Archives for 2016

Happy Boxing Day!

Sometimes the day to day routine of owning your own business keeps you from remembering the most important part: to have fun! That’s why this week’s #neverstoplearning challenge urges you to relish in both the big and small successes.

It’s easy to remember to celebrate the big successes: an anniversary of a store opening or your first huge order. And, while those are significant milestones not to be ignored, I’ve learned that celebrating the little things is what ultimately reminds me of why I started my business, and more notably makes my job fun!

Whether it’s treating yourself to a delicious donut to recognize a productive meeting, or a quick note to congratulate an employee on a stellar sales day, these are the little ways I like to celebrate our sweetest victories. And you know what else? I like to treat myself to the gift to learning. 

—> CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED AND ENJOY MY SPECIAL BONUS<—

Happy learning and have fun!

xoxo,

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Happy Monday!

When it comes to owning your own business, it’s important to find individuals that help instill confidence in you yet also challenge you to think beyond your comfort zone. The intersection between the two is often where the biggest growth occurs, both personally and professionally. For me, I am most inspired professionally by people who strive to be one step ahead of “the game.” Several years ago I went to a Tory Burch Foundation meeting and finally had the opportunity to meet Millard Drexler, CEO of J. Crew. If you recall from this previous post, I wrote a children’s book about him in lieu of the traditional college essay when he was CEO of Gap Inc. When I finally met Millard at the meeting, I heard him speak passionately about “following your instincts and remaining true to your vision.” He noted that in his career taking risks without fear of making mistakes was the biggest avenue to his success within the industry. To me, he is a leading example of people who always remain one step ahead of “the game.”

Hearing Millard speak instilled a sense of confidence in me about following my own passions, yet he challenged me to think “bigger.” We all need those people in our lives. 

My father was one of the first people to do that for me, it’s a story that fully encapsulates my mission. Through my father’s actions, he taught me the power of giving and the impact it can have on someone you love. When we feel loved, we can do anything. The confidence my father instilled in me many years ago still resonates today. His encouragement continues to fuel me, inspiring me to think “bigger,” like opening my 5th store in the beautiful Hudson Valley this Spring :)

Here’s to creating a business you love.

xoxo
grace

P.S. Are you in need of a #pogetaway? As an entrepreneur, it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness and get burnt out. When we take a break from the daily grind of our lives, we can find clarity and direction, both essential to fueling a successful business. This January, I am hosting a one-day business + lifestyle retreat for product-based designers in the charming village of Cold Spring, New York. Spend the day with me, get my advice and strategy to help grow your business and get re-inspired for the new year ahead! If you are interested in joining us, please email us at hello@pinkoliveschool.com.

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Happy Friday!

Have you heard about “the Purple Cow?” Several years ago I read Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable and I was hooked. It’s message emphasizes this week’s #neverstoplearning tip: don’t be afraid to do the unexpected. As Seth defines in his book, a “Purple Cow” is “anything phenomenal, counterintuitive, exciting … remarkable.” Every day, we as consumers are bombarded with thousands of messages, many of which we ignore. Those are the “brown cows,” or the businesses, leaders and ideas that are tired and mundane. “Purple Cows,” however, are worth talking about. They are unexpected and exceptional.

In hindsight, I recognize several personal experiences that speak directly to Seth’s “Purple Cow” theory. When I was applying for college, I wrote a children’s book about Millard Drexler, CEO of The Gap at the time,  in lieu of the traditional college essay. While I’m sure it wasn’t solely the reason for my acceptance into school, I am confident my unconventional approach  made my application stand out.

Similarly, when I started my own business after years as a buyer for department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Barney’s, most people thought I was going to open up a clothing store. It matched my experience, my contacts, my entire professional background. But I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and go after something that was much more personal to me. While seemingly counterintuitive, I dived into the gifting world and never looked back.

These decisions were intimidating, however, both paid off tremendously in my career. I encourage all of you to remember the “Purple Cow” and choose the unexpected. You never know where it will take you.

Join me in the #neverstoplearning challenge and tell me on Instagram: When have you done the unexpected?

xoxo,

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Happy Friday!

As entrepreneurs, it’s so easy to compare ourselves to others. Whether it be our friends, co-workers or social media followers, it’s human nature to gauge our successes based on what we observe others’ successes to be. When we observe a friend who has the freedom to travel frequently or a colleague who gets a new investor, it’s hard not reexamine our own self. But it’s a cycle that can never be won. This weeks #neverstoplearning challenge is all about defining what success means to YOU.

Success means different things to different people. For some it’s the amount of money they make. For others, it’s the amount of time they can spend with loved ones. And still others, it’s something more personal — overcoming a fear or making a childhood dream come true. Once you define what real success means to you, you can stop comparing yourself to others and enjoy the little things that matter. As the saying goes, “The only person standing in your way, is you.” So, remember — be kind to yourself and amazing things will happen.

Join me in the #neverstoplearning challenge and tell us on Instagram: how do you define success?

xoxo,

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