Through The Back Door – Details, episodes & analysis

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Through The Back Door

Claire Vastola

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/35d. Total Eps: 17

Hey, it's Claire! We’re so excited to kick off Season 2 of Through the Back Door. We have some amazing guests lined up, plus a whole new series focusing on fashion and tech innovation. We're also diving into episodes about mindset and how to navigate this industry. I’m passionate about helping others learn from those who’ve paved the way so they can carve their own path. Whether through social media, fashion, or art, we all have the ability to create something big when we align vision with strategy. This season will give you insights into the inner workings of fashion, personal growth, and r

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https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashion
7 shares
https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashion
5 shares
https://www.instagram.com/blossom.nite
3 shares

https://workinginfashion.substack.com/
5 shares
https://workinginfashion.substack.com
3 shares
https://allthingsfashiontech.substack.com/
1 share

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Score global : 43%

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17. Nimay Ndolo on Fashion, Politics & Creating in 2025

Friday, October 3, 2025 • Duration 01:21:01

On this episode of Through the Back Door, I sit down with Nimay Ndolo — content creator, influencer, and all-around creative force — for a conversation that goes everywhere: fashion, social media, politics, spirituality, and even a little woo-woo. ✨ Nimay shares her unique perspective as a creator navigating today’s cultural landscape, and together we explore how style, identity, and expression collide with the digital world. It’s insightful, playful, and full of those unexpected turns that make the best conversations.

Follow Nimay: @nimayndoeaux

Listen on Spotify + all major platforms
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Follow host: @girlintofashion
For fashion networking: @workinginfashion
Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com

💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

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16: How Retail Pharmacy Became NYC’s Coolest Indie Fashion Store in NYC with Sopiha Boli

Saturday, July 19, 2025 • Duration 59:50

What if one of the coolest fashion stores in NYC was built by walking up to strangers on the street and asking, “Where’d you get that fit?”

In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Sophia Boli, founder of Retail Pharmacy — a cult-favorite boutique in the Lower East Side that’s become a hub for underground fashion and emerging designers. From chasing down fits on the street to curating one of the coolest stores in NYC, Sophia shares how personal taste, community, and creative grit shaped every step of her journey.

They talk about how the post-COVID era gave space for real artistic expression, the role of Dime Square in shaping a new downtown aesthetic, and what it actually takes to run a store, day in and day out.

This conversation is funny, sharp, and full of fashion deep cuts — a must-listen for anyone building something real in NYC or chasing creative freedom.

Key Takeaways:This episode dives into how self-image is shaped by our digital presence, and how Sophia turned a pop-up into a lasting retail space by staying rooted in community and personal taste. We talk about the evolution of Dime Square as a cultural force, the financial and emotional realities of running a fashion business in NYC, and how Fashion Week has shifted into a more accessible yet oversaturated space. Sophia shares why storytelling matters more than ever in a crowded industry, how authenticity cuts through the noise, and why building a career in fashion is less about virality and more about consistency, connection, and grit.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Navigating Self-Image and Media Perception
00:02:51 Sophia's Journey into Fashion
00:05:33 Influences and Inspirations in Fashion
00:08:40 The Birth of Retail Pharmacy
00:11:10 Building a Brand Identity
00:13:58 The Aesthetic of Retail Pharmacy
00:16:45 Curating Unique Fashion Pieces The Challenges of Running a Store The Reality of Retail Success Balancing Work and Personal Life Seasonal Challenges in Retail The Evolution of Dime Square Post-COVID Fashion Trends Fashion Week Dynamics The Future of Fashion Shows Fashion Week Aspirations Breaking into the Fashion Industry Experiences at Paris Fashion Week Future Plans and Community Engagement Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs

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15: Fashion Commentary Without the Industry Filter — with Nikesh @notsoquietluxury

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 01:16:14

If you’re into fashion on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve come across @notsoquietluxury either it is the content, accent or the topics. I always find myself coming back for Nikesh’s pov becuase he isnt always pointing out the obvious—the kind of stuff you don’t see from a lot of other fashion commentators. I stumbled across NotSoQuietLuxury a few fashion weeks ago, and ever since, I’ve been following his content and knew I had to have him on the podcast.

I’m always curious how people get into the things they love in fashion—how they learn and come to really know it. To my surprise, this isn’t even Nik’s main job. He’s actually a pharmacist in real life, which I think adds to the sincerity of his fashion commentary and criticism—because he isn’t “owned” by any brands.

We talk about fashion’s intersection with social media, influencers, and how his content has gotten him into some of the hardest-to-access spaces. But it’s not always greener on the other side. I feel like having a point of view like Nik’s in the fashion world is honestly rare and lucky.

He’s been called overly critical—but in a world where it feels like everyone is a yes-man for a brand deal, we need more people like Nik. People who can speak thoughtfully and clearly about what’s really going on in fashion—who actually provoke conversation. Because isn’t that why we came to social media in the first place?

