037 - Fashioning a Life of Passion and Purpose with Designer Cynthia Rowley

Today on the podcast we have an amazing conversation with a truly inspiring guest to share with you! Fashion designer, business owner, and author. Cynthia Rowley has built an enviable career and life through hard work and dedication to her passion and practice. In our chat, we get to hear about the bigger picture and some of the finer details too. Cynthia talks about her early attraction to fashion, and desire to express herself in ways that she did not see in her small hometown in Illinois. We also get to discuss staying on the edge of fear and uncertainty, and why it is so vital to continue to explore the unknown. One of the main themes that comes through in this conversation, and in all of Cynthia's initiatives, is her authentic involvement and commitment to her brand and work; for her, the business has always been about more than just making money! So, to hear it all and catch a glimpse of a real-life unicorn, be sure to listen in with us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to today's guest, Cynthia Rowley, and her background in fashion.
• Cynthia's childhood years in Illinois and her early trend towards mismatched fashion and creativity.
• Applying to art school and the move to New York after college.
• The aspirations of freedom and creativity that Cynthia had on arrival in New York.
• Growth in her company and the support that Cynthia received from her parents.
• The pivot that Cynthia and her company made away from stocking wholesalers.
• Growing into the role and identity of a designer.
• Cynthia's experiences of motherhood and how this impacted her life's trajectory.
• The importance that Cynthia places on living mindfully and in the present!
• Unpacking Cynthia's decision to use herself as the name and face of her brand.
• Expanding into authorship and a little about the books that Cynthia has written.
• Creating your own rewards and celebrating personal wins on a daily basis.
• Authentically bringing a vision to life through hard work and commitment.
• How Cynthia has been able to balance her creative passion with business acumen.
• Cynthia's passion for traveling and leaning into different experiences.
• A message from Cynthia about the rewards of hard work!

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Cynthia Rowley

Swell: A Girl's Guide to the Good Life

Cynthia Rowley on Twitter

Potential to Powerhouse

Tracy Holland on Instagram