:01:35 Martial Arts Journey and Life Lessons 01:10:41 Portland in the 90s: A Magical Time 01:19:03 Intentions for the Podcast 01:25:44 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans BOB SMITH Bob is an LA-born, Portland-based entrepreneur, brand, and apparel creative with 25 years of experience building and enhancing brands at venerable companies like Nike, Pendleton Woolen Mills, and New Balance, to name a few.After spending his early years as a drummer in the burgeoning Portland music scene, he got his first real grownup job as a walk-on at Nike, armed with a handful of design-school credit hours and a portfolio full of band posters. While at what he fondly refers to as “The University of Nike,” he birthed the Nike Sportswear “re-issue” collection, which tapped into the company’s soul and history. In 2017, he took the plunge to found Ore-Cal Sportswear, a loving mash-note to the West Coast culture of his youth. He now serves as Chief Creative Officer at Open Source Election Technology Institute and its public outreach, Trust The Vote. Bob also consults for brands global and unheard of with his partner Adrienne Mercante at BAD Idea. MICHELLE M ROSE Michelle is an American fashion designer, martial artist, musician, podcaster, writer, mother, and connector of creative minds who has spent over 30 years leading, training, and mentoring artists to find their path. Starting down a rough road, Michelle turned to the martial arts and eastern philosophy to focus her future, earning a fifth degree black belt and putting herself through college studying design and international business. She became one of the highest-selling designers for top outdoor companies such as Columbia Sportswear and The North Face, eventually founding the first design conference for the outdoor, active and urban industries called Struktur Event. Michelle co-founded Struktur Event and the original Struktur Podcast with Sam Ward in 2013 and 2015 respectively as a creative resource of professional development, community, and connection for professional designers in the active, outdoor, and urban space. In 2021 Michelle relaunched Struktur Society from her belief that artists, designers, musicians, and writers are the visionaries who shape our future, and from her understanding for what it means and takes to live in this world as a creative. STRUKTUR SOCIETY This episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation. From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com. © StrukturSphere llc 2025. Original music by Greg Brace Music. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast!In this episode, I talk with design leader Hadrien Monloup, cofounder of the premium brand Bellroy and the ultimate community for carry called Carryology.From his early years growing up in Paris with a family of artists, to moving across the globe to build his design career with Rip Curl in Australia, Hadrien has spent his life making leaps and taking risks to keep growing as a creative. Coining the term 'carry' and starting Bellroy with the idea of 'slimming down the wallet', Hadrien has been an integral part of creating a new way to view how we move freely in our day-to-day lives.Hadrien and I talk about our shared passions for design and martial arts, his experience starting new companies, what's broken in corporate design, and his plans for the future running his agency, Monloup Creative.HADRIEN MONLOUPCREATIVITY IS AT THE VERY CORE OF MY LIFEGrowing up in a family of creatives in Paris, I fell in love with the power of creating meaningful things.The day I walked into a new design school that had just opened in my street, I found my calling. Totally inspired, I dedicated my life to creating great products.With a desire to expand my creativity and see more of the world, I moved to Australia where I designed bags and accessories for the renowned surf brand, Rip Curl.It was there I embraced the challenges, and impact, of designing for global markets - working across multiple products ranges, teams and suppliers. I also saw how frustrating big-brand constraints can be. I couldn’t help but think there must be a better way.THE BIRTH OF BELLROYSo, a friend and I took the leap to create our own brand. Bellroy and Carryology were born. My days were immersed in every aspect of design, business, and brand-building. We came up with new ways to think about design, creativity, and process. Better, faster results followed. In a few short years, Bellroy grew from just 4 people to over 100 staff, first selling in 1 country, to being in over 150.This time taught me how to see the business as a whole. To ask the right questions and drill down to the parts that really matter. We focused on building stronger objectives, aligning the entire leadership and creative on them, and executing well and fast.From Bellroy, I became passionate about sharing my knowledge, ways of thinking about design, creative processes and collaborative work with other brands.I want to help others in their journey to success. So, I created Monloup Creative.Now, here we are.STRUKTUR SOCIETYThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2024. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast!In this episode I talk with sustainable design leader Andrew Morgan. Starting out in the Ready-To-Wear and high-end fashion world of New York in the 1980s, creating collections for luxury department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus, Andrew eventually made a shift to focus on sustainable textiles for the home, spa, and hospitality industries.Designing for top brands like Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Fred Segal, Crate+Barrel, and many more, Andrew led the industry in producing luxury textile accessories that were modern, durable, and ethical.Now, with a focus on clean and green, fashion-forward, and technologically innovative materials, Andrew is guiding the textile world into the future with his new company called KNYTLAB by Andrew Thomas Morgan.ANDREW MORGANAndrew exploded into the home decor market in 2000, designing knitted textile decorative accessories using his tailored, cutting-edge, and modern aesthetic honed over the twelve years he spent creating exclusive apparel lines as ready-to-wear Design Director. His signature fashion-forward style attracted clients including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, and hundreds of specialty stores. In 2006, Andrew launched a hospitality and spa collection that received an immediate embrace. His hotel clients included Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Kimpton Hotels, Omni Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, Miraval Hotel and Spa, Mandarin Oriental LV, among many others. He has always anticipated and addressed the ever-changing needs of his discerning clientele. As a textile innovator who designs products to solve aesthetic and housekeeping issues, he introduced antimicrobial and environmentally conscious yarns over twenty years ago. Currently, Andrew is the founder of the KNYTLAB, a collection of technical knits and performance wovens inspired by international travel and a fashion-forward aesthetic. The KNYTLAB collection is based on the "Circular Economy" concept, enabling the end user to design, redesign, repurpose, or embellish, creating a new aesthetic with practical solutions and easy care.EPISODE SPONSORSStruktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2024. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured podcast!In this episode I talk with Performance Designer turned Regenerative Farmer Star Miklashek Hoerauf. Pulling from an active and creative childhood, Star has woven her love of animals, holistic patterns, and clothing into a mindful way of life.Carving out her early career creating award-winning performance apparel for cutting-edge brands like Arc'teryx, The North Face, and Patagonia, Star then channeled her art, knowledge, and drive to do the right thing for people and planet into becoming a true regenerative farmer.A passionate mother with a clear mind and strong will, Star now runs her own farm in British Columbia called MorningStar Woollen.STAR MIKLASHEK HOERAUFThree key elements are woven through Star’s life: a love of animals, holistic patterns, and clothing.Inspired by an intelligent, go-getter mum in early adulthood, the allure and excitement of the city, and a fear of farming being out of reach, Star decided to obtain a degree in Fashion. Lack of authenticity drove Star from fashion to feed her analytical brain and seek employment designing outdoor apparel and soft goods. She landed her first design job at Arc’teryx in 1998, later working as lead designer for The North Face and Patagonia building cutting-edge product. Once Married with kids, Star chose to complete her Waldorf teacher training and eventually buy a small farm. Now she is passionately striving to raise carbon-beneficial wool, design clothing, and teach folks how to grow and dye textiles, while also growing regenerative flowers for weddings and beyond ….all with a focus on soil health and environmental harmony.Featured in Trailblazher Magazine, Spring 2024 https://shop.trailblazherco.com/products/issue-14-spring-2024EPISODE SPONSORSSchoellerThis episode of UnStruktured is brought to you by Schoeller, the global textile company headquartered in Switzerland, specializing in the development and manufacturing of high-performance fabrics and textile technologies for athletic, outdoor, fashion and workwear categories.  Founded more than 150 years ago, Schoeller calls upon its vast history of experience working with the most advanced equipment in compliance with the world’s toughest environmental systems. Quality and sustainability have always served as the brand’s core principles, with the entire production chain – from raw materials to the finished product – intensely scrutinized.  For more information, visit www.schoeller-textiles.com.Struktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2024. