Girl Chat w/ Hannah Chody: Wedding Do’s & Dont’s, Leaving The Corporate World & How To Get A Birkin Bag
On the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, Hannah Chody shares her journey from the high-stakes world of finance at Goldman Sachs to co-founding a nut milk brand and working with an iconic popcorn company. She discusses the lifestyle shifts between New York and Austin, with the latter allowing for more spontaneity and a focus on meaningful relationships.
Chody also provides personal insights into her relationship with husband Chad, offering advice for couples on enjoying the wedding experience. Additionally, she reveals her passion for luxury fashion and tips for building an affordable designer wardrobe, reflecting on her appreciation for iconic Birkin bags from a young age.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 17, 2025 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Hannah's Professional and Entrepreneurial Journey
Hannah Chody transitioned from finance at Goldman Sachs to content creation and entrepreneurship, realizing her passion. Her shift exemplifies a move from a regulated industry to the creative freedoms of business development and online content.
Hannah's Finance Background and Career Change
Hannah worked on Goldman Sachs' high-intensity trading floor for over six years. The relentless schedule, early mornings, and regimented lifestyle ultimately led her to leave finance, as Chody says the intense culture was unsustainable.
Hannah's Current Entrepreneurial Ventures
Hannah is now co-founder of nut milk brand Fronx with her husband Chad. She also leads Garrett Popcorn's ecommerce and strategy initiatives, appreciating working with a brand she grew up with.
Lifestyle Differences Between New York and Austin
Moving from New York to Austin transformed Hannah's pace of life and priorities regarding social connections and spontaneity.
Slower Pace, Focus on Relationships in Austin
In Austin, Hannah embraces a less regimented lifestyle focused on meaningful friendships. Contrasting her strict New York routine, Austin allows spontaneity while still making time for wellness activities like Pilates and Forma.
Relationships, Weddings, and Personal Life Advice
Hannah and Chad's Relationship Journey
Hannah and Chad met at Goldman Sachs, where he soon began pursuing her. After dating for five years, Chad proposed in Cabo. They married in Lake Como, Italy in June 2022 with 190 guests.
Advice for Enjoying the Wedding Experience
Hannah advises delegating organization to ensure presence on the big day itself. She stresses minimizing phone use to fully embrace the intimate moments with loved ones.
Luxury Fashion, Beauty, and Personal Style
Passion for High-End Fashion, Iconic Designer Items
From a young age, Hannah developed a genuine curiosity about luxury fashion, particularly iconic Birkin bags. She remains unapologetic about investing in designer goods that spark her interest.
Building a Luxury Wardrobe Affordably
To build a luxury wardrobe on a budget, Hannah recommends focusing on key wardrobe staples, tailoring for a polished look, and exploring pre-owned designer items. Mixing in quality basics and accessories can also create sophisticated looks more affordably.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore a career shift by identifying your core values and seeking industries that align with them. Start by writing down what you value most in work and life, such as creativity, autonomy, or work-life balance. Then, research industries and roles that are known for embracing these values and consider how your current skills could transfer to these new areas.
- Enhance your social life by initiating a monthly wellness activity with friends. Create a group chat with local friends interested in wellness and propose a monthly activity like a group hike, yoga session, or cooking a healthy meal together. This encourages building deeper connections through shared experiences that prioritize well-being.
- Curate a personal luxury collection responsibly by setting up a fashion fund savings account. Allocate a small percentage of your monthly income to this account specifically for purchasing high-quality fashion items. This method promotes intentional spending and allows you to gradually build a collection of luxury items without financial strain.
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Hannah's Professional and Entrepreneurial Journey
Hannah, a Chicago-born, LA-educated individual, has pivoted from a high-intensity job in finance to finding her passion as a content creator and entrepreneur. Her journey reflects a dynamic shift from the regulated world of finance to the creative and strategic arena of business development and online content production.
Hannah's Transition From Finance to Content Creation
Chicago-Born, LA-educated, Ex-Goldman Sachs in Finance, now a Content Creator and Entrepreneur
Hannah Chody describes her previous work in finance as a stark contrast to her current role in content creation and entrepreneurship, where she finds more joy and freedom to express her personal beliefs. Her viral TikTok video about Bachelorette party outfits catalyzed her shift from fashion posts to a more diverse array of content covering beauty, vlogging, and lifestyle topics.
Hannah's Experience in Finance at Goldman Sachs
High-Intensity Trading Floor: 400-600 Employees, Long Hours, 7Am Start, Regimented Schedule
Starting out of college in 2015, Hannah worked at Goldman Sachs’ sales and trading division. The trading floor, she recounts, was bustling with activity, housing 400 to 600 employees, akin to two football fields. The environment was relentless, due to the serious nature of the work, with multiple screens per employee and a flurry of phone conversations contributing to the cacophony of the space. Over the years, it became quieter with the shift towards electronic trading. Hannah’s routine was rigid, beginning early mornings, often by 6:45 a.m., for a 7 a.m. start, and ending after the market closed, typically between 6 and 7 p.m.
