Donie’s Takeaway from Her Week in New York City as a TBF Fellow

50 women entrepreneurs + 15 speakers + 4 days = My life-changing experience!

I knew this week in NYC as a Tory Burch Fellow would be incredible, and it did not disappoint. I kept an open mind and heart. The other Fellows came with a variety of skills, resources and all with an intense curiosity and intention to learn. Despite the fact that all of our businesses are at different stages, my main takeaway is to embrace where you are in your business. No matter how large or small your company is or at what stage of growth, it is exactly where you’re supposed to be. I found myself both learning strategic and valuable lessons from one woman while sharing my expertise in a specific area with another. 

“EMBRACE WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR BUSINESS”

The pivotal moment for me was when I ran in to hear a speaker and inadvertently sat at the same table with Tory Burch herself. It was a very emotional moment for me, to relay how much she meant to me. As I struggled after moving to the US, she embodied women’s empowerment and inspired me to go back to school and then start my company. Without her as a role model, I wouldn’t be one of the 50 Foundation Fellows sitting at that table, looking in her eyes. An important lesson for me is to always pay it forward and be of service to other women. This is what Tory and her foundation did for me. Service and giving back is the foundation and building block of my journey.  

In our next post, Donie shares her Call to Action after reflecting on her time in NYC as a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.