Thank you Jewel Toned for sponsoring today's post. Thank you all for supporting brands that support TCM.
Rachael McCrary is the CEO of the women's fashion brand Jewel Toned, which is revolutionizing shapewear for millennials. She's a lifelong entrepreneur, winning seven pitch competitions, and was the first single female founder to raise $1M in 2015. She's dedicated to changing the psychology around shapewear and empowering other startups as an advisor. In this interview, Rachael shares more about her journey as well as some tips for other entrepreneurs:
Tell us a little bit about your career before starting Jewel Toned?
As a life-long entrepreneur, I’ve always had ideas and started businesses. I majored in Fashion Design in College and started my career in New York. I spent over a decade designing lingerie for large companies and brands, such as Target and Maidenform. I’ve always loved lace and tiny details and it always felt natural to talk about bras and undies all day.
What inspired you to start Jewel Toned?
Through my experience of talking to women about their intimates over the years, I noticed shapewear was bumming them out. Either they apologized for wearing it or they were proud of not wearing it. I started Jewel Toned because I wanted to provide foundations that were more appropriate for contemporary fashion. Our clothes are sheer, lace, crochet, off-shoulder, etc. We wear layers and let details peek out to create our own style. Jewel Toned is sexy, fun and goes easily from day to evening. It’s so rare that comfort meets sexy, so we offer women this rare circumstance. No more throwing our shapewear off on a date!
Why is the body positive movement important to you and how can others get involved?
Being body positive means loving the body you have today. As women, we have a tendency to be hard on ourselves and it becomes so normal, we don’t realize how often we do it. We say things to ourselves when we get ready and hope for a day when we have lost 3 pounds/ have bigger or smaller something/look like our friend. 20 years from now, we will yearn for the body we have today. Healthy goals are great, but we need to appreciate our bodies, all they do for us and be present.
'Being body positive means loving the body you have today.'Click To TweetSupport other women. Support all women, even if they look different or have different beliefs than you do. Diversity makes us beautiful and instead of being competitive or being right, be supportive. There is power in abundance which creates more abundance for all.
What have been the biggest challenges for you as an entrepreneur?
So many people told me I couldn't do this and that I needed a “money guy” as a business partner. They said I couldn’t compete with large brands. We’re still here, gaining new customers every day and have had large companies copy us. Raising venture capital is certainly challenging if you look at the statistics. Only 3% percent of VC raised in the US is by women founded companies, let alone single women. Everyone told me I couldn’t do that and I’ve done it 5 times now.
I’m negatively motivated. When someone tells me I can’t do something, my first response is “watch me.” Entrepreneurs break the rules and norms to be successful. When people tell me statistics, I focus on the minority. If they say 97% of companies cannot raise venture capital, I research the 3% instead of focusing on the number. Even if it’s one percent, that means someone did it, so why can’t the next person be me? If it was no one, why not be the first person? Nothing in business is impossible. There is always a way. It’s probably not door 1, 2 or 3 though. You have to cut down a tree, make it into lumber and build your own door.
When someone tells me I can’t do something, my first response is “watch me.”Click To TweetWhat tips do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Always learn first under a mentor. Running a business is usually only 20% your primary skill set and what you like doing. For example, I have two design degrees and three yoga certifications. None of that helps me with most of my day to day duties. I’m the one dealing with the attorneys and accounts and it’s my job to manage them and make sure we’re doing things in a way that works for our company. Make sure you’re ok with that before becoming an entrepreneur. Surround yourself with smart people. When I found a super smart boss, I clung to her through the good and bad. It’s rare to find a true mentor, so when you find it, treasure it and learn all you can. Mentorship only works when it’s cyclical, so make sure you give as much as you get.
It’s rare to find a true mentor, so when you find it, treasure it and learn all you can.Click To TweetWhat do you think about work-life balance?
Dr. Douglas Brooks suggested I swap out the word alignment for balance when people ask me that. Work until you feel like working. Play until you feel like playing. Being aligned with what works for your life and body may not fall in a 9-5 schedule. Work is so different these days too. We are always connected, so it's easy to always be working. Make sure you really, truly love that thing and it’s your right path.
