I have always been a fan of reading interviews of successful women talking about how they got to where they are. Whether it's interior design, fashion, or even an independent business women, it's empowering to hear success stories from amazing women. My favorite question asked is always (a version of) "what advice would you give someone just starting out?".

I am still in the beginning stages of my career. I do not hold the same big-headed self entitlement that many members of my generation seem to have. Understanding that hard work and determination is vital to a successful career is definitely lost on some recent college graduates. Me, I definitely don't feel that just because I earned a degree in my field of choice, that has granted me to skip a few steps in the path to success. I'm perfectly aware that in order to get ahead I am going to have to work my little toosh off, and I know this sounds a little strange to say- or to be excited about- but I'm kind of excited about that.

Don't get me wrong, I would love a cheat sheet to get ahead. Somebody to just take me under their wing and say "okay Sarah, do this, this, this, and this and you will be world-renowned amazing". But until that happens, I will continue to read interviews and search for the answer to that question- What advice would you give someone just starting out?

color. me. quirky // career // advise from women in style #thecoveteur

Jessica Minkoff // Senior Market Editor @ Marie Claire

"[To someone beginning their career in fashion I would say,] be open minded, go where the opportunity calls—and be nice!"

(source)

color. me. quirky // career // advise from women in style #dvf

Diane Von Furstenberg // Fashion Designer

"…So figure out who you are and what your work is about and go for it. "

(source)(source)

color. me. quirky // career // advise from women in style

Krista Coupar // Coupar Consulting

"I always look for low-cost, high impact solutions, and it's important to analyze what the gain is from each bit of time and money spent."

(source)

color. me. quirky // career // advise from women in style #theeverygirl

Erika Brechtel // Brand Stylist and Owner of small shop

"Take some business classes. There is so much I don’t know I don’t know, and it would have been so much easier to have learned it young, when I actually had free time!"

(source)