Through The Back Door

Claire Vastola
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  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • TWICE MONTHLY

Hey, it's Claire! We’re so excited to kick off Season 2 of Through the Back Door. We have some amazing guests lined up, plus a whole new series focusing on fashion and tech innovation. We're also diving into episodes about mindset and how to navigate this industry. I’m passionate about helping others learn from those who’ve paved the way so they can carve their own path. Whether through social media, fashion, or art, we all have the ability to create something big when we align vision with strategy. This season will give you insights into the inner workings of fashion, personal growth, and r

  1. 17/12/2025

    21. CONSISTENCY IS THE JOB

    CONSISTENCY IS THE JOBBUILDING A FASHION CAREER WITHOUT A ROADMAP In this solo episode of Through the Back Door, I talk about what consistency actually looks like when you’re building a non-traditional fashion career. After a week of being sick, exhausted, and close to skipping this recording altogether, I reflect on why showing up anyway matters, especially when you’re working inside the fashion industry while building your own brand on the side. From meeting followers who feel shut out of fashion, to navigating visibility, self-belief, and building something without permission, this episode is an honest look at the unglamorous part of building a career. If you’re balancing a fashion job with content creation, designing your own path, or building in the dark before anyone notices, this episode is for you. Consistency isn’t about motivation. It’s about keeping promises to yourself. Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and all major platforms Watch the full episode on YouTube Follow the host, Claire VastolaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashion Fashion networking & resourcesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashionSubstack: https://workinginfashion.substack.com Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    7 min

  2. 10/12/2025

    20. Showing Up Before You’re Invited

    In the first-ever solo episode of Through the Back Door, we talk ambition — what it really looks like, why it gets labeled as “cringe,” and why it’s the real engine behind success in the fashion industry. We are celebrating episode number 20! I reflect on my week in New York fashion, from attending the Chanel watch party to noticing how fashion culture is becoming more community-driven, creator-led, and accessible. From there, I connect pop culture, history, and real life — pulling inspiration from The Gilded Age, the rise of fashion content creators, and the relentless networking that helped figures like Kim Kardashian long before their success felt inevitable. This episode is about owning what you want without apology, especially in fashion, where nothing is handed to you. We talk about taking up space before you’re invited, legitimizing yourself when no one gives you permission, and understanding that success is often engineered, not accidental. I wrap with a weekly inspiration list — what I’m reading, wearing, and loving — plus a quick update on what’s coming next for the podcast. If you’re a designer, creator, stylist, or anyone building something from the ground up, this episode is for you. Links & Mentions Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr Joe Dispenzahttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1401938094 Mary & Shelly – Guitar Strap Baghttps://maryandshelly.com Miista Bootshttps://www.miista.com Summer Fridays – Lip Butter Balmhttps://summerfridays.com Summer Fridays – Sheer Skin Tinthttps://summerfridays.com 🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and all major platformsWatch the full episode on YouTube Follow the host, Claire VastolaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlintofashion Fashion networking & resourcesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workinginfashionSubstack: https://workinginfashion.substack.com Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    19 min

  3. 06/11/2025

    Navigating Nonlinear Careers with Jessie Collier

    In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Jessie Collier, founder of Working Women Agency, to talk about personal branding, mindset shifts, and embracing nonlinear career paths in the creative world. Jessie shares how she turned confusion around traditional career advice into a mission-driven brand that helps women own their unique journeys. Together, they unpack the power of LinkedIn, the importance of soft skills, and how visibility and authenticity can open unexpected doors. The conversation dives into navigating pivots, using AI to scale creative work, and building a career that truly aligns with your values. Connect with Working Women Agency:Instagram: @workingwomenagencyFollow Jessie: @jessiecollier Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and all major platformsWatch the full episode on YouTubeFollow host Claire Vastola: @girlintofashionFor fashion networking: @workinginfashionRead more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    1h 10m

