Describe yourself in 3 words...
Brave, hardworking, loyal, caring.
How did you get started? Explain the process of starting your own apparel and accessory brand.
I started my brand in 2001. After launching a capsule collection that landed me on “The Tonight Show,” my bags became an overnight success. In 2005, my “Morning After Bag” ignited my career as a handbag designer. In 2009, I introduced my first ready-to-wear collection. Today, I design not only handbags and accessories, but also footwear, jewelry, watches, as well as a men’s clothing under the Uri Minkoff label.
What inspired you to create your own handbag and apparel business?
I decided if I was going to work this hard, then it better be me answering to myself at the end of the day.
You have grown rapidly, and now have a very established, well-known brand. What would you say attributes to brand longevity?
Persistence, not taking no for an answer, connecting with your customer and listening to her.
How have your children impacted your brand?
My children have made me become stronger and more focused. I hope I am a role model and an inspiration to my children. I want to set an example for them and inspire them to always follow their dreams. Having them also made me a hyper multitasker and also forced me to rely on my team for what they are there to do.
What is the greatest challenge of balancing mom life and work life? What tips can you provide our readers who struggle with this?
I don’t think the work/life balance is something you can magically achieve. I often say that balance is a term that was made up to make women feel inadequate for not achieving it. I think it’s about juggling and knowing what you’re comfortable with. And then knowing that once you figure that out, you don’t go beyond that. It’s about finding the ebbs and flows about how your life goes. Ultimately, balance is the goal, but not always realistic. For me, I want to walk my kid to school every morning. That means we don’t have meetings with me until 9:30 a.m. Or I won’t leave my kids for more than 5 days or they come with me. It’s those give and takes that are unique to each mother that she must explore for herself.
What are your favorite children’s clothing shops?
Monica and Andy, Sapling Child.
What are your favorite online sites for children?
Abcmouse for screen time and they learn as well.
What are your favorite Hamptons kid’s activities in the summer time?
- Hanging out in our backyard by the pool is the best.
- Going to the beach.
- We love to cook and bbq so a perfect day is the pool, bike ride to beach, following by a big family meal outside.
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
Courage, compassion, independence, hardworking, grateful, and kindness.