What It Means To Me To Be Named On PSBJ's 40 Under 40 List

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been included on Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list this year. It’s truly a huge honor for me to be included. As a little girl I grew up reading PSBJ, so to be a part of this incredible group is a dream come true.

At Armoire, we’re so inspired by the work that our customers do, and it’s their enthusiasm and support that continually reminds us why what we’ve built is so much more than a clothing rental service. The word “Armor” has the same root as the word “Armoire,” and I like to think of clothing as the armor we as women use as we go out into the world.

Our style has so much capability to show off our strength and our personalities, and we’re incredibly honored to be a part of our customer’s lives everyday as they suit up in their “armor” and go out into the world.

They’re such inspiring moms, CEOs, doctors, researchers, and so much more, and the armor they put on just protects the strength inside.

It’s incredible to see the value we’re able to add to our member's lives. The women in our community are such amazing and successful women, and providing them something they love, something that makes them happy outside of everything else going on in their busy lives, is so amazing to experience. We have women tell us that Armoire has made them more confident in themselves, or given them more time to spend with their families or on their hobbies, which is so fantastic to hear.

It makes me unbelievably proud to see how far Armoire has come, and see the stage we’re at now. The company has a life of its own, and an energy and community around it. It’s no longer just “my thing” or the other co-founder’s “thing,” but an amazing team and network of support. I can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve.

Building Armoire from the roots has taught me so much. One of the most important things I’ve learned through this process is you really live and die by the talent you are able to attract (as cliche as it sounds). Having such motivated, curious, and passionate people on our team is invaluable. It’s been incredible to watch everyone on the team grow, both as a unit and individually, and find a place to flourish within the team.

This recognition from PSBJ really belongs to the Armoire Team. I feel so lucky to work side by side with these women - and a few brave men - everyday. We’ve built something incredible that I’m super proud of. It’s an honor that PBSJ has recognized the value we have been able to build here and bring to women’s lives.

Beyond Armoire, it’s always great to see female founded and fueled companies succeed. There’s a lot of data against female entrepreneurs, whether it’s VC funding or executive roles. It’s so important for female founders not to just look at the numbers and get discouraged. It might seem scary, but there are so many women out there who will come out to support you, and you just have to believe in this. My advice to female founders is this: just start, don’t psych yourself out. If you’re supporting in and investing in the women around you, this tribe will be there for you, too, and you have to believe in that.

I’m so excited that Armoire is helping to create a future where people rent clothing! Armoire gives women a practical way to own an impractical closet. If people are renting more, and owning less, it’s better for everyone - for the environment, for the fashion industry, for women on an individual level. It’s a win all around.

Read more about this recognition and what it means to me on the Armoire blog.