Chase Your Dreams

Glynis Tao

Welcome to Chase Your Dreams. This is a podcast for fashion entrepreneurs who are ready to pursue their passion and make a living doing what they love. I’m your host Glynis Tao, an apparel business consultant and SEO specialist with 20 years apparel industry experience. I’m also a mom to a wonderfully, energetic little boy named Chase.

  1. Messaging That Converts: PR Strategies for Founders with KJ Blattenbauer

    4D AGO

    Messaging That Converts: PR Strategies for Founders with KJ Blattenbauer

    In this episode of Chase Your Dreams, PR expert KJ Blattenbauer shares how founders can build visibility and authority without feeling salesy. She explains why great work alone isn’t enough and why clear messaging and positioning are essential to helping your audience understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters. KJ shares practical tips for crafting concise, compelling brand statements, using free PR channels, and creating content that strengthens customer connections. The conversation emphasizes the mindset shift needed for self-promotion, showing that visibility is a leadership skill and a way to serve your audience. Discover actionable strategies to communicate your expertise, attract the right customers, and grow your business. About KJ Blattenbauer KJ Blattenbauer is a seasoned publicist with over 30 years of experience helping overlooked experts step into the spotlight. She is the founder of Hearsay PR, the author of How to Be a Media Darling and recent release, Pitchworthy, and a trusted voice in sharing no-nonsense PR advice that gets real results. KJ specializes in helping founders and entrepreneurs craft compelling messaging, build visibility, and establish authority. Takeaways Visibility is a leadership skill that helps people understand your value Find your niche and speak to a specific audience  Clear messaging is essential to attracting the right audience Be proactive about pitching yourself to form media connections Earned media builds stronger trust than paid promotion  Visibility compounds over time Website: www.hearsaypr.com  Instagram: @hearsaypr, @kjblattenbauer Linkedin: @kjblattenbauer

    41 min
  2. Scaling Independent Fashion Brands with Flying Solo’s Elizabeth Solomeina

    MAR 3

    Scaling Independent Fashion Brands with Flying Solo’s Elizabeth Solomeina

    In this conversation, Elizabeth Solomeina, co-founder of Flying Solo, shares her insights on the challenges independent designers face in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of a sustainable approach to growth, the need for strategic planning before expanding into international markets, and the value of press exposure in building brand credibility. Elizabeth also discusses the significance of separating personal identity from creative work and offers practical advice for designers feeling stuck in their journey. The conversation concludes with an exciting announcement about the upcoming Flying Solo Awards, aimed at recognizing talent in the fashion industry. About Elizabeth Solomeina Elizabeth Solomeina is the co-founder and managing director of Flying Solo, an innovative fashion platform with flagship stores in New York City and Paris. Since 2016, she's built a space created for designers, by designers, supporting 250+ independent brands through retail, runway shows in Paris, New York, and Milan, and meaningful editorial exposure. Elizabeth is also a designer herself, which means she understands firsthand the challenges creators face when talent alone isn't enough to build a sustainable business. Flying Solo has been called the future of retail.  The slow journey is the most sustainable one for designers.Independent designers often face challenges in scaling their businesses.Press exposure is crucial for building brand credibility.Designers should avoid overproduction to maintain cash flow.Understanding different markets is essential for international expansion.Feedback from customers is vital for product development.A business mindset is necessary for success in fashion.Designers should separate their identity from their creations.The first two years of a fashion business can be particularly challenging.Flying Solo aims to celebrate unseen talent in the fashion industry. Website: flyingsolo.nyc Instagram: @flyingsolonyc  Linkedin: @eliazbeth-solomeina

    46 min
  3. Bootstrapping ROCKNOT from DIY to Multi-Million Dollar Company

    FEB 24

    Bootstrapping ROCKNOT from DIY to Multi-Million Dollar Company

    In this conversation, Orly Shani shares her journey from a DIY expert to the founder of ROCKNOT, a profitable and scalable fashion brand that specializes in everyday statement bags. She discusses the importance of profitability, storytelling in marketing, and the lessons learned from her DIY days. Orly highlights the significance of customer feedback in product development and the evolving nature of her brand, which aims to fill a unique gap in the handbag market. With exciting new products on the horizon, Orly reflects on the continuous journey of creativity and innovation in her business. About Orly Shani Orly Shani is a Los Angeles–based television host, personal style expert, and DIY innovator. Orly first gained the fashion world’s attention on NBC’s Fashion Star, where her designs were picked up by major retailers like H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. She then went on to host and contribute to shows including E!’s The Fabulous, The Today Show, and Access Hollywood. As a lifelong DIYer and personal style expert, Orly founded ROCKNOT, a multi-million-dollar accessories brand known for its everyday statement bag system built around interchangeable straps, handbags, and accessories. Orly’s work blends creativity, practicality, and storytelling, turning everyday ideas into standout products, experiences, and profitable, scalable businesses. Takeaways Orly Shani's journey showcases the power of creativity in business.Prioritizing profitability ensures sustainability.Storytelling is crucial in marketing and customer engagement.Personalization and individuality drive product design and customer satisfaction.Encourage and adapt to customer feedback.Quality customer service enhances brand value and customer loyalty.Communication strategies will differ depending on the social media platform. Contact Info: Website: rocknot.com Instagram: @shoprocknot YouTube: @OrlysChannel

