The DesignDash Podcast

Nicole Malachowski is no ordinary guest; she is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and the first woman to fly with the elite Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Her remarkable military career spans over two decades, during which she broke barriers, served in high-profile positions, and earned accolades that few can claim.  In this episode, Melissa and I sit down with Nicole to dive into he...

In this episode we’re diving deep into a conversation that hits home for so many of us—finding balance in the beautiful chaos of life. You know how it is—juggling work, family, passion projects, and somewhere in between, trying to find a moment to just breathe. This time, we're joined by a special guest, Erika De Pellegrin. Erika’s someone who really gets it. She’s a strategic legal consultant, a...

Ever wondered if a game could save your relationship? Join us on this episode of the Design Dash Podcast as we explore the art of meaningful conversations with Diana Indries, co-owner and CEO of Better Topics, a revolutionary card game designed to deepen relationships through playful interaction. Diana shares her personal journey from a soul-draining corporate job to creating a game that has trans...

In this episode, we’re going to be talking about the power and magic of networking and community – but not just the typical networking meetings that everyone thinks of and gets a little nervous about. We’re talking about real-life networking, the kind that creates lasting, valuable connections. This was precisely why we started a program we call Mastermind. So, why did we start the Design Dash Mas...

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Erin Cummings, an inspiring entrepreneur and and the visionary behind Yes Yoga, a transformative lifestyle brand in Texas. In addition to that, Erin has also authored a book "The Possibility Project," a journal guided towards encouraging readers to explore what's possible in their lives by focusing on what they truly value and what's a...

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2024?! I want you to check in with yourself real quick. Remember those big goals you set for yourself this year? How are you doing? Are you on track to hit them? Or wayyyyyy behind? Reflecting on progress, celebrating wins and learning from our successes and setbacks is an essential part of our growth, along with staying open to new possibilities, and...

This week, Melissa and I had an eye-opening conversation with Avery Thatcher, a burnout recovery and prevention strategist who has transformed her own life from the depths of burnout to one of balance and fulfillment. Avery’s insights and practical tips are not only powerful but also life-changing. What You’ll Discover: The Four Types of Burnout: Avery breaks down the different kinds of burnout an...

Jen White is a content creator known for her engaging and viral posts on Instagram and TikTok. In this episode, Jen brings a unique perspective to the world of social media. She first started her journey on YouTube eight years ago and has since grown her presence across multiple platforms. Jen is celebrated for her authentic and relatable content, especially among women in their 40s who seek inspi...

Ever wondered how the pandemic reshaped the traditional office environment? How do you maintain creativity and productivity when your team is scattered across different locations? Is it possible to set boundaries when work is just a click away? What We Discuss In This Episode: In this episode of the Design Dash Podcast, we dive into the intricacies of transitioning to a hybrid work model, a shift...

Are generational differences a barrier or a bridge in today’s workplace? Can a text message be as effective as a phone call? How do we set boundaries in a world that's always on? Dive into these questions and more as we explore the dynamics of multi-generational communication and work-life balance. Join us for this week’s episode as we kick off our discussion by dissecting the distinct characteris...

Join us for this week’s episode as we sit down with the incredible Lauren Levicki Courville, President of Dress for Success Houston. Lauren's journey with this transformative organization began in 2003 as a volunteer, and she joined the leadership team in 2013, bringing her passion and dedication to new heights. In this episode, Lauren shares the empowering mission of Dress for Success, and the im...

Welcome to another episode of our podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Carrie Colbert join us. After working for nearly two decades in the energy industry, Carrie made a switch to pursue her creative passions. She built a strong following on Instagram and created a popular blog, leveraging her success to connect with female-led brands. This journey led her to start Curate Capital, a venture ded...

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Jennifer Phillips, a seasoned coach and organizational consultant with over 15 years of experience in marketing, operations, and leadership. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey of taking a much-needed sabbatical, where she paused to reflect on her path and discover her true passions. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself th...

Join us for a journey into the world of business travel! In this episode, we're looking back to our exhilarating trip to Paris for the 2024 Maison et Objet show. We're spilling all the secrets to getting the MAX return on your business travel investment, personally and professionally. Find out how to choose which industry events to attend and uncover the invaluable benefits of venturing far and wi...

In this week's episode, we delve deep into the captivating world of design with none other than Gin Braverman, the founder and creative director of Gin Design Group. Join us as we sit down with the brilliant mind behind the enchanting spaces that have defined Houston's hospitality scene for over a decade. Gin's touch has transformed the landscape of Houston's culinary experiences. In our candid co...

In this week’s episode, we sit down for a special quarterly wrap-up episode. Join us for a reflective journey through the insightful conversations and memorable moments shared with our guests. From thought-provoking discussions to personal stories of triumph and growth, we revisit the highlights and key takeaways from each episode. We share our reflections on the impactful conversations we had the...

In this episode, it’s just us again, and we’re delving into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of women’s health issues. We’re shining a light on the pervasive issue of misdiagnosis and the harmful stereotype of “hysterical women.” Too many women are getting the wrong diagnosis, or worse, not being taken seriously when they know something’s not right. Drawing from our own personal experiences,...

Meet Allie Danziger, a dynamic force with a passion for empowering newcomers to the workforce. With over 15 years of experience in leadership and mentoring, she's a seasoned professional. Allie kickstarted one of Texas' top marketing agencies, Integrate Agency, in 2009, which she later sold in 2018. During her tenure, Integrate Agency flourished, boasting $15MM in revenue, nurturing 250+ young tal...

Jacky Fischer is our guest this week. A former art school student, Jacky bought her parent's moving business, and quickly grew it from a $3 million company to one making over $40 million annually. She credits her parents with her hardworking spirit and she shares her wisdom with us in this podcast. Jacky knows what it takes to build a small empire, and now uses her experience to help other entrepr...

In this episode, it's just us and we're discussing what it means to be authentic in the workplace. Genuine leadership has been talked about for years as a means to develop a culture based on trust. As leaders, we want to manage with sincerity. But where do you draw the line between authenticity and revealing too much? We talk about the change all managers experience as they go from team member to...

In this podcast, we interview Anna Van Delden, fitness professional and founder of LHTX, a "powerformer" Pilates studio based in Houston, TX. Anna's passion for health and wellness, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, have made her a highly successful business owner. Her husband, Darren, is also an entrepreneur, owning a hospitality company controlling a diverse group of nightlife concepts a...

When we started DesignDash, we thought our goal was to help other creative entrepreneurs find professional fulfillment. We quickly realized that the REAL goal was to help other creative entrepreneurs find total fulfillment, which includes career, family, friendships, and personal creative pursuits. In this start-of-the-year podcast, we address the reason behind our change in focus, plus we share w...

In this podcast, we interview the ever-inspiring,  Malene Barnett . Malene is a multidisciplinary artist and textile designer and a visionary community builder. Her work is a powerful exploration of the modern Black experience, celebrated through her art and design.  Malene’s influence extends beyond her creations, as she is also the founder of the  Black Artists + Designers Guild , a platform ded...

Elaine Turner, a multifaceted fashion designer, life coach, and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas, has made significant strides in the fashion industry with her handbag, shoe, and apparel collections, alongside running multiple retail outlets.  Beyond her professional achievements, Elaine is deeply committed to her family and community, actively supporting causes related to women’s empowerment, men...

Welcome to the DesignDash podcast, your guide to designing a life you love. Join us, Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove, as we try to understand how women today are having it all. As entrepreneurs, moms, and wives, we know that to live a life of true fulfillment, it requires wearing a lot of hats. So how are people doing it? Each week, we're talking to entrepreneurs, designers, artists, wellness expe...