Rebecca Minkoff is way more than an industry-leading fashion designer. She’s a wife and mom of two, and has been out to make a name for herself in the fashion world since she was just 18 years old. Known for her killer handbags, statement accessories and love for tech-meets-fashion, Rebecca has def accomplished her 18-year-old self’s goals. Her aesthetic, which she describes as downtown romantic, is fashion-forward and trendy while still being wearable — which is why her new Brit + Co class is so rad (she’s teaching you how to design your own clutch!). Because Rebecca lives that #IAmABoss life, we caught up with her about topics all girl bosses are curious about: How someone successful starts their mornings (kiddos included!), what reads kickstart major inspiration and ways she stays focused amid the hustle. Here’s what she had to say:
What’s Your Morning routine?
I start my morning off with a healthy breakfast with my family. My mornings are the time that I get to spend with my two children, Luca and Bowie, so it’s a bit of a sacred time for me. Even on our busiest mornings, I make sure to at least have a smoothie on the go with them.
I Can’t Start My Day Without _______.
Checking on my kiddies and cuddling with them!
What’s Your Favorite Weekday Breakfast?
Fage Greek yogurt with honey and scrambled eggs with diced vegetables or a side of fresh fruit.
What Are Your Productivity Tips?
Get eight hours of sleep!
What Are Your Favorite Apps for Work + Play?
Instagram, Twitter and Uber.
What is the last app you downloaded and what did you do with it?
Soothe. You can find massages on the go! It’s perfect for traveling.
What is the first app you open in the morning or to kick off your day and why?
Twitter, so I can catch up on the latest news I missed while sleeping.
What is one home-related or general life “hack” you keep in your toolkit?
A stapler for any wardrobe malfunctions.
What is the last thing you made?
Pumpkin bread; I make it every year during the holiday season.
List three books, articles, etc that you read recently that made an impression on you.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Coco Chanel: An Intimate life by Lisa Chaney
Champagne Supernovas: Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and the ‘90s Renegades Who Remade Fashion by Maureen Callahan
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up on something you want and stay true to yourself and follow your passion. Even if your dream seems unattainable, you can achieve it if you stay focused, driven and diligent.
Tell us about one maker who you admire.
My mom. She inspired me to take a leap and make my first dress. Not only did she buy me a sewing machine and fabric, but she supported me every step of the way on my journey to where I am today.
(Photos via @rebeccaminkoff)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.