Left Finance Industry Due to Unsustainable Intense Culture
Towards the end of 2021, after more than six years at Goldman Sachs, Hannah left, citing the intense culture as unsustainable. The burnout made her question her future in finance and ultimately led her to pursue a path more aligned with her interests and wellbeing.
Hannah's Current Entrepreneurial Ventures
Hannah currently throws herself into various entrepreneurial efforts, combini ...
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Hannah's Professional and Entrepreneurial Journey
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can evaluate your current job's sustainability by keeping a work diary for a month, noting down your energy levels, job satisfaction, and personal life balance each day. This will help you identify patterns and decide if a career change might be beneficial, similar to how someone might leave a high-intensity job for a more fulfilling role.
- Start a small-scale side project related to a passion or interest, dedicating a few hours each week to learn about entrepreneurship. For instance, if you enjoy cooking, you could experiment with creating your own unique recipes or food products, which could be the first step towards a business venture like a specialty food brand.
- Explore e-commerce by set ...
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Lifestyle Differences Between New York and Austin
Hannah gives insights into how her move from New York to Austin transformed her pace of life and her approach to work-life balance, social activities, and daily routines.
Hannah's Pace and Work-Life Balance Shifted Moving From New York To Austin
Hannah reflects on her experience of transitioning from the high-paced, energetic New York lifestyle to a more relaxed way of living in Austin.
Slower, More Flexible, Less Regimented In Austin
She acknowledges that the move forced her to slow down and embrace the realization that life does not need to be continuously regimented. In New York, Hannah felt bound to a strict schedule, often declining social invitations to stick to her routine, including early morning workouts before heading to work.
Focus On Meaningful Friendships and Relationships in Austin
However, since relocating to Austin, Hannah finds herself dedicating more energy to friendships. Investing in these relationships has become a vital part of her life, a stark contrast to her time in New York, where self-imposed rules limited her social engagements. She finds Austin's social climate more welcoming, allowing for the easier formation of new friendships compared to cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Changes in Hannah's Daily Routine and Habits
Hannah discusses the adaptations she's made in her daily life since moving to Austin, emphasizing a shift toward spontaneity and wellness activities.
Looser Morning Routines, More Spontaneity in Austin
While she maintains a fondness for her morning routine, Hannah appreciates that her day in Austin doesn't require as much structure ...
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Lifestyle Differences Between New York and Austin
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Hannah's experience suggests a slower pace in Austin, some individuals might find that their professional sector or personal circumstances dictate a pace of life that is just as fast or regimented as in New York.
- The perception of flexibility and regimentation can be subjective and vary greatly depending on one's job, lifestyle, or personality, regardless of the city they live in.
- Focusing on meaningful friendships and relationships is not exclusive to Austin; individuals can prioritize social connections in any city, including New York, depending on their personal values and efforts.
- The idea that daily routines in Austin are inherently looser and more spontaneous could be a reflection of Hannah's personal choices rathe ...
Actionables
- You can redefine your workday by setting "theme days" where each day of the week is dedicated to a specific type of work or activity, allowing for a more flexible schedule. For instance, Mondays could be for deep work tasks, Tuesdays for meetings, and Fridays for creative brainstorming, which can help you transition into a more relaxed weekend mindset.
- Start a "flexible routine club" with friends or neighbors where you commit to trying a new spontaneous activity together each week, like a surprise cooking class or a mystery hike location. This encourages building meaningful relationships through shared experiences and supports a more spontaneous lifestyle.
- Create a personal well ...
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Relationships, Weddings, and Personal Life Advice
Personal anecdotes and observations on weddings and relationships are shared, offering insights into the journey from meeting a significant other to celebrating a decade of togetherness.
Hannah's Relationship With Her Husband Chad
Hannah and Chad's love story showcases how a workplace introduction can blossom into a lasting relationship.
Met At Goldman Sachs, Chad Pursued Hannah Initially
Hannah met Chad at Goldman Sachs where Chad, recognizing her from her resume, introduced himself during her early days on the trading desk. Their initial interaction was brief and though Hannah didn't think much of it at the time, they eventually went out for drinks through a mutual friend. Chad, a polite Texas native, began pursuing Hannah soon after their outing. A few months after meeting, they started dating, and Chad left Goldman Sachs while Hannah continued to work there.
Surprise Proposal in Cabo After 5 Years
After five years of dating, Chad planned a surprise proposal during a family Thanksgiving trip to Cabo. He arranged a brunch at the Waldorf under the pretext of taking family Christmas card pictures. Hannah was completely caught off guard by the surprise, which left her feeling mad for being so unsuspecting but undoubtedly elated.
Destination Wedding in Lake Como, Italy with 190 Guests
Mari Llewellyn notes that Hannah regards her wedding as her "pride and joy," and Hannah shares that she and Chad tied the knot in June 2022 in Lake Como, Italy, a place of special significance for them. Despite it being a destination wedding, a noteworthy turnout of 190 guests attended the event.
Relationship Advice and Perspective
Drawing from her experiences, Hannah offers candid advice to alleviate stress and enhance the wedding experience.
