5 Questions with Nicole Giordano (Founder of StartUp FASHION)

by Jessica Tsai

Nicole Giordano is the founder of StartUp FASHION, an online resource and community supporting independent designers around the world with building their businesses. A deep love for the craft of fashion paired with an adamant belief that success is defined by the individual, led her to found StartUp FASHION, where she helps independent designers and makers screw the traditional fashion business rules, create their own paths, and build businesses they truly love. More than anything else, she’s in the business of encouragement and works every day to remind makers and designers that they have something special to offer the world and that they can, in fact, do this thing!

You can find out more about Nicole at https://startupfashion.com and stalk her on insta @startupfashion.

1. What values and principles do you live by?

I believe that we only have one quick life and I want to make the absolute most of it. When I'm making life decisions, I ask myself, "am I doing this because I want to or because I think I'm 'supposed' to?" I let the honest answer to that question guide my decision. 

2. What’s one area in your life you’re actively working on or looking to improve?

Stress levels. When you're running a business it is so easy to fall into the trap of feeling that things are a much bigger deals than they actually are. I worry a lot and that's a problem. I've been meditating, giving myself breaks during the day, and taking walks.

3. What's one new positive habit you've started that has made a big impact on your life?

Mediation is certainly one. But, since I imagine that's probably a popular answer to this question, I will add a second. And that's scheduling a monthly date with myself. Anything from a few hours at my favorite indie bookshop to taking a full day off just to read, the impact that scheduling me-time/down-time has had on my business is major.

4. What is your biggest challenge when trying to be the best version of yourself, and what has helped you overcome it?

Cutting myself some slack when I screw up. I have this tendency hold myself to standards that I wouldn't expect from others. Everyone screws up sometimes and I'm trying to be better at applying that to myself. To do that, I acknowledge out loud that I'm being too hard on myself. And I say, "Stop." I also remind myself of all that I've managed to accomplish so far.

5. What products or resources do you recommend that have helped you get to this point?

Two books that changed a lot for me: Start With Why by Simon Sinek and The EMyth Revisited by Michael E. Gerbger. I love Asana for managing my business and my team. And the MINDBODY app keeps me on track with exercise since I've connected it to my calendar. 

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