She DESIGNS Podcast

Desha Peacock /Christine Martin

Welcome to She DESIGNS, the podcast for women seeking purpose and inspiration to create a life + business by design. How do I create a career that utilizes my greatest gifts and aligns with my core values? How do I create more time and financial freedom? How do I make money doing work I love, from anywhere in the world? Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, or looking to start your own business, this show is for you. Join your hosts, Desha and Christine, as we share the stories of remarkable women who’ve bravely wandered off the beaten path and taken the risk to follow their inner calling. In each episode, we delve into the transformative moments that sparked their drive for a life aligned with values such as freedom, travel, abundance, service, and design. Whether you’re aspiring to create a thriving business or longing to make money while WORKING FROM ANYWHERE, She DESIGNS is the podcast that empowers you to do it your way. We share tangible tips and uplifting stories that will motivate you to take action. Tune in and let She DESIGNS be your companion on the journey to unlocking your true potential and living your life by design.

  1. Ep. 32: The Intersection of Design & Wellness [France Brunel]

    12/08/2025

    Ep. 32: The Intersection of Design & Wellness [France Brunel]

    About France Brunel  France Brunel is a Brooklyn- and Paris-based holistic interior designer and founder of Yoom, a studio and editorial platform at the intersection of design and well-being. With a background from RISD and studies in yoga and Ayurveda, she helps women create spaces that support sleep, focus, connection, intimacy, intuitive eating and overall well-being. Summary In this engaging conversation, Christine Martin speaks with France Brunel, a holistic interior designer, about her journey from industrial design to creating spaces that promote well-being. They discuss the integration of yoga and Ayurveda into design, the importance of creating environments that support mental health, and the cultural influences on design philosophy. France shares her insights on entrepreneurship, the challenges she faces, and the importance of community and support in building a business. The conversation emphasizes the need for personalized design that reflects individual values and lifestyles, and offers advice on how to create a fulfilling life and business.   Takeaways The environment we live in significantly impacts our well-being. Design should support our wellness goals and daily lives. Cultural influences shape our approach to interior design. How building a business aligns with personal values and lifestyle. Community and mentorship are crucial for success in entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00 Connecting Through Creativity 03:56 Robin's Prop Styling Journey 07:19 The Impact of Writing a Book 12:40 Taking care of a parent with Dementia 16:12 Manifesting Dreams and Goals 24:41 Creating Content on the SheDESIGNS Mexico Retreat 27:54 Advice for Designing a Life You Love 30:39 Leave room for surprises 33:40 Thanks for listening!   Where to find France: YOOM France on IG   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    31 min
  2. Ep. 31:  Manifesting Through Hardship [Robin Zachary]

    11/11/2025

    Ep. 31: Manifesting Through Hardship [Robin Zachary]

    About Robin Zachary Robin Zachary is a New York based prop stylist and creative director for over 20+ years, a styling educator and author of the book STYLING BEYOND INSTAGRAM. She is passionate about vintage collecting, shopping and being surrounded by flowers as much as possible. Her clients include national brands, magazines and social media accounts. She mentors stylists entering the field through The Prop Styling Experience® , The Fashion Institute of Technology and New York Botanical Garden. She spends her free time harmonizing and playing guitar with her husband and of course shopping.   Summary Desha Peacock and Robin Zachary explore the world of prop styling, the impact of writing a book, and the journey of personal growth. They discuss the importance of manifesting dreams, the challenges faced in their careers, and the excitement of upcoming workshops in Mexico. Robin shares her insights on building a creative business, the significance of community, and the power of specific goal-setting. The conversation is filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a tips on doing work that feeds your soul.    Takeaways The behind-the-scenes world of prop styling, not as easy as it looks Manifesting dreams while also managing challenging personal life circumstances The power of community + specific goal-setting Robin's secret to manifest your next big chapter It's possible to build a soul-fed creative business   Chapters 00:00 Connecting Through Creativity 03:56 Robin's Prop Styling Journey 07:19 The Impact of Writing a Book 12:40 Taking care of a parent with Dementia 16:12 Manifesting Dreams and Goals 24:41 Creating Content on the SheDESIGNS Mexico Retreat 27:54 Advice for Designing a Life You Love 30:39 Leave room for surprises 33:40 Thanks for listening!   Where to find Robin: The Prop Styling Experience Found Artists Robin's Website Robin Zachary on IG   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    34 min
  3. Ep.30: From Corporate to Candles [Estefany Perez]

