Penelope Chilvers On Balancing Motherhood and Business: Women Who Rock
Penelope Chilvers has been at the helm of her namesake brand for 23 years and what has been key for her company’s success and its employees has been flexibility.
“Being a working mum all my career and a single mother for the first years, I encourage working mothers to join the ‘5 o’clock club,’ working early in the morning when your head is clear,” said the founder and creative director. While there were many long after-hours worked in the early days, Chilvers doesn’t regret creating space to have a career and raise children.
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“I admire women who embrace both their careers and motherhood giving it ‘their all’ during the early years and I trust they will deliver out of the 9-5 timetable,” she added. “Empowering and elevating all women within the team is our No. 1 strategy because I believe long lasting relationships are the best.”
Working with the women on her team has been the inspiration behind her brand and the support they each have for one another, too.
“I’ve built a brand making footwear that is designed to make women feel comfortable in their skin and empowered every day,” she explained. “When I see enjoyment, ambition and positive energy in my employees, then I feel fulfilled in my career. I tend to praise highly and tell my team members regularly how important they are to our success. I promote the concept of following your vision, and not taking no for an answer by telling my own founder story of how I started my business against so many difficulties.”
A version of this article appeared in the Feb. 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On Feb. 4, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.
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