‘You never do anything for nothing, because consciously and unconsciously the lessons I learned at those companies helped me start up my own company.’
Simone van Trojen was unable to find the perfect multifunctional dress in 2006. She decided to develop that dress herself and that’s how LaDress started. LaDress has now grown into a real fashion household name. In the latest Marie Claire, Simone shares some of her career lessons.
Do something that matches your ‘True North’
“This lesson comes from Harvard professor Bill George. He encourages everyone to find his or her ‘true north’. This is your higher purpose, the one that inspires you and makes the world a more beautiful place. It gives direction to your life and helps you determine your course. This principle appeals to me, because I know from my own experience how much fun it is to follow your passion. As my mother always says: your work is no longer ‘just’ your work, but something that makes your life interesting. This does not mean that you have to enjoy your work every day, bad days are also part of it. As long as you ultimately know who you are and what you want, and are willing to go for it and invest in it.”
Think about what you need yourself
“LaDress started from my own need for a timeless dress that was washable and wrinkle-free and could be combined with everything. The response to that first dress in four colors was so good that we have grown into a much larger label with a complete collection of trousers, suits, party dresses and more. I think it’s great that we can completely relieve our customers of their worries. Of course, you should never just do anything, but take the leap well prepared at some point. And that must be something that you fully support, for which you are willing to give up a lot.”
Keep learning and stay curious
“I studied law and then worked at a law firm and in television. I had a fantastic time there. I became acquainted with the different dynamics at companies and learned something different everywhere. Even though my heart wasn’t completely there in the end, I made sure I always remained curious and interested and absorbed everything very well. You never do anything for nothing, because consciously and unconsciously the lessons I learned at those companies helped me start my own company.”
Curious about more career lessons from Simone van Trojen? You can read the entire interview with the LaDress founder in the latest Marie Claire. Now in store!
Source: Marie Claire (Mariska Vermeulen)| Image: LaDress
