How have your children inspired you to create your own beauty and home brand, Aerin?
I have been lucky to have incredible family role models. My children inspired me to create AERIN in large part, as it is through exercising my own passions that I am able to instill in them the same values of dedication and hard work that my parents and grandparents did in me.
What was the most challenging part of parenting to date?
The most challenging part of parenting to date is constantly teaching your children the important values in life and right from wrong. My parents brought me up with great values and a strong sense of respect for family and I try to instill that in my children everyday.
What was your favorite family vacation destination and why?
I’ve been going to Aspen with my family for years – I love the mountains, the fresh air and skiing. It is very special to us and has given us so many wonderful memories and traditions. I visit with my family throughout the year and enjoy all the seasons.
How has having your boys influenced you in business? Do you feel it was difficult managing family life and a huge beauty brand? How did you carve out "me" time with all of those responsibilities?
Family time is extremely important to me and I make sure to give my undivided attention to my family when I’m not working. I work hard to balance my calendar so that work doesn’t consume my life and I structure my work time so that it’s as efficient as possible.
I think the key to finding the proper balance is always taking a little personal time for some pampering or quiet time alone. It is important to take care of yourself. I believe if you are happy, everyone around you will be happy. I love to go for a walk – even if only for a few minutes. In the city, I love Central Park for the scenery, or if I’m in the Hamptons, along the beach or on a country road with wild flowers. Nothing is more peaceful and invigorating than a walk in the fresh air.
You are a style icon, and one of the chicest moms around. What are your favorite fashion brands? What were your favorite stores to shop for the boys?
I love Michael Kors for silk blouses and cashmere sweaters; Oscar de la Renta for feminine and elegant glamour; Dolce & Gabbana for the prettiest floral patterns; Stella McCartney for perfectly tailored wardrobe staples. I loved to shop for my boys at Crew Cuts and was so sad when they grew out of that stage.
We hear that you have a fashion accessories line launching soon, can you tell us what inspired this collection and how you felt adding an additional element to your brand?
I felt there was an opportunity in the marketplace for a consistent lifestyle brand based on feminine, modern, and effortless products with a strong heritage, and am proud to say we launched AERIN Fashion Accessories this Fall. Beauty is my heritage, but home and accessories have always been my passion. I love the fall collection we just launched. I carry the black embroidered chain bag everyday and I love to travel with our weekender. It is chic, practical and classic.
Aerin is very much a product of you. There is a sophistication and elegance to the shop, that is so reflective of how you live your life. How will this translate to your new accessories collection?
Whether choosing the perfect selection of products to have at our AERIN Southampton store or launching a new collection, all is done with the goal delivering the best edit to our consumers. This new category for the brand is a wonderful way to connect beauty and home, and is a natural extension to the AERIN lifestyle. The Fall collection includes handbags, shoes, and scarves, all made in Italy. It was important for the collection to resonate with the modern woman, whether she is 20 or 70 years old, and I think the collection offers something for everyone.