Pay it Forward: Inspiring Women in Business & Fashion


Okay this is totally not a humble brag even though it will probably sound like one, but I it makes me feel so good to know that I actually inspire people. Each time I get an email (even if I can’t respond to every one of them), a comment on Instagram, a tweet, or a message on Facebook from an aspiring stylist it makes me feel so good. Being able to pay it forward by teaching classes at School of Style makes my job that much more magical.SoS0243As a relative newcomer in the industry, I have a group of talented women who work in fashion that inspire me everyday. Even though I have a career of my own, I would love to intern for some of these ass-kickers in the business just to learn from them and see how they operate.

Who are these women? They are women who seem to have it all – a thriving brand, a personal life, and a positive attitude.

June Ambrose

June has been in the business for a long time. She started as an intern at MCA Records and ended up styling the musicians signed to the label. Today she has styled some of the biggest stars in music and entertainment, has had her own TV show, written books, and created her own line for HSN. Did I mention she also has a family and is constantly inspiring the youth? Yeah, this woman pretty much rocks.o-JUNE-AMBROSE-facebook

Lori Goldstein

Lori Goldstein is like the original stylist. I’ve actually had the honor of meeting her and it was amazing. She has styled covers and editorial spreads for Vogue, Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and well pretty much every major magazine ever published. Lori has a collection for QVC and just published a book. PS- her personal style is killer!!lori+goldstein+opensky+fashion+week

Oprah

What can be said about mama O that hasn’t been said before? I know she is a cliche role model at this point but there is a reason for it. Oprah does it all and best of all she keeps it real. Have you seen her Instagram? She will make crazy videos, let you see her without makeup … she doesn’t care and I like it!Oprah_Thumbnail_3

Stacy London

Another one that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with. Stacy has been in the biz for a long time. She started in the magazine world, then moved on to being a freelance stylist, and eventually hit it big on TLC’s What Not to Wear. She’s written books, been a brand ambassador, and inspired women with her relatable approach to fashion.Stacy-London1

Rachel Zoe

Say what you want about Rachel Zoe, girlfriend is a smart business woman. From styling A-listers to starring in her own TV show (which lasted 4 seasons) – Zoe has done it all. I love where she has taken her brand, it’s very inspiring for my own personal brand.HT_haute_rachel_zoe_lpl_130923_16x9_992

Marie Forleo

If you aren’t tuning into MarieTV then you are missing out. I swear I would be lost without Marie Forleo‘s stellar business and career advice.Marie ForleoHopefully one day I’ll get to meet these wonderful women (well the ones I haven’t already met) who, without knowing it, have paid it forward and inspired me to be where am I am today.

Who inspires you and why? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Also, check out Coke.com/payitforward to nominate a young person who deserves a $5,000 scholarship and an apprenticeship with Steve Harvey. And on Thursday, February 6th – Steve Harvey will be holding a Twitter Chat, so check it out.

Coke Logo

Because a great mentor can make all the difference, Coca-Cola has teamed up with Steve Harvey to give two young people the apprenticeship experience of a lifetime.  Visit Coke.com/PayItForward to nominate an aspiring youth and help pay it forward to the next generation.   In addition, each winning youth gets a $5,000 scholarship to assist with his or her pursuit of higher education.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by the Coca-Cola Company via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the Coca-Cola Company.

One thought on “Pay it Forward: Inspiring Women in Business & Fashion”

  1. Lauren, you have the 2 people on here I want to meet! I love that you have Marie Forleo and MarieTV on here. She makes business advice fun and understandable, plus you feel like she can totally be your friend, her brand is so real and relatable. Plus, who can complain about getting a beautifully produced video every Tuesday with amazing advice that’s fun to watch!?

    I would also die to meet Oprah but I didn’t realize how she had an amazing instagram until you mentioned it above, I’m now officially obsessed! I love that she has been able to use her platform to inspire and affect so much positive change, mainly just by allowing herself to be vulnerable to her viewers. It’s inspired so many, including myself. I was just saying to a friend today that if I even do an iota of what Oprah’s done changing the world in a positive way, I’ll consider myself successful! 🙂

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