    10/16/2025

    Ep.30: From Corporate to Candles [Estefany Perez]

    About Estefany Perez Estefany Perez is an industrial designer with a unique multidisciplinary background spanning medical design, marketing, and wellness entrepreneurship. She began her career in Brazil as a maxilofacial 3D designer, specializing in prosthetics that combined precision, empathy, and advanced technology. After relocating to the United States, Estefany transitioned into marketing, where she deepened her expertise in brand strategy and content creation. Driven by a passion for holistic well-being and sustainable design, she later founded Flowers Atelier, a wellness company offering clean skincare and CBD-infused candles. Through Flowers Atelier, Estefany merges her design sensibility, marketing experience, and commitment to natural living—creating thoughtfully crafted products that invite calm, connection, and care. Summary In this engaging conversation, Estefany Perez shares her journey from a maxillofacial 3D designer in Brazil to a successful entrepreneur in the wellness industry. She discusses her passion for holistic living, the importance of scent in creating connections, and the challenges she faced while starting her business, Flowers Atelier. Estefany emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, the support of her family especially her mother who co creates the company, and the joy of creating products that promote well-being. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on pursuing their passions and creating a fulfilling life. Takeaways Estefany has a multidisciplinary background in design, marketing, and wellness. Her journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her mother's transition to a new life in the U.S from Colombia. The power of scent can evoke memories and emotions, creating deeper connections. Estefany emphasizes the importance of self-care and relaxation in achieving success. She faced significant challenges as a foreign entrepreneur in the U.S. Support from family, especially her mother, has been crucial in her journey. Estefany's products are designed to promote holistic well-being and natural living. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Mindset shifts are essential for personal and professional growth. Estefany's latest product launch features unique scents inspired by nature.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Estefany Perez 02:45 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 05:50 The Power of Scent and Connection 08:45 Shifting Mindsets and Life Values 11:53 Overcoming Challenges in Business 14:57 Inspiration and Support Systems 17:56 The Launch of New Products 20:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 23:42 Connecting with Estefany   Where to find Estefany: Website: https://flowersatelier.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowersatelierny/   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    33 min
  4. Ep 29: The North Star  [Justina Blakeney]

    09/30/2025

    Ep 29: The North Star [Justina Blakeney]

    About Justina Blakeney Justina Blakeney is an artist, designer, bestselling author, and the founder and creative force behind the beloved lifestyle brand Jungalow®. She’s known for her use of bold colors, lush botanicals, and eclectic style. What began as a tiny, plant-filled blog has blossomed into a global brand with heart - a certified B Corp rooted in beauty, purpose, and soulful living. Her latest creations include Grow - a transformative oracle deck and guidebook co-authored with her mom, Dr. Ronnie Blakeney. And, California Poppy, her first solo art show, a deeply personal collection of paintings exploring identity, nature, and resilience. She paints, she writes, she designs and dreams - crafting vibrant worlds that invite us all to get in touch with our wild inside. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, kiddo, two mischievous kitties, and a house overflowing with color, music, and life.   Summary In this episode of the She Designs Podcast, hosts Desha Peacock and Christine Martin have a candid conversation with Justina Blakeney, renowned artist, designer, and founder of the lifestyle brand Jungalow. Justina shares her journey of integrating her personal brand with her professional brand, the evolution of her North Star, and the importance of nourishment in her life and work. Justina shares about her collaboration with her mother on their soon-to-be-released Oracle deck and guidebook, Grow and how it's a gift to them both. She also offers insights on the current challenges for small businesses. She has one piece of marketing advice that you might be surprised to hear!   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to She Designs Podcast 00:44 Upcoming Retreat in San Miguel de Allende 01:44 Special Guest: Justina Blakeney 03:28 Justina's Journey and Brand Evolution 10:31 The Concept of the North Star  19:02 New Beginnings and the Grow Project 30:16 Marketing Insights for Creative Brands 35:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell Photo credit: Dabito   Where to find Justina: Websites: https://www.justinablakeney.com https://www.jungalow.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinablakeney https://www.instagram.com/thejungalow Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    37 min
  5. Ep.28: From Intern to Influencer [Hilary Roberston]

