From Hype Beast and Hype Radio, I am Jeff Staples and this is the business of hype,

a show about creative entrepreneurs, brand builders, innovators, and the realities behind the dreams they've built.

Over the many, many past episodes of the business of hype, we've had the pleasure of hearing from legendary icons, major industry movers and shakers and true trailblazers.

But in actuality, whether you've been in the game for 30 years or just three months,

each person has something that you can learn from.

This week, we have a special treat where we get to hear from someone who's on a meteoric rise

with what looks to be a trajectory of being a staple in the art and design world for many years to come.

You probably saw her IKEA sandal on Instagram, maybe her K-KKKs, of being a staple in the art and design world for many years to come.

You probably saw her IKEA sandal on Instagram, maybe her Kodak camera slipper,

or her sweater made out of Carhart Beanie's.

The list goes on and on. She has obviously a very keen eye for repurposing existing brand materials

to create some of the most wild and weird looking

footwear, apparel, and accessories concepts that you've seen. But deeper throughlines are

abound in her work. Branding, corporate initiatives, upcycling, the environment, giving back

social media and female creative empowerment.

So I needed to hear all of this firsthand.

Let's welcome the very strange brain that is Nicole McLaughlin.

Welcome to the show.

I love having sort of like new up and coming people that like are on the meteoric rise.

And what's really cool about like today's society is like someone could just feasibly come out of nowhere.

And I know you didn't come out of nowhere.

You came out of somewhere.

...