Female Founder: Paige Adams-Geller of PAIGE
Paige Adam-Geller, Creative Director at PAIGE
How did you get your start in the industry?
After graduating from USC with a degree in Communications and an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism, I took some time to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a professional singer, model and actor. During that time, I also worked as a fit model in the clothing industry, which is where I fell in love with fashion. I learned so much during my various fit jobs over the years and had the opportunity to see start-ups flourish and the other brands I worked for succeed! Unfortunately, after years of working in the Industry, I had to take a break to heal from the trauma of being attacked in the workplace. As a survivor, I took on my assailant and found my strength and my voice. I then went to see a life coach to help me figure out the next steps for my career, where the idea of starting my own clothing line was first brought to the table. The idea seemed daunting but exciting and to this day I have never looked back.
How did the idea for your brand come about?
The idea for the brand came about when I went to a life coach to explore the next steps on my journey after my sexual assault and taking on my attacker. She could feel how much I loved women and fashion, and with my experience in denim as the top fit model in the industry, she thought starting my own brand would be ideal. That was my “aha moment.” I realized that all the premium denim brands were founded and ran by men, and so I decided to start a denim brand with a fresh female perspective!
What do you consider your "big break"?
My big break came when we launched PAIGE at the Coterie trade show in September 2004. I saw the line all the way down the aisle and around the corner with accounts waiting to look at the collection. We had more written orders at the trade show than we had projected for the entire year! I’m so proud of how far we’ve come – what started as a women’s denim brand has grown and evolved into a full lifestyle collection for men and women. PAIGE will be 20 next year!
What advice would you give to younger women entering the industry?
I would advise younger women to never lose sight of their dreams, to have confidence in themselves, and to stay true to their vision. The fashion industry is tough and fast-paced, but if you have amazing product and compelling marketing to tell your story, there is so much opportunity for success! I have found that customers remain loyal when you show authenticity and stay true to your vision. That is what makes a brand iconic.
What are you doing to help lift other women?
Doing my part to empower other women is truly important to me and the brand. We are involved with many charities that are near and dear to my heart. I am honored to sit on the Advisory Board of the Rape Foundation and am an Ambassador for RAINN. I also am on the Board of Annenberg at USC, where I’ve had the opportunity to mentor a number of students over the years, which is a passion of mine.
If you had to name one person, can you please share who inspires you?
I am inspired by women who show their authenticity. I am especially moved by artists such as Pink and Selena Gomez. They have both overcome tremendous adversity and are survivors. They show beautiful strength and courage through their vulnerability. That is what makes a woman a role model in my eyes.
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