Magazine and Fashion Mogul Talks Racism and Betrayal in the Industry | SCARS Ep 04 John Blassingame

In this captivating episode of the Scars podcast, we sit down with industry veteran John Blassingame, a trailblazer in the fashion and publishing world. With over 44 years of experience, John shares his incredible journey from being the first Black hire at Hearst Magazines to becoming a mentor and advocate for aspiring models and publishers.

Join us as John opens up about the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the importance of unity within the community. Discover how he transformed pain into purpose and helped countless individuals rise in their careers. From his early days in the industry to producing unforgettable fashion shows, John's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and inspiration.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt anecdotes. Don't miss out on the wisdom and experiences shared by a true pioneer!

👉 Subscribe to the Scars podcast for more inspiring stories and insights from industry leaders!

00:00 - Introduction to the Scars podcast\
00:30 - Welcoming John Blastingame\
01:00 - John's background and early career at Hearst Magazines\
02:30 - Overcoming challenges as the first Black hire\
04:00 - The importance of mentorship in the industry\
05:30 - Transitioning from magazines to producing fashion shows\
07:00 - The story behind the first fashion show in 1976\
09:00 - Collaborating with notable figures like Will Packer\
11:00 - The impact of COVID-19 on the fashion industry\
12:30 - John’s experience with various publications\
14:00 - The significance of community and unity in the industry\
16:00 - Lessons learned from working with models and talent\
18:00 - The challenges of accessibility in the industry\
20:00 - John’s philosophy on helping others succeed\
22:00 - The evolution of the fashion and publishing landscape\
24:00 - Future plans and upcoming events\
26:00 - Closing thoughts and final words of inspiration\
27:00 - Outro and invitation to subscribe to the podcast