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"It's been almost a decade since Tory Burch launched her eponymous brand. But back then, it was \"just\" a fashion label. Now Tory Burch is a household name, offering everything from shoes to handbags to makeup to fragrance, and (if the rumors are true) an upcoming foray into the menswear and activewear arenas.\n\nYes, Tory is easily one of the industry's most influential people\u2014she even holds a spot on the CFDA's Board of Directors. It might be surprising, then, that she wasn't exactly born knowing this was her destiny.\n\n\"I majored in art history,\" the University of Pennsylvania grad says. \"But I became interested in fashion, too. About a week before I graduated, I interviewed with a designer named Zoran. He said, 'You can have the job if you start on Monday.' I moved to New York a few days later.\"\n\nIt was on-the-ground experience at a slew of covetable labels that groomed her for success: \"Marketing and branding at Ralph Lauren, expanding into new categories at Vera Wang, fit and silhouette at Loewe with Narciso Rodriguez. I took away something invaluable from each role, which eventually led me to start my own brand.\"\n\nNow, said brand is everywhere. (In fact, you probably have a pair of her iconic flats in your closet right now.) And her celebrity allegiances are legendary, with fans like Lauren Conrad and Emma Roberts often spotted in her feminine designs. Just this week Kiernan Shipka tweeted her admiration for Tory's new fragrance, which she describes as \"tomboy-meets-feminine\" thanks to ingredients like vetiver and tuberose.\n\nBut with such a massive brand, one has to wonder: How does she keep it all together? \"Finding balance is difficult,\" Tory admits. \"I've found a way to make things more manageable by prioritizing, focusing on time management, and setting boundaries. Sometimes that means rescheduling a meeting.\"\n\nEven though she always looks picture-perfect with her golden-blonde hair, smart sartorial sensibility, and majorly gorgeous (and envy-inducing) Instagram, rough patches do exist. \"There are challenges every day,\" she says. \"The key is how you respond. Acknowledge them, make a change, and move forward.\"\n\nWith a philosophy like that, it's no wonder Tory is at the top of her game. But even with a view from above, she hasn't lost sight of what's important. For International Women's Day, the brand is once again going beyond the call of duty. \"Social responsibility was part of our business plan and woven into the fabric of our company,\" Tory explains.\n\nThese efforts do one major thing: empower female entrepreneurs. You can help the leaders of tomorrow yourself by picking up the special rollerball edition of Tory's signature eau de parfum\u201450% of the purchase price will be donated to her foundation.\n\nAnd speaking of working women, Tory has some sage words of wisdom for girls who are starting out in their careers. (Hey, we're looking at you!) First? There's no replacement for old-fashioned hard work\u2014it's essential to being successful. Second, ask for what you deserve. Women often shy away from asking for a promotion or a raise, but it's important to know and communicate your value! Third, treat everyone with respect. Oh, and lastly? \"Follow your passions and have fun!\""^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.teenvogue.com/story/tory-burch-advice>