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured podcast!In this episode I talk with producer and audio engineer Stanley Soares. Born in Brazil and based in the US, Stanley has dedicated his career to the art of sound engineering.From traveling the world to serve as the Front Of House engineer for Megadeth, Motorhead, Sepultura, Devin Townsend, and many more, to earning several Latin Grammy nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album, Stanley's passion for music and experience in helping high-powered artists achieve their sonic vision has helped him become a trusted expert in the field.Stanley I dig into his early path to music in Brazil, becoming a live and studio engineer working with legends like Lemmy and Ronnie James Dio, and what it takes to keep growing and stay balanced in the dynamic and fast-paced world of rock and metal.STANLEY SOARESStanley Soares is a producer, live and studio engineer born in Brazil currently based in the US who has dedicated his career to the art of sound engineering. Starting as as self-taught musician, Stanley’s almost accidental introduction to a recording studio sparked his passion for audio engineering, Since then, he has relentlessly pursued knowledge and honed his skills, becoming a trusted expert in the field, working with diverse range from heavy metal to Latin music, Stanley`s dedication and expertise help artists achieve their sonic vision.Stanley has travel the world, serving as a front of house engineer for renowned artists including Megadeth, Motorhead, Sepultura, Meshuggah, Juanes, Devin Townsend. In studio, his work has earned several Latin Grammys nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album with the Latin American metal supergroup De La Tierra, Best Brazilian Rock Album with Andreas Kisser solo album Hubris and Best Sertaneja Music Album with Brazilian artist Paula Fernandes album Meus Encantos.Struktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2024. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured podcast!In this episode, I talk with Dan Trapp, C-Suite and Senior Leadership Headhunter for the Sports and Outdoor Industry. With thirty years of leadership experience working with companies like Salomon, Hoka and Columbia Sportswear, Dan now uses his expertise and network to help brands build high-caliber leadership teams.Dan and I connect on our early years working together at Columbia, his journey through the industry, and his choice to become a recruiter and mentor through founding Trapp Executive Search and his new YouTube Channel and Podcast called Sports+Outdoor Mentors.DAN TRAPPWith thirty years of leadership experience in the Sports and Outdoor industry, with brands including Salomon, Hoka, and Columbia Sports, Dan now uses his expertise and network to help his clients build their best leadership team ever. Having lived and worked in the UK, Switzerland, France, and Finland for North American, European, and Asian-owned businesses, Dan has a global perspective uniquely positioning him to understand the requirements and challenges in building effective international leadership teams. Dan is also the Founder of Sports+Outdoor Mentors, a YouTube Channel and Podcast that gives him access to senior leaders throughout the industry, encouraging them to share their biggest triumphs, failures, and most valuable lessons to help others on their career path in the Sports & Outdoor industry.EO ExecutivesSports+Outdoor Mentors : Youtube | Apple Podcasts | SpotifyEPISODE SPONSORSSchoellerThis episode of UnStruktured is brought to you by Schoeller, the global textile company headquartered in Switzerland, specializing in the development and manufacturing of high-performance fabrics and textile technologies for athletic, outdoor, fashion and workwear categories.  Founded more than 150 years ago, Schoeller calls upon its vast history of experience working with the most advanced equipment in compliance with the world’s toughest environmental systems. Quality and sustainability have always served as the brand’s core principles, with the entire production chain – from raw materials to the finished product – intensely scrutinized.  For more information, visit www.schoeller-textiles.com.Struktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2023. Original music by Greg Brace Music.Struktur Society is a reader/listener-supported publication and podcast. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast!In this episode, I talk with Pro Audio Engineer Lenise Bent. A hidden legend in her own right, Lenise is known for her work on huge rock classics such as Steely Dan's Aja and Supertramp's Breakfast In America, as well as for being the first female recording engineer to be recognized with a platinum album for Blondie's Autoamerican.Lenise and I talk about her experience working with Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and the multitudes of artists who contributed to Autoamerican, and we dig into each song to discover the process and creative intent behind this unique genre-melding album.I am so excited and honored to bring you this conversation with Lenise Bent. This episode holds special meaning for me since Blondie's Autoamerican was one of the very first albums I bought and owned as a young girl in the 80’s...ever.Growing