Frances Van Mak, Co-Founder — From Refugee to Red Carpet to Redefining “Business as Usual”
Stay Wellthy™ presented by 10TH ELEMENT
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Frances Van Mak, Co-Founder — From Refugee to Red Carpet to Redefining “Business as Usual”
Stay Wellthy™ presented by 10TH ELEMENT
In this episode of the 10th Element, Stay Wellthy Podcast, principal and creative director Frances Van Mak shares her incredible journey from being a refugee to becoming a high-end fashion designer. Raised in 1980s New York, Frances discusses the unique challenges and influences that shaped her life, from growing up in a chaotic, multicultural environment to finding solace in art and eventually designing for notable figures like Michelle Obama. Together with Equiano Mosieri and Talib Jasir, they explore how their experiences and backgrounds inform their current work on fashion for social...
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Equiano Mosieri, Co-Founder — Art, Identity & How a Single Action can Change the Whole Story
Stay Wellthy™ presented by 10TH ELEMENT
In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Equiano Mosieri, Principal and Chief Storyteller and Artistic Director of Omnicolos and 10th Element, shares his journey from a childhood influenced by cartoons and music to becoming a storyteller inspired by literature legends like Richard Wright and James Baldwin. He also discusses the powerful influence of his Nigerian heritage and experiences, including resilience and overcoming bullying. Frances Van Mak speaks about her experiences of growing up in New York and the influence of diverse cultures on her vision. Together, they elaborate...
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10th ELEMENT Introduces Fashion 4 Social Impact & The Future of Conscious Consumerism
Stay Wellthy™ presented by 10TH ELEMENT
In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss how 10th Element is revolutionizing fashion, wellness, and social impact. The team emphasizes the importance of fashion as a vehicle for meaningful change, focusing on slow fashion to combat waste and promote sustainability. They highlight the role of culture in communicating health and wellness, the increasing demand for purpose-driven luxury from younger consumers, and how meaningful ROI includes societal benefits. The conversation also covers the diverse and high-level expertise of the...
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Stay Wellthy: The Movement Behind 10th Element’s Vision
Stay Wellthy™ presented by 10TH ELEMENT
In this episode of the Stay Wellthy podcast, Frances Van Mak, Equiano Mosieri, and Talib Jasir discuss the inspiration, mission, and vision behind the 10th Element brand. They explore how the brand aims to integrate elements of hip hop culture and social impact to promote community wellness and empower individuals. The founders emphasize the importance of slow fashion, sustainability, and the use of fashion as a tool for social and mental health awareness. They also touch on the importance of authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the transformative power of storytelling...
info_outlineIn this episode of the 10th Element, Stay Wellthy Podcast, principal and creative director Frances Van Mak shares her incredible journey from being a refugee to becoming a high-end fashion designer.
Raised in 1980s New York, Frances discusses the unique challenges and influences that shaped her life, from growing up in a chaotic, multicultural environment to finding solace in art and eventually designing for notable figures like Michelle Obama.
Together with Equiano Mosieri and Talib Jasir, they explore how their experiences and backgrounds inform their current work on fashion for social impact projects, emphasizing the importance of mental health, diversity, and youth empowerment.
Highlighting pivotal moments such as attending protests and forming the brand Omnicolos, the discussion underscores the power of inspiration, resilience, and using creativity for meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction to the Hosts
00:20 Frances Mak's Early Life and Influences
02:31 The Chaotic New York Experience
03:41 Discovering Art as a Sanctuary
07:00 Pursuing a Career in Design
11:15 The Impact of Diversity and Culture
15:05 Fashion for Social Impact
19:49 Mental Wellness and Youth Empowerment
23:25 The Birth of Omnicolos
31:37 Conclusion and Future Conversations
Stay Wellthy™.
Follow instagram.com/xethebrand and visit xethebrand.com to join the movement.
Directed & Produced by Talib Jasir, Lead Producer at Vanguard Podcast Network
Intro and Outro Music credit: William Rucker (The-O) - “Y U Gotta B Like That"
Music Score credit: William Rucker (The-O) x Brener McCoy - "Mit Hjerte"