Frances Van Mak, Co-Founder — From Refugee to Red Carpet to Redefining "Business as Usual"

Frances Van Mak, Co-Founder — From Refugee to Red Carpet to Redefining "Business as Usual"

In this episode of the 10th Element, Stay Wellthy Podcast, principal and creative director Frances Van Mak shares her incredible journey from being a refugee to becoming a high-end fashion designer. Raised in 1980s New York, Frances discusses the unique challenges and influences that shaped her life, from growing up in a chaotic, multicultural environment to finding solace in art and eventually designing for notable figures like Michelle Obama. Together with Equiano Mosieri and Talib Jasir, they explore how their experiences and backgrounds inform their current work on fashion for social impact projects, emphasizing the importance of mental health, diversity, and youth empowerment. Highlighting pivotal moments such as attending protests and forming the brand Omnicolos, the discussion underscores the power of inspiration, resilience, and using creativity for meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction to the Hosts 00:20 Frances Mak's Early Life and Influences 02:31 The Chaotic New York Experience 03:41 Discovering Art as a Sanctuary 07:00 Pursuing a Career in Design 11:15 The Impact of Diversity and Culture 15:05 Fashion for Social Impact 19:49 Mental Wellness and Youth Empowerment 23:25 The Birth of Omnicolos 31:37 Conclusion and Future Conversations Stay Wellthy™. Follow instagram.com/xethebrand [https://www.instagram.com/xethebrand] and visit xethebrand.com [https://www.xethebrand.com] to join the movement. Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network [https://www.vanguardpn.com/] Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - "Y U Gotta B Like That" Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"

Equiano Mosieri, Co-Founder — Art, Identity & How a Single Action can Change the Whole Story

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Equiano Mosieri, Principal and Chief Storyteller and Artistic Director of Omnicolos and 10th Element, shares his journey from a childhood influenced by cartoons and music to becoming a storyteller inspired by literature legends like Richard Wright and James Baldwin. He also discusses the powerful influence of his Nigerian heritage and experiences, including resilience and overcoming bullying. Frances Van Mak speaks about her experiences of growing up in New York and the influence of diverse cultures on her vision. Together, they elaborate on the legacy and social impact goals of their ventures, emphasizing empowerment, resilience, and the transformative power of art and storytelling. This insightful conversation explores how their personal journeys and cultural backgrounds shape their work, aiming to inspire future generations. The episode underscores the power of storytelling and art as tools for connection and societal change. 00:00 Introductions 00:31 Equiano's Journey into the Arts 02:25 Cultural Influences and Family Expectations 03:02 Discovering Storytelling and Theater 07:20 Impact of Nigerian Heritage 10:46 Global Experiences and Cultural Exposure 15:01 Building a Legacy Through Art and Storytelling 20:51 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges 26:35 Vision for the Future and Legacy Work 31:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook Stay Wellthy™. Follow instagram.com/xethebrand [https://www.instagram.com/xethebrand] and visit xethebrand.com [https://www.xethebrand.com] to join the movement. Directed and Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network [https://www.vanguardpn.com/] Intro & Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - "Y U Gotta B Like That" Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"

10th ELEMENT Introduces Fashion 4 Social Impact & The Future of Conscious Consumerism

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss how 10th Element is revolutionizing fashion, wellness, and social impact. The team emphasizes the importance of fashion as a vehicle for meaningful change, focusing on slow fashion to combat waste and promote sustainability. They highlight the role of culture in communicating health and wellness, the increasing demand for purpose-driven luxury from younger consumers, and how meaningful ROI includes societal benefits. The conversation also covers the diverse and high-level expertise of the 10th Element team, their innovative approaches, and their aspiration to build a legacy of positive social impact. Looking ahead, the hosts express their commitment to partnerships, collaborations, and investments that align with their values, aiming to further their impact and share their vision of 'staying wealthy' through community wellness, social responsibility, and high-quality fashion. 00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Podcast 00:26 Redefining Fashion and Social Impact 02:32 The Problem with Fast Fashion 03:26 The Rise of Conscious Consumerism 04:28 Slow Fashion and Sustainable Practices 06:52 Collaborating for Collective Impact 13:38 The Team Behind 10th Element 24:06 The Core Value: Stay Wellthy 26:34 Seeking Partnerships and Investors 31:14 Conclusion and Contact Information Stay Wellthy™. Follow instagram.com/xethebrand [https://www.instagram.com/xethebrand] and visit xethebrand.com [https://www.xethebrand.com] to join the movement. Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network [https://www.vanguardpn.com/] Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - "Y U Gotta B Like That" Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"

Stay Wellthy: The Movement Behind 10th Element's Vision

In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss the inspiration, mission, and vision behind the 10th Element brand. They explore how the brand aims to integrate elements of hip hop culture and social impact to promote community wellness and empower individuals. The founders emphasize the importance of slow fashion, sustainability, and the use of fashion as a tool for social and mental health awareness. They also touch on the importance of authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the transformative power of storytelling in fashion. This insightful conversation underscores the brand's commitment to making a positive impact on society through intentional design and meaningful narratives. 00:00 Introduction to the 10th Element Stay Wellthy Podcast 00:26 The Concept of the 10th Element 02:27 Aspirations and Impact 03:12 Fashion as a Medium for Wellness 05:07 The Journey and Vision of 10th Element 08:40 The Unique Approach of 10th Element 21:14 Fashion for Social Impact 33:02 Commitment to Mental Wellness and Community 40:14 Concluding Thoughts and Lasting Message Stay Wellthy™. Follow www.instagram.com/xethebrand [https://www.instagram.com/xethebrand] and visit www.xethebrand.com [https://www.xethebrand.com/] to join the movement. Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network [https://www.vanguardpn.com/] Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - "Y U Gotta B Like That" Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"