up in the California Bay Area with a dad who played in local area rock bands, I had a "record collection" of my own by the time I was ten. One my very first albums was the new 1981 release of Autoamerican sitting right alongside Pat Benatar's Crimes Of Passion.Debbie Harry and Pat Benetar were so inspirational to me as a young girl and contributed massively to my earliest sense of what it meant to be a strong, independent, and powerful woman.I didn't know that Autoamerican was recorded by a woman, or that she would be the first female recording engineer recognized for a platinum record. Nor did I have any idea that I would ever meet this woman and become friends.I have to say that Lenise is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. She is so caring, so generous, so passionate about music, her work and supporting others. She shows up where and when it matters and she shows up fully.A huge thank you to Lenise for being so giving of her time talking about this album. Her excitement for this work is palpable and it was such a joy for me to listen to and break down each individual song with her. I mean, what a treat for me to geek out over one of my favorite albums of all time with the woman who recorded it. My own questions don't do it justice by a long shot but we do uncover some interesting and unexpected details and I hope you find some joy in it as well.Blondie's Autoamercian is part of rock-n-roll history and I hope you uncover a new appreciation for the amazing work and the creative process behind it. At the very least, you'll find joy in the storytelling of Lenise Bent.LENISE BENTLenise Bent has enjoyed a long career as an audio engineer and producer, honing her skills on many iconic records including “Aja” by Steely Dan and “Breakfast in America” by Supertramp. She is the first female engineer to receive a platinum album for Blondie’s “AutoAmerican” album which includes the very first hit rap song with music, “Rapture”. Lenise is also a post-production audio professional, specializing in recording and editing foley sound effects for many films and animated series and has traveled the world for Dreamworks supervising the foreign dialogue recording and producing the vocals for such animated features as “Shrek”, “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron” and “Shrek 2”. She also archives and repairs audio, instructs, consults and holds workshops for audio students and singer/songwriters. Lenise is a long-standing member of the Audio Engineering Society, the Producers & Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy and a voting member of NARAS. She is also a proud member of SoundGirls, Women’s Audio Mission (WAM), Women in Music, the prestigious Hollywood Sapphire Group, The Blues Foundation, IASA (International Association of Sound Archivists) and ARSC (Assoc. of Recorded Sound Collectors) and on the board of directors for music nonprofit Worldwide Musicians United. Though mostly working in digital recording formats, Lenise recently produced and engineered an all analog recording with blues/rock/Indy band Primal Kings, recording to 2” tape, mixing to 1⁄2” and cut to vinyl from tape. A “triple A” legacy quality production, recorded and mixed completely out of the box. To know more about Lenise, visit lenisebent.com.Struktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation.From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.Music by Greg Brace Music. Story edit by Unpaved Roads Studio.© StrukturSphere llc 2023. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured podcast!This week I talk with fellow performance design leader, Elizabeth McGarry. Based in Boston, Elizabeth has spent the past two decades creating collections for iconic brands like Nike and Reebok and has led design for some of the most talked about startups in the performance and outdoor industry. From her early experience with coveted design labels in Antwerp, Belgium, to adopting her first son to become a single working mother at the age of 23, Elizabeth has built a professional creative life rooted in the mantra "family first" ... naming her design studio MCGARRY&Sons.ELIZABETH MCGARRYA leader, builder, collaborator, instigator, problem-solver; Elizabeth McGarry is the co-founder and creative director of one of the most sought-after product design studios in the sportswear industry. Her design career began in the early aughts, when she turned a botched internship in Spain into a dream job in Antwerp, Belgium. Immersed in the avant-garde world of fashion as an assistant designer to some of the most coveted cult labels of the era, Elizabeth honed her skills in conceptual design, luxury craftsmanship, and innovative brand activation.Upon returning to the US, Elizabeth cultivated her love of heritage brands with innovative design, first as a designer for Nike Sportswear, then the director for Reebok Classics & Collaborations, eventually becoming the go-to “it” designer for Iconic reissues & brand-driving campaigns. For over a decade, Elizabeth has led creative & design for some of the most talked about brands in the performance and outdoor industry. Her commitment to building long lasting, meaningful products and culture-shifting brands, has elevated her projects to future Icon status.MCGARRY&SonsEpisode 5 SponsorsSchoellerThis episode of UnStruktured is brought to you by Schoeller, the global textile company headquartered in Switzerland, specializing in the development and manufacturing of high-performance fabrics and textile technologies for athletic, outdoor, fashion and workwear categories.  