Kate is excited to welcome her former colleague and friend, Melissa Carnegie, founder of Kicks and Fros, as she shares her journey in the fashion industry and the rise of sneaker culture for women and the importance of representation and community. In the episode, Melissa outlines her journey to successfully building her businesses as an influencer and fashion changemaker, as well as her new sneaker cleaner kit launch. Most importantly, Melissa shares her journey as a bonus mom and how she has navigated the challenges of building a relationship with her step-daughter. She emphasizes the importance of being a role model and instilling values of hard work and perseverance. Melissa also discusses the unique perspective she has as a bonus mom and the impact she can have on the next generation. In this conversation, Melissa Carnegie discusses her journey of finding her purpose and building a successful career in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of being passionate about your work and not settling for anything less than what you love. Melissa shares how her love for fashion and personal style has come full circle in her career. She also talks about exciting opportunities, such as customizing sneakers for the TV show Love is Blind, and her efforts to build a community of like-minded women in the sneaker industry. Melissa highlights the power of sharing success and empowering women in business.

Takeaways

• Sneaker culture has evolved to include women, who bring their own style and creativity to the space.
• Representation of women in sneaker culture is important for creating a sense of community and highlighting their contributions.
• Growing up as a tomboy can influence personal style and the love for sneakers.
• Events and community building are essential for connecting women with similar interests and creating a supportive network.
• Sneakers offer both comfort and style, making them a popular choice for women in various settings. Creating a product that solves a problem and meets a need can lead to success.
• Juggling multiple roles requires asking for help and building a support system.
• Building a relationship with a bonus child takes time, patience, and understanding.
• Being a role model and instilling values of hard work and perseverance are important for children's development.
• Having a unique perspective as a bonus mom allows for a different approach to parenting and influencing the next generation. Finding your purpose and being passionate about your work are key to building a successful career.
• Don't settle for anything less than what you love.
• Life often comes full circle, and your true passions and interests can lead you to unexpected opportunities.
• Building a community and empowering others can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:09Starting Melissa Chanel and Kicks and Fros

07:38 Representation of Women in Sneaker Culture

10:09 Growing Up as a Tomboy and Sneaker Influence

14:26 The Growth of Kicks and Fros

16:10 Events and Community Building

20:08 Launch of Sneaker Cleaner Kit

23:07 Juggling Multiple Roles

24:19 Getting Married and Personal Growth

25:09 Building a Relationship with a Bonus Daughter

26:36 Navigating the Role of a Bonus Mom

27:39 Parenting and Business

35:27 Influencing the Next Generation

40:22 Finding Your Purpose

43:11 Advice for the Future

45:27 Creating a Purposeful Career

48:14 Customizing Sneakers for Love is Blind

49:26 Building a Community

51:16 Empowering Women in Business

53:07 The Power of Sharing Success

54:47 The Soundtrack of Success

58:06 Where to Find Melissa