In this episode of Thread 54, we sit down with interior designer Laura Tutun, founder of her namesake firm, to explore her path into entrepreneurship. Laura reflects on her early career and formative decade at Ralph Lauren, where she developed the skills and perspective that continue to shape her work today. We talk about her decision to step away from a corporate role to build her own design business while raising three young children, and the ongoing balance between ambition, family life, and personal wellbeing. She also shares her creative philosophy, her approach to designing toward her clients’ visions, and the role of friendships and community in building a meaningful career. This conversation offers thoughtful insight into creating a business and personal life that can evolve together over time.

In this episode of Thread 54, we sit down with Alex Stoddard to explore the realities of building a freelance creative career. A filmmaker, producer, and former college athlete, Alex recently graduated and is now navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship in his twenties. Creativity has always been part of his life, leading him to explore different disciplines along the way. While still a sophomore* in college, Alex earned a Billboard #1 plaque with one of his favorite artists, an early milestone that did not come with a clear roadmap forward. We talk about freelancing at this stage of life, including uncertainty, independence, and the process of figuring things out. Whether you are a creative just starting out or finding your footing after graduation, Alex’s story offers an honest look at learning as you go and building a path without all the answers.

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In this episode of Thread 54, we sit down with Aileen Atkins, whose career has spanned the intersection of law, technology, and music. With experience at major companies like Napster, Universal Music Group, and Facebook, Aileen shares her journey from corporate law to shaping the future of media and entertainment. We explore her insights on navigating the complexities of the music industry, her passion for leadership, and her efforts to empower women and the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and mentorship. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by the evolving world of media, Aileen’s story offers invaluable advice on building meaningful impact in dynamic industries.

In this episode of Thread 54, we sit down with Rosa Sabater to explore the realm of entrepreneurship and leadership. As the founder of Martellus, Rosa has built a business dedicated to empowering women executives and helping companies achieve high-impact results. We dive into her journey from the corporate world to launching her own ventures, discussing the challenges she faced, the lessons she’s learned, and her commitment to creating opportunities for others. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for inspiration, Rosa offers insights that will leave you feeling empowered to chart your own path.

In this pilot episode of Thread 54, we sit down with Cecilia Aldarondo, a documentary director-producer from the Puerto Rican diaspora. From navigating the challenges of independent production to crafting films that work at the intersection of poetics and politics, Cecilia offers invaluable insights into what it takes to create impactful stories outside of the traditional studio system.