REAL LIFE ROSIE

http://www.scottyfashion.com/

My name is Bethany Scott. I’m the founder and owner of Scotty Fashion LLC. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fashion Design. After six years working in the fashion industry in NYC, working for such iconic American designers as Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, and Tory Burch, I decided to strike out on my own and create my own American brand.

What inspires you? I’m inspired by American surf culture, nautical designs, and the ever-changing nature of New York City.

Do you have a favorite quote? A lyric from a Dolly Parton song: “It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.” I have it posted on my bulletin board next to my desk to remind me to always stay true to myself and my goals regardless of the world around me trying to discourage that.

What are the most pressing issues facing women today? There are too many to pick, but my top two facing women in this country are: the wage gap and maternity leave policies at companies. Women get paid less on the assumption that they will get married, have kids, and drop out of the workforce, and American corporate culture does so much to discourage women from having lives outside of work. A woman shouldn’t be asked to choose which is more important: family or work. The two can go side by side with one enhancing the other.

What are the biggest keys to your success? I work hard when I’m my own boss because my actual livelihood depends on how much product I can sell. I also always remember to be kind. Kindness and trustworthiness are the keys to any business relationship, and that can be so often forgotten. If someone likes you and trusts you, they are more likely to go out of their way to help you out with something and give you a good deal. It’s all rooted in the personal relationships with vendors and customers.

What are the biggest keys to the advancement or success of women? I think that women have to develop thicker skin than men. We have to remain resilient even when we are rejected or told “no.” Because at some point it’s a statistic, and for every several “no”’s you get, you’ll get the one “yes” that can make your whole week.

Where did the inspiration for your business come from? I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. My parents built four different businesses in different industries from the ground up, so I witnessed that success and determination my entire life. After working in the fashion industry for six years, I decided I wanted to have my own brand that is manufactured entirely in the United States. Right now it’s just bags, but I want to source the very best domestic manufacturers and branch into different categories eventually.

Where is your product sold (if applicable)? www.scottyfashion.com

What advice do you have for a woman who is considering starting a business? Be tough and believe in your ideas. I’m in the beginning stages of this process, and since I started telling people my idea, I’ve had countless strangers and friends alike tell me that it won’t work, that it’s not worth it. But I’m going ahead with it because I truly believe in this idea.

What are the biggest hurdles you have faced in starting or growing your business? How did you overcome these? Finding the first retailers is proving to be a challenge. I haven’t overcome this yet, but every day I keep reminding myself that I’m brand new and none of these stores know who I am. So I just have to get out there and introduce myself and then they’ll know what I’m all about.