Your first actual job was…
I had some internships in college with start-up fashion designers (Fabiola Arias and Gerlan Jeans), but my first paying job was my own company.
What’s one decision you made that everyone told you not to—but you’re glad you did?
Outsource my fulfillment. There was concern about not controlling the quality of the shipments, but it freed up so much time that I was able to exponentially grow the business instead. Plus, it allowed me to close the office, work remotely, and travel the world, which was a great bonus.
What’s a key piece of financial advice that’s stuck with you?
Invest whatever you can while you’re young because it compounds. And don’t be afraid of market swings; things come back around if it’s a sound investment. I’ve applied that thinking to the swings in my business as well.
What’s your most unpopular workplace opinion?
This probably isn’t unpopular, but I think most meetings are just about team building, and the actual information exchange could’ve been an email.
Best parenting advice you’d give a new mom as a parent?
Relax. Most people come out of childhood eating, using the bathroom, and speaking without help. Most babies will be fine, so no need to stress over the small stuff, and don’t let people pressure you into doing anything. Prioritize your happiness when you can—a happy mom is a good mom.
What’s your go-to work outfit?
A great jumpsuit. It’s so comfy and only a little annoying to use the bathroom.
What’s the last great book you read?
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. It’s a dark comedy about an Indian woman in a village who has been outcast since everyone thinks she murdered her abusive husband. But then, slowly, the other women in the village ask her to help them dispatch their husbands, and she has to go along with it to keep up her tough reputation. It has women empowerment, thrills, a little romance, intrigue, and justice served!
Biggest splurge since starting your company?
Joining Norwood Club, which was a private club for creatives in New York City that we joined for networking. I made some great friends there, and it really made my time in New York special. (RIP, though, because they closed during the pandemic.) My most recent splurge was finally hiring a model for my last photoshoot. I’d been foot modeling myself for the last 10 years; after having a baby, I couldn’t bring myself to do both directing and modeling. It was totally worth it.
What’s the last thing you bought you were excited about?
A wine fridge! So excited to have properly chilled wine.
What’s one thing you have your eye on to buy?
A pasta maker. Can you tell I’m a 35-year-old mom?
Explain the moment you realized, “Okay, I might actually be onto something here…”
That moment came when we got into Macy’s. It was the validation I didn’t think I needed, but the aura of success it brings is unmistakable.
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