I don’t know about you, but few things in life stress me out more than packing – and I’ve found myself having to do a lot of packing lately (not complaining, I LOVE traveling, but that doesn’t make the putting my life together in a suitcase for a week part any less anxiety provoking).
I’m always like, “Okay Allyn, let’s only pack what we need, plan outfits out beforehand, and not have to sit to close the suitcase”. (My recent New York Fashion Week adventure really did a number on my suitcase, it has some battle wounds and a large rip sidelining the zipper… whoops.)
Entrepreneur Sarah Yonover (above) has innovated quite the hypnotizing product to combat such situations! HipKnoTies is 30 styles power packed into one garment. Yes you read that correctly – one piece, 30 ways. Need I say more? Your HipKnoTies is 20% off with code GemNation20!
I’ll be telling you more about the product as soon as I continue to post the rest of my fashion week outfits (here’s a preview! – this is the Multi Way Midi Dress in teal), but in the meantime, I want to introduce you to the mastermind and incredibly inspiring woman behind the brand.
HipKnoTies is about more than convenience, it’s a lifestyle evoking confidence and self-love. Sarah’s commitment to empowering women, of every age and every size, shines through in every aspect of her business, personality, and digital presence, which I truly admire. It’s an honor to introduce you to her!
1. HipKnoTies is such a brilliant idea! What moment in time ignited the spark in you to create this type of convertible, cute, and functional garment? What’s your driving force as an entrepreneur?
I have always been a very hard working person. Even as an employee for other companies, I would put 100% plus of my efforts into what I was doing as if I were the owner of the company.
I developed HipKnoTies by accident. During the summer of 2011, when I was traveling to New York, I was determined to only bring carry on luggage. Being limited as to what I could pack, I took my infinity scarf and began to twist and tie it using rubber bands. Almost effortlessly, I was able to create a one-shoulder dress, a halter-top, a wrap, a vest, a maxi skirt and more. I asked my kids to take pictures of me in the different ways and texted them to friends and family. No one realized that they were the same garment just styled differently.
The next day I woke up and was at the fabric store. Within an hour I was sitting at the kitchen table creating my first HipKnoTies! Literally, I only brought HipKnoTies with me on my trip!
2. What is your main motivation that gets you out of bed in the morning on the days where you feel overwhelmed?
Not allowing myself to be afraid. Perseverance goes a long way. Nothing comes easily, but if you want something bad enough, you just do it. The more you put yourself out there, the more vulnerable you will become… and that is a hard balance. I am going through that now. At the end of the day, loving yourself, being true to yourself, and enthusiasm go a very long way and people respond to that.
[Tweet “”Being true to yourself and enthusiasm go a very long way and people respond to that.””]Everyone has limited time and resources and people are smart. So for me, it’s about being myself, and being proud of who I am and what I do.
3. What are your shortcuts to successfully handle frustration and stress?
Honestly, I am a pretty optimistic person, so I don’t allow myself to get frustrated or stressed. Of course there are the moments that it will happen, and I take a step away, shift my focus, and come back with a more clear perspective.
4. How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started?
Being an entrepreneur is all about being confident. People will try and shut you down, but you have to continue and forge ahead and believe in what you are doing. You need to follow the path and stay on course.
I have also learned to listen, ask questions, and don’t rely upon others to get work done for you. I am involved in all aspects of my business and will continue to be regardless of the growth of the company. I have never just turned things over to someone else and had them do the work for me. I have literally learned more about business in the 5 years since the inception of HipKnoTies than I did getting my MBA. I have always had this mantra that if I were to be the only one left on the planet, I would survive because I would know how to survive.
5. Top 3 places on the globe that you haven’t conquered yet but would love to?
6. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
7. If you could have given yourself a piece of knowledge or advice when you first started, what would it be?
To be confident, love yourself, and stay true to what you believe. It is such a simple concept that can be overlooked. Too often we look to others for self-validation. While other people can make us feel good about ourselves, we need to find the inner love first. If you don’t like yourself or believe in yourself, why should someone else? Confidence is contagious.
