In this week's edition of Trendsetters at Work, we're in sunny L.A. with Sole Society's chief creative officer, Talitha Peters!
The popular e-commerce site is easily one of our favorite fashion fixes on the Web, thanks to its affordable prices, impressive styles and speedy service.
We sat down with the powerful (and passionate!) exec to learn a little bit more about her background.
Here's what we learned:
How did you get started in your career?
I started out as an intern at Cloutier Agency for hair, makeup and styling. After spending several years there, I became an agent and then moved into more of a writing role as fashion editor for several e-commerce companies. I launched Starstyle.com where we connected fans with brands and in between I consulted on brand-building sites like TotalBeauty.com and Momlogic.com before Sole Society. I spent three years at Warner Bros. overseeing all of their online fashion and beauty content. I have been with Sole Society since the start, almost three years ago!
What is a typical day like for you: I try my best to squeeze in a morning workout—three out of seven days I succeed. I drop my 3-year old off at pre-school and head for the office. There, I spend most of my days in back-to-back meetings. When we are in production I oversee the photo shoots, we shoot about two weeks out of the month. I'm literally running around all day long! I try to get home at a decent hour to see my family and have dinner with them. I'm usually back on my computer at 8:30 p.m. and fall asleep with it on my lap.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration. I am obsessed with J.Crew and the way the brand was transformed by Jenna Lyons. I also have Vogue the Editors Eye saved on my DVR and have watched it many times. Strong women who aren't afraid to be completely themselves speak to me: Jenna, Diana Vreeland, Grace Coddington. Any woman—fashion background or not—that can pull off life with ease.
Describe your office style. Classic style with an imperfect twist (i.e a stain or a rip or a sticker from my kids). I'm kind of off the cuff in the sense that I don't like anything too polished. But of course, I have to be somewhat aware of my appearance. You'll never see me in head-to-toe designer or something super trendy. On a good day, I'm in skinny jeans, a vintage tee and blazer with a cute flat or booties. I always add something like a scarf or statement jewelry.
Where do you typically shop for work clothes?
Nordstrom, J.Crew, Zara.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
Helen Ficalora for beautiful initial necklaces and J.Crew; when I'm traveling I almost always get an accessory from a local place—I just got these beautiful gold Maui divers stud earrings I love. I am extremely loyal to our brand though, and you'll rarely see me without all Sole Society on. I'm a believer of not having to spend a ton of money to look sophisticated and on trend.
My favorite thing in my office is: Coconut body cream, gum, mints and specialty notebooks.
The best part of my job is… The Sole Society team. We are like family. We say everything anything and all things to one another and I really try to have an open door policy. That includes personal stuff or advice. That's what I am best at, creating the balance between being a leader and friend.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Wine and cheese. I drink a glass of wine literally every night.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My dad has given me business advice forever. I look to him with my biggest challenges—he is fair, consistent and a true mentor. The best advice he probably gave me is not something he said, it was his loyalty of being the CEO of a company for 40 years and having a steadfast focus.
What are your travel must-haves?
I have this back massager I take everywhere—I know it sounds weird but I'm lost without it.
What are your beauty must-haves?
Mariana Chicet (Chicet skincare) changed my life and my skin. Her products are beyond amazing. It's all I use. That and Rosebud lip balm and Essie nail polish. I am not a big makeup-wearer, but I do love a heavy black eye liner on occasion.
What fuels you during the day?
Coffee in the morning and salad for lunch. I try to do the green juice thing, but almost always I take a sip and can't bear it. Always a salad, everyday. With extra dressings on the side. I am a creature of habit.
What other sites do you look at on a daily basis?
Net-a-porter, J.Crew, WWD, StyleSight...and I go to all of our competitors to see what they are doing. Not much time to browse during the day though…
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… On the beach with my two girls. I can't imagine I'd be doing anything else than this.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Follow your gut. Things that are too hard aren't meant to be. Keep your eye on the ball and stay focused.
For more inspiring career advice, check out our previous Trendsetters at Work feature at the Cadillac headquarters.