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Styled by Science CEOs

Styled by Science CEOs

By Styledbyscienceceos

"Styled by Science CEOs" is hosted by Ayo Aigbe & Megan Martis. Both women are young CEOs & founders of ventures in the clothing industry. With their shared backgrounds in science and engineering, Ayo & Megan use a unique lens to talk about sustainability, representation, and innovation.
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Breaking Barriers and Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators with Jasmine LeFlore

Styled by Science CEOsMar 08, 2024

00:00
48:28
Breaking Barriers and Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators with Jasmine LeFlore

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators with Jasmine LeFlore

About the episode:

"If I knew about entrepreneurship or business at an earlier age, where would I actually be now?" On this episode we sit down with Jasmine LeFlore, a visionary leader and advocate for diversity in STEM and business. She is also the amazing woman who asked this powerful question in this episode. 

From her early fascination with planes to her current role as the Co-founder and Executive Director of Greater Than Tech, Jasmine shares her inspiring journey of breaking her own barriers and empowering the next generation of STEM, business, and interdisciplinary leaders. We talk about how Jasmine first learned about engineering through planes, her innovation process, challenges of being a woman and woman of color in the STEM field (i.e. the game of Double Jeopardy), and the life-changing impact she is creating with her non-profit Greater Than Tech. We even talk about professional clapbacks!


If you are interested in how pure curiosity can lead you down awesome adventures, overcoming challenges with confidence and grace, and how representation can change the directory of someone's life, then dive into thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with Jasmine. 


Timestamps:

  • 01:30: How seeing planes as a young kid got Jasmine started on her path to being an aerospace engineer 
  • 08:36: Jasmine's problem-solving process and the importance of understanding root causes while taking into account diverse voices
  • 15:40: Overcoming obstacles as a woman and w woman of color in the field - Double Jeopardy
  • 29:00: Greater Than Tech's mission and impact on empowering students in STEM and business education
  • 35:01: Addressing the gender gap in STEM and the true importance of representation
  • 41:01: We ask Jasmine what is one problem in her industry and what is her hope for change 
  • 44:14: Our key takeaways from our conversation with Jasmine 


About Jasmine LeFlore:

Recognized as one of the top 50 Women of Influence in Technology by San Diego Business journal, Jasmine LeFlore is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Greater Than Tech, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the next generation of innovative technology leaders by introducing girls and underserved students to immersive educational programs at the intersection of STEM and business. She also works as the Advanced Technology Solutions Lead for Collins Aerospace improving the way the Applied Research and Technology organization approaches investing in emerging technologies. LeFlore grew up in Flint, MI and watched planes take off and land every day from a nearby airport, sparking her initial interest in aerospace studies. She later earned a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, an MSE in Interdisciplinary Engineering (with a Systems Engineering Concentration) from Purdue University, and an MBA from Indiana University.


Learn more about and support Greater Than Tech: ⁠⁠https://greaterthantech.org/⁠⁠


Challenge:

  • Share this episode with a friend who is passionate about diversity in STEM and/or business fields!


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Mar 08, 202448:28
Fashion Forward, Legally Sound: Why Lawyers are Essential in the CPG Industry

Fashion Forward, Legally Sound: Why Lawyers are Essential in the CPG Industry

Want to understand the legal aspects of Fashion? The outspoken Anuj Gupta joins Ayo & Megan on this episode to bring a legal voice to the Fashion Industry. In this episode, you will learn about what inspired Anuj to start First Gen Law, why law is important in the fashion world, and how bringing in legal counsel early on can make or break your business.


Link to Full Horizon: https://www.firstgenlaw.co/


Have any questions or feedback, email us at styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

Jan 30, 202459:02
Starting an Inclusion Focused Business to Empower Women

Starting an Inclusion Focused Business to Empower Women

Want to feel empowered? A true ray of sunshine, Madison, joins Ayo & Megan on this episode to talk about her passion for inclusion, how to feel confident starting a business, and so much more. In this episode, you will learn about what inspired Madison to start her inclusion and empowerment focused earrings business, Full Horizon, and how to gain the confidence to discover and follow your passions.


