For Katrina, following her dream was just the beginning. Ten years, two kids, and over $7 billion in total sales later, the entrepreneur-turned-CEO continues to inspire us. With a focus on representation and equity, she has built a diverse board, team and is industry-leading in pay equity. Her business model is more sustainable than existing retail with zero brick and mortar stores, and has made investments like Elevate, a grant and mentorship program that promotes diversity in the fashion industry by helping Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs grow their businesses, just a few reasons that keep us following Katrina’s lead (and her Instagram- @katrinalake).
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I get to learn every day. Having a challenging job also means lots of opportunities to grow, to be humbled, to be wrong. I also feel so lucky to get to access so many sources of inspiration, I get so much energy from getting to meet incredible entrepreneurs/designers like Autumn.
What is your passion project and how do you support it?
I’m really passionate about leveraging my role and influence to help create a more inclusive and equitable world. I faced so many biases and challenges in my career due at least in part to the inequity of the world we live in and I’d love to see more and more people of different backgrounds be successful. I do some mentoring and angel investing and am really committed to diverse founding teams. I love helping people recruit diverse talent. While I haven't set up a couple that has gotten married, I have set up people with companies and I love that matchmaking.
What is your superpower? What is the one trait/skill that has helped you get where you are/makes you different from everyone else?
Authenticity and leading with vulnerability. I’m not more experienced or smarter, but I can be real.
No matter how far your dreams take you, what is the one thing about you and your life that you would never change?
My family first and foremost, they have been there for me through good and bad and I feel incredibly lucky. I also really value and love the diversity of cultures and food that I get such close proximity to here in California.
When do you feel you are the most balanced?
I think balanced is a bit of a challenged notion - especially now, we are living such a blended life. I feel my best at work when I’m feeling my best at home and my best in my health, and I see my job as making sure that I’m doing what I need to do to show up my best every day - as a mom, a CEO, as a friend. I feel my best when I’m getting good sleep, spending time outdoors, and getting meaningful time with my family and the people I work with.
What is your favorite Autumn Adeigbo piece?
So hard to pick just one! My most worn is definitely my yellow floral headband. My Tracy skirt and blouse are awesome together but I also wear them frequently as separates, I love the blouse with jeans and the skirt with a tee- it’s been a super versatile set in my closet. Same with my Cricket top and pants - those pants have been getting a lot of wear, just as comfortable as my sweats but so much more chic!
What is your Astrological sign? What is your favorite sign and why?
Capricorn. My husband is Pisces which I think is a great sign, I wish I had more Pisces traits, more of the creative and water vibes.
What is your favorite book, movie, TV show, or song?
A few books I’ve read and loved recently - Queenie, Transcendent Kingdom, Memorial - all fiction. For music I’m into Kylie Minogue’s album Disco right now.
What is your personal motto/mantra?
Work with people you love. People who challenge you, who make you better, people you'd want to have by your side in good times but especially the hard times.
