Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

What life lessons has Tory Burch, the iconic American designer, learned as an entrepreneur? Axios Chief Executive Officer Jim VandeHei had a conversation with her last week and shared her insights in his weekly column.

“Here are a few of Tory’s illuminating tips to add to your toolkit,” VandeHei wrote.

• Stay humble: Even after reaching the pinnacle of success in fashion, “I am just so appreciative of any amount of success I’ve ever had. I still have an amazement that goes along with that,” Tory says. “I hope I’m never jaded.”
• Negativity is noise: That’s a tip Tory got from her mom and dad when she was thinking about starting her own company. “That has served me well over the years. There were so many things along the way where I had to tune it out,” she says.
• Company is key: “Surround yourself with incredible people who want to build you up instead of tear you down.”
• Being a gentleman isn’t a part-time job: Tory says she reminds her sons to “treat everyone with kindness and respect, whether it’s a cab driver or the Queen of England.”
• Keep a little distance: It’s great to throw yourself into your work and your passions, “but it’s also important to have a sense of yourself and outside interests and family and friends for support.”
• Be off-brand: Don’t let others put you in a box — and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself over and over again.

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