Before social media and algorithms, Alison Gary was already shaping the way real women thought about style, confidence, and community. A longtime blogger and digital pioneer, she launched Wardrobe Oxygen in 2005—creating one of the internet’s most enduring independent fashion and lifestyle platforms, built on honesty, accessibility, and radical transparency.

In this episode of Origins of Influence, Alison joins host Dina Fierro to revisit her early days in the blogging world and trace the evolution of a career that’s spanned two decades of seismic change online. From retail manager to full-time creator, Alison shares the story behind her now-iconic blog name, the leap to self-employment, and what it takes to stay relevant—and grounded—when the rules of the internet keep shifting.

Together, they discuss:

• How Wardrobe Oxygen began and why community remains at its heart
• The leap from hobbyist blogger to full-time creator
• Why she’s radically transparent about influencer income and partnerships
• Navigating the rise (and fall) of social platforms and shifting algorithms
• Speaking openly about politics and values online
• Embracing midlife visibility 
• What two decades of digital creativity have taught her about longevity

From the early days of Blogspot to the ever-shifting present, Alison’s story is a reminder that lasting influence comes from consistency, conviction, and an unwavering sense of self.

More from Alison:

• @wardrobe_oxygen
• WardrobeOxygen.com
• The Laundry Pile on Substack

About Origins of Influence

Hosted 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.

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