A few weeks ago, I spoke a little about Popnod and how their site is changing how you shop and make donations. Today, I’m excited to share with you a short interview I did with the co-founder of Popnod, Stephanie. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie back in February and she is an absolutely delight. I’m in awe of how she’s built up Popnod and I can’t wait to share it with you. Read on, learn about the April campaign (which begins tomorrow!), and then join Popnod!
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a New Jersey native, but have lived in DC for 9 years. Prior to launching PopNod, I was an Account Executive for Microsoft. Prior to that, I worked in Business Development for Lockheed Martin. At first, my earlier career felt like a completely different world from what I’m doing now in Fashion Tech. However, everything that I learned from working in the corporate world has helped me tremendously now!
How did you originally come up with the idea for Popnod?
I was fortunate to have worked for companies that were passionate about giving back to their communities. However, I was inspired to give back even more. My journey began on a chance trip to Thailand in 2009, where I met a gracious and kind family who owned an elephant farm. Although the family had very little, they devoted their lives to rescuing, breeding, and raising elephants – a sacred animal in Thai culture. If a single family is able to make a huge impact for an entire country, imagine if everyone felt empowered to help change the world everyday. I left my rising career in the corporate world in fall 2013 to launch PopNod, a simple way for people to support the causes they care about while shopping at their favorite stores.
For readers who are new to Popnod, how does it work?
PopNod unites the most fashionable brands with the influencers and organizations that are changing the world. You can do good and feel good by shopping items inspired by real people and real stories. With every purchase you make at over 100 stores, PopNod automatically donates a portion of your purchase to the cause of your choice. PopNod strives to create a community for you to share your StyleStories and connect with your favorite brands, impactful organizations, and other Stylemakers.
So many amazing brands have signed on with Popnod so far! Do you have any brands that were on your wishlist that you’ve gotten or are hoping to get?
I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with some of my dream brands – South Moon Under, BaubleBar, Need Supply Co., Revolve Clothing, Alex and Ani. I especially love brands who are involved in giving back to their own communities.
In April, you’ll be launching your first blogger-based campaign, can you tell us more about it?
Sure! PopNod is launching a big Stylemakers With A Cause Campaign on April 1st. The first-of-its-kind in the DC area, the campaign brings together 10 of DC’s top bloggers, benefiting 10 amazing causes. Throughout the month of April, bloggers will curate Spring fashion picks from their favorite stores, share stories about their causes, and raise money for charity. We are super excited to be teamed up with major brands South Moon Under, Skullcandy and Collective Habit for the campaign. The campaign will culminate in a celebration event co-hosted by PopNod and South Moon Under on May 14th.
How can others get involved with the campaign if they’re in the DC are? What about those who aren’t in DC?
The beauty about an online campaign is that anyone can get involved, no matter where they are! Anyone can shop over 1,000,000 fashionable items from popular retailers on PopNod’s website and iPhone/iPad app. A portion of every purchase supporting the campaign is donated to the 10 participating charities. The PopNod community includes over 100 major retailers, including Ann Taylor, Nordstrom Rack, Oakley, and ASOS, as well as emerging brands including Need Supply Co. and Revolve.
Since on Something Good I love to interview girls about their work wear, what’s your favorite piece to wear to work?
My favorite piece is the pencil skirt – of any color! There’s something about the shape that exudes confidence. As a talented DC designer (and fellow fashion friend), Betsy Garcete of Zophia would describe it, the pencil skirt is “The Power Skirt.”
