Origins of Influence

Before social media and algorithms, Tia Williams was already shaping the way we talked about beauty, culture, and women’s inner lives. A former magazine editor turned novelist, she built one of the earliest digital spaces dedicated to Black beauty and self-expression—Shake Your Beauty—while holding senior editorial roles at ELLE, Glamour, Lucky, and Essence.In this episode of Origins of Influence, Tia joins host Dina Fierro to revisit that groundbreaking moment in beauty media and to trace the evolution of her creative voice—from beauty journalist to blogger to bestselling author of The Perfect Find and Seven Days in June.Together, they discuss how Tia carved out space for authenticity long before it was industry language, what she’s learned about love and visibility through her novels, and how she’s navigated career reinvention across two decades of cultural change.Along the way, Tia shares her thoughts on:Why she launched Shake Your Beauty when beauty media still lacked inclusivityHow early blogging shaped her voice as a storyteller and authorThe discipline—and duality—of balancing brand work with creative writingThe cultural power of romance as a genreHow it felt seeing The Perfect Find adapted for NetflixWhat she’s learned about love, womanhood, and writing herself into the storyWhether you followed Tia’s early beauty blog or discovered her through her novels, this conversation is a reminder that influence isn’t about trends—it’s about the stories that stand the test of time.Browse Tia Williams’ books at a bookseller near you, at Bookshop.org or on Amazon.About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Origins of Influence, host Dina Fierro sits down with Karen Robinovitz—cultural bellwether, serial entrepreneur, and one of the original architects of the influencer economy. As co-founder of Digital Brand Architects (DBA), Karen helped professionalize influencer representation long before it became an industry standard, spotting the value of digital creators before the rest of the world caught on.Today, Karen is the founder of Sloomoo Institute, a multisensory experience centered on play, joy, and emotional wellness. In this conversation, Karen reflects on the throughline between her ventures—how reinvention has defined her career, why she’s stepped back from social media, and what it looks like to build something tactile, analog, and healing in a hyper-digital age.We discuss:Karen’s evolution from journalist and trend forecaster to co-founding DBAThe early days of influencer marketing and building infrastructure for creatorsNavigating visibility, advocacy, and polarization as a founderWhy she stepped back from social media—and what influence means to her nowThe grief that ultimately sparked the creation of Sloomoo InstituteHow Sloomoo blends analog joy with IP building, animation, and new technologiesRecommended by Karen:Kennedy Yanko (artist)Rachel Youn (artist)Marisa Thalberg (CMO, Catalyst Brands)About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Instagram, before brand deals, before influencer was a job title—Yuli Ziv was building the business of digital influence. In this episode, Dina sits down with her longtime friend and fellow fashion blogosphere OG to trace the arc of Yuli’s remarkable career: from founding Style Coalition and shaping the earliest creator-brand partnerships, to exiting post-acquisition and walking away from hustle culture entirely.Today, Yuli is the founder of Heallist, a growth platform for holistic healers—and she believes we’re entering a new era of influence, one powered by energy, not algorithms. This conversation is a masterclass in reinvention, intuition, and creating on your own terms.In this episode, we explore:Yuli’s early days in the blogosphere and the launch of My It ThingsBuilding Style Coalition and pioneering data-driven brand campaignsDisrupting the fashion industry with community-driven influenceBurnout, boundaries, and why she chose a two-year career breakThe spiritual practices that led to her founding HeallistHer perspective on the “new influencers” and what the creator economy got right—and wrongHow she’s building a business rooted in balance, not burnoutExplore Heallist hereFollow Heallist on InstagramRecommended by Yuli:@MelRobbins@SimoneOliverAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Photographer, creative director, and cultural documentarian Lougé Delcy—also known as Dapper Lou—joins host Dina Fierro to trace his evolution from early street style pioneer to founder of Dapper Studios and Gallery Lougé.In this rich, expansive conversation, Lougé shares how his Haitian-American upbringing shaped his perspective, why he stepped away from influencer notoriety, and what he’s learned through deep, immersive work in communities across Africa, Brazil, and beyond.Together, Dina and Lougé explore:His start as a menswear blogger and self-taught photographer on Lookbook.nu and InstagramWhy he pivoted from personal brand to cultural storytellerLaunching Dapper Studios and building creative communityHis documentary work in Kenya and Brazil—and why immersion is key to his processNavigating visibility, identity, and creative ownership todayHis thoughts on social media, AI, and sustaining creative longevityThis is a story about personal evolution, cultural responsibility, and making art that lasts.See Lougé Delcy's remarkable Nat Geo doc hereRecommended by Lougé:@ChantelWalkes @JoeKenneth_About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Origins of Influence, host Dina Fierro sits down with Jess Kirby—former fashion influencer, writer, and founder of the best-selling Substack newsletter A Common Thread. Jess was among the early creators who helped define the blog-to-Instagram era, building a platform rooted in personal style, relatability, and lifestyle storytelling. But over time, she began to question the values and trade-offs inherent in the influencer economy—and made the rare decision to walk away. In this conversation, Dina and Jess explore what it means to realign your online presence with your offline values, the