443: Rebecca Minkoff - The New Rules For Unlocking Creativity & Courage

In 2005, Rebecca Minkoff designed her first handbag, which she dubbed the “Morning After Bag. This iconic bag ignited Rebecca’s career as a handbag designer and inspired the brands’ expansion into a lifestyle brand in the years to come. Actress Jenna Elfman wore her "I Heart New York" shirt on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Today, Rebecca Minkoff is a global brand with a wide range of apparel, handbags, footwear, jewelry, timepieces, eyewear, and fragrance.

When Rebecca was 8 years old, she wanted her mom to buy her a dress. Her mom said, "no, but I'll teach you to sew." From that point, Rebecca was fascinated with the idea of buying things for herself.
Rebecca doesn't love the word "mentor." She was forced to learn by doing.
She moved at age 18. Became an intern and then a designer. Eventually, she started her own business.
When Jenna Elfman wore her I heart NYC shirt on Jay Leno's show, it got her foot in the door.
"When Jenna asked if I could make her a handbag, I lied and said I could do it."
"I think everyone should get cozy with failure."
Self Care: “Work can be self-care, too." She’s particularly resistant to the notion that self-care can solve burnout — the feeling of acute exhaustion that has gained more attention recently. “There is no scented candle in the world that will make that feeling go away.” Self-reflection cures burnout, she argues, not self-care.
"You don't need to ask for permission. Don't seek permission. Just go for it."
Rebecca learned from her mom to be genuinely herself. "I learned to be tough, resilient, and fight back from my mom."
"Don't get scared to lead with strength."
- "Trying hard is not good enough. You must get results."
Advice for future generations? "There are no shortcuts."
"Failure is like a muscle. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn."
"Success is the ability to keep going."
"The definition of happiness is overcoming barriers towards your goal."