Podcast Summary: "What We Wore" Episode 154. Trish Wescoat Pound | A Winding Journey

Host: Laura Vinroot Poole
Guest: Trish Wescoat Pound
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Podcast Description: Laura Vinroot Poole, owner of Capitol, engages with guests on a deeper, authentic level, exploring their personal and professional journeys in the fashion industry.

1. Introduction and Beginnings

The episode opens with Laura Vinroot Poole introducing Trish Wescoat Pound, the founder of TWP (Trish Wescoat Pound). Trish shares her Midwestern roots, having grown up in a small town on the border of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (00:38): "I grew up in a very small town. My mother was very young when she had me. A lot of the takeaways that I have now and even some of the influences that I have now come from that time."

2. Early Life and Work Ethic

Trish emphasizes the strong work ethic instilled in her during childhood. Growing up with limited resources, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance, traits that have significantly influenced her career.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (00:47): "Even to this day, I pride myself on my work ethic... I think that a lot of my drive comes from that."

3. Serendipitous Entry into Fashion

Unlike many in the fashion industry, Trish's journey was not a direct path. She initially pursued a different career trajectory, aspiring to attend law school and working in Washington D.C. However, a spontaneous decision to move to New York City led her into the fashion world.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (02:06): "The truth is, it was kind of serendipitous because I just ended up in fashion. It wasn't like I went to school; I wanted to go to law school."

4. Transformation Through Creativity

From a young age, Trish had a desire to make her surroundings beautiful. This innate creativity manifested in various forms, such as rearranging furniture or improving the aesthetics of everyday objects. This creative lens became a cornerstone of her approach to fashion.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (03:35): "I have this ability to see the beauty in things that aren't always beautiful."

5. Early Career: Calvin Klein and Nels' Club

Trish's initial roles in New York included working as a receptionist at Calvin Klein and later at Nels' nightclub. These positions provided her with firsthand exposure to the fashion industry's inner workings and its vibrant, sometimes tumultuous, environment.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (07:10): "I worked as a receptionist at Calvin Klein during the day, and then at night I worked at Nell's."

6. Mentorship and Growth at Theory

A pivotal moment in Trish's career was her collaboration with Andrew Rosen at Theory. Starting as Vice President of Sales, she advanced to roles such as President and Creative Director. Under Andrew's mentorship, Trish honed her skills in fabrications, fittings, and overall fashion design, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (13:05): "Andrew really was the one that saw potential in me and then kind of like, got me to go in that direction."

7. Entrepreneurial Venture: Hood Hippie

In 2008, amidst the financial crisis, Trish launched her own brand, Hood Hippie. Operating from her apartment, she navigated the challenges of starting a business during an economic downturn. Despite initial successes, the venture eventually faced significant hardships, leading to personal and professional setbacks.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (21:25): "The most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur was not having any work-life balance, and my work and my life blended."

8. Resilience Through Adversity

The closure of Hood Hippie was a turning point for Trish, resulting in financial loss, personal upheaval, and a redefinition of her identity. However, this period of hardship also ignited her determination to rebuild and redirect her focus towards what truly mattered.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (23:15): "It was very painful when that ended. I lost my identity, I lost my money, I got divorced."

9. Founding Trish Wescoat Pound (TWP)

In the aftermath of her struggles, Trish founded TWP as a means of creative expression and personal purpose. The venture aimed to fill a niche between contemporary and designer fashion, emphasizing quality fabrics and versatile designs at accessible price points.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (18:14): "I saw a big void in the market between contemporary and designer... I felt like there have to be other people that feel like I do."

10. Reconnecting with Mentorship

A serendipitous reunion with Andrew Rosen played a crucial role in the success of TWP. Andrew's unwavering support and belief in Trish's vision provided the necessary impetus to propel her brand forward, illustrating the profound impact of mentorship.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (30:19): "Andrew really trusts his instincts, and he really... it's like the universe."

11. Family Collaboration: Working with Her Daughter

Trish's daughter, Jillian, plays a significant role in TWP as the Director of Styling. This collaboration not only strengthens the family bond but also infuses fresh perspectives into the brand, blending generational insights and creativity.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (33:05): "Jillian is the director of styling... she's really good at it and I'm really proud of her."

12. Empowering Women Through Shared Experiences

Trish underscores the importance of women supporting and learning from one another. Drawing from her personal experiences and influences from iconic women in her life, she advocates for a community where women can share advice, inspire, and uplift each other.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (36:17): "I think it's the most important thing... when you see women at different points in their lives reflecting back, you realize there's a lot of universal tales of the heart and truths."

13. Advice for the Next Generation

Reflecting on her journey, Trish offers heartfelt advice to young professionals: pursue what you love, and financial success will follow. This philosophy, inspired by Andrew Rosen, emphasizes passion and authenticity as drivers of success.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (39:11): "Do what you love and the money will come. If you can find something you love to do, do it."

14. Vision for TWP's Future

Looking ahead, Trish is committed to evolving TWP by consistently creating quality garments that resonate with women. Her focus remains on understanding and serving her customers' needs, ensuring that each piece is both beautiful and functional.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (39:47): "I want to do a good job and ensure that women love and want to wear our clothes."

15. Closing Thoughts and Personal Anecdotes

The conversation concludes with light-hearted personal stories, highlighting Trish's candidness and relatability. These anecdotes serve to humanize her journey, showcasing the blend of professional ambition and personal experiences that shape her narrative.

Notable Quote:
Trish Wescoat Pound (43:15): "I didn't make it to my prom... I have this really selective memory."

Conclusion

Trish Wescoat Pound's journey in the fashion industry is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the importance of mentorship. From her humble beginnings in the Midwest to founding a successful brand like TWP, Trish embodies the spirit of perseverance and passion. Her story not only inspires aspiring entrepreneurs but also underscores the significance of community and support among women in business.

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