Love your career and it will reward you. If you ever look at work like trading time for money, you won’t end up with very much money. Trade results for money and you’ll get more of both. This is why I love startups. If the company works, all employees are rewarded at the end, essentially making all the employees are entrepreneurs. The roller-coaster is long and goes upside down but who wants to be on a merry-go-round?
If you ever look at work like trading time for money, you won’t end up with very much money. Click To TweetThe life of an entrepreneur isn’t always an easy one, how do you stay inspired and focused?
I love innovation, new ideas and thought leaders. I love learning and the ever-changing nature of my startup. Being an entrepreneur is the prime example of the American dream and what’s great about this country.
Do you have any plans or projects in the works?
Yes! New gorgeous products and A-list celebrity collaborations later this year.
Rachael McCrary is the CEO of the women’s fashion ecommerce and wholesale brand, Jewel Toned. A lingerie expert and fashion industry veteran, she is first a life-long entrepreneur. She has a knack for discovering white space in the apparel industry. Her current brand disrupts the entire shapewear industry by doing the opposite of what all others do. With 20 years of experience, she brought the body-positive brand to life.
She is a startup advisor, life coach, yoga teacher and was the first female founder to raise $1Million in 2015. She currently resides in Los Angeles, where she turns ideas into brands.
Twitter @rachaelbydesign Instagram @jeweltoned
Omg, LOVE that she pointed out that trading time for money won’t get you much money. And it’s so true! When you’re results oriented you get so much more! Love that she’s pushed back against all the negative people–truly an inspiration!!
Thank you for this inspiration! I too love that she points out trading time for money won’t get you more money. We sometimes forget that.
These tips are great.. really inspiring post. Thank you for the interview xx
I love what she said about being an entrepreneur and always learning. I feel like the landscape of the internet and technology changes so much we all have to constantly learn new things!
I’m negatively motivated too, which is odd because I’m not a very competitive person by nature but as soon as someone says I can’t do something I’m like, “I’ll show you!”
Wonderful interview and excellent tips! Thank you!
Absolutely love this! I love her mindset and how inspiring she is. Thank you so much for sharing!
She is so inspiring! This has definitely motivated me to take more steps towards being an entrepreneur, especially finding a good mentor!
Love what she’s all about! Always great reading about a new #bosslady
Prerana | http://broadcloth.co
This is such an inspirational interview! I love how she said ‘negatively motivated’ that is very similar to the way I work!
She sounds amazing! I love that she values the body positive!
I love interviews like these! And I too am negatively motivated. I love how she worded that. Hearing someone tell me I can’t do something always motivates me to prove them wrong. It makes those achievements even more important and worth it.
I absolutely love Rachael’s positive brand promotion of embracing the body you have. She is one amazing lady. Thank you for sharing your interview with her and introducing me to the Jewel Toned brand.
This is such a great post! Love seeing real women’s experience starting their own businesses — seeing a need and filling it so beautifully!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
I love reading stories of strong, smart, fierce, driven women like this!!
I was hooked from the first word. Loved this interview! She is so inspiring. And I love that she is all for looking at oneself in a positive light. We are too harsh on ourselves and most certainly need to be kinder to not only ourselves but to one another. Great post!!
I really enjoyed this interview – definitely my favorite of all so far. Loved the tone and genuineness. So going to check Jewel Toned out some more right now!
Ooh I love Q+A’s! They have such a down-to-earth vibe and I always feel like I get to know the person a bit more personally than I would in a more journalistic article. I’d love to see more like this on your blog 🙂
I absolutely loved this post. And the thoughts on being body-positive with the body you have NOW speaks to my soul. I’m definitely wanting to check out Jewel Toned and their products now! Thank you 🙂
Ok. I love this. The positivity, the product, the female empowerment! I am so on board with this interview, post, woman and product. Thanks Rachel!!
I LOVED reading this interview, I hope you have some more planned cause I would love to read other interviews like this! Also, Rachael is so inspiring and I loved her point about working until you feel like working and play until you feel like playing! It is so true 🙂
I loved learning more about Jewel Toned. This was such a great and inspiring interview.
“When someone tells me I can’t do something, my first response is, ‘Watch me.'” LOVEEEE that quote so much and it has truly applied to me recently. It gives me motivation to work harder to show that’s person I CAN. ❤️
“Watch me” – love that!! What a great interview!!
Loved this post! So inspiring!