Founded more than 150 years ago, Schoeller calls upon its vast history of experience working with the most advanced equipment in compliance with the world’s toughest environmental systems. Quality and sustainability have always served as the brand’s core principles, with the entire production chain – from raw materials to the finished product – intensely scrutinized.  For more information, visit www.schoeller-textiles.com.Functional Fabric Fair Powered by Performance DaysThis episode was brought to you by the Functional Fabric Fair Powered by Performance Days, the premiere trade show for performance fabrics and materials. Since 2018 the Functional Fabric Fair has been providing a unique highly-curated trade show experience in the performance material space, aimed at providing customers with the very best options to create the highest-level products in the market. Having a strong focus on education and sustainability, the Functional Fabric Fair is committed to tackling the biggest issues we face today in regards to product manufacturing and our environment. With five shows throughout the year, from Portland, to New York City, to Munich, you're sure to find what you need at the Functional Fabric Fair and Performance Days.Struktur SocietyThis episode was brought to you by Struktur Society, the community for creators in art, design, and music. For almost a decade Struktur has brought together creatives from across the industrial, apparel, graphic, and sound design industries, building professional relationships, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, and raising the bar of product creation. From live events and workshops, to publication and podcasting, Struktur continues to evolve to build the strong creator community needed to craft our future. Find us at struktursociety.com and subscribe to our Substack at struktursociety.substack.com.© StrukturSphere llc 2023. Music by Greg Brace Music.UnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Unstruktured podcast. In this episode, I talk with artist, musician, and creative producer Stephanie Lamond. Daughter of the longtime CEO of NAMM, one of the largest and longest-running music product trade shows in the world, Stephanie has grown up surrounded by creative business leaders and mentors.Initially focused on a career in film music composition, her education shifted to a degree in Psychology and early childhood development, and then travel to Galway, Ireland to study music and culture and learn more about her family's Irish and Chinese roots.After more than a decade of learning the ropes in creative production and business in the music industry, including writing and recording her own songs under the name Lucky Lamond, Stephanie now embarks on her next adventure...paving a new road running a business of her own called Unpaved Roads Studio (not Unpaved Path Studios, which I state incorrectly in the podcast!).Stephanie LamondStephanie Lamond is the founder of Unpaved Roads Studio, home of her work as an artist, writer, and creative producer. She currently writes for the Women's International Music Network, and as Lucky Lamond, records original music and contributes to recordings as a songwriter, engineer, and session musician. Podcast producer and composer credits include the One and Dunn podcast and Women of NAMM's ReVoicing the Future, and she has produced music industry gatherings and sessions from mentorship programs to large-scale community builders for companies like KMD Productions, NAMM, and the Recording Academy. The common thread between each Unpaved Roads Studio project is a spark of the authentic human experience, because by telling the stories that make us who we are, we free those who come after us to be all they can be. Learn more about her work at unpavedroads.studio. © StrukturSphere llc 2023. Music by Greg Brace Music.UnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast.In part 2 of this episode I talk with Creative Director and Graphic Artist Allison Ross, Founder and Janitor at Yesterday, about her time at the groundbreaking sustainable brand Nau Clothing, the joys of working for cutting edge design firms with great people, bad reviews and being let go, starting your own thing, and the power of reverse swear jars and breaking backboards.Allison's passion for good people, social purpose, and creativity with a healthy dose of humor has led her to work with some of top design firms and cutting edge brands in the industry.We'll dig in to the career path that led her to run her own business, what she learned about remaining true to herself, the importance of going above and beyond the call of duty, and why her motto is “friends don’t let friends create boring meaningless shit”.00:00 Intro 01:40 Joining Nau, the sustainable clothing brand 13:49 Working for design firms- JDK, BBMG, Superunion 17:44 Bad Reviews 22:16 Taking Risks + Being Let Go 33:04 Starting Yesterday.rip 37:20 Going Beyond + Supporting Others 44:26 Last Words- Keanu + ShaquilleAllison RossAllison is a creative director and visual artist with over 15 years of experience helping brands step up and shift culture for good.Allison spent nine years at JDK Design, starting as a designer and rocketing up to design director. While at JDK, she worked with serious culture shifters like Burton, Nike, lululemon, Seventh Generation, and Planned Parenthood.After leaving JDK, she spent two years as the Creative Director at Nau—a brand driven by the marriage of style and substance, fashion intertwined with sustainability and soul. Because she was on the leadership and senior management teams at nau, she was able to dive deep into retail, wholesale, e-commerce, supply chain, marketing, and learn from the inside what leading a brand really means. What she learned above all else is leading a brand is no joke, but that’s no excuse to be timid or safe.She then spent 4 years as the head of creative at BBMG, a branding and social impact studio. While at BBMG, she worked with brands like ASPCA, OceanX, Taco Bell and Estée Lauder to find new and authentic ways to communicate and operate with the health of humanity at its core.In 2020, Allison launched the branding consultancy Yesterday, a collective of creatives and strategists challenging the old-school approach to branding. Allison’s motto is “friends don’t let friends create boring meaningless shit” which has helped her build strong relationships with the right clients, and has done a great job at keeping the less-right ones out.© StrukturSphere llc 2023. Music by Greg Brace Music.UnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured Podcast. In this episode I talk with Creative Director and Graphic Artist Allison Ross, Founder and Janitor at Yesterday.Allison's passion for good people, social purpose, and creativity with a healthy dose of humor has led her to work with some of top design firms and cutting edge brands in the industry.We'll dig in to the career path that led her to run her own business, what she learned about remaining true to herself, the importance of going above and beyond the call of duty, and why her motto is “friends don’t let friends create boring meaningless shit”.Allison RossAllison is a creative director and visual artist with over 15 years of experience helping brands step up and shift culture for good.Allison spent nine years at JDK Design, starting as a designer and rocketing up to design director. While at JDK, she worked with serious culture shifters like Burton, Nike, lululemon, Seventh Generation, and Planned Parenthood.After leaving JDK, she spent two years as the Creative Director at Nau—a brand driven by the marriage of style and substance, fashion intertwined with sustainability and soul. Because she was on the leadership and senior management teams at nau, she was able to dive deep into retail, wholesale, e-commerce, supply chain, marketing, and learn from the inside what leading a brand really means. What she learned above all else is leading a brand is no joke, but that’s no excuse to be timid or safe.She then spent 4 years as the head of creative at BBMG, a branding and social impact studio. While at BBMG, she worked with brands like ASPCA, OceanX, Taco Bell and Estée Lauder to find new and authentic ways to communicate and operate with the health of humanity at its core.In 2020, Allison launched the branding consultancy Yesterday, a collective of creatives and strategists challenging the old-school approach to branding. Allison’s motto is “friends don’t let friends create boring meaningless shit” which has helped her build strong relationships with the right clients, and has done a great job at keeping the less-right ones out.© StrukturSphere llc 2023. Music by Greg Brace Music.UnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

In the second part of this two-part episode, I talk with trend researcher and strategist Tsveti Enlow. After opening the first youth hostel in Bulgaria at the age of 19 a few years after the fall of communism, Tsveti went on to study international business in the United States and became an expert in identifying trends and connections across art, business, and culture.Tsveti and I talk about her consistent path of creating her own roles, becoming a trend strategist and how that role is changing, and the need for self-care in a career that runs 24/7.Tsveti Enlow/ Trend Researcher and StrategistTsveti is an independent trend researcher and brand strategist who partners with brands, trend, and creative agencies to deliver bespoke solutions. By exploring the intersection of consumer behavior, culture, lifestyle, and design shifts, Tsveti identifies and translates emerging trends into new opportunities to help her international and