Create & Cultivate 100: Entrepreneur: Rachel Zoe
THE MULTI-HYPHENATE HUSTLER
She's a woman to set your watch to. And she'd tell you which one looks best.
Digitally-forward, socially-savvy, the fashion empire of Rachel Zoe is decidedly a stylish one— but it’s also built on the know-how of the entrepreneur.
Rachel Zoe may have popularized such phrases as "I die," and "Bananas," but the multi-hyphenate who credited launching The Zoe Report as one of her smartest business decisions has so much more knowledge to drop.
From her styling years she learned about people-- patience was part of that and no job or client was ever alike.
At the core of her brand she's always wanted to speak to, empower, and motivate young women. To give them confidence to do whatever they want to do in life. "The mantra of my brand has always been: Provide aspiration and inspiration, and always be accessible. Never be intimidating."
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More from the entrepreneur below.
From stylist to mogul. What's something about your journey that you've never told anyone?
I don't think people from the outside would realize how many highs and lows come along with owning your own business. Being an entrepreneur can be very challenging in that you only have yourself to rely on.That being said, I'm thankful that I have the most incredible team, and my family and friends have supported me throughout my entire career.
What are the common challenges you've seen among female business owners and entrepreneurs?
I think the biggest challenge is always being in a room full of men and constantly feeling like the odd woman out. It's a challenge to be taken seriously, but I do feel like the future for female entrepreneurs and business leaders is bright.
"The future for female entrepreneurs and business leaders is bright."
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Where do your drive and passion come from?
I have always been driven by my innate love for fashion. I have never looked at my job as work but as a way of life. I have always been motivated by my desire to succeed and to this day, I put 100% into everything I do. My father is a successful entrepreneur and his example of hard work and integrity has made a huge impact on me.
"I put 100% into everything I do."
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Speaking of drive-- when you hit a rough patch or a bump in the road, how have you found new roads?
Working alongside my husband and business partner Rodger (who is a long-time entrepreneur and investment banker), has made bumps in the road much easier to navigate. We have such different strengths which makes it helpful to see things from a different perspective. We find new roads together by staying positive, for each other and for the team.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
In the first phase of my career in styling, it was always my clients telling me they felt beautiful and when I could see their confidence soar. As an entrepreneur, being surrounded by and collaborating with incredible women in leadership positions is truly fulfilling. Between my friends and my team, we stay true to the motto of women supporting women.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
My friend and mentor, Natalie Massenet. I admire the career she has carved out for herself as a self-made entrepreneur who changed the way people shop. In her new role, at Farfetch, she continues to be a leader as she takes on new and exciting endeavors.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
I make it a habit to not sing in the shower, but I do play music as a stress release and its always mellow, classic rock. Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones are my favorite go-to's.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai