James Aguiar is a celebrated fashion director, creative consultant, and television host with a dynamic career spanning over 25 years. From his early days dressing mannequins in Macy’s windows to becoming fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and creative director of Isaac Mizrahi Live, James has helped shape the voice of fashion across print, television, and retail. He has worked with some of the world’s top luxury brands, appeared on major TV networks, and produced unforgettable fashion stories at Modern Luxury. Known for his theatrical flair and deep industry knowledge, James brings a singular perspective that blends glamour, grit, and authenticity.

This episode we discuss:

• James’ unconventional path from NYC nightlife to window dressing at Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman
• How he broke into fashion editorial without formal training
• His transition into television, hosting Full Frontal Fashion and red carpet coverage
• Leading Modern Luxury’s fashion direction across 18 titles and redefining regional luxury
• His current role with Isaac Mizrahi Live and lessons learned navigating between luxury and mass-market
• James’ perspective on patience, style identity, and owning a nonlinear creative journey
• Why he believes “jobs are rented, careers are owned”
• A preview of his upcoming podcast, Label Queen, exploring identity, perception, and style beyond designer tags

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Richelle Carey. Richelle Carey is an award-winning international journalist and moderator, known for her work with CNN and Al Jazeera America. With over two decades in journalism, Richelle has anchored major broadcasts, reported internationally, and now facilitates real conversations with global changemakers at leadership forums, summits, and events such as the Doha Forum. Today, she focuses on moderating major conferences across a range of topics, combining her sharp journalism skills with an authentic, conversational style that engages audiences worldwide.

This episode we discuss:

• Richelle’s unconventional path into journalism and her early career lessons
• How she transitioned from local news to CNN, and later Al Jazeera in Doha, Qatar
• The differences between American media and international journalism
• How moderating live events compares to traditional news anchoring
• Richelle’s approach to creating authentic conversations, even in high-pressure environments
• Her advice for creating better panels and interviews through preparation, empathy, and real connection

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Pamela Kupper. Pamela Kupper, Founder of Thesan, is a theatrical lighting designer with over 25 years of experience across theater, opera, events, architecture, and fashion. She brings a holistic approach to every project, balancing function and beauty. Pamela also has a background in project management and has worked on landmark façade lighting. She continues to design for live theater and events, staying current with the evolving needs of modern productions. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.
This episode we discuss:

• Pamela’s background and early career challenges
• Pamela shares her path from theater to corporate, fashion, and broadcast lighting.
• She explains how lighting shapes emotion and tells a story.
• Her process blends creativity with technical precision.
• Highlights a mountain lighting project driven by storytelling.

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Luciana Pampalone. Luciana is an award-winning photographer and artist with over 30 years of global experience. Her work has been featured at top galleries in New York and Miami, as well as magazines and books, including Perfect Entertaining. Based on her contributions to the creative arts, she has been named George Wayne's Top 100 Creative Influencers.

This episode we discuss:

• Luciana’s background and early career challenges.
• Creative Ventures, Art Projects, AI in photography.
• Industry evolution & her personal insights.
• Message behind her Crowns.
• Share stories, tips serving clients & so much more

Luciana Pampalone:

https://www.lucianapampalonestudios.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lucianapampalone?igsh=MWg0djk5dGUwdjVraQ==

https://www.instagram.com/dream_team_creatives1?igsh=MWx5d2d0cTNzdjZrZQ==

https://www.dreamteam-creatives.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/lucianapampalone

https://a.co/d/7USTwD2

https://a.co/d/3yeU3UK

https://a.co/d/97iIqtw

Mark Testa:

https://www.markstephenagency.com

info@markstephenagency.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/

https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Adrianne Mellen. Adrianne Owner and Lead Planner of Propeller US. She began her career in publishing from Vogue to Real Simple. In 2009 she launched her own successful event planning business that has evolved to a more purposeful driven company that empowers women in business and life. Adrianne recently launched a new venture that creates bespoke experiences at New York Fashion Week.

This episode we discuss:

• Adrianne’s background and early career in Publishing.
• Networking & Determination.
• The transition to Event Planning & Launching Propeller.
• Share stories, tips serving clients & Fashion Week Experiences.
• So much more

Adrianne Mellen:
https://propeller-us.com/
Email: letsgo@propeller-us.com
Email: amellenramstack@gmail.com

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Ty Yorio. Ty a leader in event security. His company keeps high profile events safe and secure with a degree in criminal justice. He became a New York city police officer, then detective. After he retired, he founded Citadel security, providing services to New York fashion week to freeze art fair.

This episode we discuss:

• Ty’s background in Law Enforcement to how he started the business
• Share stories and tips serving the clients in this business
• “Stay Focused, give the client what they need”
• So much more

Ty Yorio:
https://www.citadelsecurityagency.com/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Cate Lochead. Cate is CMO for Snorkel AI, that enables enterprises to develop AI that works for their unique workloads.
Cate is a master in marketing and building world class teams. With over 25 years of experience building high growth organizations, Cate is now a leader in AI space.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Cate got started in Tech, her background, Marketing and AI.
• Cate Shares how leveraging events can elevate your brand.

Cate Lochead:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clochead/
https://snorkel.ai/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Jarrad Clark. Jarrad is a passionate and experienced producer with over 30 years of experience producing events in more than 20 countries. Jarrad has worked with prestigious and creative brands to deliver unforgettable experiences. Jarrad is also an advocate for sustainability, eco-friendly practices and the future of technology in the events industry.

This episode we discuss:

• Jarrad’s background and prior experiences
• Sustainable practices in high-end events
• Artificial Intelligence in the events industry
• New Book by Jarrad A. Clark: Beyond Reality
• So much more

Jarrad Clark:
hello@jarrad.xyz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imZ52TrJEZs
https://www.instagram.com/jarradxyz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarradxyz/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
info@markstephenagency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at on https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/