Boss Lady Spotlight: Kim Mitchell
At Armoire, we’re casting a spotlight on some of the notable, powerful boss ladies in our community, and what being a boss lady means to them. Read on to learn all about Armoire member, Kim Mitchell.
Her Life:
Past:
I started my blog, J’adore Couture, back in 2004 while in graduate school. My thesis was designing a multicultural fashion magazine, and my advisor thought a blog would get me in the habit of writing.
Present:
I’m an art director and designer, originally from Philadelphia, but now I live in San Francisco. In addition to the blog, I’m an art director at Banana Republic Factory. My job involves creating concepts for seasonal photoshoots as well as managing a team of designers who create our marketing, from store signage to emails to social media.
Future:
I’m hoping in the future I’m still writing the blog and working as an art director—I truly love what I do!
Her Career:
How she’s redefining women who work:
When I was younger, I never saw other women who looked like me in fashion magazines. I never thought I could have the career I do now! I like to think I inspire young people to try a career path they might not have considered or to be a trailblazer in what they are passionate about.
Her biggest challenge:
The retail landscape is constantly changing and you need to keep up on the industry in order to stay relevant. I get inspired when I see other women making career shifts, no matter their age or experience.
Her secret to a work/life balance:
I make sure to get away from my computer and find inspiration IRL, I jokingly say. I love wandering around the city taking photos, looking at art and architecture, going to concerts, and checking out new restaurants.
Staying active is also important to me. I try to run 4-5 times a week in the morning. It’s a form of therapy for me and gets me in the right mindset for the day.
What she wishes she knew 5 years ago:
You are not your job! I had dreamt of working at Gap corporate since I was in college, and when I finally got there, I hadn’t quite grasped the concept of work/life balance. I was working a lot of long hours. While I was happy to be here, I also struggled with burn out. I promise you can kick ass at your job and still have a life!
Her advice:
It’s ok to not know exactly what you want to do, so just try a lot of things. If you’re at a job and someone asks you to try something new, say yes! You never know where that opportunity could lead you.
And always be gracious. Send thank you notes—it’s a lost art.
Her Style:
Why she uses Armoire:
As a blogger, I enjoy shopping and trying new styles, but I struggle with consumerism and the waste that fashion creates. I was curious about subscription services and did research on my options. I liked that Armoire is a woman and minority-started brand, and that they give back to their community.
Her favorite part:
The brands are ones that I already love and probably have a few of in my closet. The styles can go effortlessly from work to weekend and aren’t too casual or too dressy/cocktail.
What Armoire outfit do you feel most powerful in?
I like all of the outfits I rent for different reasons! This black and white lace look sums up my personal style, a mix of masculine (the bomber) and feminine (lace).
