generic Kathy Ireland talks going from supermodel to business mogul, shop her must-have products
Kathy Ireland talks going from supermodel to business mogul and her brand's must-have products
Video Transcript
KATHY IRELAND: One of the greatest gifts of my modeling career was all the rejection. When we had all those nos and the laughter and the door slams, they weren't doors of people who respected my ideas as CEO. It didn't bother me. I mean, "no" meant, well, now we're talking. You know, I'll come back tomorrow.
- Kathy, look at me!
KATHY IRELAND: I'm Kathy Ireland, chair, CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide. My first job, I was four years old, and I sold painted rocks from my wagon. My first serious job was a paper route. I'd always worked. The modeling took me by surprise. A scout was in Santa Barbara, asked if I'd like to go to New York for the summer. And I figured if I didn't explore it, I might regret it. I entered the modeling industry as a business person already. I'd been saving my money as a model. I knew that if I didn't close the door on that chapter of my life, I might not live my dream of business and design.
It wasn't until I was offered an opportunity to model a pair of socks. I thought, these people are so nice, the socks are amazing, this would be an interesting place to start a brand. And we began with that single pair of socks, took out a personal loan. We loaded our backpacks. We hit the road, just started presenting our socks to retailers. I'm overjoyed with where we are. I'm proud of the work that we're accomplishing and that we've yet to accomplish. We always knew that it would be bigger. It was part of our strategy from the very beginning.
What I love about our sleepwear, Kathy Ireland Intimates, are comfort. I mean, they're beautiful, the fashion, the laser cuts. I love that so you don't get the lines. And I-- I love the bras, how they fit. I mean, they're just beautiful. Having spent most of my life traveling, luggage is important. Samsara is a wonderful company, that it was greatly inspired by all those many trips around the world. Sturdy luggage that is beautiful, it's fashionable, and it's smart. It's got GPS. If somebody were to steal your luggage, if it were to get lost, you can track it. You can charge your devices on it. It's-- it's got wonderful features.
I'm so grateful to that long ago modeling career. The covers were great, but, you know, it was based on-- it wasn't based on something I did necessarily. The "Forbes" covers have been wonderful and meaningful because it represents the hard work, the brilliance of our team. It's a team effort. I wish our whole team could be on the cover. And I encourage people, when people are starting brands and they're sharing with me their stories, don't give up on your dream. Fight for it if you believe in it. Always learn and try to do better, but fight for it.
