Whether it’s the cutthroat world of fashion, entertainment or real estate, the lovely ladies featured in our Women of Style series come from all walks of life. And as to be expected, all wield a killer sense of style and professional accolades to match.
To help you combat the Monday morning blues, we’ve corralled work-related words of wisdom from 22 kick-ass women who know a thing or two about the power of self-motivation.
Christy Turlington Burns, Supermodel And Activist
“Going back to school was the best thing I ever did for myself. I had talked about doing this for a while and was envious of my sisters and friends who were studying. The grass is always greener…It’s a luxury to be able to go back to school.”
More from Christy, here.
Kate Hudson, Actor and Entrepreneur
"When you choose to go into a creative field, you are choosing a roller coaster ride. A creative career is not the most stable choice. That said, I think the best advice I’ve received is that if I’m going to choose to be an actress, it has to be a real passion so that the roller coaster ride becomes a part of what fuels you as an artist. 'If you don’t love it, I suggest you quit,' was the actual quote that someone once said to me.”
More from Kate, here.
Donna Karen, Fashion Designer And Philanthropist
“Don’t believe what you read in the press, because if you believe the good, you have to believe the bad too.”
More from Donna, here.
Mandana Dayani, VP Of Rachel Zoe Inc.
“My first boss told me that people are judged by how they do the little things. I couldn’t agree with this statement more. How quickly you offer to help others, the way you shake hands, email etiquette, punctuality, initiative, how early you come in and how late you stay – these are the characteristics I notice most.”
More from Mandana, here.
Raquel Allegra, Designer
“That there is no right way to get where you want to go, just a right way for you. Follow your bliss.”
More from Raquel, here.
Dylan Lauren, Founder Of Dylan's Candy Bar
“The best career advice I've ever received: Trust your gut and surround yourself with positive and smart people.”
More from Dylan, here.
Monique Lhuillier, Designer
"Hard work is also a very simple trait but honestly, it's the most important one. Hard work means being results oriented, staying late, taking initiative, going over and beyond what you think is sufficient and never giving up."
More from Monique, here.
Yael Cohen, CEO FCancer
"What you say no to is just as important as what you say yes to."
More from Yael, here.
Karen Elson, Model And Musician
“Grace taught me that I will never be like other models, nor have the same career but I must forge my way in the industry as an individual. It's the best, most true advice I've ever received. I think that people still work with me because I am able to be a blank canvas and transform into many different faces but I am also filled with personality and life.”
More from Karen, here.
Alek Wek, Model And Activist
"Success is happiness, happiness is success! Life isn't about material things, it's about family and friends."
“When I first started, some people in fashion thought I would never get jobs, let alone go a long way. I always say no matter what field you work in you must be comfortable in your own shoes. Let YOU be the only thing that defines you.”
More from Alek, here.
Jennifer Meyer Maguire, Jewelry Designer
"Be a good person. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be kind. And one quote I love from my Dad is "Assumption is the mother of all fuck ups." Assume nothing. And do your job to the best of your ability and better!"
More from Jennifer, here.
Julie Bornstein, Chief Marketing And Digital Officer At Sephora
“To execute well, you need to stay focused and you need to help the team stay focused. You have to balance the big ideas and constant ideation with prioritizing solid execution. So prioritizing, and getting to as much as you can, while maintaining your sanity, is definitely a challenge.”
More from Julie, here.
Iman, Supermodel And Entrepreneur
“Ask for help, network with other women executives and you will be amazed how they will help and lift you up.”
More from Iman, here.
Colleen Atwood, Costume Designer
“My career advice: Be strong, be right, be fair."
More from Colleen, here.
Ivanka Trump, Real Estate Mogul And Fashion Designer
"My father has always advised me to find what it is I’m passionate about and then strive for excellence. If you are passionate about what you do, and have a very strong work ethic, you have a great chance at success."
More from Ivanka, here.
Jessica Alba, Actor And Entrepreneur
"Every time I got a door closed in my face, Cash told me to use that as fuel and motivation to succeed in fulfilling my vision."
More from Jessica, here.
Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, Designers
“You try and balance it all, but it's not easy. The most important tool is a sense of humor and perspective." - Pam
“Our story at the end of the day is a fairytale about two local girls with a dream. The lesson is that dreams do come true. That said, Juicy was not an overnight success. It took many years to build the brand and find our legs." - Gela
More from Pam and Gela, here.
Josie Maran, Model And Entrepreneur
“You can’t do that.” When people told me it was impossible to have high performing beauty products that were also good for you and that would change the world, it ignited a fire inside me. I’m a great believer in making your own your dreams come true, which is why I created my own beauty line."
More from Josie, here.
Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Model And Art Director
“To make my career decisions based on what I want in the long run, and not to rush into doing things just to do them.”
More from Julia, here.
Katie Grand, Editor And Stylist
"It was when I was at St Martin's there was a guest lecturer called Michael Rosen who told me just to "go and do what I wanted to do", which was to launch a magazine. Then I met Rankin and Jefferson [Hack] in a bar and the rest is history."
More from Katie, here.
Nevena Borissova, Stylist And Entrepreneur
"Stay focused on your passion and don't let anything or anyone take that away."
More from Nevena, here.
Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO Of FEED Projects
“Life is a marathon not a sprint. It’s important to keep the long-term vision in perspective when building an organization and a brand. It is not always about the quick wins and sometimes hard to turn down opportunities. Strategic development is what sustains and helps scale endeavors.”
More from Lauren, here.
