Mimi So launched her jewelry line in 1998 and has been growing her brand ever since while contributing to the CFDA as an esteemed Board Member. She has expertly navigated her career path and made decisions that brought her brand to where it is today.
What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career?
Don’t be afraid! Take chances and allow yourself to explore.
Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?
Cultural heroine aside, my most admired heroine is my late mother. I lost her when I was in my 20s. She was a wonderful seamstress and jewelry designer. I watched her for hours while sewing and designing, and loved every moment as I helped select the buttons and zippers for our clothes. It felt so bespoke for a seven-year old to choose their pajama buttons!
I admired my mother for her love and strength. She instilled the importance of family in us. She worked incredibly hard to manage a career (working by day) and an education (studying nights at FIT) all while raising three children and looking after the elders with such poise and elegance. It was my mother who showed me that it was possible for a woman to have a career while her first priority was to her children and husband. I have tremendous respect for her, that she was able to balance her dreams and her family and encouraged us to do the same. Her teachings were raw but pure. She would say “Mimi, it will be challenging but never give up. Push forward and love each step as you embrace the fact that you are a woman and you can do anything.”
What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?
In my personal life, I am most proud of the birth of my children. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and one that few words can truly describe. The joy that comes with bringing a new life into the world is unparalleled.
A big career moment that stands out would be the year 2008, when I bought back all the shares of my company from a conglomerate stakeholder in order to regain my independence and pursue my own brand vision. This was a monumental time where the public eye was on me and bets were placed whether we would fail or survive. I relied on what I know best which is to create and pour my soul into my work to transform gems and metal into wearable beauty. It’s rewarding and joyful to see our work bring pleasure and happiness to others.
Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?
Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically in the last century — from winning the right to vote in 1920 and having the freedom to make personal choices about your body and reproductive rights to excelling in leadership positions once reserved only for men. These and other positive shifts encouraged and allowed me to be an entrepreneur, CEO of my company, and travel around the country to conduct business with other executives as an equal. This experience has taught me great lessons that I pass on to my daughter: “Your gender is a strength. You are allowed to be intelligent, compassionate, feminine and strong. One day, you may want to vote for a female President or be the President. You have that freedom of choice.”
What future goals do you have for yourself?
To never stop learning. To continue my passion for creating jewelry that allows me to employ a workforce of 70 percent women. To grow our business so I can mentor and employ more working moms and talented women, while always finding the time to serve my community and give back to society. And of course, to never lose my playful spirit, enjoy motherhood and chase our chocolate toy poodle, Chester, all over town!
Editor’s Note: In celebration of Women’s History Month, we spoke to several women who have spearheaded their way into the Fashion Industry. Follow us through our series that highlights the accomplishments and words of wisdom that all of the women had to share.
