Trade Secrets

TS: How would you describe yourself
JW: This is always a tough question to answer. But
here it goes...I am a very dedicated and passionate
person. I keep a small but awesome circle of people
around me. And I’m definitely a perfectionist, which
can be good and bad at times.
TS: How did you kick start your career?
JW: One of my first jobs in retail was working for
two partners who owned a denim company in Canada,
called “Below The Belt.” At the time, it was the hottest
store to shop at; they carried over 50 of the most
popular brands from DKNY, Diesel, to Fubu and so
much more. I had the amazing opportunity to work
with the owners directly, for over six years. They not
only taught me everything I know, but set a great example
on how to run my own fashion business.
TS: What is Studio 15?
JW: Studio 15 is a women’s dress boutique, headquartered
in NYC with pop up shops in Manhattan and
San Francisco. The company is based on the belief
that high quality products don’t have to be astronomically
priced and woman from all walks of life should
have access to great quality fashion. We also donate
proceeds from every sale to a non-profit organization,
Kleos MFG (www.kleosmfg.org), that gives micro-finance
loans to women in developing countries, so they
can start their own small businesses.
TS: What would you say makes you stand out from
other women entrepreneurs?
JW: I don’t know personally if I stand out among
other women entrepreneurs; I have met so many
amazing women since I started Studio 15. One of the
things I love most about being an entrepreneur is that I
am always surrounded by so many innovative people,
especially women, who are all doing such inspiring
things.
TS: Tell us your typical day at work?
JW: I always start my day by checking emails and
social media—before even getting out of bed or answering
anything urgent. Recently, I have been trying
to squeeze in 10 minutes for meditation as a morning
routine. After that, my day always consists of many
meetings with our team and companies that are partnering
with us, from videographers, manufacturers,
to seamstresses, etc. I typically finish my meetings
around 7:00 pm and then get back to my computer
to catch up on all the afternoon emails, projects, or
anything else that needs deadlines to be met. I usually
finish my whole day around 2:00 am, but I almost
always take a break to have dinner with my husband
and watch Shark Tank!
TS: Was there a time when you thought you were
failing, and were about to give up on your dream,
but didn’t? And if so, what did you do to keep your
dream alive?
JW: In the start-up world, most entrepreneurs will tell
you that there are numerous times of when you think
you are failing. That happens almost every other week
for me. With all the extreme ups and downs, with any
startup, you are never ready for all the “highs” and
“lows” that come your way. However the “highs” are
wonderful and the “lows” do pass. You just have to
keep going, make tough decisions, and take calculated
risks.
TS: What are three words that your friends can
best describe you as?
JW: I have no idea. You would have to ask them.
(laughing)
TS: What are three things that a woman entrepreneur
should carry in her purse at all times
JW: A tablet or pen and paper; a phone; and business
cards. I don’t think it differs from gender to gender.
TS: What is one piece of advice would like to give
to young women entrepreneurs who want to do
what you are doing today?
JW: When you have a great idea, it’s better to start
early than to wait and try—and perfect everything.
TS: What are your future endeavors?
JW: For now, to keep growing Studio 15; the company
is only two years old! So there is a lot of work to
do to get where we want to be.