    09/10/2025

    Ep.28: From Intern to Influencer [Hilary Roberston]

    About Hilary Robertson Dollhouse, palazzo, loft, treehouse? Hilary Robertson has been arranging and rearranging her own and other people’s things in inspiring settings for decades. After working in London as a stylist and editor-at-large for European newspapers and magazines (Vogue Living, Livingetc, Elle) she moved to New York where she works as a multi- tasking creative for clients eg Sunbrella, ABC Home, West Elm, and many more. Her superpower is finding evocative locations to showcase her clients’ products. She’s written 7 books about design and is currently working on The Materialist, an exploration of texture in interiors. Summary In this engaging conversation, Hilary Robertson, a renowned stylist and author, shares her journey through the world of interior design and styling. From her early days in London to her current projects in New York, Hilary discusses the evolution of her career, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship. She emphasizes the influence of travel on her design aesthetic and offers valuable advice for aspiring stylists. The conversation highlights her creative process, the balance between personal life and career, and her excitement for upcoming projects. Gold Nuggets Internships are crucial for training in styling. Every shoot presents a new opportunity for creativity. Writing as a significant part of her journey. Travel greatly influences design perspective. Mentorship is important in the creative industry Encouragement to aspiring stylists to practice and seek inspiration. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Hilary Robertson 03:06 The Journey to Becoming a Stylist 06:51 Early Career and Breakthrough Moments 10:42 Creative Freedom in Styling 15:51 Challenges and Resilience in the Industry 20:10 Balancing Personal Life and Career 24:51 The Evolution of Writing and Publishing 28:10 Influence of Travel on Design 30:24 Mentorship and Influence in the Industry 31:16 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 34:28 Advice for Aspiring Stylists   Where to find Hilary: Substack: https://substack.com/@nomadathome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryrobertson/ Website: https://www.mrsrobertsonstudio.com/   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    33 min
  6. Ep. 27: The Feminine Approach to Marketing [Lisa Haukom]

    08/04/2025

    Ep. 27: The Feminine Approach to Marketing [Lisa Haukom]

    About Lisa Haukom Lisa Haukom is a creative director and visibility strategist who helps founders and creatives do what they do best and be seen for it. As the founder of The Goldenbrand, Lisa has helped countless women define their personal brands, craft a presence that actually feels like them, and show up powerfully in their work and their lives. Known for her intuitive approach, she guides clients to the kind of clarity and confidence that makes their visibility sustainable and magnetic. Lisa pioneered the now widely adopted method of remote photography, using only an iPhone and her signature eye to help clients around the world tell their stories visually. But her genius goes far beyond the lens: through her creative direction, editorial sensibility, and signature method No More Bad Photos, Lisa teaches women to stop hiding, start showing up, and become the reference in their own stories. Her work and home have been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Cottages and Bungalows, Sunset Magazine, Oregon Home, and the forthcoming fall issue of Where Women Create. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family.   Summary In this episode of the She Designs Podcast, hosts Desha Peacock and Christine Martin welcome Visibility Strategist Lisa Haukom to discuss the importance of visibility and collaboration for female entrepreneurs. They explore the challenges women face in being visible online, the innovative techniques of remote photography, and effective strategies for growing an email list. Lisa shares her insights on using Substack as a platform for community engagement and offers valuable advice for new business owners on how to design a life and business they love. Gold Nuggets Visibility is not just about showing up; it's layered and requires sustainability. Finding your unique voice and medium is crucial for effective visibility. Remote photography can help clients feel more relaxed and authentic. Collaboration can enhance visibility and create meaningful connections. Growing an email list requires genuine engagement and quality content. Substack offers a community-focused platform for writers and creators. It's important to enjoy the process of creating content for your audience. New business owners should focus on what feels true and exciting for them when choosing a platform. Building a community around your work can lead to organic growth and support. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to She Designs Podcast 00:44 The She Designs Retreat Experience 01:54 Introducing Lisa Hocum: Visibility Strategist 02:45 The Importance of Visibility and Collaboration 05:46 Overcoming Visibility Challenges for Women 08:35 Finding Your Unique Voice and Medium 11:36 Innovative Remote Photography Techniques 14:46 Collaboration Case Study: The Porch Project 17:34 Growing Your Email List Effectively 20:35 Exploring Substack: A New Platform for Writers 23:48 Advice for New Business Owners 26:44 Final Thoughts and Golden Nuggets Where to find Lisa: Website Instagram Substack   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    35 min
  7. Ep. 26 The Power of Aligned Branding [Steph Zangeneh Azam]

