Pursuit of Wellness: Episode Summary Title: Girl Chat: Luxury Weddings, Leaving Wall Street, & How to Get a Birkin w/ Hannah Chody
Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Hannah Chody
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn welcomes Hannah Chody, a former finance professional turned content creator and family business contributor. The conversation delves into Hannah's transition from Wall Street to the creative industry, her luxurious wedding, and the coveted Birkin bag. The episode offers insightful discussions on career changes, personal growth, fashion, and navigating the social media landscape.

Background and Career Transition

Hannah begins by sharing her background, highlighting her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles for college, followed by a move to New York where she embarked on a career in finance.

Hannah Chody [00:43]:
"I'm from Chicago, then went to college in LA, grew up with two sisters, moved to New York, worked in finance. That was kind of my upbringing and what I always wanted to do."

Despite her analytical and Type A personality, Hannah felt burnt out after several years at Goldman Sachs, prompting her to pivot towards her passion for fashion and content creation.

Hannah Chody [05:53]:
"I can't do this anymore."

Life at Goldman Sachs

Hannah provides an insider’s view of her tenure at Goldman Sachs, describing the high-pressure environment of the sales and trading division.

Hannah Chody [02:49]:
"I was in the sales and trading division and you're sitting on a trading floor of 400 to 600 people."

She recounts the overstimulating atmosphere, long working hours, and the intense dedication required to thrive in such a prestigious financial institution.

Hannah Chody [04:05]:
"It is very overstimulating. You're very busy and everyone takes their job incredibly seriously."

Transition to Content Creation and Family Business

After leaving finance in 2021, Hannah transitioned into content creation, leveraging her passion for fashion and nutrition. She also took on a role in her family's business, Garrett Popcorn, bringing a strategic perspective to its operations.

Hannah Chody [67:39]:
"I was done with finance. I sat my dad down and said, I think I can bring this value to Garrett."

This move allowed her to blend her analytical skills with her creative interests, establishing a successful presence on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Discussing Hannah’s Wedding

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Hannah’s lavish wedding in Lake Como, Italy. She shares the heartfelt story of her proposal during the COVID-19 pandemic and the meticulous planning that went into her destination wedding.

Hannah Chody [21:03]:
"Chad and I got engaged Thanksgiving 2020. We got married June 2022 in Lake Como."

Hannah emphasizes the importance of focusing on guest experience, ensuring that the wedding was enjoyable for everyone present.

Hannah Chody [25:13]:
"Making sure it's fun. It doesn't have to be super extravagant, just finding little ways to make your guests time there more enjoyable."

Becoming a Content Creator and Branding

Hannah discusses her evolution as a content creator, initially focusing on fashion and later expanding into beauty, lifestyle, and vlogging. She highlights the challenges and rewards of building a personal brand in the saturated social media environment.

Hannah Chody [30:08]:
"My first video was my outfit to the Houston Rodeo in 2022. It went viral after my bachelorette party outfits were posted."

Mari praises Hannah’s ability to maintain authenticity while sharing luxury content, contributing to her relatable and engaging online presence.

Mari Llewellyn [33:05]:
"People love watching luxury content. I liked that you were unapologetic about it and shared things you love."

Fashion and Personal Style

The duo delves into discussions about personal style, fashion trends, and the importance of authenticity. Hannah shares her approach to building a versatile wardrobe and staying true to her evolving style.

Hannah Chody [37:34]:
"Building a capsule wardrobe with pieces you can wear in different ways. Invest in tailored items and mix them with unique accessories."

Mari relates by sharing her own experiences with personal style evolution, underscoring the importance of feeling comfortable and authentic in one's fashion choices.

Handling Criticism and Social Media

Hannah addresses the challenges of managing online criticism and the importance of maintaining mental resilience. She emphasizes the need to focus on positive interactions and to disengage from negative comments.

Hannah Chody [34:37]:
"If you're going to be rude, I'm gonna block you. Take it or leave it. I have never been one to appeal to everyone."

Mari echoes this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries to protect one’s mental well-being in the digital age.

Mari Llewellyn [36:23]:
"If you want to be a full-time content creator, you need to be able to dissociate from negative comments."

