A few weeks ago I quit my job. As I work the last few weeks of my notice, I often find myself apologizing for quitting. I'm sorry to my amazing team whom I'm leaving behind, I'm sorry to the dedicated nanny of 3 years I had to let go, I'm sorry to my boss, HR, the CEO...ahh I'M SORRY!
While in reality I am NOT sorry! Last week SAKS ran their new NO APOLOGIES empowering women campaign and it stopped me dead in my tracks. "Because women who stand for something are always in fashion." Aside from marriage and having kids leaving corporate America for my own gig was the biggest decision of my life. This is a much-needed lifestyle change for my family and me. This is me, no apologies. It's been a long time coming and I'm really excited, so.... sorry not sorry.
Peace out Metro North and my train buddies, goodbye 7 train and my beautiful Hudson Yards!
Let me back up a moment for those that are new here. My 17-year career in corporate customer experience has come to an end. After 10 years in Banking and 7 years in Fashion I can truly say I have been blessed with amazing opportunities, leaders and mentors. A part of me resents companies that can't seem to make flexibility a core priority for moms, 80% of workers say they would be more loyal to their companies with flex. And while I marvel at brands that are getting with the times and getting it right, I have created my own flexible opportunity. I started FIT by BURKE two years ago, and I'm ready to do it full time. I'm pumped for my new TWO BLOCK commute to my bra fit studio in town!
But more than anything (and the true trigger for the change), I'm ready to be around every afternoon for school pick up, after school sports and family dinner.
As my number of clients has increased through the years it became apparent that I had to make a choice about what to do with my future. What had started off as a part-time passion project has become an opportunity for a full-time career. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to work my full-time job in fashion, be a mom of two, be a good wife and handle my side hustle. An unsustainable balancing act. Managing FIT by BURKE full time is a massive leap and quite frankly I am terrified.
I am now, 100% of the time, a Certified Bra Fitter and Intimate Apparel Stylist. I help women find their perfect fit. I offer a convenient and modern alternative to retail shopping by offering personal shopping services for my very busy clients. I have so many ideas to expand this business!
Before I go I have to thank a few people.
I want to thank Bill Richardson, President and COO of Bare Necessities for taking a chance on a girl from Banking. Without you I would have never been able to transition into Fashion. You trusted me to transform your customer care team into AmBRAssadors, and what I learned there has been instrumental for this next step in my life. Bare Necessities will always be my one true love, and I will always seek to make you proud of me.
Secondly, I want to thank Ali Cudby, CEO of Your Iconic Brand, Founder of Fab Foundations and now a Professor at Purdue University's Center for Entrepreneurship. You have taught me, inspired me and believed in me.
Finally I have to thank my family. My twin sister Danielle for listening to my endless ranting, and to my husband Patrick for being a true partner and supporting me in this next phase of our life together. I couldn't do this without you.
Love you all and see you in Larchmont! #retiringat39 #kinda