Nothing Happens by Accident: How Ines Di Santo Built a Global Couture Legacy

05\. **Ines Di Santo** started with $110, a Singer sewing machine and one clear motivation: to build a better future for her daughter. In this episode, Liza sits down with the internationally celebrated bridal designer to explore how ten rolls of fabric, ten handmade samples and an unwavering belief in her talent became a global couture fashion house. Ines shares the risks behind her earliest collections, the Casa Loma fashion show everyone told her was impossible and the deeply personal approach that has earned generations of brides’ trust. Joined in business by her daughter, Veronica, she also reflects on creativity, family and why great design is not always about giving a woman what she asks for but understanding what she truly needs. In this episode: - How Ines turned $110 and a Singer sewing machine into her first bridal collection - Why providing for her daughter became the driving force behind her ambition - The bold Casa Loma fashion show that helped establish her name - How her first collection sold out and filled her appointment book for the following year - Why earning a bride’s trust is at the heart of designing a custom wedding gown - How Ines and Veronica built a creative partnership across two generations - Why couture must continue evolving with modern, fashion-forward brides And, as always, Liza asks the question at the heart of every conversation: What is the Smartest Big Deal you have ever made? **ABOUT SMART WOMEN BIG DEALS** Smart Women Big Deals is a podcast hosted by Liza Kaufman, featuring candid conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, reinvention and the defining decisions behind extraordinary success. **CONNECT WITH SMART WOMEN BIG DEALS** Website: https://smartwomenbigdeals.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartwomenbigdeals TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smartwomenbigdeals YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smartwomenbigdeals Media and partnership inquiries: [team@smartwomenbigdeals.com](mailto:team@smartwomenbigdeals.com) New episodes every Wednesday. Follow Smart Women Big Deals wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe on YouTube to watch the full conversations.