Each day in June, FN is highlighting female forces in the industry as part of our Women in Power series.
Stacey Bendet, who founded Alice + Olivia in 2002, is the creative director and CEO of the whimsical label. Here, the mother-of-three reflects on her career and women in the workplace.
What was the biggest breakthrough moment in your career?
“I remember opening our first retail store in East Hampton [N.Y.] in 2005 — there was something transformative about that moment — it was a powerful moment in the history of Alice + Olivia.”
Anything you would have done differently?
“I always say, ‘You can reflect, but you can’t regret.’ Looking back I would have taken our digital business more seriously earlier on and really made it a primary focus much earlier than we did.”
Do you think women do enough to support other women in the workplace? Why or why not?
“As a female CEO I want to create an environment where women can be empowered and inspired. I try to lead by example to show women that supporting each other is the best way to be successful. As a mother of three girls, I want the next generation to never have to think twice about gender equality.”
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What is the biggest challenge you faced in the last year, and how did you overcome it?
“Over the last year a major focus and challenge has been integrating our wholesale retail and e-commerce businesses to create a more seamless shopping experience for our customer and building backend technology for the future of our business.”
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?
“Oh I would have told myself to appreciate the occasional sleep, because once you have three children, that never happens.”
