Sally LaPointe is perfect proof that with some determination and resilience, anything is possible. LaPointe is a woman who stays true to her vision no matter how much she is discouraged. She entered the fashion industry knowing very little but with hard work, taught herself how to grow a successful business. She pays tribute to the women who paved the way for her to have the opportunity to build a brand on her own terms.

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

From day one you have to learn to be resilient. You have to be able to identify things for what they are, choose to take the good from it and move forward – no matter what.

Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?

Diana Vreeland.  Her quote “Never fear being vulgar, only boring” is something that has stuck with me, and something I identify with at my core.  Her unapologetic view and fierce fight is something that’s really inspiring to me. This quote is something that I keep in my back pocket in times of doubt.

What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?

I am most proud about the founding of my company.  I entered into this industry knowing nothing, and knowing no one.  Everything that I know about the industry, outside of design, has been self-taught fueled by the passion in my heart.  Being in my position, you hear a lot of noise, a lot of people telling you how to do things and that you “need” to do it in a certain way.  I never understood that theory, and therefore really stuck to my guns and did it my own way and from the gut.  For this, I feel very honest in my work.  It’s a great reward to be able to feel like yourself.

Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?

I believe that the way women’s roles have changed over the past few decades has had a big impact on where I am today.  I was able to start my own company, and therefore really design my whole life around what I wanted to do.  I don’t think this kind of opportunity was as expected a few decades ago.  I like the idea of women paving the way for others, and I would thank those pioneering women from the past for the opportunities that are at my fingertips today.

What future goals do you have for yourself? 

I want to continue to build my life and career how I want to.  I hate rules, so when you take that idea out of the picture, anything is possible.  It excites me to think about the opportunities ahead, while remaining true to myself.