The Fabric of America

<p>Stylist and content creator Alysia Cole joins Melissa and Matt for an unfiltered conversation about authenticity in the wedding industry and beyond. From carving out space for plus-size and queer clients to balancing social media vulnerability, Alysia shares how she navigates visibility, criticism, and creative freedom. They dig into body neutrality, identity fatigue, and why aesthetic doesn’t have to mean exclusion. This episode is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply honest—just like Alysia herself.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/alysiacolestyling/">https://www.instagram.com/alysiacolestyling/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stan.store/alysiacolestyling">https://stan.store/alysiacolestyling</a></p><p><strong>Key Topics:</strong></p><ul><li>The emotional labor of representing marginalized identities in the bridal industry</li><li>Understanding body neutrality vs. body positivity</li><li>Navigating online criticism, social media boundaries, and staying authentic</li></ul><p><strong>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Not all representation feels empowering—context and intention matter</li><li>Body neutrality offers a more sustainable self-view than forced positivity</li><li>Staying true to your values in business (even when it costs you money) is worth it</li></ul><p>Melissa @ deMelis Atelier <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://demelisatelier.com/">https://demelisatelier.com/</a></p><p>Matt @ Bards <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story">https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>

<p>Fashion designer, product developer, and pattern maker Xochil Herrera Scheer joins Melissa and Matt for an energetic and heartfelt conversation on the future of American manufacturing. They dig into the cultural narratives, real challenges, and everyday decisions that can help shift consumer habits and bring ethical production back into focus. From why Walmart collaborations to gatekeeping factories hurts the industry, Xochil lays it out with transparency, optimism, and a touch of humor.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/fashionxochil/">https://www.instagram.com/fashionxochil/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://xochil.com/">https://xochil.com/</a></p><p></p><p>🧵 Key Topics:</p><p>Why U.S.-made fashion still matters (and what’s holding it back)</p><p>The truth about factory transparency and ethical supply chains</p><p>How individual habits influence systemic industry change</p><p> </p><p>✅ Takeaways:</p><p>Even a small increase in domestic production (from 3% to 5%) would be transformative</p><p> Ethical manufacturing should be the baseline—no matter the country</p><p> Sharing, collaboration, and storytelling grow the movement more than secrecy ever could</p><p> </p><p>Melissa @ deMelis Atelier <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://demelisatelier.com/">https://demelisatelier.com/</a></p><p>Matt @ Bards <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story">https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>

<p>In this episode we talk with Jake from Southland Heritage—a platform and directory listing over 350 American-made brands—to talk about intentional consumerism, community collaboration, and why he hopes his directory eventually becomes unnecessary. Jake shares how he vets companies, his vision for American manufacturing, and how small, conscious choices can spark a bigger cultural shift. From stainless steel tumblers to made-in-Ohio trash cans, Jake can point you in the right direction.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.southland-heritage.com/">https://www.southland-heritage.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/southlandheritage/">https://www.instagram.com/southlandheritage/</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Topics:</strong></p><ul><li>Why stainless steel goods labeled “Made in USA” are nearly impossible to find</li><li>The emotional and practical journey behind curating a vetted list of American-made brands</li><li>Building a collaborative ecosystem between makers, consumers, and directories</li></ul><p><strong>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>You don’t have to be perfect—small intentional choices can drive big change</li><li>Transparency and storytelling help brands build trust and earn loyal followings</li><li>Jake’s long-term goal is for his curated list to become obsolete—because American-made becomes the norm</li></ul><p>Melissa @ deMelis Atelier <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://demelisatelier.com/">https://demelisatelier.com/</a></p><p>Matt @ Bards <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story">https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>

<p>In this episode, we chat with Olivia Bé Nguyen, aka Fiyab0mb, about her journey from a kid watching Bob Ross to a powerhouse artist whose work hangs on Wall Street. We dive into the highs and lows of turning art into a thriving business—from last-minute venue changes to earning a TEDx nomination. Along the way, Olivia shares why being genuine online, trusting your ideas, and knowing when to say “no” are just as important as your craft.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/fiyab0mb/">https://www.instagram.com/fiyab0mb/</a> </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fiyabomb.com/">https://fiyabomb.com/</a></p><p><strong>Key Topics:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Building Resilience in Creative Entrepreneurship:</strong> Facing tough clients, blown-out venues, and major debts—and how to push through.</li><li><strong>Authentic Storytelling on Social Media:</strong> Why sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly helps you connect and grow your audience.</li><li><strong>Trusting &amp; Acting on Your Ideas:</strong> How to spot the right ideas, jump on them fast, and avoid letting them slip away.</li></ul><p><strong>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Vulnerability Is Strength:</strong> Being honest about your struggles builds trust, deepens community, and can turn fans into lifelong supporters.</li><li><strong>Ideas Choose You:</strong> Your unique ideas deserve action—don’t wait, or someone else will bring them to life.</li><li><strong>Set Boundaries for Balance:</strong> Saying “no” and pacing your schedule protects your creativity and mental health, so you can keep showing up at your best. Melissa @ deMelis Atelier <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://demelisatelier.com/">https://demelisatelier.com/</a> Matt @ Bards <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story">https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul>

<p>In this episode, we dive deep with Rachel Slade, author of <em>Making It in America</em>, as we unpack the complexities of American manufacturing — from tariffs and politics to the real people behind the clothes we wear. Rachel breaks down why this topic is more than just policy debates; it’s about families, communities, and a chance for some good old American innovation. Plus, she shares what’s next for her and how we can all get involved in building a stronger community around these issues. If you buy her book off of Amazon, we will find you…</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.rachelslade.net/making-it-in-america">https://www.rachelslade.net/making-it-in-america</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelmslade/">https://www.instagram.com/rachelmslade/</a> </p><p>Find your local bookstore: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/pages/bookstores">https://bookshop.org/pages/bookstores</a></p><p><strong>Key Topics:</strong></p><ul><li>Why tariffs on apparel aren’t a political game — and why they matter</li><li>The journey of making an all-American hoodie, from cotton fields to your closet</li><li>The power of community building and why now is the perfect time to get involved</li></ul><p><strong>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Tariffs are a tool, not a political statement — everyone can agree on the need to fix manufacturing challenges</li><li>American manufacturing is a complex, human story that deserves attention and care</li><li>There’s renewed energy around this topic, and community building is where the real impact starts</li></ul><p>Melissa @ deMelis Atelier <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://demelisatelier.com/">https://demelisatelier.com/</a></p><p>Matt @ Bards <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story">https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story</a> </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>