Nili Lotan began her career in fashion design when she moved to New York City from Israel in 1980. After working for such American brands as Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, and Nautica, she launched her own namesake label which can be easily identified for its signature style. The designer, who just opened her new boutique at 1186 Madison Avenue between 86^th and 87^th Streets, creates pieces that are luxurious, chic, and timeless for today’s woman. We caught up with Lotan to find out her experience as a successful designer and business woman.

What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career?

Understand you need someone to advise and assist you on the financial and legal aspects of your business. Make sure you have a strong accountant and lawyer who have an understanding of the business.

Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?
Patti Smith. Her writing draws you in and is touching without being sentimental and her rock n’ roll spirit is always inspiring to me. She has her own unique lane in our culture.

What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I managed to distinguish my brand to the point where people recognize my clothes and associate them with me. When I first started the company, I asked myself what I can add to the marketplace and worked for the first few years to develop my signature. It’s nice to see that it resonates in the world.

Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?
When I was working in the corporate setting as a mother, particularly a young mother, I was often made to feel that my kids had to take a back seat. As a female owner and CEO in a company of female employees, one of my main goals has been to enable a space for both motherhood and a career. The fashion world is still significantly lagging behind in this sense.

What future goals do you have for yourself?
To keep waking up every morning to doing what I love to do best, which is to design and create.