S3, Ep10 – In conversation with Serena Hood
12 May 2023
Throughout this season of Life & Smile Dr Reena particularly wanted to focus on the idea of a ‘lifestyle approach’. Not only focusing how leaders within many contrasting industries get to the top of the ladder but also how they continue to make it work once they have got there – thriving on pushing the boundaries and creating their own space to reinvent the dynamics of an everchanging market.
Bringing in Serena Hood. With her meticulous style credentials combined with a mindset for business, she is the Co-Founder & CEO of Collagerie.com, a world of inspiration and style curation which allows you to ‘shop the one thing over everything’. Join the conversation now.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena welcomes Serena Hood to her Harley Street office, kicking off their conversation by summarising Serena’s impressive career to date. As the former Executive Fashion & Market Director at British Vogue, Dr Reena introduces Serena, who has not only created sold-out events but also written numerous celebrated style and fashion edits for Vogue and various media outlets. Prior to this, Serena graduated from Georgetown University with a double major in History of Art and Sociology, before embarking on a career with Vogue US, Giorgio Armani, and Marc Jacobs.
Serena shares that fashion has always been a part of her life, remembering how her mother’s love for style influenced her early years. However, she didn’t initially realize that fashion could evolve into a career. Much of her inspiration came from the blend of vintage pieces and high-style brands that defined that era. While at university, Serena continued to nurture her passion for fashion, taking on her first job working on the shop floor at Abercrombie & Fitch, before later interning at Elle Magazine.
After graduation, Serena reflects on the early hustle of sending letters and knocking on doors to land her first role as a merchandising intern at Marc Jacobs, a brand she had long admired. Her experiences across different brands piqued her interest in fashion journalism, ultimately leading to a celebrated career with Vogue.
Years later, after leaving the title, Serena embarked on her most ambitious project yet. Referred to by the press as “the face-lift online fashion has long been waiting for,” she co-founded Collagerie.com with Lucinda Chambers, the former Fashion Director of British Vogue for 25 years. Together, the pair have redefined fashion and inspired the wardrobes of millions of women. Dr Reena asks, “What was the ‘lightbulb’ moment?”
Serena explains that the inspiration behind Collagerie was to create a platform that offered fashion, interiors, and beauty at every price point—a need both she and Lucinda recognised despite their generational differences. The website has become the ultimate shortcut to style, expertly curating the best in fashion, interiors, beauty, and lifestyle. Dr Reena discusses how the site brings an exquisite edit that allows the modern consumer to shop with ease at any price range, while Serena shares her personal favourite picks for the season.
At the heart of Collagerie is the aim to simplify the digital shopping experience. Serena emphasizes how important it is to provide a seamless and enjoyable platform for their customers, which has become a cornerstone of their brand.
As a first-time founder, Serena notes how valuable having a business partner like Lucinda has been. Their long-standing professional relationship has allowed them to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with ease. Serena also credits the generosity of her network, and while ambition is essential, she has learned that taking things one day at a time often proves to be the most manageable approach.
Serena’s family is at the centre of everything she does and is, of course, her proudest achievement. Balancing multiple roles has become a way of life for her, and she has learned to embrace the hustle.
Among the industry figures who have inspired her are Whitney Bromberg-Hawkins and Lauren Santo Domingo. Today, Serena finds daily inspiration in the simplest of moments. She shares a heartwarming story of how her daughter, aware of Serena’s New York roots, drew a picture of the Statue of Liberty. This gesture sparked ideas for how Collagerie.com could tie into the essence of the city.
In conclusion, Serena shares that there is no typical week for her, but with numerous exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Networking is essential – When you’re passionate about what you’re working on, networking becomes a natural instinct.
Value your connections – Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you know; relationships are key.
Great ideas can emerge from simple moments – Sometimes, the best breakthroughs happen over a casual coffee chat.
Successful businesses often stem from personal challenges. Many entrepreneurs start businesses to solve a problem they themselves face.
Just get started – Don’t overthink the beginning of your career; action is the first step.
Seeking advice and guidance is vital – Asking for help when needed is a strength, not a weakness.
Partnerships matter – As a founder, it can feel isolating, so having a business partner can be invaluable.
Embrace the chaos – It’s okay not to have everything under control, especially when balancing family life and entrepreneurship.
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Previous episodes
S3, Ep2 – In conversation with Fiona Golfar
As a renowned journalist and former Vogue editor, Fiona Golfar is highly celebrated for her work across the media industry, often writing from a personal and lifestyle approach.
S6, Ep2 – In conversation with Bené Eaton
Building and growing a business and brand as an entrepreneur ensures your role is constantly evolving. Through this podcast, Life & Smile, the conversation has advanced rapidly by bringing together some of the most successful leaders across many and often contrasting industries.
