Over the past two decades, Nicole Richie has cemented her status not only as an influential style icon but as a forward-thinking entrepreneur in the fashion industry.
As the founder and creative director of House of Harlow 1960, Richie has expanded the brand beyond its original jewelry offering to include apparel, shoes, handbags, and more, positioning it as a prolific lifestyle brand. In an interview with Second Life, Richie revealed that the brand has maintained a 30% year-over-year growth increase since 2016 and is one of the top 10 best-selling brands at mega online retailer Revolve.
Of course, before Richie launched House of Harlow 1960, she was best known for her role on the 2003 reality television show “The Simple Life.” Ahead, Richie reveals how she successfully made the career transition from reality television star to serious fashion designer, including the #1 piece of advice she has for anyone hoping to break into Hollywood, and the biggest lessons she’s learned from building her brand.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You launched your company House of Harlow 1960 over 10 years ago, and it has since grown from a jewelry company to encompass apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products. What’s the biggest lesson you've learned by expanding your business?
NICOLE RICHIE: This isn’t a lesson per se, but every challenge I have come across while building my business has been valuable.
You've successfully made the pivot from reality star to creative director of a fashion label to an actor (and more). What advice do you have for people reading this who want to make a similar pivot in their career but don't know where to start or fear the leap?
When you love something, you find time and space to honor that part of you.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
Take the time to step back. Listen to your intuition. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“Invest in anything that you feel helps define you and your brand.”
You're a modern multi-hyphenate. What advice do you have for others reading this who don't have their eyes on one set career path? How do they go about it?
It’s not only enjoyable but it’s necessary for us to honor all sides of ourselves. Do it for yourself first because you love it, and then see if you want to make a career out of it.
You've been very smart and savvy with your business and it's been incredibly profitable. Which is the most important area for business owners to focus their financial energy? Why?
There are endless options for where to focus your financial energy. Invest in anything that you feel helps define you and your brand.
You always seem so bold and self-assured—where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?
I do not always feel confident, and that’s okay. Lean into the fear of believing in yourself and your work.
You've achieved phenomenal success but that didn't come without hard work and determination. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you turn it into an opportunity?
Our challenges can be the best gifts. Lean into them!
Even though you’re a pro, sometimes things don’t always go as planned. How do you work around the worst-case-scenario when it comes true? Can you recall a mistake you made in your career? How did you handle it and turn it into an opportunity?
I’m the most confident in the areas I have made mistakes in. I’m the type of person who has to do things a few times and realize it’s not working in order to be confident in the way I want to do it. It’s a process. Like I said, challenges are here for us.
You have an incredibly busy schedule juggling multiple businesses, acting, and raising a family. What are your productivity hacks for getting it all done?
My key to getting it all done is accepting that I cannot get it all done. I do what I can. Balance is a priority for me. I can procrastinate and get behind on work with the best of them. I love working and spending time with my family is just as important, so I do what I can within those boundaries.
You've achieved phenomenal success but that didn't come without hard work and determination. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in building your brand?
Hold on to your DNA. Your signature. It’s not easy. It’s a constant challenge. You have to almost be aggressive about it.
“My key to getting it all done is accepting that I cannot get it all done. I do what I can.”
What traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur or a founder in the competitive start-up environment of today? Why? What do you think set you apart from the competition? Why?
You need to be knowledgeable in all areas of your business. Having help is necessary, of course, but no one will be able to shape your brand like you.
What advice would you give to young actors who are hoping to break into Hollywood but are feeling overwhelmed by the competition?
Have confidence in your individuality. You are an original. Don’t forget it.
Success is such a broad term and it means something different to everyone. How do you define success? What does being successful mean to you?
Success to me is living in creativity and balance.
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