mental toll of always-on performance, and the boundaries we’re still learning to rebuild in a hyper-digital world. Jess also shares her experience launching Green Bunny, a local cold-pressed juice business in Vermont, and reflects on what it looks like to build something slower, smaller, and more rooted in real life.We discuss:Jess’s transition from corporate consultant to full-time fashion bloggerThe rapid evolution of the blogosphere and early InstagramBurnout, boundary erosion, and life after monetizationWhy she defines A Common Thread as an “anti-consumption” newsletterThe appeal of analog community and building a local business from scratchSmall steps for redefining your relationship to shopping, attention, and the internetRecommended by Jess: Totally RecommendHmm That's InterestingKate BaerAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Origins of Influence, Dina sits down with Meghan Donovan—creator of Wit & Whimsy and founder, En Route to Rêverie. Meghan launched her blog in 2006, becoming one of the earliest voices in what would become the burgeoning influencer economy. Nearly two decades later, she’s built a sustainable, multi-revenue stream business rooted in trust, taste, and thoughtful storytelling. From long-form blog posts and Substack newsletters to high-touch travel planning, Meghan has evolved her business while staying true to herself—and her work resonates all the more because of it.In this conversation, she shares why consistency has mattered more than virality, how prioritizing SEO fundamentally shifted her revenue, and how she draws firm lines around what she shares online (and where). Meghan also breaks down how a flood of DMs during a birthday trip to Paris led to the launch of her boutique travel business, En Route to Rêverie.We discuss:Building long-term influence through consistency, not viralityWhy she still invests in blogging and newsletters in 2025How SEO changed the game for affiliate revenueThe power of overdelivering on brand partnershipsThe boundaries that keep her creative and groundedFind Meghan on Substack at The Noteworthy Edit  and Passport to Réverie Follow Meghan on Instagram: @meghandonoRecommended by Meghan: @SarahCrawford, @BlairEadie, @KrystalBick, About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Felicia Walker—digital beauty OG, skincare educator, and founder of Phoebe Skin—joins Origins of Influence to reflect on two decades in the content game. Felicia, found online at ThisThatBeauty, launched her blog in the early 2000s and became a trusted voice in beauty, long before the creator economy had a name.In this episode, we talk about the early days of the blogosphere, the highs and lows of life as a longtime content creator, and how Felicia's passion for skincare literacy powers everything from her book and brand to her soon-to-launch podcast. We also unpack the realities of inequity in the creator space—and the power of building community, advocating for yourself, and staying grounded in what really matters.We discuss:The scrappy, unfiltered roots of beauty blogging in the early 2000sLongevity as a creator: how Felicia has evolved across platformsSkin literacy, skincare education, and the story behind Phoebe SkinThe creator-to-brand-founder journey—and why she pivoted away from DTCEquity in the influencer economy: what’s changed, and what hasn’tBurnout, boundaries, and advice for the next generation of creatorsFollow Felicia on Instagram: @thisthatbeautyFollow Felicia on TikTok: @thisthatbeautyDiscover Your Glow Guide, Felicia’s interactive skincare workbook, here!Felicia’s recommended follows: @LaurenNapier, @tomiandrizzy (founder: @blackbeautyclub)About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Rodgers—formerly known as Paper Fashion—joins Dina for a rich conversation about creative evolution, digital beginnings, and the ongoing dance between art, audience, and authenticity. From posting fashion illustrations on WordPress to collaborating with brands like Coach and Christian Louboutin, Katie was an early pioneer of the art on Instagram movement.Now based in Santa Fe, she shares how stepping away from social media—and New York City—helped her reconnect with herself and her work. Together, they explore the changing nature of brand partnerships, the artist-gallery dynamic in a post-Instagram world, and why Katie believes fear is often a compass for growth.In this episode, Katie and Dina discuss:Katie’s digital origin story and the rise of Paper FashionEarly brand collaborations and navigating partnerships without a playbookWhy she walked away from New York—and social mediaThe tension between commercial work and personal expressionHow artists can use AI as a creative tool (without losing their soul)Advice for emerging artists and for marketers working with creativesWhether you're a founder, marketer, or artist rethinking your next chapter, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change—and trust your gut.Discover Katie's work hereFollow Katie on Instagram: @katierodgersRecommended by Katie in this episode: Ignasi, Jenny WaltonAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Instagram influencers and TikTok trends, there was Tumblr — and few creators used it more brilliantly than John Jannuzzi. In this episode of Origins of Influence, Dina Fierro is joined by writer and creative director John Jannuzzi to explore the wild, weird, and wonderful internet of the late aughts and early 2010s.John reflects on his digital beginnings with Textbook, a Tumblr blog that reimagined fictional characters in Fashion Week looks, and To My Wife, the viral romance Tumblr that earned him internet fame, a scathing Jezebel feature, and (almost) a TV deal. He and Dina also revisit the heyday of Fashion Twitter, the genius of the Lucky Style Collective, and the chaotic truth behind the infamous Condé Elevator saga.Today, John continues to straddle the creative and strategic worlds with his Substack, Browser History, and a varied career that spans creative direction, editorial, graphic design and yes, cookies. This episode is a nostalgic deep dive for anyone who ever reblogged a runway image or live tweeted from the front row.