Link to Full Horizon: https://fullherizon.com/


Episode Time Stamps:

1:00 - Intro to Madison

4:00 - Madison's Founder Story

8:00 - The ups & downs of building a business in college

15:00 - How to scale

16:00 - Advice on running your own business

28:00 - Importance of building diverse teams

29:00 - How to marketing and inclusion work together

35:00 - Advice for other businesses - "Just start"


Have any questions or feedback, email us at styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

May 26, 202349:32
Creating Access to Sustainable Products, Conscious Consumerism, and Setting Rigorous Standards

Creating Access to Sustainable Products, Conscious Consumerism, and Setting Rigorous Standards

About the Episode:

On today’s episode we speak to Ryan Lewis, founder and CEO of EarthHero,  a curated online marketplace and corporate gifting platform, that uses a 5-pillar sourcing methodology to ensure only the most sustainable products are selected. We were so excited to bring on Ryan because marketplaces have become an increasingly important sales channel for brands to sell products and for customers to discover new brands and purchase from them. 

We dove into marketplaces in the early days, the eco-gender gap, setting rigorous product standards, conscious consumerism, and more. We loved Ryan’s candor in this episode. A big takeaway we received from this episode is that the work of making the industry sustainable is complicated and continues to be in progress. Tune in to hear the full rich discussion.

“Every time you buy, just think about, do I need this? Do I want this? Is this a sustainable purchase?”  - Ryan Lewis

“To put a bow around that plastic conversation is that it just needs to be thoughtful. you got to take into account the entire lifespan of the product and all the stops along the way and make sure there’s not unintended consequences happening.” - Ryan Lewis


Timestamps:

4:09 The pain point that inspired EarthHero 

7:33 Challenges of business growth 

19:30 Sustainability in materials, micro plastics, recycled fibers, all natural materials, etc. 

30:00 The eco-gender gap; The skew of marketing of sustainability to woman and how this is changing 

35:00 Growing profits vs not promoting over-consumption; conscious consumerism 

43:50 Ryan’s thoughts on what should be talked about more in the fashion industry  


About Ryan:

A dad, husband, entrepreneur, and avid adventurer with a deep passion for the natural world and over two decades of ecommerce experience, Ryan founded EarthHero with the mission to help make it easier for people to shop and consume more sustainably.

In his own quest to live a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle, he couldn't help but wonder how many people would live more sustainably if it were easier to do so and didn't require compromise. He wanted to find a way to give people the tools to make educated, thoughtful decisions about what they buy and use – while being convenient and simple. He's a firm believer that sustainability involves choices that make us feel good about selecting products that put our health and our planet’s health first. 


Challenge:

- Share this episode via a text with one friend! 


Connect with us:

- Email: ⁠styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

- IG: @styledbyscienceceos

- Subscribe to our podcast on this platform that you are listening to this episode on!

- Cloeco: http://cloeco.com 

- Hangio: ⁠http://shophangio.com⁠


Loved this episode? Text it to a friend 🙂


May 19, 202347:59
Where Fashion Influencers are Falling Short From a Climate Activist

Where Fashion Influencers are Falling Short From a Climate Activist

Karishma is a 25 year old social media creator and educator in the climate space. She brings a sustainability angle to conversations in fashion, agriculture, pop culture, and politics. She also celebrates her heritage as an Indian woman and introduces Eastern wisdom to the climate conversation.


Apr 07, 202301:02:24
Unlocking the Common Myths about Packaging and Exploring the Future of Packaging Innovation

Unlocking the Common Myths about Packaging and Exploring the Future of Packaging Innovation

About the Episode

On today’s episode we speak to Saloni Doshi, the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at ⁠EcoEnclose⁠, the world's most innovative provider of sustainable shipping solutions for ecommerce brands. We were so excited to bring on Saloni because one of the overlooked parts of a company is packaging. From the bag or box used to mail your purchase, to the inside liners that often protect it, there is so much more to packaging than meets the eye. Especially, in regards to sustainability. We loved having Saloni on the podcast! Stay tuned till the end for some additional co-host commentary!

In our conversation with Saloni, we explored:

  • The impact of U.S. manufacturing and supply chain
  • The myth of compostable packaging
  • Why its not enough to simply switch from plastic to paper
  • New packaging innovation like Algae Ink
  • Balancing maintaining ethics and building a sustainable business


“Any material you choose, do it right. And so if you choose paper, do it right. If are like ‘I gotta go with plastics’, there is a way to do it better and right and there is a way to do that not right at all.….Once you sort of decide on this X material, let’s make sure you avoid all the potential pitfalls of using that material.” - Saloni Doshi


In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

11:40 Deciding to revive manufacturing and support job creation in the U.S.