Discussing Luxury Items: Birkin Bags

A notable segment of the conversation revolves around the elusive Hermès Birkin bag. Hannah explains the history and allure of Birkins, detailing the process of acquiring one and the challenges associated with their exclusivity.

Hannah Chody [42:03]:
"Hermès bags are handmade with high-quality materials. Birkins became synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, often requiring a significant investment to obtain one."

Mari and Hannah discuss the impact of social media on the desirability and perceived availability of Birkins, noting the proliferation of fakes and the constant demand driven by online visibility.

Mari Llewellyn [44:19]:
"Birkin bags are all over the 'For You' page on TikTok, making them seem more attainable than they actually are."

Husband and Family Business Collaboration

Hannah highlights the collaborative dynamic with her husband, Chad, as they manage and expand their family business. Their teamwork exemplifies the blend of strategic planning and hands-on involvement required to grow a successful venture.

Hannah Chody [57:53]:
"Chad was in the kitchen, making things himself. It’s still early stages, but the dedication is real."

Mari expresses admiration for their hands-on approach, drawing parallels to her own experiences with her husband Greg in building their business, Bloom.

Mari Llewellyn [58:06]:
"Watching you guys take on Franx is insanely exciting. It's a strategic move and aligns perfectly with your influencer status."

Q&A Session

The episode features a Q&A segment where Hannah provides valuable advice to listeners on various topics:

1. Standing Out as a Wedding Photographer:

   • Charlotte [71:06]:
     "Tips for standing out in a saturated wedding photography industry."
   • Hannah Chody [71:35]:
     "Showcase your unique style on social media, optimize your profiles for search, and engage with your audience through platforms like Pinterest."

2. Building a High-Quality Wardrobe on a Budget:

   • Grace [74:15]:
     "Advice for investing in a luxury wardrobe with limited funds."
   • Hannah Chody [74:15]:
     "Start with a capsule wardrobe, invest in versatile and tailored pieces, utilize second-hand platforms like The RealReal, and accessorize with statement jewelry."

Conclusion

Mari wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to connect with Hannah on various social media platforms and to explore her ventures, including Franx, the nut milk brand. The episode concludes with a reminder to rate, review, and subscribe to the Pursuit of Wellness podcast for more inspiring conversations.

Mari Llewellyn [77:36]:
"Thank you for joining us on the Pursuit of Wellness podcast. Please rate, review, and share with your loved ones."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hannah Chody [00:43]:
  "I'm from Chicago, then went to college in LA, grew up with two sisters, moved to New York, worked in finance. That was kind of my upbringing and what I always wanted to do."

• Hannah Chody [04:05]:
  "It is very overstimulating. You're very busy and everyone takes their job incredibly seriously."

• Hannah Chody [25:13]:
  "Making sure it's fun. It doesn't have to be super extravagant, just finding little ways to make your guests time there more enjoyable."

• Hannah Chody [34:37]:
  "If you're going to be rude, I'm gonna block you. Take it or leave it. I have never been one to appeal to everyone."

• Mari Llewellyn [44:19]:
  "Birkin bags are all over the 'For You' page on TikTok, making them seem more attainable than they actually are."

Key Takeaways

• Career Transitions: Hannah’s shift from a high-pressure finance role to content creation and family business management exemplifies personal growth and following one’s passion.

• Wedding Planning: Focusing on guest experience and maintaining intimacy can make a wedding memorable and enjoyable for all attendees.

• Content Creation: Authenticity and strategic branding are crucial for building a successful presence in a saturated social media landscape.

• Handling Criticism: Establishing boundaries and focusing on positive interactions are essential for maintaining mental well-being as a public figure.

• Luxury and Fashion: Understanding personal style and making thoughtful investments in a wardrobe can enhance one’s fashion sense without overspending.

• Exclusive Luxury Items: Acquiring items like Hermès Birkin bags involves understanding their history, exclusivity, and the impact of social media on their desirability.

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers a comprehensive look into Hannah Chody’s multifaceted life, blending insights on career evolution, personal relationships, fashion, and navigating the challenges of social media fame. Listeners gain valuable advice on building a meaningful career, planning unforgettable events, and maintaining authenticity in the digital age.