Tori Gerbig is the co-founder and CEO of Pink Lily, one of the fastest growing online fashion retailers in America. In three short years Pink Lily has generated more than $30 million in sales, employs 23 full-time staff, and recently moved into a 25,000 square foot warehouse - all without taking on any outside investment. Tori co-founded the company with her husband Chris, who she met working at the same restaurant while attending Western Kentucky University. Prior to launching Pink Lily, Tori worked in insurance sales. She and her husband currently reside in Bowling Green, KY with their two children.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
My parents taught me that hard work and work ethic are the only things that put everybody on a level playing field in the workforce. Hard work is something we are all capable of, regardless of how much money you have, what school you went to, or where you grew up. This mindset has made me the hard worker that I am. When my daughter was born I only took two days off work!
How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Pink Lily?
I worked in sales for four years at an insurance company, which gave me a sales-minded attitude. I’m constantly setting sales goals for the company to reach.
What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Pink Lily?
The kind of rapid growth we have seen at Pink Lily can be difficult. It comes with increased responsibilities, stress, inventory management issues, employee relations and the continual need to stay current with the latest fashion trends. That said the highlights of being self employed, the financial security it provides and the fact that I shop for a living, all make it worthwhile. I get paid to buy clothes!
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?
Be prepared to work extremely hard. This isn’t an 8am – 5pm job. Some people may or may not be supportive of your decision so just keep your eyes on the prize and keep pushing forward.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?
Listen to your customers. Don’t get too comfortable in your success. Always be willing to improve, change or adapt as needed.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I make time to unplug every night until my kids go to bed. It helps me focus on other more important things for a few hours. I also try to exercise regularly.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
The biggest issue is the way women perceive themselves in the workplace. I wanted to prove that women can do anything so I started a business and grew it into a multi-million dollar business. All it takes is the right mindset and attitude to accomplish your goals.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
I actually don’t have any mentors. I had to learn everything myself and figure things out by trial and error.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
Lauren Conrad, she started a successful clothing company and has really grown her brand over the last few years.
What do you want Pink Lily to accomplish in the next year?
I look forward to successfully opening our first flagship retail store, reaching $20million in annual sales and growing our total social media followers to two million!