Nice Talk with Nikki Ogunnaike

Cyrus Veyssi on New Year Affirmations, Being Bougie, and the Ethics of Influencing

Content creator Cyrus Veyssi has built a community of over 3 million followers across platforms and is known for their hilarious and heartfelt videos. Now, they’re bringing their positive message to a new medium: an affirmations journal titled Honey. In this episode, they discuss their favorite affirmations for the beginning of the year—including “I will not let people mistake my kindness for stupidity”—and discuss the realities of being in the public eye, the origins of their “bougie gay uncle” character, and the story behind the title of their new book.

Daniella Kallmeyer on Bootstrapping, Fashion Week, and Designing for QVC

In 2012, Daniella Kallmeyer began her eponymous brand with $7,000 and a goal to create a line of elevated wardrobe staples. Fifteen years later, her ethos remains the same and she’s getting her flowers for the brand she’s built—in fact, this year Kallmeyer was nominated for Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. On this episode, Daniella discusses bootstrapping her brand, what it was like in the room at the CFDA awards (hint: Rihanna was sitting next to her), and why she credits so much of her scrappiness to her time spent ghost-designing for QVC.

How to Build Confidence at Work With Bugaboo CCO Jeanelle Teves

Jeanelle Teves is the Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo and the founder of the career growth resource Work Lunch. In 2021, after a decade running teams at Nike, Teves joined the Dutch stroller company Bugaboo, and with her at the helm, the company has become one of the fastest-growing stroller companies in North America. On this episode of Nice Talk, she shares all the lessons she’s learned throughout her career—including why she views being a manager as a privilege, the surprising mentors she’s met along the way, and the journaling method she recommends to help build confidence at work. Plus, she gives us all the details of her workwear closet, from blazers to barrel jeans.

Michelle Obama’s Stylist Meredith Koop on Dressing for Power and Comfort

Meredith Koop is the stylist responsible for Michelle Obama’s style evolution over the years—from her days as the First Lady to beyond the White House. This November, the duo teamed up to document the details of that journey in the new book The Look. On this episode of Nice Talk, Koop delves into her journey to becoming Mrs. Obama’s stylist, the surprising elements she had to consider when crafting an outfit (podiums were a big deal, for example), and what life post–White House has meant for Mrs. Obama’s style.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph on Eternity, Broadway Paychecks, and Fashion as a Platform

Da’Vine Joy Randolph is an Oscar-winning, Tony-nominated actress, best known for her roles in projects like The Holdovers and Only Murders in the Building. Yesterday, her newest project, A24’s romantic comedy, Eternity, hit theatres. On this episode, Randolph discusses her relationship with money, power, and style, including why her family prioritized education, when she admitted to herself she really did want to win an Oscar, and why she aims to be “stylish” rather than “fashionable.” Plus, she shares behind-the-scenes details of filming Eternity and where she would choose to spend her own personal eternity.