Howie Dorough has spent decades as one fifth of the Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling pop groups of all time. He joined Sean Kelly on the Digital Social Hour alongside Tom Wienckoski to talk about what comes after superstardom, from the stage to the boardroom.
Together, Howie D and Tom Wienckoski discuss the group's Las Vegas Sphere residency and the eco-luxury handbag brand, ESLLA, they launched with their wives. The conversation bridges entertainment and entrepreneurship, with sustainability at its core.
About Howie D & Tom Wienckoski
Howie Dorough, known to fans as Howie D, is a founding member of the Backstreet Boys, the group behind a string of global hits and one of music's most enduring fan followings. His career now extends into business as well as performance.
Tom Wienckoski is his partner in ESLLA, a brand built around eco-luxury handbags and sustainable materials such as cactus leather. Together they represent a shift from pop stardom into building a values-driven company, with the Backstreet Boys' Sphere residency as the backdrop.
What Howie D & Tom Wienckoski and Sean Kelly Talked About
- How the Backstreet Boys prepared for their Las Vegas Sphere residency
- Why Howie D and Tom Wienckoski built ESLLA around eco-luxury handbags
- How cactus leather factors into their vision for sustainable fashion
- Their perspective on the water and resources involved in conventional leather
- Why they see sustainability as central to the future of luxury
- Howie D's mindset shift from pop stardom to entrepreneurship
- What goes into producing a show inside an advanced venue like the Sphere
- How the two approach building a real brand together after fame
Why This Conversation Matters
The Digital Social Hour shines when guests bring both a story and a mission. For fans of the Backstreet Boys and anyone curious about sustainable fashion, this dual conversation with Howie D and Tom Wienckoski connects life on a world stage to the work of building something new off it.
▶ Watch the full episode on YouTube
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About Sean Kelly & the Digital Social Hour
Sean Kelly is an entrepreneur and the host of the Digital Social Hour, one of the fastest-growing interview podcasts in the world, where he sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural voices for candid, long-form conversations. The show draws over 100 million views a month across platforms. Explore more guest features on SeanKelly.io.
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