EP 16: From London to LA: Inside Fashion, Talent & Entertainment

“I wanted to create something for myself — something that looked as good as it smelled.” – Ashley-Gianna HallettOn this episode of The Vanessa Podcast — the weekly show where we talk business, culture, and the real stories behind extraordinary people building their own lanes — I sit down with Ashley-Gianna Hallett, branding professional, talent manager, and founder of the luxury candle brand Ya Thamani.Ashley is British-born and now based in Los Angeles, with a career spanning brand partnerships, fashion, and entertainment marketing. She’s worked with global names like Burberry, Elite Model Management, MAC Cosmetics, Hugo Boss, Fenty Beauty, and Cartier, and today mentors the next generation of creative talent.She’s also the founder of Ya Thamani — a luxury candle line she built during the pandemic that reflects her love of fragrance, storytelling, and design.About Ashley-Gianna Hallett:Ashley has over a decade of experience across fashion, brand partnerships, and talent management. She has managed campaigns for household names, worked with artists and public figures across entertainment, and now runs her own luxury brand while mentoring up-and-coming talent.In This Conversation, We Discuss:Growing up in South London and dreaming beyond bordersThe graft it took to break into fashion without connectionsLessons from Burberry and Elite Model ManagementHow she transitioned into talent management and brand partnershipsThe behind-the-scenes of negotiating celebrity campaignsMoving from London to Los Angeles and navigating the culture shiftWhat British creatives bring to HollywoodThe origin story of Ya Thamani, and why she built a luxury candle brandBootstrapping a product-based business and breaking into retailHer proudest founder moments (including features in Allure)The common thread running through her career: passionThis is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and carving out space in industries that weren’t built for us.🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thevanessapodcast📱 Follow Vanessa: @vanessasanyauke (Instagram & TikTok)📱 Follow Ashley: @yathamani on Instagram