When Tamara Mellon walked away from Jimmy Choo, the very company that she co-founded, she risked her reputation and a ton of money – but gained the voice and the brand that she always wanted. How has she adapted her advertising approach to the world of e-commerce? What is it about her new personal brand that truly fulfills her? Tamara also shares her advice on how to recognize when you need to be flexible, and why now is the time to speak up for yourself.

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TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Pick the industry you love and then start working, no matter what the position is. Don’t sit around looking for the perfect job.
2. A successful business always comes back to the product.
3. We’re going through a digital revolution. Be flexible and embrace it.
4. Speak up if you want to get noticed, instead of working yourself to death.
5. It’s okay to ask for help and have mentors.
6. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
7. Keep moving, keep busy, and keep learning.

 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Tamaramellon.com

• Follow Tamara on Instagram

• Worked on shop floor selling clothes, then PR company, then magazine Mirabella, then Vogue Fashion Room for 5 years – accessories editor, got idea to start Jimmy Choo

• An overview of Jimmy Choo’s history

• The Devil Wears Prada – arrival of boss Miranda Priestly (classic!)

• British Vogue

• Gossip Girl

• H&M – provided affordable daily outfits for working a high fashion career on a budget

• Manolo Blahnik shoes – the only fancy brand at the time

• Louis Vuitton

• Jimmy Choo at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus

• Candace Bushnell, author of Sex & the City

• A profile of Carrie Bradshaw, her Jimmy Choos, and shoes

• Michael Kors

• The next generation of e-commerce

• Warby Parker, first to do direct-to-consumer model successfully

• Tamara Mellon Rebel collection

 

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