Tory Burch made her first appearance onto the fashion scene in 2004, opening her first namesake flagship store during New York Fashion Week. For the event she and her designers invited friends, family, out of town press and fashion editors from all over. On that first day (10am - 6pm) they remarkably completely sold their inventory. "We knew we were on to something that day" said the designer. Burch's success, however, was not acquired overnight. Before becoming an entrepreneur she spent many years learning about fashion and business from some of the best designers in the field. She had the opportunity to work for fashion industry pillars such as Vera Wang, Narciso Rodriguez and Ralph Lauren where she learned all about branding. "I think every job I've had contributed to this company... I feel lucky to have had each job and I've really taken away from that." says Burch.
Her gratefulness goes beyond this sentiment. "It is so exciting to be where we are," says Burch realizing that being able to mix creativity and entrepreneurship and being successful in this society is a dream come true. For many women, achieving this level of success remains only a dream. In fact, more than 50% of the population living in poverty are women. Many of them are single mothers and entrepreneurs. Although these women are investing in their communities first hand they are more likely to be denied bank loans. So, in order to give back to women who like her have to juggle family and work Burch created in 2009 the Tory Burch Foundation. The goal: provide economic opportunities to women entrepreneurs. In February the Tory Burch Foundation partnered with ACCION USA and offered a free mentoring event to 60 small business owners with major American corporations' upper management such as AMEX, Time Warner, Inc. and Conde Nast.
This lifestyle brand came to life when Burch discovered a gap in her own closet and decided to fill it. From this epiphany Tory Burch, LLC now offers multiple product categories which are available in more than 39 free standing boutiques in 4 countries and 450 department stores and specialty boutiques worldwide.
Burch makes more than pretty clothes, she makes ideas happen. Follow in her footsteps: create, innovate and donate.
Love,
XoxO Kelie
