Obsessed Ep. 308: WKND Nation: How Sofia Karvela And Phuong Ireland Are Making Comfort Stylish

On today’s episode we are joined by Sofia Karvela and Phuong Ireland of the new wildly popular clothing line WKND Nation. We discuss the challenges of launching a business during a pandemic, what keeps these women grounded, and how they balance their lives as mega entrepreneurs and mothers. Sofia Karvela and Phuong Ireland are the founders of of WKND Nation, the size-inclusive clothing brand defined by their “comfort gone stylish” aesthetic, and their classic silhouettes with a twist that can be dressed up or down or anything in between! SOFIA KARVELA – Co-founder, Creative Director  Born from creatives in Athens, Greece, she experienced the horror and glory of it all and felt the need to follow in their footsteps. Unable to score a movie role she went to plan B – fashion. After fetching coffee for renowned stylist Patricia Field, she scored an assistant stylist title. She soon signed with The Wall Group and worked on numerous projects across editorial, campaign, and entertainment including Sex and the City and Younger. Clothes and telling a story through them is what gets her out of bed in the morning – along with her two sons screaming. Now, the goal is to create a world and lifestyle for others to live more comfortably, happily and honestly in. PHUONG IRELAND – Co-founder, CEO  After graduating from Duke University and Columbia Business School, Phuong’s retail story began at Victoria’s Secret where she learned the power of storytelling in branding. She cut her entrepreneurial chops by starting the VS Accessories division, which is now a global travel retail business. She then led the newly formed Beauty & Accessories team at Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters, building the segments from small tests to significant chain-wide businesses. Most recently she launched an e-commerce business for media brand Scary Mommy, where she created a marketplace of 40+ women-owned brands and launched an affiliate marketing vertical. The idea of creating a lifestyle brand that could bring together millions of women to help them live happier, more satisfying lives is a dream come true. Get your WKND Nation Fix HERE: Shop WKND Nation! Use code OBSESSED20 for 20% off your WKND Nation Purchase! Follow WKND Nation on Instagram - @wkndnation @thesofiakarvela @phuong_ireland 3 Part YouTube Series Mentioned in Episode: Building WKND Nation Follow us on - Instagram: @obsessedwiththebestpod YouTube: Obsessed With The Best Patreon: Obsessed With The Best TikTok: @obsessedwiththebestpod Feel free to email us any time at [email protected], with questions, comments, and product or guest suggestions! Support us by supporting our host network, DimlyWitProductions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices