Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs founded Cushnie et Ochs nearly a decade ago. With a continuing growth trajectory, the designers attribute some of the brand’s success to the women who paved the pathway for them to be able to thrive as women in a field that is still largely dominated by the other gender. We caught up with Cushnie and Ochs to seek some of their advice.
What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career?
Ochs: Learn to listen.
Cushnie: That there is more than one avenue that leads to where you want to go. Just make sure you find the right one for you. Someone else’s path is not necessarily the right one for you.
Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?
Ochs: I have always admired Zaha Hadid. Her influence and style of architecture will live on beyond her years and will continue to inspire the way in which we approach design.
Cushnie: I’m not sure we will ever have a First Lady quite like Michelle Obama- a woman of such incredible poise, integrity and compassion. She was in no way a side-kick.
What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?
Ochs: Just being a founder of Cushnie et Ochs, which will soon be going into its 10th year, has been one of my greatest honors and one of my proudest accomplishments in life.
Cushnie: For me, just seeing women around the world part with their money to purchase something that we have created makes me very proud.
Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?
Ochs: I’m so grateful for the women who came before us, who paved the way and made it possible for Carly and I to start a company at such a young age and not only be embraced by our industry, but thrive in it. Women hold so much power to set the tone and to be an example for all future generations of females.
Cushnie: I’ve been afforded the opportunity to own a business, as a female minority, because of the efforts and the work of the woman who came before me. Overtime, these changes in society have given me greater opportunities to succeed, and have inspired the way that I design and what I choose to design.
What future goals do you have for yourself?
Ochs: I always look forward to life’s next challenge. I hope to continue learning and growing every year that passes, and to continue challenging myself both personally and professionally.
Cushnie: My goal in life is to continue surrounding myself with strong women, and to one-day raise one.
