Reflecting on the Female Founders in Fashion Panel

By Dakota Rose

This past Tuesday, SMU Look welcomed six influential female leaders in fashion to campus: Lindsay Rust Perper, Tinsley Merrill Paul, Fallon Bock, Lilly Sisto, Sai Sankoh and Kasey Lemkin. Each brought flair, passion and personal style, sporting a variety of looks from patchwork denim skirts to ruffle-trimmed asymmetrical dresses. Students and fashion enthusiasts gathered in the elegant Jones Grand Atrium of the SMU Owens Fine Arts Center, which was filled with excited chatter in contrast to its usual quiet atmosphere during school hours. Seven chairs awaited the esteemed guests. As the speakers took their seats, the room quieted down, and the panel discussion, led by staff member Monet Manesh, began.

A big theme throughout the evening, across the board, was capital “S” Support. Each of our special guests spoke at length about the importance of having a supportive and passionate team.

 

A big theme throughout the evening, across the board, was capital “S” Support. Each of our special guests spoke at length about the importance of having a supportive and passionate team.

“I do believe in a great support system,” said Sai Sankoh, founder of luxury brand Sai Sankoh. Sankoh opened up about feeling like she was the only person who could do it right, so she started out doing everything herself. Luckily, she realized that was not helpful on the path to success. “When someone is good at something, let them ride with it. These people will help build your business, not take away from it” Sankoh said. 

Kasey Lemkin, founder of Partlow Boots, spoke to the importance of putting yourself out there as a valuable team member as well as building your own team. “You have to humble yourself and say ‘I don’t know everything, so I am going to ask,’ just like I did when I started in fashion” admitted Lemkin. She encourages her listeners to ask questions because that is how you learn. Working in fashion “is not an easy journey but it is a rewarding journey,” she said.

Tinsley Merrill Paul, founder of HerStory and an SMU graduate, advised atendees to start making connections and building a team now. “Take advantage of professors at SMU and keep your connections with them after graduating. SMU is one of the most connected schools and you don’t even realize [it]” Paul said. She encourages young entrepreneurs to reach out, make the call, write the email and speak to people face to when you have the opportunity to. “This is the time [in your life] when entrepreneurs have been in your same place. They want to help you and can help you,” Paul continued.

Influencer, designer and an SMU Grad, Lilly Sisto echoed this sentiment: “Do not be afraid to cold email, DM or reach out. You have to put yourself out there. The next five years of your career will be crazy but they will be worth it. Be hard-working, don’t complain and be nice. People want to hire people like that.”

While I was basking in advice and guidance from these amazing women throughout the whole evening, my favorite piece of wisdom came from Fallon Bock, the founder of Fallon B by Bachendorf’s. When asked what advice she had for aspiring women in the industry, she said “You have to be a duck. You can swim under the water’s surface but on top, you’re floating. Be calm and firm on the outside. Be extremely hard working under the surface.” Success comes from staying level-headed, reflecting before responding, and working hard. “No one will be a bigger advocate for yourself than you are. If you have something to say, say it, because no one else will say it for you” Bock advised attendees. This resonated with me because I agree it is so important to stand up for what you believe in and claim your space with grace.

Read more at SMU Look.