Many business owners we’ve spoken with didn’t start with a huge team on day one. They had to learn how to be a good boss, but the problem is the books on leadership are often highly theoretical and so we wanted to hear practical examples of what it means to be a good boss. So, we asked some brilliant, insightful folks to share stories about the best bosses they’ve had.
Cassidy Longcrier
Hands down, Ben and Justin Hudgins and their manager Alissia Esqueda. I started my hair career their salon, Novak Hair Studios, in 2019 and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Their love for our industry is unmatched. They wanted to change the hustle culture in our industry, and provide a chance for stylist to excel at their craft while having boundaries for themselves and their business. Read more>>
Katelyn Parsons
My very first job out of college was in the fashion industry- a dream come true for me at the time, but also incredibly demanding, fast-paced, and high-pressure. After almost 4 years of grinding away, while struggling with an eating disorder and some other mental health struggles, I hit heavy burnout. At the time,I didn’t know that’s what it was called- all I knew is that I didn’t want to be in my role for one more second. Read more>>
Whitley Wilkins
My favorite mentor is Rashan Ali. Rashan and I are from the same place (Decatur, GA). In fact, we’re alums of the same high school. Rashan is a mother, wife, daughter, tv personality, actress, host, business owner and humanitarian, amongst many other things. What I like about Rashan most is her demonstration of integrity and authenticity. Over the years, Ive watched her move through both personal and professional spaces with style and grace, showing that you can still be authentic and professional at the same time, without compromising yourself or your journey. Read more>>
Janezia Thomas
Tyris Carnell Robertson was one of my best mentors EVER! He saw talent in me even though I had counted myself out. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. He pushed me harder and further than anyone else has. He selflessly invested his time and money to make sure that his dancers got all of what they deserved. His leadership was on and off the dance floor. He was not only a big brother to me but to so many of his students and mentees. Read more>>
Tiffany Joachim
Putting my former boss and mentor, Tony DiElsi, into words is a difficult task but he made such an impact on my life and career I would be remiss to not try. Tony was one of those “you just had to know him” kind of guys- a personality bigger than life and definitely beat to his own drum. At a Senior VP level, he vouched and believed in my ability to be a great merchant long before anyone else did. He had a killer instinct on incoming trends, a skill I strive to be as sharp as. He taught me to take risks, trust the numbers and my gut, despite what others may say. Read more>>
Tawana Akins
Yes, I have had an amazing boss leading me and her name is Mrs. Mattye Jones-Fischer. Being a teenaged parent was not an easy task and not accepted by the public. Every day of my life I had to fight and prove to others that I was still worthy. After having my child at 15, I had to speed up my life. I had to do so by taking part time jobs while attending school. There was a counselor who believed in me. She said you are a “Diamond in the Rough” and once you come from the rough you will be refined. As a teen, I did not know what that meant, but I kept it close to my heart. Her name was Mrs. Gibson and she was always there for me. Read more>>
Trini Liska
The best boss I ever had (and, seasonally, still do) would have to be Ben Armstrong, co-owner of Netherworld Haunted House. I’m very lucky to be able to call myself a Netherspawn. Ben has always taken the time to encourage my artistic pursuits, and on occasion will hire me for art projects within the haunted house and for personal art pieces. Not only is Ben a creative himself, he is a very eccentric, funny man and throws a helluva Tiki party! Read more>>