The Creative Economy

In this episode, Mark sits down with Rajni Rao, founder of Jungli Vintage, to talk about how a childhood shaped by immigrant hospitality, performance, and curiosity eventually led to building a bold vintage brand in DC. Rajni reflects on growing up between cultures, learning to host before she knew the word for it, and why creativity was always present, even when her career took more practical turns. They dive deep into the making of Jungli Vintage: discovering her eye for funky, expressive pieces, finding confidence through pop-ups, and learning who her customer really was along the way. It’s a conversation about trusting taste, building community through physical spaces, and turning instinct into a business that feels personal, playful, and alive.

In this episode, Mark talks with Coby Lefkowitz, a developer, writer, and co-founder of Backyard, about building beautiful, walkable communities. Coby shares his journey from basketball to urban planning, the challenges of real estate development, and why the “missing middle” in housing matters. They also dig into his book Building Optimism and what it takes to design cities that are affordable, connected, and inspiring

In this episode, Mark sits down with Onose, a creative entrepreneur based in DC. They unpack her journey from Florida to Nigeria and back again, leaving a career in healthcare to explore content creation, community, and creative independence. Onose reflects on the nonlinear nature of building a creative life, how relocating to DC helped her rediscover her purpose, and why embracing uncertainty is often part of finding your voice. It’s a vulnerable, reflective conversation about letting go of timelines, trusting the process, and making space for joy.

In this episode, Mark sits down with Tessa Velazquez, a chef, entrepreneur, and co-founder of beloved DC staples Baked & Wired, A Baked Joint, and La Betty. From growing up in her family’s Georgetown bakery to navigating the chaos of COVID and launching a natural wine bar with a listening room, Tessa’s journey is a masterclass in building soulful spaces around food. They talk about the emotional side of leadership, designing a good vibe, and why structure is key to sustaining creative freedom. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into a gathering place, this one’s for you.