  4. 31/10/2025

    18.Riley Woodell on Paris Fashion Week + Modeling in 2025

    this episode, Claire sits down once again with model Riley Woodell to talk about what it really takes to build a career in fashion in 2025. Riley is one of those rare people we get to watch evolve in real time — blending modeling, social media, and genuine support for emerging designers in a way that feels transparent and refreshing. We talk about her experience at Paris Fashion Week this September — a pivotal moment in her career that showed how different the Paris scene is from New York. In Paris, you need representation; in New York, grit and showing up can still open doors. Riley also shares what it means to grow with a brand, describing how working with labels like Jane Wade feels like being part of a creative family — the same people, the same energy, season after season. We get into the behind-the-scenes realities of modeling, how she balances authenticity with opportunity, and her advice for anyone trying to make it in fashion today. 🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify + all major platforms👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube📡 Follow host Claire Vastola: @girlintofashion📬 For fashion networking: @workinginfashion📝 Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com💫 Follow guest Riley Woodell: @rileyhundleywoodell 💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    33 min

  5. 03/10/2025

    17. Nimay Ndolo on Fashion, Politics & Creating in 2025

    On this episode of Through the Back Door, I sit down with Nimay Ndolo — content creator, influencer, and all-around creative force — for a conversation that goes everywhere: fashion, social media, politics, spirituality, and even a little woo-woo. ✨ Nimay shares her unique perspective as a creator navigating today’s cultural landscape, and together we explore how style, identity, and expression collide with the digital world. It’s insightful, playful, and full of those unexpected turns that make the best conversations. Follow Nimay: @nimayndoeaux Listen on Spotify + all major platformsWatch the full episode on YouTube Follow host: @girlintofashionFor fashion networking: @workinginfashionRead more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com 💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    1h 21m

  6. 19/07/2025

    16: How Retail Pharmacy Became NYC’s Coolest Indie Fashion Store in NYC with Sopiha Boli

    What if one of the coolest fashion stores in NYC was built by walking up to strangers on the street and asking, “Where’d you get that fit?” In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Sophia Boli, founder of Retail Pharmacy — a cult-favorite boutique in the Lower East Side that’s become a hub for underground fashion and emerging designers. From chasing down fits on the street to curating one of the coolest stores in NYC, Sophia shares how personal taste, community, and creative grit shaped every step of her journey. They talk about how the post-COVID era gave space for real artistic expression, the role of Dime Square in shaping a new downtown aesthetic, and what it actually takes to run a store, day in and day out. This conversation is funny, sharp, and full of fashion deep cuts — a must-listen for anyone building something real in NYC or chasing creative freedom. Key Takeaways:This episode dives into how self-image is shaped by our digital presence, and how Sophia turned a pop-up into a lasting retail space by staying rooted in community and personal taste. We talk about the evolution of Dime Square as a cultural force, the financial and emotional realities of running a fashion business in NYC, and how Fashion Week has shifted into a more accessible yet oversaturated space. Sophia shares why storytelling matters more than ever in a crowded industry, how authenticity cuts through the noise, and why building a career in fashion is less about virality and more about consistency, connection, and grit. Chapters:00:00:00 Navigating Self-Image and Media Perception00:02:51 Sophia's Journey into Fashion00:05:33 Influences and Inspirations in Fashion00:08:40 The Birth of Retail Pharmacy00:11:10 Building a Brand Identity00:13:58 The Aesthetic of Retail Pharmacy00:16:45 Curating Unique Fashion Pieces00:19:49 The Challenges of Running a Store00:22:41 The Reality of Retail Success00:25:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life00:28:31 Seasonal Challenges in Retail00:30:10 The Evolution of Dime Square00:37:53 Post-COVID Fashion Trends00:44:57 Fashion Week Dynamics00:58:33 The Future of Fashion Shows00:59:18 Fashion Week Aspirations01:00:18 Breaking into the Fashion Industry01:03:40 Experiences at Paris Fashion Week01:05:37 Future Plans and Community Engagement01:14:10 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs Follow Sophia:Instagram: @retailpharmacy_ 🎧 Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify + all major platforms👀 Watch the full episode on YouTube📡 Follow host Claire Vastola: @girlintofashion📬 For fashion networking: @workinginfashion📝 Read more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com 💌 Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode — more fashion deep dives coming soon.