Omg so inspiring. I loved the part when she talked about how many people told her she COULDN’T. Gotta keep persisting!
Your post breaths inspiration from the beginning to the end. I love the entrepreneurship mindset and you have it all.
Persistence is the key to success and can be really hard, but in the end its worth hands down.
it was refreshing reading rachael’s tip about working under a mentor & her honesty in admitting that she didn’t know-it-all, there were things to learn. I feel like lots of entrepreneurs don’t expose that side of themselves. it’s no wonder she’s achieved the things she has w/ such character (and drive)! x, nicole // http://www.nicoleeigh.com
This is a great interview and I’m inspired by Rachael’s attitude. I love her perspective on body image and supporting other women.
This is awesome! I love Rachael’s outlook and her persistence!
She sounds awesome! I’m excited to see her future collabs.
-Alix
How inspiring! Love hearing from amazing leaders in the industry like Rachael! Really like here thoughts on work-life balance too!
I’ve never heard of Jewel Toned but I like Rachel’s positivity towards her industry!!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
She sounds awesome! I do the same thing if someone tells me I can’t do something – I tell them just watch me. It is such a powerful motivator for me as crazy as that is!
Interesting interview! I love how persistent Rachael is – truly inspiring!
Carrie | http://carrieeliseandkho.com/
These are great tips! I’ve never heard of this brand before, but I’m excited to check it out!
I really like Rachael’s tips about work life balance, I DO think balance is important but I don’t think that necessarily means a typical 9-5 schedule for everyone. Balance can mean different things for different people. I don’t really consider myself an entrepreneurial person but I think a lot of this advice can apply to anyone! (:
It’s true you are the sum of the people you hang around most. Hanging around smart people, even of all different ages, is inspiring and motivating. I love that you are interviewing business women and sharing their journey.
This is such an awesome post! I def feel her pain on people insisting she needs a “money guy,” I’ve heard that so many times before. Love that she ignored it!
Thank you for this inspiring post full of entrepreneurial wisdom. I love the ideas of working under a mentor and that work/life balance doesn’t always mean 9-5. Instead of balance, I seek harmony between the different elements of my life and allow myself to switch work hours around however I want as long as I get the work done.
Mentorship is so, so important! I’ve learned a ton from mentors that weren’t even in my field. This shapewear is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this interview.
I definitely agree that you are who you surround yourself with. Having smart, kind, courageous (whatever you are looking for) people shape who you evolve into. If you are surrounding yourself with lazy, unmotivated people who constantly hand things in late, it rub off on you. If not, it sure as hell will piss you off!
These are great tips to read, especially as a business owner. I love the interview too!
This was so great to read. I love inspiring women and Rachael is just that. I’m really motivated after reading her tips and experiences. 🙂
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
Wow that’s awesome that she was the first female founder to raise $1 million in 2015!! I love reading interviews from inspiring people!
Ah how cool! It’s so nice to hear stories from successful female entrepreneurs!
Ah how cool! It’s so nice to hear stories from successful female entrepreneurs!
This is so inspiring!! It makes me want to be rich all over again haha
Just WOW! Rachel McCrary sure is a girlboss. Had a lovely time reading her views on entrepreneurship. 🙂 I’m going to look out for her brand for sure.
Love,
Manavi
http://www.beforbeauty.com
This was such an amazing read! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Rachel!
She is incredible such an inspiration to women.
I love her positivity and her “there is enough room for everyone at the table,” mindset! The world needs more women entrepreneurs like her!!
Love her outlook and reading more on here! She sounds like the total girl boss!!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink
I think “Nothing in business is impossible. There is always a way. It’s probably not door 1, 2 or 3 though. You have to cut down a tree, make it into lumber and build your own door.” is one of my new favorite quotes. I always think that there is a solution to every problem you encounter and it’s up to you to find it!
I LOVE her quote about body positivity being loving the body you have TODAY. Not the body you once had or wish you had…but TODAY! So powerful!!
Coming Up Roses
I think these types of interview posts are absolutely inspirational-I love learning all I can from girl bosses!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
I loved reading about Rachael’s journey and how she’s one badass lady! I completely agree with what she said about work-life balance being more of an alignment!
I love the posts like this, great advice and inspiring!
Okay she sounds like such an amazing girl boss! Love how she stands up for body positivity!