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Vanessa Wants To Know

Welcome to Vanessa Wants to Know, a podcast where you'll hear conversations that move you. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired, as you listen to host Vanessa Hong talk to paradigm shifters about their wins, losses, and everything in between. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Sisterhood + BFF in the Workplace ft. Sophia Roe & Dani Giardina

Sophia Roe & Dani Giardina sit down with Vanessa & Amy to discuss the unique dynamic that exists between a Talent and their Assistant (aka Paid BFF). In this rolling conversation we explore: • The origin story of each duo (hint: it all started on IG) • What does an assistant REALLY DO? • Debunking the myth that you cannot do business with friends • Never before told stories of the ups, downs and ugly cry moments of working together in the crazy world of food + fashion You can find our gu...

May 25, 20201 hr 30 min

Special Mother's Day Episode ft. Friends of the Pod!

MOTHER’S DAY EDITION featuring stories from our closest friends of the pod including: Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Michelle Lee, Joanna Czech, host Vanessa Hong, and co-producer Amy Wan. Each guest is asked: • Name • What do you do? • Fondest memory of mom • Best piece of advice mom ever gave me • How will you be celebrating your mom this year? Make sure to check out everyone and their moms' pictures here ! Resources: Vanessa’s Instagram Phillip Lim's Instagram Prabal Gurung's Instagra...

May 10, 202020 min

Freelance Life During COVID-19 Featuring @alyssainthecity, @meghannguy & @tylerjoe

Vanessa sits down with 3 of her favourite NYC based Creatives (an influencer, a makeup artist, & fashion photographer) to discuss what it means to be a millennial working the gig economy during lockdown. Even if you may be familiar with Alyssa Coscarelli, Meghan Nguy or Tyler Joe’s work, expect the unexpected from this very candid conversation. Some things we cover: • The quick pivot each guest made to meet the new conditions and environment of operating in the digital space • How the scrapp...

May 04, 20201 hr 14 min

*QUARANTINE EDITION* Vanessa and Her Assistant Head Back into the "Studio"

Vanessa and Amy return to the mic after a brief hiatus and get candid on what it’s like living in New York in the time of COVID19 & what brought them back to the podcast. In this conversation between our show producers we dive in and discuss: • The herculean task of producing, podcasting + editing from home (sans sound engineer, editor, proper recording space) • Vanessa and Amy’s ‘super-luxury-podcasting-home-studios’ (hint: it’s claustrophobic AF) • How we are really feeling; the tools, pra...

Apr 27, 202026 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Vanessa’s Fashion Week Existential Crisis & What This Means for the Planet

I just got back from a month-long fashion marathon—and I hit a wall. Basically, in Paris, I had an emotional breakdown and resulted in an IGTV video that gained some traction. Ever since that trip,I’ve been constantly asking myself, “Is this what I want to do be doing with my life?” and, “Is fashion truly in alignment with where I want to go?” These heavy, deeply personal topics are why I decided to dedicate this season to saving the planet. So, on today’s episode, Amy and I are unpacking everyt...

Mar 08, 202034 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Sophia Roe, Chef Turned Wellness Phenom, Teaches Us How to Stay Well, Be Well, and Do Well for Our Planet

Can we save the planet? This whole topic can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing—if we don’t know where to even start. But don’t worry – there’s still so much hope. Creating a healthy, sustainable world is still possible with the right mindsets, education, and a willingness to unite. On today’s episode, I sit down with Sophia Roe, a food activist, model, influencer, and so much more. Like many of us, Sophia pivoted from her day job as a chef to become one of the most respected names in the wellnes...

Feb 23, 202051 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Phillip Lim’s Journey to Sustainability: in Business, Life & Everything In-Between

It’s Fashion Week here in New York City. This is one of the busiest weeks of the year in the fashion industry. Normally, Phillip Lim would be stuck in the thick of it, but this year he’s opting out. Instead, Phillip is having a “studio day.” In other words, he will be hosting a house party where the full collection will be on view, just like the runway, but without the exclusivity. No front row, no RSV, no list. Anybody can walk into the store. On today’s episode, Phillip Lim and I discuss why h...

Feb 09, 202057 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Season 2: Can We Save Planet Earth?

We're back! This season we are tackling sustainability, mindful consumption and the big question we are all asking: CAN WE SAVE PLANET EARTH? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 09, 20205 min

Season Finale: The Many Lives of Vanessa Hong

You can pursue anything you want in life – but does it have substance? My mom asked me that question when I was a child, and it really stuck with me. She understood that I was a creative person starting from childhood and would thrive in a place where I could use my natural talents and my hard-earned skills together in a creative way. The fashion industry isn’t known for its substance or emotional or intellectual depth. So, I found a way to make it substantial. On today’s episode, we’re switchin...

Oct 08, 20191 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Michelle Lee, Editor in Chief of Allure Magazine is Changing The World Through Beauty

When was the last time you saw yourself in media? Many brands nowadays strive to find the perfect balance of “diversity and inclusion.” Sometimes, this means just checking off a “diversity” box, and for other companies, it means actually lifting up minorities’ voices and giving them a seat at the table. Michelle Lee, Editor in Chief of Allure Magazine , works to make sure everyone’s voice is being heard, and everyone’s beauty is seen. On today’s episode, Michelle and I discuss themes around Mich...

Sep 24, 20191 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Jen Rubio, Co-founder of Away, on Defying Expectations, Creating Her Own Path, and Building a $1.4 Billion Dollar Company That Forever Changes the Way We Travel

What does it mean to be fearless? For many, it’s walking into a situation, knowing that you’re supposed to be afraid of what’s to come, but pushing through anyway. For others, like Jen Rubio, being fearless is just always making the most of every decision, and not allowing the idea of "fear" stop you from following your intuition. On today’s episode, Jen and I discuss the success of her luggage brand Away, what it means for her, and how she got to where she is today. Specifically, I ask Jen abou...

Sep 10, 20191 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Tommy Ton's Journey From Fashion Intern to World-Renowned Street Style Photographer - and He's Just Getting Started

"Clothing is just clothing until someone decides to put it on." Everyone consumes fashion. The runway is an inspiration for what we end up seeing in shops. It's hard to work in the fashion industry and it's getting harder, but it’s also amazing! Tommy has had an indelible impact on the industry and how we consume and view fashion, and he's just getting started, at 35. On today's episode, I sit down with Tommy Ton - famed fashion street style photographer and recently turned women's wear designer...

Aug 27, 20191 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 4

From Ad Executive to Restaurateur, Nicole Ponseca is Championing Filipinos Through Food and Story

"If you don’t know where you’re from, how can you get to where you want to be?" Knowing the “why” behind your decisions and dreams is one thing that can constantly fuel your motivation. In a society that favors familiarity, breaking new ground is no easy feat. For Nicole Ponseca, a Filipino woman that’s transforming the restaurant industry, she’s experienced first-hand what it’s like to break into new spaces. On today’s episode, Nicole and I discuss how she went from being an advertising executi...

Aug 13, 201947 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Aimee Song on Finding Happiness Within

We're living in such a strange moment in culture right now, because we put so much emphasis on social validation. There's a lot of pressure, but at the end of the day, social media only portrays a mere fraction of someone's life. Reflecting on her decade long career in the fashion and digital space, Aimee Song affirms that her anchor in this industry is being able to find happiness within herself. On today's episode, Aimee and I chat openly about her struggles with getting lost in chasing the li...

Jul 30, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Phillip Lim Wants You to #BePresent

In the fashion industry, designers are always dreaming and visualizing their next beautiful creation. With all the runways, models, and hustle that comes with this work, it’s easy to get carried away and forget your roots. For designer Phillip Lim, he finds unique ways to stay grounded to ensure that he always remains balanced in his work, life, and passion projects. On the first episode of this podcast, Phillip and I tackle this concept of balance. While dreaming is an essential part of identif...

Jul 16, 201939 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Season 1: Asian Excellence

"You can't be what you can’t see." Vanessa dives into why she decided to dedicate this season to stories of #AsianExcellence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 20193 min

Welcome to Vanessa Wants to Know

Host Vanessa Hong talks about how everything in her life has led to her starting this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 20195 min
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