The idea behind Life Lessons from The C-Suite is that most aspirational next generation/millennials, don’t have one-on-one access to highly accomplished industry leaders and our goal is to use this to be a bridge, where these highly recognized leaders offer advice and share some things that has helped them succeed along the way, in a way questions one would ask a mentor.
It was recently announced that CFDA designer Cynthia Rowley will “create unique watch faces that bring an innovative and fashionable spin to Google’s burgeoning collection of watch faces.” That’s not the only thing Cynthia Rowley, the girl from Barrington who went to SAIC and caught a break on a train ride to now powerhouse owner of a brand with multiple lines (women’s wear, shoes, handbags, eyewear, belts, dishes, legwear, hats, color cosmetics, and fragrance), channels and locations has been up to. She was recently in Chicago for a reception at her Bucktown shop. Success like that does not happen overnight nor without hard work and she shares with us some advice.
SLC: What are the best daily habits to develop and commit to?
Cynthia Rowley: I would break these down into two categories. The habits I feel I’m pretty good at, and the habits I wish I was better at. I’m pretty good at Staying curious/always be learning something new. Be nice and thankful. Always think creatively no matter what you are doing. The ones to get better at- punctuality, I have a tendency to push the limits. Be a risk-taker, within reason.
SLC: How do you show others that you believe in them?
CR: In my company everyone is part of a team and we don’t have a lot of hierarchy. I encourage entrepreneurial thinking on every level, people basically run their own businesses. We make collective decisions so we can feel proud of every accomplishment.
SLC: You are one of the few Chicago area born/bred designers that have gone on to attain great success in fashion on an international level, what advice can you give someone looking to follow in your path?
CR: I feel like the midwest was a very nurturing place to start, it gave me the confidence, albeit naive, to do whatever it takes to make my dreams come true.
SLC: How do you balance the creative side and the business side?
CR: It’s all one thing to me. It’s impossible to create something without knowing the path it takes to the consumer. In a creative field, business is never straightforward.
SLC: What are 5 key books I should read, and why?
CR: Information and inspiration is everywhere. Whatever interests you, soak it all up.
SLC: If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?
CR: Never look back.
SLC: How does Cynthia Rowley, the brand grow with its core audience especially with the rapid growth of digital media?
CR: Everyday we are experimenting with new things. We are very focused on the digital space and when we create new products it’s to evolve and broaden our customer base.
