Women Designers You Should Know

Amber Asay
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Women Designers You Should Know

Redesigning history by celebrating women. Amber Asay (host and designer) highlights groundbreaking contributions of women designers who have shaped the world we live in today. From graphic designers to architects, industrial designers to fashion icons, we explore the inspiring stories of the women who came before us, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. There's a dual approach in each episode, with a designer as a featured guest, we'll uncover the remarkable journey of a historical figure, shedding light on their innovative designs, their challenges, and their triumphs. The goal is to make these extraordinary women household names, ensuring that their legacies are rightfully celebrated and recognized for their profound impact on design history.

  1. 045. Clara Porset and Lindsey Colhoun: Frida Kahlo’s Favorite Chair

    JUL 8

    045. Clara Porset and Lindsey Colhoun: Frida Kahlo’s Favorite Chair

    This designer-on-designer episode explores Clara Porset’s legacy of cultural modernism and political courage, with insights from interior designer Lindsey Colhoun, whose own work echoes Clara’s timeless use of natural materials and storytelling. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Clara: Clara Porset (1895–1981) was a Cuban-born, Mexican-adopted designer known for fusing modernist principles with indigenous Mexican craft and materials. Trained at Columbia University, the École des Beaux-Arts, and influenced by the Bauhaus, she developed a design philosophy centered on functionality, ethics, and cultural identity. Forced into political exile from Cuba, she found her voice in Mexico — redefining the field of interior design, mentoring students, and designing iconic furniture like the Butaca chair, which remains on display in Frida Kahlo’s home. Her work lives on in warm, handmade modernism and in the generations of designers she inspired. About Lindsey: Lindsey Colhoun is the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous interior design studio, where she creates warm, livable sanctuaries that merge functionality, style, and sustainability. A Los Angeles native raised in a historic Frank Gehry home, Lindsey was immersed in architecture and interiors from a young age — influenced by her mother, also an interior designer. Today, she works with celebrities, Hollywood executives, and discerning clients, known for her timeless Southern California aesthetic and thoughtful, layered spaces that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of the people who live in them. Follow Lindsey: Website: lindseycolhoun.com Instagram: @lindseycolhoundesign ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    47 min
  2. 044. Rachel Saunders: From Burnout to Alignment

    JUN 24

    044. Rachel Saunders: From Burnout to Alignment

    Ceramicist Rachel Saunders shares her self-taught creative journey—from leaving LA burnout behind to launching a soul-led business, shifting into retreats, and redefining success on her own terms. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Rachel: Rachel Saunders is a self-taught ceramicist and designer based on Vancouver Island, Canada. She is the founder of Rachel Saunders Ceramics, a brand known for its sculptural yet functional pieces that explore themes of femininity, sustainability, and intuitive design. Her now-iconic Woman Vase has become a symbol of empowerment and creativity. Rachel began her creative journey in visual merchandising in Los Angeles, but after experiencing burnout in a toxic work environment, she returned to Canada and immersed herself in clay—learning through community studios, YouTube videos, and trial and error. Over time, she built a globally recognized brand, with her work featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Elle Decor. In 2022, Rachel made a major shift away from product-based production toward more intentional, holistic offerings—launching an online creative membership and hosting artist retreats in Greece and Tuscany. Through her work and her story, she continues to inspire creatives to define success on their own terms and prioritize a sustainable, soul-led life. Follow Rachel: Website: rachelsaundersceramics.com Instagram: @rachelsaundersceramics.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    35 min
  3. 043. Edith Head: Hollywood Costumes & Controversies

    JUN 10

    043. Edith Head: Hollywood Costumes & Controversies

    This deep-dive episode explores the jaw-dropping career of costume designer Edith Head—Hollywood’s most awarded woman—whose designs for stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly came with a trail of secrets, rivalries, and reinvention, with fashion enthusiast Darrian Wright joining for the ride. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Edith: Edith Head was a legendary Hollywood costume designer whose career spanned over 50 years and more than 440 films. Known for her iconic round glasses and modest demeanor, she was the behind-the-scenes architect of some of the silver screen’s most iconic looks. With 8 Academy Awards—more than any woman in history—Head crafted wardrobes that shaped characters, stars, and an entire era of film, often blurring the lines between credit, creativity, and control.   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    54 min
  4. 042. Justina Blakeney: Creative Evolution

    MAY 28

    042. Justina Blakeney: Creative Evolution

    This episode features designer and Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney as she opens up about work-life balance, her art show California Poppy, the impact of the LA fires, and the quiet courage it takes to keep evolving creatively.   Checkout her art show: California Poppy at The Art Wolf Checkout her latest book: Jungalow: Decorate Wild _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Justina: Justina Blakeney is a true multi-hyphenate—artist, designer, author, creative director, entrepreneur—and the founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand, Jungalow. Her signature style is instantly recognizable: bold, bohemian, colorful, and deeply rooted in personal expression and global inspiration. But beyond aesthetics, Justina has reshaped what a modern creative career can look like. Over the years, she’s collaborated with a long list of major brands including Target, Anthropologie, Loloi Rugs, Selamat, Opalhouse, and Keds—bringing her joyful sensibility into homes, wardrobes, and even our feet. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, The New York Times, Dwell, and more. She’s also the author of The New Bohemians, The New Bohemians Handbook, and Jungalow: Decorate Wild—books that have helped countless readers reclaim their homes as spaces of healing and self-expression. In this conversation, we talk about the LA fires that forced her to evacuate her home, the symbolism behind her solo art show California Poppy, and how she’s finding her way back to forgotten parts of herself through painting, song, and joy. We also dive into work-life balance, creative risk-taking, identity, motherhood, and what it means to define “enoughness” in a culture that always demands more. Follow Justina: Instagram: @justinablakeney justinablakeney.com jungalow.com Jungalow: Decorate Wild   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    45 min
  5. 041. Maria Giudice: Design Superpowers, Burnout, Big Tech

    MAY 13

    041. Maria Giudice: Design Superpowers, Burnout, Big Tech

    This episode features legendary designer and leader Maria Giudice, who shares her journey from Staten Island art kid to founding Hot Studio, navigating Facebook’s acquisition, and using design to shift culture, leadership, and the C-suite. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ About Maria: Maria Giudice is a trailblazing designer, creative leader, and author who has spent over three decades redefining what it means to lead with empathy. She’s the founder of Hot Studio, one of the first woman-led digital design studios in the country, which was acquired by Facebook in 2013. Maria went on to become Director of Product Design at Facebook and later VP of Experience Design at Autodesk, helping bring people-centered thinking into the heart of tech culture. She’s the co-author of Rise of the DEO and Changemakers, two influential books that empower designers to lead change. From painting in Staten Island to reshaping Silicon Valley—Maria’s story is as bold as it is inspiring. Follow Maria: Instagram: @mgiudice LinkedIn: Maria Giudice Rise of the DEO Changemakers   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    49 min
  6. 040. Tomoko Miho and Jessica Strelioff: Designing Space with Soul

    APR 29

    040. Tomoko Miho and Jessica Strelioff: Designing Space with Soul

    This dual feature episode explores the legacy of Tomoko Miho’s masterful use of space and quiet modernism, alongside Jessica Strelioff’s thoughtful approach to building timeless, soulful brands through her studio, Goodside. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources: AIGA Medalist: Tomoko MihoThe Quiet Confidence of Tomoko Miho — Eye MagazineHerman Miller Stories: Creative Class Hero - Tomoko MihoTomoko Miho Vintage Poster on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/201923687476  About Tomoko: Tomoko Miho (1931–2012) was a pioneering American graphic designer known for her elegant use of space, clarity, and restrained modernism. A graduate of the Institute of Design in Chicago, she worked for George Nelson Associates and Unimark International before founding her own studio, Tomoko Miho & Co. Her clients included Herman Miller, MoMA, and the Smithsonian, and in 1993, she was awarded the AIGA Medal for her outstanding contributions to design. Miho’s work masterfully blended Swiss modernism, American pragmatism, and Japanese aesthetics to create timeless, poetic visual communications. About Jessica: Jessica Strelioff is the founder and creative director of Goodside Studio, a design practice known for its emotionally resonant, timeless branding. With a background in creating thoughtful, human-centered design, Jessica builds brands that are both strategic and soulful, always with a strong editorial and visual clarity. Her work embodies restraint and intentionality, carrying forward the spirit of designers like Tomoko Miho into a modern, digital world. Follow Jessica: Goodside Studio Website: goodside.studio Threads: @jessicastrelioff Instagram: @jessicastrelioff LinkedIn: Jessica Strelioff Behance Portfolio: behance.net/strelioff   ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    57 min
  7. 039. Alex Proba on Persistence: From Pools to Posters and More

    APR 15

    039. Alex Proba on Persistence: From Pools to Posters and More

    In this episode, multidisciplinary designer Alex Proba shares how persistence, daily creative rituals, and an unwavering belief in color have shaped her global design career—from posters and murals to pools and product lines. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Alex Proba is a German-born, New York-based multidisciplinary designer and the founder of Studio Proba. Known for her playful use of color and pattern across murals, furniture, textiles, installations, and branding, she has collaborated with global brands like Nike, Google, and Louis Vuitton. Her iconic “Poster a Day” project launched her career and continues to inspire creatives worldwide with its message of consistency and exploration. Follow Alex: Instagram: @alexprobaWebsite: studioproba.com ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    41 min
  8. 038. Tamara Mellon: The Woman Behind Jimmy Choo (w/ Rachelle Bergstein)

    APR 1

    038. Tamara Mellon: The Woman Behind Jimmy Choo (w/ Rachelle Bergstein)

    This episode we talk about the high-heeled rise, fall, and fierce reinvention of designer Tamara Mellon, co-founder of Jimmy Choo, whose resilience redefined what it means to be a woman in luxury fashion—with cultural insight from author Rachelle Bergstein. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by branding and design studio  Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyoushouldknow Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasay _______ Sources / Links: In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara MellonTamara Mellon on the Shopify Plus BlogWomen from the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us by Rachelle BergsteinTamara Mellon Interview on Inc. Tamara Mellon is a British-American fashion designer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo. A former accessories editor at British Vogue, Mellon played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s aesthetic and global success. She later launched her own label, Tamara Mellon Inc., where she continues to design with a focus on empowering women and disrupting the fashion business model. Rachelle Bergstein is a writer and cultural commentator, best known as the author of Women from the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us. Her work explores the intersection of fashion, identity, and culture. With a background in literature and a sharp eye for symbolism in style, Bergstein brings a unique voice to fashion history and its impact on women’s lives. Follow Rachelle: Instagram: @rachellewbWebsite: rachellebergstein.com ____ View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below: Instagram: Amber AsayInstagram: Women Designers Pod

    38 min
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4.9
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

Redesigning history by celebrating women. Amber Asay (host and designer) highlights groundbreaking contributions of women designers who have shaped the world we live in today. From graphic designers to architects, industrial designers to fashion icons, we explore the inspiring stories of the women who came before us, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. There's a dual approach in each episode, with a designer as a featured guest, we'll uncover the remarkable journey of a historical figure, shedding light on their innovative designs, their challenges, and their triumphs. The goal is to make these extraordinary women household names, ensuring that their legacies are rightfully celebrated and recognized for their profound impact on design history.

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