13:20 Bringing humanity into business while keeping grasp of running a business

16:00 The myth of compostable packaging

23:55 How post-consumer waste put into the blue bin is processed and what happens to recycled paper after you recycle it 

29:00 Why its not enough for brands to simply switch from plastic to paper

30:40 Balancing profit without over-promotion and over-packaging

33:30 How there is a relationship to fashion

35:00 Packaging innovation, including Algae Ink

41:17 What Saloni sees as a problem in the packaging industry that should be talked about more

44:35 Plastic isn’t the best but frankly, it’s not going anywhere.


About Saloni

Saloni Doshi is the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at ⁠EcoEnclose⁠, the world's most innovative provider of sustainable shipping solutions for ecommerce brands. She is passionate about helping conscious companies thrive and pursuing advancements that help build towards a truly circular materials economy. Prior to EcoEnclose, Saloni was a Managing Director at New Venture Advisors, a consultancy that supports the development and growth of sustainable food and agriculture. Professionally, Saloni's career has balanced social justice, environmental progress, and strategy - including the launch of Fresh Takes Kitchen, a social enterprise committed to improving healthy food access and serving as a Director at Teach For America. Saloni lives in Colorado with her three children, whose deep and growing passion for the planet and all of its biodiversity inspires her for what the future may bring. 


Challenge:

  • Share this episode via a text or email with one friend! 


Connect with us:


Learn more about our companies:


Loved this episode? Share it with a friend 🙂


Mar 31, 202350:13
Our episode on Labor Manufacturing and Rights is COMING SOON!
Mar 27, 202300:43
What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean to You? Hear 4 People's Take!

What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean to You? Hear 4 People's Take!

About the Episode

We’re taking a quick pit stop on our lifecycle of fashion journey to take you along to our recent in person event in SXSW Austin. For a day, we had the opportunity to meet you and some new faces. We got to share about the podcast, the focus of the latest season, and the drive behind all of this in the first place. 

Along the way we met cool people and we asked them if we could interview them. Today you will hear from four individuals with different backgrounds from biomedical engineering, to NFT, to aviation, and social media. We each asked them three questions: 

  • What does sustainable fashion mean to you?

  • Do you think there are any problems in the clothing industry?

  • What do you think the future of fashion looks like?


  • In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    -  [1:02] Hear from Alexis

    “I think sustainability is really understanding deeply that supply chain and for companies to be transparent about that…. I think it has to be a relationship between the consumer, the brand, and the Earth.”

    -[7:40] Hear from Janelle

    “Before I purchase something [thinking about] ’What materials were used? How was this made? You know and is there a way that I can buy this same exact thing maybe second hand instead?’”

    - [10:20] Hear from Kim

    “Social media is accentuating that [promotion of fast fashion] and causing an issue that I feel like is helping with fast fashion and making us even worse with sustainability stuff.”

    - [14:00] Hear from Kevin

    “I see as the future of fashion… as a changing the culture in fashion around longevity of fashion and keeping clothes for a lot longer with maybe more of an outlook of expressionism and how to combine certain styles and looking at more of like how can combine what you already have or if you do need to buy more making sure its ethically sourced or recycled.”


    Challenge:

    • Share this episode via a text or email with one friend! 


    Connect with us:


    Learn more about our companies:


    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend 🙂


    Mar 20, 202317:46
    The Untold Heath & Environmental Impacts of Synthetic Dyes - Why Choosing Natural Matters
    Mar 10, 202329:60
    An Intro to Season 2: Stepping Into the Fashion Lifecycle

    An Intro to Season 2: Stepping Into the Fashion Lifecycle

    This season we are talking about what's not talked about in the fashion industry widely, including materials, dyes, fashion influencers, research, certifications, and more. Get ready to dive into the secrets of the fashion industry, learn from sustainable rockstars like the founder of EcoEnclose, Saloni, and explore the garment lifecycle like you've never learned about before. 

    Mar 03, 202318:46
    Creating a Platform for Women Owned Businesses
    Mar 21, 202245:31
    Building a Sustainable Swimwear Company In Italy

    Building a Sustainable Swimwear Company In Italy

    The beautiful story about how Giulia is building her sustainable swimwear brand in Italy. In this episode we explore the entrepreneurship scene of sustainable fashion in Italy and what it is like to live a sustainable lifestyle there. 