📸 Instagram: @johnjannuzziRecommended by John: Christine McConnell, Collectable CitiesAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Origins of Influence, Dina Fierro sits down with Jennine Jacob—fashion blogging pioneer, personal stylist, and founder of the Iconic Style Studio.Jennine takes us on a journey from her early days launching The Coveted, one of the first fashion blogs, to founding Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB)—a groundbreaking community that empowered creators long before the term “influencer” entered the mainstream. With raw honesty and refreshing humor, Jennine shares what it was like to build a digital empire, why she left it all behind, and how a single decision at a thrift store rekindled her creativity and visibility.Today, Jennine helps women—especially those in midlife—reclaim their style, confidence, and voice through personal styling and her vibrant online community. We talk about social media sabbaticals, the power of dressing for yourself, and building a values-aligned business in a consumption-driven culture.What we cover:Jennine’s accidental entry into the blogosphere (and her first fashion-related internet query!)Founding IFB and the early economics of fashion bloggingWhy she stepped away from Instagram—and what brought her backRebuilding visibility through short-form video and sustainable stylingThe personal transformation power of styleWhat women in midlife really need when it comes to fashion and self-expressionWhy she launched Closet Philosophy, her new podcast for stylish, pro-aging women✨ Whether you're a longtime fashion nerd or a woman seeking to feel seen, this episode is a must-listen.Follow Jennine:📸 Instagram: @jennine.jacob🎵 TikTok: @jenninejacob🎧 Podcast: Closet Philosophy Recommended by Jennine: @ElysiaBerman, @TheSilverLining_1970About Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicolette Mason’s digital origin story began in the early 2000s, where platforms like LiveJournal and DIY outfit photos laid the foundation for what would become a pioneering career in fashion, media, and brand-building. Today, she’s a writer, strategist, and consultant, known for her trailblazing voice in conversations around size inclusion, queerness, and identity in fashion.In this episode of Origins of Influence, Nicolette reflects on her journey from anonymous blog posts to bylines at Marie Claire and Vogue Italia Curvy—and the evolution of digital culture, legacy media, and the creator economy along the way. She also shares the story behind launching and ultimately closing Premme, the cult-favorite plus-size fashion brand she co-founded with Gabi Fresh, and the critical lessons that experience taught her.We discuss:Nicolette’s early days on LiveJournal and the power of online communityHow identity, queerness, and body image shaped her storytellingLaunching—and closing—Premme, and what she learned as a founderWhy corporate Pride is in retreat and what brands should do insteadThe shifting influence of social media and the promise of emerging platforms like SubstackWhat creators need to know before launching a brand in 2025Resources & Mentions:Premme on Instagram (archive)Nicolette Mason on Substack and InstagramOrigins of Influence on Instagram, TikTok and YouTubeAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Nord’s story begins on Tumblr in 2007, where his cinematic photography earned him one of the largest followings on the platform. But his path from creator to CEO was just beginning. Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Fohr — a leading influencer and ambassador marketing company powering software, services, and strategy for some of the world’s top brands.In this episode of Origins of Influence, James reflects on the early internet, the turning points that shaped his path, and how his experience as a creator laid the foundation for Fohr. He shares candid insights on the evolution of the creator economy, what marketers still get wrong about influence, and what the future might hold.We discuss:The rise of Tumblr and James’ early creator successWhy his photography stood out in a sea of contentHow Fohr was born—and what it offers today’s brands and creatorsThe difference between influence and reachAdvice for marketers building long-term creator partnershipsWhat today’s creator economy can learn from the pre-algorithm eraResources & Mentions:FohrJames Nord on Instagram📲 Follow Origins of Influence on Instagram: @originsofinfluenceAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Origins of Influence is a limited podcast series exploring the untold stories of the internet’s earliest creators—and what happened next. Hosted by longtime marketer and early fashion blogger Dina Fierro, the show revisits a pre-algorithm era when influence was built through authenticity, community, and creativity on platforms like Blogger, Tumblr, and LiveJournal.But this isn’t just a nostalgic look back. Through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, digital creators, and brand founders, Origins of Influence examines how early online visibility became a launchpad—for companies, consultancies, creative reinventions, and cultural impact.Each guest reflects on the evolution of their digital presence, the shifts they've navigated both online and off, and how they've used social media as a tool to chart their own path—whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy, or advisory work.Whether you're a creator, marketer, or digital culture enthusiast, this series offers insight into how influence is built—and rebuilt—over time.🎧 Listen to the trailer and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📲 Follow along on Instagram: @originsofinfluenceAbout Origins of InfluenceHosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. Find show notes and exclusive content on Substack. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Origins of Influence on Instagram and TikTok for clips, full-length episodes, BTS and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.