Nili Lotan’s career didn’t begin on the runway. It started in corporate fashion, where she spent over two decades working at major brands like Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne. Then, in her late 40s — newly divorced, with a 9-year-old at home and two kids heading to college — she launched her namesake brand from the ground up. No outside investors or business plan. Just instinct, confidence, and a commitment to designing for real women like herself.
In this episode of 9 to 5ish, Nili also shares:
How she went from Israeli Air Force to the NYC fashion scene
Why she thinks every woman needs a good pair of jeans
The importance of betting on yourself, even when it’s scary
Why it’s never too late to start something new
On Why She Always Mentions her Parents in Interviews
Nili: I owe them. It's not that everything that I do or created or achieved is because of their help, but it was their intention. Love is what drives us. Love is what we are here in this world, giving and receiving. And I think the first people that give you love are your parents… I'm very grateful for my parents who – although their life was full of obstacles – came to Israel after the war, without their parents, without their families, with no money. They had one thing to give, which was love. And they gave it to me unconditionally.
On Giving Herself Permission to Be a Working Mom
Nili: My oldest was born when I was 27 and my son was born when I was 29. My mom was still alive and she was my biggest fan…when I would question, should I work, should I not work? I'm working from morning till night, [my kids] don't see me. And she would say, Nili, you are gonna figure out what I didn’t. You're gonna figure out how to be the best mom and at the same time pursue yourself because I didn't. I couldn't. You will do it. So she kind of gave me not only her blessings, but a mission that is the cross generational issue of motherhood and career.
These quotes have been edited for clarity.
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