    Mar 14, 202232:56
    Season #1 Highlights

    Season #1 Highlights

    The final episode of season #1 is hosted by Ayo and Megan. They highlight the takeaways from each episode, talk about lessons learned, and reflect on the first season. 


    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    [1:35] Professor Tseng's episode highlights

    [2:40] Loriza's episode highlights

    [5:00] Imani's episode highlights

    [8:00] Hannah's episode highlights

    [9:45] Dieumerci's episode highlights

    [10:47] Arielle's episode highlights

    [12:20] Kai's episode highlights

    [13:40] Mckenna's episode highlights

    [15:25] Iddy's episode highlights 

    [16:20] Season #1 learnings

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    IG: @styledbyscienceceos

    Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    Clovo: http://clovobrand.com

    Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Sep 13, 202122:29
    Why Representation & Being Yourself in the Workplace Matters - From a Girl Boss

    Why Representation & Being Yourself in the Workplace Matters - From a Girl Boss

    Today our change maker is Idiuso Okeke, a young leader of a corporate team. In this episode she talks about her experience being a young black woman in Corporate America, how she has honed her skills as a leader, and why representation matters. Iddy shares with us the importance of building partnerships, networking, and not being afraid to put yourself out there.


    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    6:10 What its like being a women in a leadership position and how her strategy for success

    11:20 Being a black woman in corporate America and how Iddy is using education to make an impact

    16:00 Why representation matters

    17:59 How Iddy has developed and honed in on her leadership skills from the lens of being a black woman

    20:01 The impact Iddy wants to make in the future


    “Leading others so they can lead themselves.” -Iddy


    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    • IG: @styledbyscienceceos
    • Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    • Clovo: http://clovobrand.com
    • Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Sep 06, 202125:23
    How a Young Woman is Giving Plastic a Second Life as Activewear

    How a Young Woman is Giving Plastic a Second Life as Activewear

    Today our changemaker is McKenna Haz, the founder of Seaav Athletics. In this episode she talks about her path to starting a sustainable athletic wear business, what it’s like to run a business while in college, and why choosing ethical and sustainable manufacturing is so important.

    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    - [3:30] McKenna’s founder story

    - [5:24] How she started Seaav

    - [12:20] What it’s like to run a business while in college

    - [16:25] Finding an Ethical manufacturing partner

    - [23:00] Making impact through small steps

    - [24:50] What impact McKenna wants to make in the future

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    IG: @styledbyscienceceos

    Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    Clovo: http://clovobrand.com

    Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Aug 30, 202128:21
    Limitations of Certifications & Defining Sustainability With Hope of Fashion Tech Future

    Limitations of Certifications & Defining Sustainability With Hope of Fashion Tech Future

    Today our changemaker is Aerielle Rojas, an aspiring fashion sustainability professional and passionate undergraduate studying Fashion Technology. In this episode, she talks about how she came to her passion for fashion, the greater environmental impact our fashion choices have, and her strategy to make a larger impact in the world.  In this episode, you will learn and hear about: 

    • [3:00] Where Aerielle’s inspiration began in childhood 
    • [11:00] Natural vs. recycled fibers and why we should look closer into the production  
    • [19:00] Circular fashion, recycling imperfect fabrics, the duality of second-hand  
    • [27:00] The challenges in the fashion industry that Aerielle is most excited to tackle -[30:00] How your tiny changes and simple awareness changes the world 
    • [38:00] Bonus question that our guest asks us!  


    “This is about what are you using, what do you have, what do you already have, and what do you need.” - Aerielle   


    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp  


    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked: 

    • IG: @styledbyscienceceos 
    • Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com  

    Learn more about our companies: 

    • Clovo:http://clovobrand.com 
    • Hangio: http://shophangio.com  


    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Aug 23, 202142:54
    How AI Will Make the Fashion Industry More Sustainable

    How AI Will Make the Fashion Industry More Sustainable

    Today our changemaker is Kai, the co-founder of @Unbuyist, which is using AI to make the fashion industry more sustainable by cutting inventory waste.

    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    - [1:30] Kai’s background story

    - [5:00] Production problems in the fashion industry & mission of Unbuyist

    - [9:00] Her customer discovery findings

    - [13:35] Challenges as a young entrepreneur

    - [17:15] Experience as a women in STEM innovating

    - [22:00] More problems in the fashion industry & impact that Kai wants to make in the future

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    IG: @styledbyscienceceos

    Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    Clovo: http://clovobrand.com

    Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Aug 16, 202135:32
    Disrupting Education Through Innovative Connections
    Aug 10, 202143:44
    How to Build a Socially Conscious Business Sustainably

    How to Build a Socially Conscious Business Sustainably

    Today our changemaker is Hannah King, the founder of Woven Futures. In this episode she talks about her path to starting a social venture, why ethical manufacturing is important, and the obstacles she had to overcome when starting a business in college.

