We’re looking forward to introducing you to LISA MCFADDEN. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning LISA, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes. On a few occasions when things were a bit overwhelming, I embraced what I call the ‘Season of No’. As the brand’s primary sales person, I believe the client experience is as important as the product. That said, I think in every dedicated salesperson is a little mix of people pleaser and an eye for opportunity. Quite the combination. Wanting the experience to be positive leaves a lot of room for compromise and fast decisions. That’s when slowing down to tell yourself a silent no sets you up for a thoughtful, purposeful decision making process by taking the time needed to weigh options and benefits for you and the other party. To make it a win-win when things are a bit overwhelming, I have embraced the season of ‘no’.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lisa McFadden, designer of the LISAMCFADDEN MILLINERY headwear brand located in Bronx, NY. I’ve always loved fashion and all that’s adjacent, so my professional background in the apparel industry naturally led me to accessories. I’m mostly known for the CRUSH Cap; a super versatile travel hat that has garnered collectors for over 20 years. It’s a nice introduction to the other hat experiences I provide because it looks great on everyone even those who don’t consider themselves hat people.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was finding the exact color match to a specific shade of peachy/brown in a wildly printed shirt. It seemed like every female member of my family was on the hunt for pants that matched it in a huge shopping center. I was probably eight, so it seemed huge. And I found it. With just one glance at the print the colors were seared into my memory. So, I went on the hunt and to everyone’s surprise, I found it. The prefect match to the oddest color. Everyone made a big deal about it. A super power was discovered and I felt special. I’d loved fashion, evident in my little sketches, but that day my destiny in fashion was sealed.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Early on, about two years after launching the brand I found myself in a very discombobulated state while visiting a prospective retailer. Feeling very overwhelmed, I just broke down. Thoughts of perhaps having to return to corporate fashion to pay my bills left me feeling very anxious. My sales pitch turned cry fest were met with genuine interest and empathy. As a small business owner she knew the struggles of my journey. She and a friend calmy talked me down and the result was a ‘no’ to my old life which turned into a yes for my business. I will always remember their kindness and entrepreneurial insight.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Building a successful business and exploring all my interests no matter how large, small, fleeting or in depth. I don’t have to excel in every endeavor, I just have to try.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Legacy is not only what you build and leave behind physically. I think legacy is a constant work in progress affecting intangible areas of life that can only be summed up by those who’s life you touched. Life is fluid and unpredictable, so, it’s hard to say what people might think of me after I’m gone or what I’ll do in the future. What I can speak to is what I have regretted not doing; spending more time with family and friends. Still not sure if there are regrets because what I did and did not do brought me to this moment. A place where I feel happy and fortunate to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisamcfadden.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamcfaddenmillinery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
Image Credits
Courtesy of Lisa McFadden
Victor Mirontschuk
Alicia Appleton
Jordi-Lakeen Foster
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