—

Follow Nikesh: @notsoquietluxury
Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platforms
Follow the host, Claire Vastola: @girlintofashion
For fashion networking: @workinginfashion
Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com

Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode. More fashion deep dives coming soon.

14:Data Meets Fashion: The Style Analytics Journey

Season 1 · Episode 14

Friday, June 6, 2025 • Duration 54:30

I spoke with Molly Rooyakkers (@style.analytics) about how trends can sometimes feel huge online—but don’t always show up in real life. We got into the nuance of interpreting digital trend cycles and how sometimes what looks like a viral trend is really just a curated moment that doesn’t break through beyond the screen.

We also talked about sustainability—how her platform walks the line between showing trends people are drawn to (often through fast fashion) while still encouraging mindful consumption. Molly emphasizes using what you already have, repurposing existing wardrobes, and building a personal style narrative instead of constantly chasing the next new thing.

What really stood out to me was how she translates raw data into thoughtful storytelling. Whether it’s recession-core theories like “the big bag” making a return or why skinny jeans come back around, she’s not just presenting numbers—she’s giving them context. That’s the real art of Style Analytics: turning charts and numbers into culturally relevant, useful insight for people who just need a little inspiration.

This episode also gets real about content creation. We talked about the balance of working a 9–5 while building an online presence, the creative burnout that comes with constant production, and the tension between monetizing a platform and keeping it passion-driven. Molly’s in a space a lot of creators can relate to—loving her current career while still wanting to explore the possibilities of what her online voice can become.

Follow Molly Rooyakkers / Style Analytics: Instagram: @style.analytics Substack: styleanalytics.substack.com

Find the host Claire Vastola and the podcast online:Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platforms.Follow me on Instagram: ⁠@girlintofashion⁠For fashion networking, follow Read more on Substack:

13: The Unhinged Fashion Girl With Rebecca-Jo @youthin.asia

Episode 10

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 02:02:18

In this episode, Claire talks with Rebecca-Jo about her journey through the fashion world—from modeling in Asia to becoming a content creator known for her bold, unfiltered take on style. Rebecca shares how she broke into modeling in the early aughts, a completely different world from today. She lived in model houses, traveled to places like China with nothing but a flip phone, and had to quickly learn how to navigate intense and often isolating situations. Working in Asia opened up new opportunities and gave her cultural insight, but also revealed the limitations of the industry—especially when trying to move from high fashion to commercial work. The pandemic hit hard, forcing her to adapt and find new ways to express herself creatively, like self-photography and online content. Through it all, she embraced her identity as an “unhinged fashion girly,” using social media to spotlight sustainable fashion, Canadian designers, and the emotional side of style. Claire and Rebecca-Jo also dive into the differences between fashion and shopping influencers, the power of authenticity, and the need for a stronger Canadian fashion identity. They reflect on how fashion can be a political and emotional tool, pushing back against perfectionism, societal norms, and the polished "clean girl" aesthetic. Rebecca-Jo shares advice for creators trying to find their voice, emphasizing the value of community, creative growth, and being true to yourself—even in a world that rewards conformity shorten this to be a instagram post saying tht there is a new episode out add allthe call outsn the bottoms

Follow Rebecca-Jo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthin.asia/

Find me and the podcast online:Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platforms.Follow me on Instagram: @girlintofashionFor fashion networking, follow @workinginfashionRead more on Substack: https://workinginfashion.substack.com/

12: The Fashion Archives with Amelie Stanescu

Friday, April 25, 2025 • Duration 02:04:25

In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Amelie Stanescu, the voice behind The Fashion Archives, for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about fashion, identity, and finding your place in a shifting industry. Amelie shares her journey from Romania to Berlin and even Paris, where she carved out a space for herself in the fashion world. She reflects on the contrasts between Berlin’s experimental, open-minded energy and Paris’s structured, legacy-driven scene, and how each city shaped her creative perspective.

Amelie opens up about how her academic background in business continues to inform her approach to content, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Claire and Amelie dive into everything from the pressure of follower counts to the challenges of gaining access to fashion shows, and the realities of building a personal brand in the age of Instagram. They discuss the rise of fashion as entertainment, the transition from visual content to podcasting, and what it really means to create something with substance in a trend-chasing world.

Their dialogue touches on the emotional complexities of being a content creator—navigating imposter syndrome, embracing vulnerability, and learning to speak with conviction in an industry that often rewards conformity. From Copenhagen Fashion Week to the politics of invitations, to what it means to add real value as a designer or storyteller, this episode pulls back the curtain on the multifaceted realities of working in fashion today.

Follow Amelie:
YouTube: The Fashion Archives
Spotify: The Fashion Archive – The Podcast
Instagram: @chez.amelie

Follow the Host:
Instagram: @girlintofashion
Podcast IG: @throughthebackdoor.pod

is an extension of , our real-life space for connection, collaboration, and celebration in fashion.