domestic clients anticipate and plan for the future.Passionate about people, culture, design, and the active outdoor lifestyle, Tsveti naturally found her way into a career centered around trends and insights in the active market. Tsveti started her trend research and strategy career with the performance merino wool-focused brand Icebreaker because she was drawn to the brand’s purpose and commitment to using natural materials. Tsveti held roles from  International Merchandising to Global Trend + Consumer Insights management, helping the company build both European and global market direction.With an education in International Business, including a minor in Spanish, Tsveti’s foundation also includes founding and managing the first international hostel, Hostel Sofia, in Bulgaria, from funding to marketing to training staff for the 50-bed facility. As a part-time creative, part-time analyst, and full-time cultural anthropologist, Tsveti travels extensively to conduct in-market and consumer research as well as cover global events and trade shows in design, lifestyle, fashion, and outdoor/active. As a consultant, Tsveti tracks down and reports on trends and translates them into commercially viable insights to help clients stay relevant to evolving consumer needs.UnStruktured is produced by Struktur Society. Original music and sound editing by Greg Brace Music. © 2023 StrukturSphere llcUnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Hi everyone! We had to republish this episode due to a glitch in connections across platforms. Such is the way of starting something new…gotta work out the kinks! Anyway, this episode should be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn shortly. Look for Part 2 landing tomorrow as well as the video version on YouTube later this week. Talk to you soon!In this two-part episode, I talk with trend researcher and strategist Tsveti Enlow. After opening the first youth hostel in Bulgaria at the age of 19 a few years after the fall of communism, Tsveti went on to study international business in the United States and became an expert in identifying trends and connections across art, business, and culture.Tsveti and I talk about her consistent path of creating her own roles, becoming a trend strategist and how that role is changing, and the need for self-care in a career that runs 24/7.Wanna support what we do here at UnStruktured? LIKE this post and DOWNLOAD this episode. Seriously, these two actions create a huge impact in growing our platform! You can delete the podcast from your device right after if you’re wanting to go all minimalist and clutter-free.And if you want to do even more, a PAID subscription won’t get you cookies, but it WILL make you feel good for supporting independent creators. Thanks a bunch!Tsveti Enlow/ Trend Researcher and StrategistTsveti is an independent trend researcher and brand strategist who partners with brands, trend, and creative agencies to deliver bespoke solutions. By exploring the intersection of consumer behavior, culture, lifestyle, and design shifts, Tsveti identifies and translates emerging trends into new opportunities to help her international and domestic clients anticipate and plan for the future.Passionate about people, culture, design, and the active outdoor lifestyle, Tsveti naturally found her way into a career centered around trends and insights in the active market. Tsveti started her trend research and strategy career with the performance merino wool-focused brand Icebreaker because she was drawn to the brand’s purpose and commitment to using natural materials. Tsveti held roles from  International Merchandising to Global Trend + Consumer Insights management, helping the company build both European and global market direction.With an education in International Business, including a minor in Spanish, Tsveti’s foundation also includes founding and managing the first international hostel, Hostel Sofia, in Bulgaria, from funding to marketing to training staff for the 50-bed facility. As a part-time creative, part-time analyst, and full-time cultural anthropologist, Tsveti travels extensively to conduct in-market and consumer research as well as cover global events and trade shows in design, lifestyle, fashion, and outdoor/active. As a consultant, Tsveti tracks down and reports on trends and translates them into commercially viable insights to help clients stay relevant to evolving consumer needs.UnStruktured is produced by Struktur Society. Original music and sound editing by Greg Brace Music. © 2023 StrukturSphere llcUnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

