photo credit: Kathryn Tay

Hosts: Melissa Lynn Oddo (deMelis Atelier & Stitched Collective) Matthew Banever (Bards Clothing)

Summary:

Stylist, content creator, and advocate Alysia Cole joins Melissa and Matt for an unfiltered conversation about authenticity in the wedding industry and beyond. From carving out space for plus-size and queer clients to balancing social media vulnerability, Alysia shares how she navigates visibility, criticism, and creative freedom. They dig into body neutrality, identity fatigue, and why aesthetic doesn’t have to mean exclusion. This episode is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply honest—just like Alysia herself.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The emotional labor of representing marginalized identities in the bridal industry
• Understanding body neutrality vs. body positivity
• Navigating online criticism, social media boundaries, and staying authentic

Takeaways:

• Not all representation feels empowering—context and intention matter
• Body neutrality offers a more sustainable self-view than forced positivity
• Staying true to your values in business (even when it costs you money) is worth it

Links:

• Alysia Cole Styling – I’m here as an industry insider to help you explore your most authentic wedding style and bring that vision to life.
• Baacal – Plus size designer led fashion for women. Sustainably made high-end apparel and accessories created for the true majority of women sizes 10 -28.
• ByVinnik – Timeless chic. Effortless Glamour. Ethically made apparel for creatives on the go by Opera’s Suzanne Vinnik! MADE IN LA
• Thick Thrift – Store offering trendy clothing and accessories for plus-size women, with styling help available.