11: Fashion Tech Series: All Things Fashion Tech with Mary Korlin-Downs

Season 2 · Episode 1

Friday, April 11, 2025 • Duration 01:03:57

In this episode:
Mary Korlin-Downs — product designer, creative director, and founder of All Things Fashion Tech — shares her journey into the world of fashion tech, her inspirations, and her vision for the future. We dive into the intersection of fashion and technology, emerging career paths, and the role of sustainability and AI in shaping what's next. Mary also emphasizes the importance of building community and staying consistent when growing an audience, offering personal insights and real talk about navigating the fashion tech landscape.

💻 Explore All Things Fashion Tech:

Substack: allthingsfashiontech.substack.com
Website: allthingsfashiontech.com
Instagram: @allthingsfashiontech

Follow Mary:

Instagram: @marykorlindowns
TikTok: @marykorlindowns

🎧 Love the episode?
Don’t forget to follow and share with a friend who’s building their own path in fashion.
Through the Back Door is an extension of Blossom Nite — our real-life space for connecting, collaborating, and celebrating the creatives shaping the future.
We’re continuing the conversation over on Substack — subscribe to Working in Fashion for behind-the-scenes insights, fashion industry deep dives, and stories from the people pushing fashion forward.Follow for updates, and we’ll see you at the next Blossom Nite.

10: @notanotherhannah- A photographer turned makeup artists, exploring new mediums.

Episode 10

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • Duration 47:28

In this engaging conversation, Hanna and Claire explore the intersection of makeup artistry and photography, discussing Hanna's journey from a photographer to a beauty influencer. They delve into the impact of social media, the evolution of trends in the beauty industry, and the role of AI in creative processes. Hanna shares her experiences with viral content and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a fast-paced digital landscape, while also reflecting on the personal growth that comes from embracing change and creativity. In this engaging conversation, Hanna shares her journey from personal struggles to launching her own lipstick line, emphasizing the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity in the beauty industry. The discussion touches on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of finding balance to avoid burnout, and the joy of creating art. Hanna expresses her desire to build a supportive community for beauty creators and highlights the transformative power of makeup as a form of self-expression.Follow them on instagram and tiktok and youtube!

https://www.instagram.com/not_another_hanna/

https://www.tiktok.com/@not_another_hanna

https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherHanna

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9: Dopl World with Designer Selena Norman World Building In Fashion

Monday, November 4, 2024 • Duration 54:19

In this episode, Claire chats with Selena Norman to dive deep into the unconventional paths that lead to success in the fashion world. They emphasize the importance of creativity, community, and self-discovery, as Selena shares her journey from industrial design to jewelry making with her brand, Dopl World. She also opens up about the challenges of maintaining originality in a fast-paced, fast-fashion landscape.World-building in fashion: The creative process of telling stories through fashion collections and the value of creating timeless, cherished designs, especially in bridal fashion.3D printing in jewelry and fashion design: How this innovative technology streamlines production, allows for custom designs, and opens new doors for creativity.Balancing creativity and business: The struggle to maintain a sustainable career as an independent designer, dealing with burnout, and the need for developing sustainable practices. They also explore the importance of personal connections and community support in navigating the chaotic fashion industry, helping designers overcome challenges and thrive. Throughout the episode, Selena reflects on how collaboration and networking are vital in building a successful career in fashion. #FashionPodcast #DoplWorld #EmergingDesigners #JewelryDesign #IndustrialDesign #FashionCommunity #CreativeJourney #SustainableFashion #CustomDesign #BridalFashion #3DPrinting #WorldBuilding #FastFashionChallenges #IndependentDesigner #FashionIndustry #FashionCreativity #NetworkingInFashionMore info on Dopl World:Check them out at on instagram @dopl.worldwww.doplworld.com About Us!Through the Back Door is a brought to you by @blossom.nitea fashion industry party in NYC for networking and collaboration.Follow the podcast @throughthebackdoorpodcastFollow the host Claire Vastola @alienwestwoodEmail: clairevastola@alienwestwood.comwww.alienwestwood.com

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8: Riley Hundley Woodell Modeling in NYC, authenticity and always be kind.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 53:01

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Riley shares her journey from North Carolina to New York City, detailing her experiences in the modeling industry, the importance of networking, and the evolving role of social media in fashion. She discusses her participation in various fashion weeks, the challenges and triumphs of modeling, and offers valuable advice for aspiring models. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity, personal branding, and the interconnectedness of the fashion community.Keywordsmodeling, New York, fashion week, social media, networking, career advice, runway, designers, authenticity, personal branding. More info on Riely:Check them out at on instagram @rileyhundleywoodell About Us!Through the Back Door is a brought to you by @blossom.nitea fashion industry party in NYC for networking and collaboration.Follow the podcast @throughthebackdoorpodcastFollow the host Claire Vastola @alienwestwoodemail: clairevastola@alienwestwood.comwww.alienwestwood.com

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Through The Back Door – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Through The Back Door – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Instagram15

Spotify21

Substack4

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Instagram15

Spotify21

Substack4