    07/23/2025

    Ep. 26 The Power of Aligned Branding [Steph Zangeneh Azam]

    About Steph Zangeneh Azam  Steph Zangeneh Azam founded Studio Crone to serve women entering a new chapter and seeking visuals that reflect their depth, clarity, and experience. Focusing on brand identity, website design, and brand photo strategy, she guides clients toward designs that feel thoughtful, grounded, and fully aligned with who they’ve become. Summary When we were ready to dive deep into rebranding of the She Designs Podcast, going with Steph Zangeneh Azam, was a no brainer. The process for us felt like a rebirth and having her on the third part of our Lady Phoenix series aligns perfectly.  After the Burn (part 1) of releasing what no longer serves and the Void (part 2) of sitting with the emptiness of the unknown, the Rise is where reinvention, creation, and manifestation come in. Going through the process of branding and website development in a business is a perfect illustration of this phase.  In our engaging conversation with Steph, we explore the evolution of branding and the importance of aligning one's business identity with personal values. Using creativity and storytelling along with her experience in photography, Steph aims to serve women seeking aligned visuals.   Golden Nuggets:  A trip to Georgia O'Keeffe's home reignited Steph's creative spark. Aligned branding boosts confidence and attracts the right clients. Taking breaks can lead to disconnection; focusing on clients can reignite passion. Women in midlife inspire courage to pursue new paths. Tuning into oneself is crucial for clarity in branding. Brand photos should align with the established brand identity. Seeking help from professionals can guide the branding journey. Show Notes:  00:00 Intro & The Journey to Studio Chrone 03:58 The Power of Photography in Branding 09:40 Rebranding: A Personal Evolution 13:42 Aligning Brand and Identity 20:27 The Importance of Visual Storytelling 25:36 Inspiration from Women in Midlife 28:41 Tuning into Your Inner Voice   Where to find Steph: Website Instagram   Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    32 min
  8. Ep. 25: Embracing the Void [Christine Martin & Desha Peacock]

    07/07/2025

    Ep. 25: Embracing the Void [Christine Martin & Desha Peacock]

    Summary In this conversation, we, your co-hosts, delve into the concept of 'The Void,' a liminal space experienced after significant life changes. Sharing personal experiences of discomfort and uncertainty during this phase, we discuss the importance of patience, trust, and self-care practices to navigate through it. The dialogue transitions into the emergence from the void, highlighting the rise and new beginnings that follow, as we both share our aspirations and future plans. Chapters 00:00 Exploring The Void: Understanding the Liminal Space 03:59 Personal Experiences in The Void 07:58 Navigating the Unknown: Strategies for the Void 11:53 The Importance of Patience and Trust 16:56 The Rise: Embracing New Opportunities 21:39 Creating a Vision: The Path Forward   Golden Nuggets The void represents a liminal space of uncertainty and discomfort. Personal experiences in the void can lead to clarity and growth. Embracing surrender and allowance is crucial during the void. Practices like meditation and self-care help navigate the void. Patience is essential; rushing can lead to desperation. Trusting the process can lead to unexpected opportunities. The rise follows the void, bringing new beginnings. Focus on what you want, but remain open to better possibilities. Energy management is key to attracting what you desire. Creating white space in life allows for clarity and creativity. Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

    33 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to She DESIGNS, the podcast for women seeking purpose and inspiration to create a life + business by design. How do I create a career that utilizes my greatest gifts and aligns with my core values? How do I create more time and financial freedom? How do I make money doing work I love, from anywhere in the world? Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, or looking to start your own business, this show is for you. Join your hosts, Desha and Christine, as we share the stories of remarkable women who’ve bravely wandered off the beaten path and taken the risk to follow their inner calling. In each episode, we delve into the transformative moments that sparked their drive for a life aligned with values such as freedom, travel, abundance, service, and design. Whether you’re aspiring to create a thriving business or longing to make money while WORKING FROM ANYWHERE, She DESIGNS is the podcast that empowers you to do it your way. We share tangible tips and uplifting stories that will motivate you to take action. Tune in and let She DESIGNS be your companion on the journey to unlocking your true potential and living your life by design.