In this two-part episode, I talk with trend researcher and strategist Tsveti Enlow. After opening the first youth hostel in Bulgaria at the age of 19 a few years after the fall of communism, Tsveti went on to study international business in the United States and became an expert in identifying trends and connections across art, business, and culture. Tsveti and I talk about her consistent path of creating her own roles, becoming a trend strategist and how that role is changing, and the need for self-care in a career that runs 24/7.Wanna support what we do here at UnStruktured? LIKE this post and DOWNLOAD this episode. Seriously, these two actions create a huge impact in growing our platform! You can delete the podcast from your device right after if you’re wanting to go all minimalist and clutter-free.And if you want to do even more, a PAID subscription won’t get you cookies, but it WILL make you feel good for supporting independent creators. Thanks a bunch!Tsveti Enlow/ Trend Researcher and StrategistTsveti is an independent trend researcher and brand strategist who partners with brands, trend, and creative agencies to deliver bespoke solutions. By exploring the intersection of consumer behavior, culture, lifestyle, and design shifts, Tsveti identifies and translates emerging trends into new opportunities to help her international and domestic clients anticipate and plan for the future. Passionate about people, culture, design, and the active outdoor lifestyle, Tsveti naturally found her way into a career centered around trends and insights in the active market. Tsveti started her trend research and strategy career with the performance merino wool-focused brand Icebreaker because she was drawn to the brand’s purpose and commitment to using natural materials. Tsveti held roles from  International Merchandising to Global Trend + Consumer Insights management, helping the company build both European and global market direction. With an education in International Business, including a minor in Spanish, Tsveti’s foundation also includes founding and managing the first international hostel, Hostel Sofia, in Bulgaria, from funding to marketing to training staff for the 50-bed facility. As a part-time creative, part-time analyst, and full-time cultural anthropologist, Tsveti travels extensively to conduct in-market and consumer research as well as cover global events and trade shows in design, lifestyle, fashion, and outdoor/active. As a consultant, Tsveti tracks down and reports on trends and translates them into commercially viable insights to help clients stay relevant to evolving consumer needs.UnStruktured is produced by Struktur Society. Original music and sound editing by Greg Brace Music. © 2023 StrukturSphere llcUnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the UnStruktured podcast. In the second half of this episode J.J. and go into the stories that shaped his performance apparel design career: from pro-snowboarding to designing the first apparel line for Salomon, to having to make the difficult choice to leave behind a great thing to take on his dream job designing for Ralph Lauren’s RLX……from Annecy, France, to New York City where he moved his wife and two young children just post 9/11, back to the mountains of Colorado to take a design leadership role at top skiwear brand Spyder, then westward to become CDO of the high-performance made-in-America brand Triple Aught Design.With his father’s military background and his mother’s unique flair for fashion, a childhood in the mountains and a fascination with the Porsche 911, J.J.’s inspirations drive him to high-quality active luxury and great design steeped in meaning and storytelling.J.J Collier/ Founder, Collier BrandsJ.J.'s design career began as a top rider on the Pro Snowboard Tour, where he first discovered a love of functional apparel and equipment. During his last two years on tour, he bought a sewing machine and started making garments. That, combined with a lifetime of natural drawing ability and a grand imagination, led to him pursuing design and fashion as a career. After two years of building one-off styles by hand for custom clients, J.J. was contacted by Salomon to help them to launch their first skiwear line. He was offered the role of their first apparel designer and his career was launched. In the 20+ years since, he has worked at Salomon HQ in France, led outerwear design for Ralph Lauren’s RLX and Black Label collections, led the Design and Product teams for Spyder, been CDO of Triple Aught Design in San Francisco, and reinvented other top brands along the way. Today, J.J. leads brands in apparel design, development, and storytelling through his company collier brands, llc with a focus on make, sustainability, and the future of design and development. J.J. lives to dream up new ideas and carefully craft stories that will engage and inspire consumers. His career has been rooted in seeking the correct ratio of forward design and commercial consideration. He loves to mentor creative people and entrepreneurs in navigating the apparel business and chasing their dreams within it.J.J. lives in Boulder, Colorado with his family where snowboarding is his favorite sport. He fixes up old Porsches and loves exploring mountain back roads in/on any vehicle, and time with family is always number one.UnStruktured is produced by Struktur Society. Original music and sound editing by Greg Brace Music. © 2023 StrukturSphere llcUnStruktured is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Struktur Society at struktursociety.substack.com/subscribe