In this episode, Mark speaks with Gigi Burris. Gigi is one of fashion's top American hat designers. Gigi is a CFDA member and was named Forbes 30 under 30. Her designs have been featured in all the major publications from Vogue to Wall Street Journal. Gigi hats are worn by British royalty to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Zoe Kravitz, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, and Madonna.

In this episode we discuss:

• Gigi shares her background and how she got started with Millinery
• Discuss creating your own Bespoke fashion brand
• Closely Crafted event on May 14th
• Gigi shares valuable tips/advice on how to get into Millinery

Gigi Burris :
https://www.closelycrafted.org/move-the-needle-2024
https://www.instagram.com/gigiburris/
https://gigiburris.com/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Chris Quidley. Chris is the director and co-founder of Quidley and Company Galleries in Florida and Nantucket. Chris works with corporate and private clients to acquire fine art and builds collections of distinction. Chris has been representing fine art for over 30 years. With a top contemporary painter as his father, and framer mother, Chris literally grew up in the art business. Chris previously worked for Christie's in London, managed several galleries on the East coast, and supports many corporate and private clients who rely on his expertise when acquiring fine art.

In this episode we discuss:
· Chris’s background, growing up in the art business.
· How he got started as a consultant and gallerist and so much more
· Chris shares valuable advice about building a collection. Check out Chris’s website and social media, links are in show notes below.


Chris Quidley :
https://www.instagram.com/quidley_and_co/
https://www.quidleyandco.com/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Maria Clifton a.k.a DJ Ria. Maria is a successful well-known DJ for A list celebrity and events and major brands. Maria is an on-air personality for Sirius XM, Wilhelmina model, Actress, DJ, and in game host for the New York Islanders and New York Liberty.

In this episode we discuss:

• DJ Ria background from Professional Basketball to Modeling/Acting to Hosting/DJing.
• How her personality and networking lead to her career journey and niche
• DJ Ria shares valuable advice for building on your own strengths to create your path.

DJ Ria, Maria Clifton :
https://www.instagram.com/riaria5/
https://djria.nyc/


Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Franc Fernandez. Franc is an artist, designer, and creative director with Shaping Pop Culture. He creates complete visual tones from music videos to album covers to costumes for his high-profile clients including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. He is best known for creating the meat dress for Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV VMAs.

In this episode we discuss:

• Franc’s Inspiring Career Journey: From Merchandising to Designer & Creative Director
• Concept of Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress
• Designing your own Career Growth

Franc Fernandez :
https://www.instagram.com/francfernandez/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Guy Torry. Guy is a multi-talented actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Guy's credits range from acting in American History X and Pearl Harbor, to hosting Def Comedy Jam, to executive producing Fat Tuesdays, the era of hip hop comedy, named the best documentary by the New York Times in 2022.

In this episode we discuss:

• Guy’s Inspiring Career Journey: From Marketing Assistant to Comedian to Producer

• Phat Tuesday & Def Comedy Jam

• Career Growth Essentials: Tools and Strategies for Success

Guy Torry :
https://www.instagram.com/guytorry/
https://originalproductions.com/show/phat-tuesdays/


Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this special episode, Mark shares a quick glance of what to expect in 2024. Topics we’ll cover and highlight as we evolve the focus of Creating the Perfect Experience Podcast. Some topics include:

• Focus more on the Creative process and live experiences
• Individuals who follow their passion & create the best experiences
• Design, architecture, services
• Share tips and pitfalls of careers in Creative Space
• Ego & Collaboration
• Mentorship
• Trends in 2024: 3D Video displays, influence of AI, DIY Techniques, punk revivals, all Immersive videos
• Sustainability
• Share secrets of success from top industry professionals

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Ashaunna Ayars, A multifaceted, forward-thinking professional, her true passion lies in her natural ability to transform ideas into fruition. Ashaunna is the founder of the Ayars Agency, a strategic brand and entertainment marketing firm. Ashaunna is the branding mastermind behind campaigns for some of the top music stars and brands globally. Her mantra is “Move fast & create things”.

In this episode we discuss:

• Ashaunna’s journey from the music industry to managing high-profile clients like Jay Z, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige– to founder of The Ayars Agency.
• Ashaunna's biggest inspirations and influences that fuel her motivation.
• How to effectively balance client needs with your own marketing expertise, brand collaborations, and understanding of consumer behavior.
• Ashuanna's advice to potential clients + so much more!

Ashaunna Ayars
info@theayarsagency.com
https://www.instagram.com/theayarsagency/
https://www.instagram.com/ashaunnakayars/
https://www.soawfestival.com/


Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Bonnie Smith. Bonnie is the Senior Vice President and the Head of VIVI, the Culture Forward Division of Jack Morton Worldwide. Prior to her current position, she founded Studio B, a diversity driven creative agency with clients such as Showtime, NBC Sports, and CoverGirl. Bonnie has been featured in Adweek, Forbes, and Neyma Crane's Notable Entrepreneur.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bonnie's Inspiring Career Journey: From Production Coordinator to Senior Vice President at Jack Morton
• Boutique Firms vs. Global Design Agencies: Understanding the Distinctions
• Career Growth Essentials: Tools and Strategies for Success

Bonnie Smith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-ott-smith/
https://www.instagram.com/jackmorton
https://www.instagram.com/iambonniesmith/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/