Congratulations Ambika!
Chief Bosslady Ambika Singh named as one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 – recognizing 40 of Washington’s brightest and most innovative business leaders under the age of 40. Singh joins the ranks as part of PSBJ’s 20th Annual group of honorees. Read on for Ambika’s reflection on the award and the past two years of Armoire.
What does this recognition mean to you?
It’s truly a huge honor for me to be included on this list. As a little girl I grew up reading PSBJ, so to be a part of that incredible group of men and women who have been recognized is a dream come true.
What has been your proudest moment in building Armoire?
It’s amazing to see Armoire at the stage it is in now. The company has a life of its own, and an energy and community around it. It’s no longer just “my thing” or the other co-founder’s “thing”, but an amazing team and network of support behind it. I can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve.
What inspires you?
At Armoire, we’re so inspired by the work that our customers do, and it’s their enthusiasm and support that continually reminds us why what we’ve built is so much more than clothing rental. The word “Armor” has the same root as the word “Armoire”, and I like to think of clothing as the armor that we as women use as we go out into the world. Our style has so much capability to show off our strength and our personalities, and we’re incredibly honored to be a part of our customer’s lives everyday as they suit up in their “armor” and go out into the world. They’re such inspiring moms, CEOs, doctors, researchers, and so much more, and the armor that they put on just protects the strength inside.
It’s incredible to see the value that we’re able to add into customer’s lives. The women in our community are such amazing and successful women, that giving them something that they love, something that makes them happy outside of everything else going on in their busy lives, is so amazing to see. We have women tell us that Armoire has made them more confident in themselves, or given them more time to spend with their families or on their hobbies, which is so fantastic to hear.
What has been the most important thing you’ve learned from building Armoire?
One of the most important things I’ve learned through this process is that (as cliche as it sounds) you really live and die by the talent you are able to attract. Having such motivated, curious, and passionate people on our team is invaluable. It’s been incredible to watch everyone on the team grow, both as a unit and individually, and find a place to flourish on the team.
This recognition from PSBJ really belongs to the Armoire Team. I feel so lucky to work side by side with these women – and few brave men – everyday, and we’ve built something incredible that I’m super proud of. It’s an honor that PBSJ has recognized that value that we have been able to build here and bring to women’s lives.
What advice would you have to other female founders/entrepreneurs?
There’s a lot of data against female entrepreneurs, whether it’s VC funding or executive roles. It’s so important not to just look at the numbers and get discouraged. It might seem scary, but there are so many women out there who will come out to support you, and you just have to believe in this. Just start, don’t psych yourself out. If you’re supporting in and investing in the women around you, this tribe will be there for you, too.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in Armoire’s future?
A future where people rent clothing! Armoire gives women a practical way to own an impractical closet. If people are renting more, and owning less, it’s better for everyone – for the environment, for the fashion industry, for women on an individual level. It’s a win all around.