Tuesdaynights is an invite-only collaborative community of female executives and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Tuesdaynights provides an opportunity to meet other interesting women from such diverse industries as fashion, ecommerce, technology and mobile, media, consumer products, PR, advertising, nonprofit, venture capital and entertainment. Each event features different themes, with as a host or panel and female leaders in their fields to share insights, as well as a nonprofit affecting the lives of women or girls, who will share how they are making a difference.
Susan Feldman
Co-founder, One Kings Lane
When native New Yorker Susan Feldman moved to California she became obsessed with decorating her home. With an extensive background in the apparel industry, Susan watched the flash sale model take over. She combined her love for home decor and the success of this new distribution channel. Soon after, One Kings Lane was born.
Susan is best known as co-founder and chief merchandising officer at One Kings Lane. Her passion for travel and immersing herself in other cultures, reflect the exciting and unique products that she finds. One Kings Lane has become the destination for home décor. With over 9 million members, 50% up from the previous year, CEO Doug Mack is expecting to reach $300 million in sales for 2013.
What inspires you?
Traveling has always inspired me. I love exploring new places and learning about their art, history and culture. Meeting and spending time with people from different places and cultures is always very inspiring. I have been so fortunate since starting One Kings Lane to travel to many, many places that I had never been before like Morocco, India, Turkey and China. I continue to be amazed every time I go on a trip how invigorated I am by immersing myself in other cultures.
Who has had the most impact in your life?
It would have to be my father. He was so passionate about life. He taught me that you must always be curious and never stop learning. He was a retailer -- so that's in my blood. He reinvented himself three times. After retiring at 65 years young from Macy's where he was a senior executive, he went on to become a very successful commercial real estate broker. But that wasn't enough so at age 78 he went back to school to get his Masters in Fine Art degree, which he earned at 80! It is amazing to watch your 80 year old dad walk down the aisle in cap and gown to get his diploma! He spent the last eight years of his life painting up a storm. I learned so much from him. He was so excited about One Kings Lane. When we launched he used to scan the site every morning at 8am when we went live and call me if anything was wrong. He only got to see the first three months of One Kings Lane but I am so glad that he did. It made him very proud. And that made me very proud.
What is the hardest lesson you've had to learn?
It took some time for me to realize that not everything had to be perfect and that actually getting things done well was better than taking more time and striving for perfection. Once I figured this out I discovered I was able to become much more productive in all aspects of my life.
What cause(s) or nonprofit(s) do you support?
My family supports two organizations, one local, the other global. A Place Called Home, based in South Central Los Angeles, is a safe haven for children from that area. Its goal is to get as many of these children to college. It is an amazing place that empowers these underserved children to take charge of their lives. Seeds of Peace brings together exceptional youth and young adults from regions of conflict such as the Middle East and inspires and equips them with the relationships, understanding and skills needed to help create and sustain a lasting peace.
What is your favorite city and why?
It is impossible to name just one! What I love are cities that provide me a new and different experience each time I visit. I see new neighborhoods, I eat in new restaurants, I explore new destinations. Lately I have been loving Jaipur (India), Paris, the Grand Canyon, Istanbul and even my own home city of Los Angeles.
To read the rest of the TuesdayNights interview with Susan Feldman visit the Get Inspired section.