    55 min
  4. How to Use Styling and Merchandising as a Business Strategy

    FEB 17

    How to Use Styling and Merchandising as a Business Strategy

    In this episode of Chase Your Dreams, Glynis Tao and Tamara Mainardi explore how style can serve as a strategic business asset. They discuss how personal styling, branding, and sales strategies intersect to create a compelling customer experience. Tamara highlights the importance of a strategy-first approach, the challenges designers and business owners face, and the missed opportunities in fashion sales. They also cover building trust through style, the power of collaborations, inclusivity in fashion, and how taking the pressure off founders can unlock creativity and innovation while keeping fashion playful and personal. About Tamara Mainardi Tamara Mainardi is the founder and principal stylist at The Style Edit, a personal styling, branding, digital marketing and business development services company. She helps entrepreneurs show up with clarity and confidence while guiding fashion brands toward stronger sales, sharper positioning, and better customer experiences. With over a decade of experience working with brands like J. Crew, Aritzia, Park & Fifth, Indochino, and Burberry, Tamara brings a strategy-first approach that connects style, customer, psychology, and revenue. Takeaways Styling and merchandising can be strategic assets that guide purchase decisionsTrust, authority, and sales are built through thoughtful styling and storytellingGreat products don’t sell themselves—context and connection matterCollaborations work best when aligned, small-scale, and tested for shared growthExpertise is communicated through presence, clarity, and authentic enthusiasmContact Info: Website: thexstylexedit.com Instagram: @thexstylexedit Linkedin: @tamaram

    40 min
  5. Business-First SEO That Sounds Like You: Why Brand Voice is a Ranking Advantage

    FEB 10

    Business-First SEO That Sounds Like You: Why Brand Voice is a Ranking Advantage

    In this episode of Chase Your Dreams, SEO + AI Visibility Strategist, Glynis Tao, breaks down why SEO in 2026 should focus on aligning with real business goals to drive growth. She introduces the concept of “business-first SEO”, an approach that prioritizes buyer intent, revenue-driving pages, and clear brand messaging over vanity metrics like traffic and impressions. She discusses how AI search recommendations have transformed brand discovery, what SEO metrics actually matter—such as organic revenue, conversion rates, and brand demand—and how real fashion brands use business-first SEO to achieve 300%+ increases in organic purchases. Shifting from traditional SEO to a business-aligned strategy focused on intent, product visibility, and long-term growth is the key to driving conversions in 2026. About Glynis Tao Glynis Tao is the founder of Chase Your Dreams Consulting, a business consulting firm specializing in SEO services for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle e-commerce companies. With over 20 years of experience in the apparel industry, Glynis is an expert in creative entrepreneurship and fashion business operations. Driven by a mission to empower and help her clients build e-commerce businesses that are purposeful and profitable, Glynis uses her industry experience to develop data-driven strategies. Beyond SEO consulting, Glynis is passionate about fostering a community of like-minded business owners. Through her Chase Your Dreams podcast, e-commerce blog, and collection of free checklists and toolkits, Glynis provides guidance and inspiration for entrepreneurs striving to grow their brands.  Contact Website: glynistao.com  Instagram: @glynistao Ready for expert help? BOOK A STRATEGY CALL Takeaways Business-first SEO focuses on long-term, sustainable growth Rankings and traffic alone don’t drive revenue, alignment does SEO should start with business goals, not keywords AI search favors recommendations over rankings A clear and consistent brand voice helps AI understand and recommend your brand

    20 min
  6. AI in E-Commerce: Brand-Building Insights & Growth Strategies from Industry Leaders

    2025-11-25

    AI in E-Commerce: Brand-Building Insights & Growth Strategies from Industry Leaders