Prioritize Fun Over Stress on Event Day
Hannah advises brides to lean on trusted individuals to help manage the wedding day's organization. She emphasizes planning, ...
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Relationships, Weddings, and Personal Life Advice
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Chad's pursuit of Hannah led to a successful relationship, it's important to note that workplace romances can sometimes lead to complications or conflicts of interest, and not all such pursuits result in positive outcomes.
- Surprise proposals can be romantic, but they may also put undue pressure on the proposee to accept in the moment, especially during a family gathering. It's essential to know your partner's preferences regarding public proposals.
- Destination weddings, although memorable, can be a financial and logistical burden for guests. It's important to consider the ability of friends and family to travel and afford accommodations when planning such an event.
- Advising brides to prioritize fun over stress is sound, but it's also important to acknowledge that some level of stress is inevitable and to have strategies for coping with it when it arises.
- The suggestion to put away phones during the wedding to be present ...
Actionables
- Create a "surprise date jar" with your partner where each of you writes down unique date ideas on slips of paper and takes turns drawing one to plan a surprise date for the other. This keeps the spirit of spontaneity and surprise alive in the relationship, similar to the unexpected proposal mentioned.
- Designate special occasions, like anniversaries, as "unplugged days" where you and your partner agree to put away electronic devices to focus on being present with each other, fostering a deeper connection by eliminating distractions.
- Start a "relationship reflection journal" wher ...
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Luxury Fashion, Beauty, and Personal Style
Hannah Chody's passion for high-end fashion and luxury items is evident in her unapologetic pursuit of designer goods, including iconic items like the Birkin bags.
Hannah's Passion for High-End Fashion and Designer Goods
Early Interest in Luxury Items Like Birkin Bags
Since a young age of seven or eight, Hannah Chody has harbored an interest in fashion which stems from genuine curiosity rather than a desire to show off. Her fascination with luxury fashion is particularly captured in her encounter with Birkin bags. Popularized by Jane Birkin and known for their exquisite craftsmanship by the Hermes brand, these bags have grabbed Chody's attention.
Unapologetic About Her Love For Designer Fashion
Despite facing criticism for splurging on designer items, Hannah remains unapologetic about her luxury purchases, insisting that her spending choices affect no one but herself. When faced with negative feedback, especially from anonymous sources on social media, she does not hesitate to use the block button. Chody goes on to express her opinions on celebrities' fashion choices, arguing for simple and refined styles, a preference that also influences her own personal style. She also appreciates Mari Llewellyn's acknowledgment of her genuine interest and fact-based approach to luxury content.
Building a Luxury Wardrobe on a Budget
Hannah and Mari Llewellyn discuss strategies for assembling a luxury wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Focus On Key Wardrobe Staples, Get Items Tailored
Hannah recommends starting with key wardrobe staples like good jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, blazers, and a black midi dress. She stresses the importance of tailoring these pieces to enhance their appearance and fit.
Consider Purchasing Pre-owned Luxury Handbags and Jewelry
Chody advises exploring pre-owned options for luxury items such as handbags and jewelry, sharing her positive experience with purchasing like-new boots from The RealReal. Mari hints at using accessories like unique socks to enrich one's personal style.
Elevate Looks With Quality ...
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Luxury Fashion, Beauty, and Personal Style
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Hannah Chody's passion for luxury fashion is clear, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone may see the value in spending significantly on high-end items, and some may prefer to prioritize other financial goals or interests.
- The early interest in luxury items like Birkin bags could be seen as materialistic by some, and there may be concerns about the message it sends regarding consumerism and societal values.
- Being unapologetic about one's love for designer fashion is a personal choice, but it's worth considering the broader social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry, including issues like sustainability and labor practices.
- Focusing on key wardrobe staples is practical advice, but the necessity and affordability of tailoring can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and access to quality tailoring services.
- The suggestion to purchase pre-owned luxury items is a nod to sustainability, but it's also important to recognize that the market for pre-owned luxury goods is not accessible to everyone and may still be prohibitively expensive for many people.
- Investing in quality basics and accessories is sound advice, but what constitutes "quality" can be subjective, and some may find equal satisfaction in less expensive or non-designer alternatives that are still well-made.
- The emphasis on choosing timeless designer items to match personal style preferences assu ...
Actionables
- Create a personal style mood board to identify what timeless pieces resonate with your aesthetic. Use apps like Pinterest or physical magazines to collect images that reflect the kind of luxury essentials you're drawn to. This visual collection will guide you when shopping for items that fit your personal style and help you stay focused on purchasing pieces that you'll love for years.
- Host a wardrobe editing party with friends to refine your closet with key staples. Invite a small group of friends who also appreciate fashion, and ask them to bring a few pieces they no longer wear. As you exchange items, you can discuss tailoring possibilities and how each piece could be integrated into a sophisticated wardrobe. This not only recycles clothing but also provides a fresh perspective on how to mix basics with luxury accents.
- Set up a monthly 'luxury fund' savings plan to ...
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