Top Women in Retail 2017: Rebecca Minkoff, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rebecca Minkoff

To see the full list of this year's Top Women in Retail honorees, click here.

What do you enjoy most about working in the retail industry?
There's never a dull moment! In retail, you always have to be on your toes and be both proactive and reactive with trends to stay relevant to what your customer wants. I love seeing my customer have a strong connection with my product.

If you weren't working in the retail industry, what do you think you'd be doing?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a dancer! Not sure if that dream would have ever been fulfilled though … ha!

How would you describe your leadership style?
Collaborative, encouraging, motivating, great listener, caring, approachable, supportive.

What's the best advice you ever received, and who gave you the advice?
Even if your dream seems unattainable, you can achieve it if you stay focused, driven and diligent.
Keeping good people around you — people who love you and have your best interest in mind — is incredibly important.

Do you have any mentors in the retail industry?
My first boss in the industry provided mentorship that was invaluable to me in my early career. She forced me to learn the ins and outs of business and ultimately gave me the push that I needed to pursue my own label.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Hanging with my family, playing with the kids.