    In this episode, Glynis Tao reflects on standout moments from this year’s Chase Your Dreams podcast, highlighting three fashion e-commerce strategies for entrepreneurs. Through expert insights from founders, this episode explores how to optimize your content for AI search, e-commerce growth strategies that work, what it takes to build a community-driven brand, and more! Learn how to stay authentic, stay adaptable, and continue to grow personally and in your e-commerce business. About Glynis Tao Glynis Tao is the founder of Chase Your Dreams Consulting, a business consulting firm specializing in SEO services for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle e-commerce companies. With over 20 years of experience in the apparel industry, Glynis is an expert in creative entrepreneurship and fashion business operations. Driven by a mission to empower and help her clients build e-commerce businesses that are purposeful and profitable, Glynis uses her industry experience to develop data-driven strategies. Beyond SEO consulting, Glynis is passionate about fostering a community of like-minded business owners. Through her Chase Your Dreams podcast, e-commerce blog, and collection of free checklists and toolkits, Glynis provides guidance and inspiration for entrepreneurs striving to grow their brands.  Takeaways AI search engines are becoming top funnels for online discovery. Helpful, original blogs are integral to improving AI visibility in AI search. Building community is essential for brand loyalty. Customers resonate and connect with genuine, values-driven brands. Systems help businesses scale and reduce burnout. Entrepreneurship is both a personal and professional growth journey. Start getting your site ready for peak visibility, stronger traffic, and a profitable 2026 https://glynistao.com/services/site-audit-plus/ Future-Proof Your Brand in AI-Driven Search.

    31 min
  7. Building a Women's Footwear Brand Rooted in Spanish Craftsmanship with Leticia Viedma

    2025-11-18

    Building a Women's Footwear Brand Rooted in Spanish Craftsmanship with Leticia Viedma

    In this episode, Leticia Viedma shares how she transitioned from being a lawyer to the founder of KAMI, a women’s footwear company with an emphasis on Spanish craftsmanship. She discusses what inspired her to enter the fashion industry, the challenges she faced developing a DTC brand, and why she believes delivering a high-quality product that serves customers is essential. Tune in for insights on shifting from corporate life to fashion entrepreneurship, developing effective growth marketing strategies, and building an authentic brand that resonates with an audience. About Leticia Viedma (LV) Leticia Viedma is the founder of KAMI, a modern women’s footwear company rooted in traditional Spanish craftsmanship. Before starting KAMI, Leticia was a successful M&A attorney. After leaving her practice, Leticia went on to earn her MBA at Wharton School and transitioned into marketing. By 2020, she had joined Rent the Runway as the head of growth where she helped scale one of the leading fashion tech brands in the world. Leticia’s most recent career pivot has led her to build KAMI, a footwear brand whose mission is to create designer-quality shoes that balance style and comfort for everyday wear. Takeaways Focus on your brand’s “why” to anchor you through challenges. Long-term success requires dedication and time investment. Products should solve real customer problems as they are the foundation of brands. Develop customer trust by maintaining an authentic online presence. Networking is key to establishing a presence in the entrepreneurial space. Contact Info: Website: ⁠shopkami.co⁠ Instagram: ⁠@shopkami.official⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠@leticia-viedma⁠

    43 min
  8. E-Commerce SEO Strategies in the Age of AI Part 2

    2025-11-11

    E-Commerce SEO Strategies in the Age of AI Part 2

    In this conversation, Glynis Tao discusses the importance of adaptability in today’s changing e-commerce landscape. With the popularization of AI-driven search, Glynis emphasizes the importance of foundational SEO best practices that still apply. Through a case study, she shares how one of her clients used strategic blogging to earn a citation from AI Overviews, resulting in an increase in visibility and organic traffic. She also discusses what makes a valuable blog, how to build trust with your audience, performance metrics that you should be monitoring/measuring (besides just clicks), and more. Websites and SEO are not disappearing—they are evolving. About Glynis Tao Glynis Tao is the founder of ⁠Chase Your Dreams Consulting⁠, an apparel business consulting & online marketing agency that specializes in SEO & AI search optimization for e-commerce companies. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, Glynis is an expert in creative entrepreneurship and fashion business operations. Driven by a mission to empower and help her clients build e-commerce businesses that are purposeful and profitable, Glynis uses her industry experience to develop data-driven strategies that deliver real results. Website: ⁠https://glynistao.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠ @glynistao Takeaways Adopting an adaptability mindset is key to staying ahead in the e-commerce industry. Creating consistent and helpful content will keep your brand relevant. Strategic blogging will drive visibility and organic traffic to your site. Valuable blogs are often ones that answer common customer questions. Schema and metadata helps search engines understand your content and increase your site’s visibility. Establish trust with your audience by sharing expertise. The earlier and faster you adapt to industry changes, the better.

    25 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Chase Your Dreams. This is a podcast for fashion entrepreneurs who are ready to pursue their passion and make a living doing what they love. I’m your host Glynis Tao, an apparel business consultant and SEO specialist with 20 years apparel industry experience. I’m also a mom to a wonderfully, energetic little boy named Chase.

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