August 31 2019

Boss Lady Spotlight: Emilie Aries

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 and founder of Bossed Up, Emilie Aries.

Her Life:

Past:

I studied political science and cognitive science in college because I’ve always been fascinated by how our personal choices shape our collective ones, and vice versa. I grew up in a household where working hard and helping others was a given, so I’ve spent my career thus far finding ways to maximize my impact and better the world, one person, cause, or organization at a time.

Present:

In 2013 I started the organization I’d desperately needed earlier on in my career: Bossed Up. It’s a training company and online community where women come together to strive for happy, healthy, and sustainable careers. I now spend my days developing workshops, writing articles, and recording podcast episodes to help individual women navigate career transition and support companies who want to retain and develop women leaders.

Future:

I’m always aiming to do the most good with whatever opportunities I have to influence. Since relocating from DC to Denver in the past 3 years, I’ve started getting more involved in local activism here in Colorado, so I’m excited to continue following my curiosity there as I support women leaders on the rise globally through Bossed Up!

Her Career:

How she’s redefining women who work:

We’re in the midst of some tectonic shifts when it comes to gender at work. No longer are women content to chase an outdated definition of success long defined by men that’s characterized by money, power, and prestige. Now women like me are taking a more mindful approach to work that includes raising consciousness around wellness, love, and the broader implications of our impact. I think it’s impacted what many men consider “success” as well. We want careers that align with the lives we want and the values we espouse. I’m pursuing that paradigm in my work, and I see a groundswell of others who are doing the same.

Her biggest challenge:

Having the audacity to make something out of nothing. That’s what entrepreneurship boils down to, at the end of the day. Creating a community, bringing people together around shared values, and developing new products and services requires courage and candor. It requires relinquishing perfection and just getting sh*t done. It’s not an easy muscle to develop, but what’s helped me over the years and remembering the community I serve and not wanting to withhold my “good enough” from them in the endless, egocentric pursuit of “the perfect.”

Her secret to a work/life balance:

Self-compassion. And one helluva planner.

What she wishes she knew 5 years ago:

Money matters! You can’t really be a boss until you’re the boss of your own bank account. No one is born an accountant, but you can – and really should – pay more attention, learn more about personal finance, and get your financial life together. Having a handle on my money helps me have a handle on everything.

Her advice:

Ask for help early and often. Follow your curiosity and opportunities for maximum impact – not just “your passion.” Join or cultivate a community of courage that inspires the best version of yourself.

Her Style:

Why she uses Armoire:

Because when I look good, I feel good and when I feel good, I work it.

Her favorite part:

I can’t decide what I love more: the incredible designer jeans (which I could never afford off the rack!) or the adorable, eco-friendly packaging!

Boss Lady Go-To:

I never got the name of the bonus jeans my stylist popped in the mail for me in my last shipment by DAMN! Those coated black jeans made me feel like a BOSS. They were the perfect balance of cool, sexy, and sleek. They totally worked dressed up with a power blazer and left me feeling like a professional hottie.