    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    - [2:30] Hannah’s founder story

    - [7:30] How to work with Artisans

    - [12:25] Why ethical manufacturing matters

    - [16:00] Running a business while in college

    - [21:00] Advice for college students

    - [23:00] Obstacles for starting a business in college

    - [27:07] Impact that Hannah wants to make in the future

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    IG: @styledbyscienceceos

    Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    Clovo: http://clovobrand.com

    Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Aug 02, 202130:51
    How These Young Athletes are Changing the Way we See Representation in Fashion

    How These Young Athletes are Changing the Way we See Representation in Fashion

    Today our changemaker is Imani Rickerby, the co-founder and COO of Aurora Tights. Imani has a Bachelors degree in Public Health Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park where she was on the figure skating team. She also has a Masters in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan where she placed 2nd in the Innovation Track of the Michigan Business Competition. In this episode she talks about why representation matters in the clothing industry.


    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    • [1:55] The inspiration and deeper why behind Aurora tights
    • [5:55] What representation means to Imani
    • [9:30] One of the biggest challenges in Imani’s entrepreneurial journey and how she navigated it
    • [14:23] How Aurora Tights has scaled
    • [18:57] Why entrepreneurship is humbling and advice on building a company
    • [24:37] One of Imani’s biggest startup learnings


    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp


    Connect with us and share about what you learned/liked:

    • IG: @styledbyscienceceos
    • Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com


    Learn more about our companies:

    • Clovo (sustainable tights): http://clovobrand.com
    • Hangio (premium bendable hangers): http://shophangio.com


    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Jul 26, 202132:46
    How to Easily Shop Sustainably & Why it's Important to do so.

    How to Easily Shop Sustainably & Why it's Important to do so.

    Today our change maker is Loriza, the founder of @refind_shopping. In this episode she talks about her new sustainable fashion marketplace that offers a curated shopping experience based on your lifestyle and why it is important to shop sustainably.

    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    - [1:26] Flaws in the clothing industry

    - [3:31] What is the reFIND marketplace?

    - [6:56] Loriza’s founder journey

    - [11:00] Why college is a great place to start a business

    - [17:37] What problem is refind solving for?

    - [22:45] Women entrepreneur stories

    - [28:00] Impact that Loriza wants to make in the future

    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/like:

    IG: @styledbyscienceceos

    Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    Clovo: http://clovobrand.com

    Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Jul 19, 202132:14
    The Environmental Impact of Personal Care Products & What's Really in Thinx Underwear

    The Environmental Impact of Personal Care Products & What's Really in Thinx Underwear

    Today our change maker is Professor Tseng from Colgate University, and she researches the impact that personal care products have on river systems & what's really in Thinx underwear. 

    In this episode, you will learn and hear about:

    • [4:07] The opportunity that Professor Tseng had that helped her learn what she was passionate about
    • [8:58] What is going on with Thinx, clothing additives, and forever chemicals
    • [21:05] Why certifications don’t always cover everything and the impact of what we use
    • [26:01] Professor Tsengs' view on being a women in STEM and why representation matters
    • [34:30] The impact Professor Tseng wants to leave


    “Its not a privilege to be curious.” -Professor Tseng


    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/like:

    • IG: @styledbyscienceceos
    • Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com


    Learn more about our companies:

    • Clovo: http://clovobrand.com
    • Hangio: http://shophangio.com


    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Jul 14, 202144:08
    Welcome to the Styled by Science CEOs Podcast!

    Welcome to the Styled by Science CEOs Podcast!

    Welcome to the Styled by Science CEOs Podcast! Meet Megan and Ayo, the hosts of the podcast, learn about who they are and why they started this podcast.


    Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://linktr.ee/sbscp

    Connect with us and share about what you learned/like:

    • IG: @styledbyscienceceos
    • Email: styledbyscienceceos@gmail.com

    Learn more about our companies:

    • Clovo: http://clovobrand.com
    • Hangio: http://shophangio.com

    Loved this episode? Share it with a friend.

    Jul 12, 202112:58