Sandra Finkelstein - Fashion Innovation Leader

Sarah is the founder of SCLARANDIS, a sustainable, high-quality footwear brand. Her passion began in childhood in Torino, Italy, and led her to study shoe design in the UK and train with master shoemakers in Varese. She later moved to the U.S., designing for top fashion brands, leading creative teams as VP, and building global partnerships across Italy, Spain, Brazil, and China.In this interview, Abby Garay (Liebman) chats with Sarah, whose love for footwear began in childhood in Italy. Sarah shares her journey from studying in the UK to launching her own brand after years in corporate roles. She talks about the inspiration behind her designs, the balance of comfort and style, the challenges of manufacturing and marketing, and her excitement for future projects like the “sneaker ballerina.”

Abbey Rachel Garay (Liebman) is a New York-based shoe designer and developer with a background in both concept and craft. A Cornell Textiles graduate, she’s held design and development roles across startups and major brands, and completed Arsutoria’s intensive pattern-making program in 2018. Through her consultancy, Abbey and Aster Ltd., she brings footwear ideas from sketch to production.In this episode, Sarah Sclarandis chats with Abbey about her path into footwear. From studying textiles to training in Milan and working with global factories, Abbey shares how she found her footing in the shoe industry. They dive into the creative process, the technical side of design, and how AI is shaping the future. Abbey also offers a peek into her consulting work and what’s next for the industry.

I’m a New-York–based digital product strategist who loves turning loosely defined ideas into engaging, high-impact experiences. Over the years I’ve worked across healthtech, digital media, and wellness, guiding products from first sketch to market launch while keeping users—and measurable value—at the center.In this episode, Temi Agbede talks with Julia about her winding path from aspiring vet to science journalist to digital media pro, with stops at Conde Nast and NY Public Radio. Now a consultant, Julia helps health-focused orgs adopt AI workflows and shares insights on rapid testing and building a solo business.

Temi is a seasoned marketing and eCommerce leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth for DTC brands from $10M to $100M+. Now a Fractional Marketing Executive & Advisor, she helps brands scale through holistic strategies, brand building, and customer journey optimization.In this episode, Julia Schulhof chats with Temi about her path from Maryland to New York City, her career at Lord & Taylor and Estée Lauder, and her transition into fractional marketing. Temi reflects on the challenges of marketing herself, the value of networking, and shares insights on AI, mentorship, and staying curious in a fast-changing industry.

Cathy Quain is a seasoned brand leader with 25+ years driving growth for top lifestyle, luxury, and outdoor brands. She’s led DTC, retail, and eCommerce strategies as CEO, President, and VP at companies like Krewe, Manduka, and Burton Snowboards. Now CEO of Compass + Nail, she helps brands build loyalty, scale smartly, and create standout customer experiences.In this episode, Sandra Finkelstein interviews Cathy, who shares her insights on building unforgettable customer experiences, navigating major career pivots, and creating lasting brand loyalty.

Sandra Finkelstein is a fashion innovation leader who builds next-gen brands, platforms, and ideas that drive growth. She leverages GenAI and machine learning to streamline trend detection, product creation, and design workflows. Sandra thrives in fast-moving, purpose driven teams where innovation leads to real impact.In this episode, Cathy Quain interviews Sandra Finkelstein on how she’s using generative AI to reshape fashion through sustainable design and innovation. With experience at Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Amazon, she shares insights on the future of fashion tech.

Erica Guider is a Sales Executive at 42 Technologies with deep roots in retail, having spent her childhood weekends in her family’s boutique tagging merchandise and managing displays. After graduating from Parsons, she brought her creative and commercial expertise to brands like Tory Burch, 7 For All Mankind, Sandro, and Maje. When the pandemic disrupted the industry, Erica pivoted into tech, joining 42 Technologies as their first Customer Success Manager. In this episode, Julia Maimone-Medwick chats with Erica, who went from growing up in her parents’ boutique to working for top fashion brands and then made a bold leap into tech at 42 Technologies during the pandemic. She shares how her retail roots shaped her success in tech, the power of networking, and her side hustle in job matchmaking. A must-listen for anyone navigating a career pivot or curious about the overlap between fashion and tech.

Julia Maimone-Medwick is a mission-driven marketing leader with deep experience in brand strategy, events, and social media. As Senior Director of Marketing & Events at Modern Luxury, she leads campaigns for top luxury brands in New York and the Hamptons. With a background in both agency and in-house roles, Julia blends strategy and execution to create memorable, high-impact experiences.In this episode, Erica Guider chats with Julia about her path from political science major to media strategist, interior designer, and co-operator of her family’s winery. Julia shares honest reflections on agency vs. brand-side life, sustaining meaningful professional relationships, and navigating imposter syndrome.

Alexis Carey is a social media and influencer marketing specialist with over 4 years of experience in the beauty, food and beverage, and lifestyle industries. As a Campaign Manager at Foodie Tribe, she drives brand growth through influencer partnerships and strategic campaigns. Outside of work, she creates fashion, fitness, and travel content on her blog, @fashiontoflow.Since this interview, Alexis has stepped into a new role as a Campaign Manager for an agency. In this episode, Emily Mi Landri talks with Alexis about breaking into the social media world, building experience across the fitness, wellness, and beauty industries, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Alexis also shares actionable tips on content creation, influencer marketing, and tapping into trends to drive success.

Claire Steichen founded Clear Strategy Coaching in 2008 to help ambitious mid-career professionals reach their goals, authentically and without burn-out. Claire is the author of “Confidence at Work: The High Achiever’s Guide to Navigating Uncertainty”. Using her I to the 4th Power methodology, Claire has trained hundreds of mid-level and senior professionals to build career on their terms. Before becoming a coach, Claire spent two decades in Beauty at L’Oreal, Parfums Christian Dior, and Givaudan.  Since founding Clear Strategy Coaching, her corporate clients have included L’Oreal, Visa, American Express, ESPN, Firmenich, International Flavors & Fragrances, and Omnicom. Claire received her certification through Coach Training Institute and is a Certified Professional Coach with the International Coach Federation.On this episode of the CoLab podcast, Madelyn Ulrich sits down with Claire Steichen, founder of Clear Strategy Coaching, to talk about bouncing back from career setbacks, trusting your intuition, and celebrating small wins. From L’Oréal to launching her own practice, Claire shares the real story behind building confidence and resilience in leadership.