It is like a fairy tale to follow your dreams, but the journey to a happy ending is never smooth.
The story of fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff’s Cinderella started not with a glass slipper but with a dress. Her mom, the fairy godmother in this story, taught her how to make a dress she had seen and desperately wanted, igniting Rebecca’s passion for fashion design.
However, the road was not easy. Rebecca had to pivot early on, and the industry’s competitiveness, even among women, was overwhelming.
Today, alongside her renowned fashion brand, Rebecca hosts the Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff podcast and has authored her first book, Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success.
“We all experience fear, and many of us allow it to hinder us,” she says. “How can we embrace new rules and behaviors that enable us to say, ‘I’m afraid, but I’m going to do it anyway.'”
In this episode of SUCCESS Stories, Rebecca shares with Chief Storytelling Officer Kindra Hall what being fearless truly means, the type of questions industry leaders should be asked, and her unexpected approach to combatting burnout (hint: it does not involve a scented candle).
Being fearless doesn’t mean never being afraid.
It is natural to feel scared at times, and you do not need to suppress those feelings. Fear is your brain’s way of alerting you to a potential threat. For our ancestors, it warned of predators and disease. Today, a similar emotion arises when asking for a raise from your boss or making a risky business decision.
In such instances, instead of attempting to ignore fear or feeling guilty about it, learn to acknowledge the fear and proceed regardless of its presence.
Taking daring risks becomes more challenging with age and increasing responsibilities. If your salary pays your bills, assess your situation honestly and plan ahead. Be prepared to dedicate all your spare time to your side project. Ensure it has viable potential to generate income and a market demand. Wait for returns on your investment before transitioning to it full time. Being fearless is not synonymous with being reckless.
Know when to pivot.
After four years of establishing her initial apparel collection, Rebecca discovered it was not profitable. Conversely, her first bag, known as the Morning After Bag or M.A.B., became a sudden success.
Instead of persisting with the apparel line, Rebecca allowed market demand to guide her. She closed the clothing segment and concentrated on becoming a bag designer.
“We did not give up: we had to pivot to the segment that would sustain us financially and propel us forward as a company,” Rebecca explains. Pivoting involves recognizing where you excel, even if it deviates from your original plan, and leveraging that success. Do not be too stubborn to learn from your customers.
Support your rivals.
Competition is inherent, as anyone who has played or been banned from Monopoly knows. Instead of letting this instinct drive you into a cutthroat rivalry with your competitors, it is beneficial to collaborate against mutual challenges.
For instance, Rebecca identified two significant issues for women in the fashion industry:
- Many women with authority were hesitant to assist others, actively impeding their progress for personal gain.
- Impenetrable glass ceilings prevented women from attaining specific high-level positions.
Realizing that women could overcome these challenges by setting aside competitiveness and supporting one another, Rebecca founded the Female Founder Collective to promote this collaboration.
Whenever you feel competitive, reach out to the individual who poses a threat and explore how you can work together towards a mutually beneficial objective. This not only benefits you but also sets a positive example for others, fostering a more supportive industry.
Be specific when you ask for advice.
Platforms like LinkedIn have simplified seeking guidance from industry leaders. When reaching out, be as precise as possible with your inquiries.
Vague questions are challenging to answer concisely and suggest a lack of effort in researching beforehand. For instance, avoid questions such as:
- “Can we meet for coffee?”
- “What should I do with my career?”
- “How do I get started?”
Instead, focus on specifics. In the fashion realm, Rebecca suggests asking questions like:
- “How can I get my sample mass-produced?”
- “Which store should I approach with my collection?”
- “Can you introduce me to an angel investor?”
These specific queries demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the industry and can be addressed concisely. You are more likely to receive a response, be it a one-off interaction or the beginning of a relationship.
If you’re feeling burned out, it’s your work that needs to change.
While face masks and scented candles have their place, if you detest your job, no amount of clean pores or lavender-scented homes can alleviate the weariness you feel.
Instead of tackling the symptoms of burnout–stress, fatigue, irritability, Monday office bathroom tears–address the root cause: your work.
- Identify aspects of your job that bring enjoyment. Most individuals cannot abruptly quit a job they despise. Instead, focus on the elements you find gratifying. It might be the people you work with, interacting with customers, or decorating store windows. Concentrate on those aspects and strive to enhance them as much as possible.
- Discover joy beyond work. If your job contributes to burnout, seek an extracurricular activity that ignites passion. This could be volunteering, a hobby, or a side gig. Finding fulfillment outside of work can make coping with a draining job more manageable.
Many believe that working less is the remedy for burnout; however, making your work and personal life fulfilling can better sustain you than a facial come Monday morning.
