Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Jamie Costello

Jamie Costello is Philadelphia-born and bred. That's where she went to college - earning as Associate Degree in Fashion from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Jamie left the city of Brotherly Love for the Big Apple, where she's lived and worked for several years. But it's her very personal story that she shares with us. Our first transgender guest, Jamie takes us on her journey, when at the age of 4 she knew she was different and also knew it was something she couldn't tell her parents. Join us for this empowering and important conversation.

Shannelle Armstrong Fowler, Entrepreneur

Shannelle Armstrong Fowler is the owner and founder of Haute & Co. Bridal Boutique, Chicago's only luxury plus size bridal shop that caters to women sizes 14-32. By the way, the average woman in the U.S. happens to be a size 16. Shannelle is also the star of the PeopleTV series, "The Perfect Fit." It follows a dozen curvy women as they search for their 'perfect' wedding dress. We cover a lot of ground with this fashion entrepreneur and body positive advocate.

Sugandh Agrawal, Vegan Fashion Designer

Meet visionary and fashion activist, Sugandh Agrawal who shares with us her "American" dream story. Born in India, she moved to the U.S. to attend college and work in the industrial design field. And... it is here that she founded Gunas, an ethically-sourced, 100% vegan line of luxury handbags, backpacks, wallets, totes, satchels. That means no silk, no fur, no wool, no down feathers, no leather. Gunas products are made from a variety of fabrics and in sweatshop-free environments. What began as a NYC-based label in 2010, Gunas has gone global. You don't want to miss this inspiration conversation.

Deirdra Jones, Designer

When in a restaurant, how much attention do you pay to the outfits worn by the wait staff? Probably, not much. That's so not the case for Deirdra Jones. Along with her husband, they founded Jones of Boerum Hill, a high-end uniform and apron company to: "fill a void in the market for a workwear company to take a more fashion forward approach to uniforms and aprons." And have they ever! Their line can be found in top bars, restaurants and hotels all over the world. Meet and get to know yet another creative woman.

Holly Hynes, Costume Designer

Talk about a creative woman! Costume designer Holly Hynes has a whopping 250 ballets to her credit, more than 70 with the New York City ballet where she served as Director of Costumes for 21 years. Holly's designs have been worn by dancers around the world including: The Bolshoi, London's Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theater, National Ballet of Canada and Ballet de l'Opera National de Paris. You won't wan to miss this fascinating back stage tour of the world of ballet.

EMME, Supermodel and Businesswoman

Get up close and personal with EMME, the world's first curvy supermodel, whose career spans more than 2 decades. She's a recognized advocate for positive female body image, giving women a platform to feel beautiful and empowered. A tv personality, author, businesswoman and creator of her own clothing lines, EMME was the first model invited to appear before a Congressional subcommittee looking into how to increase public awareness of eating and body disorders. Needless to say, there's plenty to talk about!

Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

Meet Valerie and Jean, aka the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas. Since 2009 these style and fashion bloggers have been working to raise the visibility of older women, and as such, are role models for those often ignored by designers and society. The IF's credo is 'growing old with verve,' while at the same time, to set a bad, bad example for older women everywhere!

Lisa Small

The Brooklyn Museum's "Killer Heels: The Art of the High Heeled Shoe" is a stunning, fascinating and jaw-dropping exhibit that's been generating a lot of buzz. It's organized by Lisa Small, the Museum's curator of exhibitions. She takes us on the journey from the 17th century to present day - from traditional Chinese Manchu platforms to Christian Louboutin's 8-inch stilettos, just two of the more than 160 pieces of footwear on display through February, 2015. Tune in and walk a mile in her shoes.

Rebroadcast - Teresa Loveless

New Mexico's Teresa Loveless was born into a family of artists. When she was 4, Teresa's grandmother, Rachel Brown, known for her work creating and promoting weaving and textile arts, gave her a loom and taught her to weave. In 1980 Brown began Weaving Southwest, a gallery and yarn-dyeing business outside Taos. Teresa currently runs the business - carrying on Rachel's legacy. She hand dyes an array of weaving and knitting yarns, teaches contemporary tapestry weaving and represents several local artists in the gallery. Her's is a true labor of love.

Deborah Koeningsberger

Deborah Koenigsberger is a force of nature. A successful businesswoman/entrepreneur, her boutique Noir et Blanc has been around since 1989. But, a walk through a Manhattan park 20 years ago, with her young sons proved to be a seminal, life-changing moment. It was there she came upon a mom and her child sleeping in a cardboard box. That prompted Deborah to start Hearts of Gold, a non-profit that provides sustainable changes in the lifestyles and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless moms and their children. More than 30,000 families have benefited from her dedication, commitment and hard work.