On today's episode of Breaking the Mold, host Dominique is taking you through her experience at Create & Cultivate 2026. She breaks down what the conference is really like and key takeaways. Plus, Dominique wraps up with a fun recap of the event activations and a peek inside that iconic gift bag. If you've been looking for the motivation to put yourself out there, network, and invest in your professional growth, this episode is your sign to take that next step!  

Follow us at @breakingthemold_pod on Instagram and TikTok!

Got questions or want to connect? Visit: linktr.ee/breakingthemold_pod [http://linktr.ee/breakingthemold_pod]

Episode 103: Create & Cultivate 2026

On today's episode host Dominique chats with aesthetics curator, creative visionary, and wardrobe stylist Amber Bond.

Amber takes us through her journey of leaving a stable job to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in fashion. She opens up about transitioning from FIDM into full-time freelance styling, setting boundaries with micromanaging bosses, navigating high-stakes onset vs. individual client dynamics, and building financial resilience through industry downtime. Plus, Amber breaks down how she scales her retail brand, Blazin Sparkles.

If you've ever wanted an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to survive and thrive as a freelance stylist in LA, this episode is packed with gems you won't want to miss!

Connect with our guest:

Personal Instagram: @aloisbond



Brand Website & Instagram: blazinsparkles.com | @blazinsparkles



Follow us at @breakingthemold_pod on Instagram and TikTok!
Got questions or want to connect? Visit: linktr.ee/breakingthemold_pod

Episode 102: Amber the Costume Designer & Wardrobe Stylist | Breaking into Styling & Navigating Freelance

On today's episode host Dominique sits down with multihyphenate creative Esthefany Castillo—creative strategist, wellness instructor, photographer, and founder of the sustainable fashion brand Infinitely Fluid.



Esthefany breaks down her non-linear career journey from sociology student to corporate creative. She opens up about navigating gatekept industries, taking a humbling entry-level internship at 27, and honing her portfolio to step fully into the Creative Director seat.



If you've been looking for the blueprint on how to pivot into fashion, bet on yourself, and build a career on your own terms, this episode is your sign to take that next step!



Connect with our guest:
Personal Instagram: @esth.illo
Brand Instagram: @infinitelyfluid
Website: Esthefany.Castillo.com



Follow us at @breakingthemold_pod on Instagram and TikTok!
Got questions? We'd love to hear from you: linktr.ee/breakingthemold_pod

Episode 101: Esthefany the Creative Director | Pivoting into Fashion & Creative Direction

Welcome!

This is a career podcast for black and brown girls in the fashion community. Here on Breaking the Mold, not only will we deep dive different careers within the fashion industry, but also explore what it means to be multi-hyphinated.



Recorded 6/21/2025

Episode 100 - Introduction | Dominique the Host

Welcome to Breaking the Mold! A career podcast for black and brown fashion girls looking for career advise and community.

Dominique Sella (@breakingthemold_pod) · Zencastr

Dominique Sella (@breakingthemold_pod)

Welcome to Breaking the Mold! A career podcast for black and brown fashion girls looking for career advice and community.