Female Leader: Stacy Lilien of LoveShackFancy

Stacy Lilien, President of LoveShackFancy

How did you get your start in the industry?

After graduating from Syracuse with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, I was accepted into the Buying and Training Program at Saks. This program taught me the ins and outs of everything I needed to know to have the foundation to be successful in fashion. I worked as an associate buyer for the next 4 years at Saks. I then moved on to be a  Senior Account Executive at Theory, which introduced me to the world of wholesale. I became the Vice President of Global Sales at Rebecca Taylor, where I spent nine years. I then left to become the Vice President of LoveShackFancy, and ultimately where I became the Brand President in 2020.

What do you consider your big break?

My first big break was when I was accepted into the Executive Training Program at Saks Fifth Avenue and was 1 of 24 people selected. The feeling of true and utter relief that I felt when I enrolled into this program during my senior year of college at Syracuse University was astronomical. This program is truly what set me up for success for my career that followed.

What advice would you give to younger women entering the industry? 

If I could speak to my 25-year-old self, I would remind myself how important it is to set boundaries from day one. This is something that I wish I implemented earlier and understood earlier – so I was able to draw boundaries from the get-go. I also wish that I knew from the beginning the importance of networking and making connections. It is so important to surround yourself with people who make you better at your job.

What are you doing to help lift other women? 

In an effort to help lift other women, I have made a strong effort towards mentoring others. Considering our office is so young, it is so important to me to make myself available to speak with and mentor others. So many of them are striving to be where I am today, which is such an honor. It is so important to me to guide the next generation of leaders.

If you had to name one person, can you please share who inspires you?

I am forever inspired by my daughter Charley, she shows me every day that with strength and commitment you can overcome anything. She’s proving to the world that allergies can’t stop her!

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