Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is luxury handbag designer Christina Di Pede, who’s role as Founder and CEO of HYM means she does everything from creating to selling the products. Here’s where she sees herself in five years and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the creator of HYM. HYM is his, hers, yours and mine, a mid luxury handbag brand inspired by its mission to promote a spirit of unity consciousness. Our message is “I am you and you are me. One love and unity.”
As the founder and CEO of the business, I oversee all aspects of creating, marketing and selling HYM handbags. I develop each line from scratch, drawing on inspirations I gather from my love of fashion and in my daily life. I travel constantly, coordinating with my New York-based manufacturer as well as meeting with stores who are interested in carrying my line.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I spent over a year developing it before launching in October 2014. I’ve always been deeply moved by powerful individuals who make it their mission to spread light, and it inspired me to create a platform from which I could exercise my passion for design while giving the gift of inspiration to others.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is seeing people’s reactions to my brand when they instantly fall in love with everything about it. One time I was explaining the brand story to this woman I was working with, and she got full-on goosebumps and actually started crying because she loved it so much. The most challenging part is walking away from things at the end of the day. I love what I’m doing and there’s so much to do that I tend to have really long days.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Randi Zuckerberg says it best, “Work. Sleep. Family. Fitness. Friends. Pick three.” I know I’m in trouble when I start slacking on that third one.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself running HYM as a lifestyle brand and global dynamo, making its contribution through a variety of partnerships and humanitarian efforts.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Conquering overwhelm has been huge for me. There was a point when I would wake up every morning and just start shaking thinking about everything I had to do. I flipped a switch when I really internalized the truth that time is whatever I want it to be – it will go as fast or as slow as I decide, and all I have to focus on is one thing at a time.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to me looks like me living my truth and spreading HYM’s message as far and wide as possible. Money does not equal happiness. It’s important to be comfortable, and money is certainly a valuable tool; however, it’s easy to have money and be miserable. When I was working full-time to develop my brand, I had never been happier because I was immersed in bringing my dreams into reality. Now as my business begins its transition from start-up to growth mode, I’m only reaching new levels of happiness because I’m reaching more people.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When one of my bags was featured on Global TV’s Morning Show nine weeks after I launched.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Hold your vision, follow your heart, and listen to your gut. It is very important to not let anyone or anything sway you from any of those three things. When experiencing rejection say “thank you” because it means you are one step closer to aligning with your best match. Be intentional and expect miracles. Laser focus will achieve great results. Ask for help. Watch your thoughts and never underestimate the power of your own mind- you have more control over outcomes than you think.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I love High Tea at the Windsor Arms. It’s so cozy in there and there’s something in me that feels so innately at home at high tea. I can feel my whole being just relax.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I love to nurture my body and pamper myself. Yoga, acupuncture, meditation and Reiki are my regular go-tos that help me stay centred. I also love reading inspirational books. Right now I’m reading Kathy Ireland’s Powerful inspirations: 8 Lessons That Will Change Your Life.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Anywhere on the planet where I am surrounded by 360 degrees of mountains, untouched land, or water, because that is when I feel most infinite.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Hairspray’s Good Morning Baltimore. I literally wake up like this every morning.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Rallying investors to help me do what I’m doing.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
My Kiva team will be ready for donations when I launch my FW15/16 line. It’s an organization that funds entrepreneurs in developing countries. These are people who are working against extreme odds to create something for their families and communities and doing it with a smile. I love seeing people help themselves, and it strikes a chord because as an entrepreneur, I can’t imagine not doing what I’m doing because of my circumstances.
What to you is notable?
Someone who is living their truth and shining their light, because that takes a lot of courage and I think overall our planet would benefit if more people in the world were doing that.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.