Never forget that you only have one opportunity to make a first impression - with investors, with customers, with PR, and with marketing.

My dad taught me never to be afraid of what's on the other side of the mountain.

I think the fashion industry was slightly put off by people they didn't know. They were presented with things like 20-gatefold color brochures.

The power of your thoughts can influence how events turn out. I'm a positive person - when bad things happen, I can see the silver lining. As a result I think I am very lucky, even though I probably have as much bad luck as anyone else, and that translates into seeing opportunity.

Always go into meetings or negotiations with a positive attitude. Tell yourself you're going to make this the best deal for all parties.

I don't have a mentor in the strict definition. I take as much advice and inspiration as I can from the people I am close to.

I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with an English literature degree and travelled for a year before going to work.