The Fabric of America

Creating a clothing brand from scratch is no easy feat—especially when sourcing and manufacturing in the U.S. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Patrick from Union Overall Co. to talk about his journey in building a brand rooted in American craftsmanship. From navigating the complexities of sourcing materials to fostering a strong creative vision, Brian shares insights on entrepreneurship, st...

In this episode, we talk with Mitch Gambert, the passionate force behind his family's nearly century-old American manufacturing business in New Jersey. Mitch opens up about the challenges of producing quality garments in the U.S., the pressures from large retailers, and the importance of true sustainability beyond just buzzwords. He shares his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, the realities...

Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event in under 30 minutes. In this episode we discuss the difficulty in staying motivated and how we all share the common human experience of feeling down. You're not the only one. Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.c...

Hey everyone, this week we talk with Vanessa De Los Santos of Eventistry—a dynamic wedding and events planner who’s redefining the industry with her genuine passion for connection, creativity, and community. In our chat, we dived deep into her journey, the nuances of planning events both locally and internationally, and the challenges and rewards of working in a predominantly white industry. https...

In this inspiring episode of The Fabric of America , we sit down with Miguel Matos, a visionary artist and community builder based in Hartford, Connecticut. Miguel takes us through his journey of transforming spaces into vibrant hubs for local artists, fostering collaboration among small businesses, and breaking down silos to create a thriving, inclusive community. From navigating the challenges o...

Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event in under 30 minutes. In this episode we discuss sizing. Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/ Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story fabricofamericapodcast@gmail.com

Today we talk with Joy Consiglio, co-founder of Nolla Wellness in New Haven, CT about her journey from past challenges to building a thriving wellness business with her business partner. Joy shares insights on the realities of entrepreneurship, the dynamic of running a business with a friend, and the unique spa offerings that set Nolla Wellness apart. From restorative massages to cold plunges and...

Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event in under 30 minutes. In this episode, we define the buzzwords "shop local." Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/ Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story fabricofamericapodcast@gmail.com

This week, we sat down with the incredible Nikki Estephan, a powerhouse entrepreneur, photographer, and all-around inspiring human being. From finding joy in the grind to learning when to hit pause, Nikki shared so many gems about building a business, embracing your passions, and putting community over competition. We’re so excited for you to hear this conversation — it’s one of those episodes tha...

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Mairson, the passionate founder of Hearts in Hartford. This nonprofit organization is making waves by bringing people together to support local causes and create meaningful connections. Erin shares the incredible journey of starting Hearts in Hartford, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and her vision for fostering a stronger sense of community. Whether y...

Welcome to our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event in under 30 minutes. In this episode, we discuss our holiday gifting traditions and purchasing gifts from local shops. Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/ Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob from American Woolen Company to explore the fascinating world of textiles and the future of manufacturing in New England. Jacob shares his vision for creating a luxury manufacturing ecosystem that not only revitalizes Connecticut but also sets a new standard for sustainability and craftsmanship. From the rich history of New England mills to the cultural sign...

Welcome to the first episode of our short-form series, Moving The Needle. We know not everyone has time for one-hour episodes so in Moving The Needle, we have a conversation about a current event in under 30 minutes. In this episode, we react to, and discuss, the new Netflix documentary, Buy Now. Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/ Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-s...

Today, we’re joined by Krista Lastrina, the owner of Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon, who shares her journey of building a successful, inclusive bridal business in the heart of Middletown, Connecticut. From her passion for making every bride feel their most beautiful to lessons learned in empathy and customer care, Krista’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a bride-...

In this episode, we sit down with Haley, the creator behind Outbound Candle Co., to delve into the artistry, challenges, and joy of building a small business. From her passion for crafting candles that evoke emotions to learning how to sell wholesale, Haley shares how she’s turned her creative spark into a thriving business that lights up homes and hearts. Join us as we explore the magic of creati...

This week on The Fabric of America , we’re chatting with the one and only Dan Hoagland of The Liquorist Mobile Drinkery in Connecticut. Dan’s not just slinging drinks—he’s redefining what it means to build a business with heart, hustle, and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences. From managing a high-energy team to balancing work and family life, Dan opened up about the joys and challenges...

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation about finding balance, setting personal definitions of success, and the power of community. Our guest shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, discussing what it means to give back, the role of privilege, and how lessons from icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger can influence business decisions. AvantGarde Design can be found at: https:/...

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Carla Ten Eyck. If you know Carla, you know she’s a force of nature in the photography world and an ambassador of community and connection. We explore Carla’s evolving photography career, her journey into branding work, her passion for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces, and how she beautifully balances the various communities she’s a part of. W...

Today we’re thrilled to chat with Enzo Valentino of Valentino Tailors. Enzo is a tailor whose love for his craft goes beyond the fabric and threads. In this episode, we dive into Enzo’s journey—from his beginnings to his vision of passing the torch to his kids, the creative solutions he brings to his shop every day, and why building a community-focused business means everything to him. His story i...

In this heartfelt episode of The Fabric of America , we (Melissa and Matt) sit down with Kristiann Vargas, an inspiring chef and the mind behind Distinctive Ideas at Auerfarm. Together, we explore the power of food to bring communities together, support local farms, and create lasting memories. Kristiann shares her journey as a business owner and caterer, her challenges, and the importance of grou...

Today we’re joined by the incredible Shelley from Married by Shelley, an officiant with a unique ability to connect people through their stories. Shelley shares with us how she turned her passion for storytelling and connecting with couples into a successful officiating business. We dive into the intricacies of weddings, how she became a go-to person for all things officiant-related, and what keep...

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of consumer power and its influence on the fashion industry, comparing it to the evolution of food consumption. We explore how fast fashion parallels the processed food revolution and how each purchase we make is essentially a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Join us as we discuss the importance of thoughtful consumption and how small ac...

In this episode of The Fabric of America , we dive deep into the real value behind the cost of custom garments. Melissa and Matt break down some of the biggest misconceptions around pricing in fashion, from the labor behind intricate wedding dresses to the materials used in high-end suits. They also shed light on the delicate balance between quality and affordability, encouraging us all to make in...

In this episode of The Fabric of America , we dive deep into Matt's personal journey, exploring how his upbringing, experiences, and insights shape his passion for American-made clothing and small businesses. Join us as we discuss the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, the impact of community, and the stories behind the garments that connect us all. From his corporate retail days to...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Melissa Oddo, who not only excels in her craft, but also builds a thriving community around the dying art of sewing. We explore her early life experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she organically transitioned from being a lone rebel to fostering a community of seamstresses. We also discuss the importance of embracing the long game...