    1 hr

  7. 25/06/2025

    15: Fashion Commentary Without the Industry Filter — with Nikesh @notsoquietluxury

    If you’re into fashion on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve come across @notsoquietluxury either it is the content, accent or the topics. I always find myself coming back for Nikesh’s pov becuase he isnt always pointing out the obvious—the kind of stuff you don’t see from a lot of other fashion commentators. I stumbled across NotSoQuietLuxury a few fashion weeks ago, and ever since, I’ve been following his content and knew I had to have him on the podcast. I’m always curious how people get into the things they love in fashion—how they learn and come to really know it. To my surprise, this isn’t even Nik’s main job. He’s actually a pharmacist in real life, which I think adds to the sincerity of his fashion commentary and criticism—because he isn’t “owned” by any brands. We talk about fashion’s intersection with social media, influencers, and how his content has gotten him into some of the hardest-to-access spaces. But it’s not always greener on the other side. I feel like having a point of view like Nik’s in the fashion world is honestly rare and lucky. He’s been called overly critical—but in a world where it feels like everyone is a yes-man for a brand deal, we need more people like Nik. People who can speak thoughtfully and clearly about what’s really going on in fashion—who actually provoke conversation. Because isn’t that why we came to social media in the first place? — Follow Nikesh: @notsoquietluxuryListen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platformsFollow the host, Claire Vastola: @girlintofashionFor fashion networking: @workinginfashionRead more on Substack: workinginfashion.substack.com Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode. More fashion deep dives coming soon.

    1h 16m

  8. 06/06/2025

    14:Data Meets Fashion: The Style Analytics Journey

    I spoke with Molly Rooyakkers (@style.analytics) about how trends can sometimes feel huge online—but don’t always show up in real life. We got into the nuance of interpreting digital trend cycles and how sometimes what looks like a viral trend is really just a curated moment that doesn’t break through beyond the screen. We also talked about sustainability—how her platform walks the line between showing trends people are drawn to (often through fast fashion) while still encouraging mindful consumption. Molly emphasizes using what you already have, repurposing existing wardrobes, and building a personal style narrative instead of constantly chasing the next new thing. What really stood out to me was how she translates raw data into thoughtful storytelling. Whether it’s recession-core theories like “the big bag” making a return or why skinny jeans come back around, she’s not just presenting numbers—she’s giving them context. That’s the real art of Style Analytics: turning charts and numbers into culturally relevant, useful insight for people who just need a little inspiration. This episode also gets real about content creation. We talked about the balance of working a 9–5 while building an online presence, the creative burnout that comes with constant production, and the tension between monetizing a platform and keeping it passion-driven. Molly’s in a space a lot of creators can relate to—loving her current career while still wanting to explore the possibilities of what her online voice can become. Follow Molly Rooyakkers / Style Analytics: Instagram: @style.analytics Substack: styleanalytics.substack.com Find the host Claire Vastola and the podcast online:Listen to Through the Back Door on Spotify and other streaming platforms.Follow me on Instagram: ⁠@girlintofashion⁠For fashion networking, follow ⁠@workinginfashion⁠Read more on Substack: ⁠https://workinginfashion.substack.com/⁠ Subscribe, rate, and share if you loved the episode. More fashion deep dives coming soon.

    55 min
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About

Hey, it's Claire! We’re so excited to kick off Season 2 of Through the Back Door. We have some amazing guests lined up, plus a whole new series focusing on fashion and tech innovation. We're also diving into episodes about mindset and how to navigate this industry. I’m passionate about helping others learn from those who’ve paved the way so they can carve their own path. Whether through social media, fashion, or art, we all have the ability to create something big when we align vision with strategy. This season will give you insights into the inner workings of fashion, personal growth, and r

Information

  • Creator
    Claire Vastola
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Claire Vastola
  • Show Website
    Through The Back Door