is valued at $45 million dollars, with headquarters
in a 45,000-square-foot building in Earth City. Their
merchandise is everywhere - from Payless to Shoe
Carnival to Nordstrom - and Diane said it’s sticking to
what they know with a laser focus that has made the
company what it is.
“We do a great job at interpreting fashion and bringing
that to life, and as long as we keep doing that season
after season, we’ll continue to be relevant to the industry.
And that’s very important to me,” she said.
What tips does Diane have for
career newbies in the business world?
There’s value in company loyalty
Having put nearly two decades into her own company,
Diane understands the value in finding loyal employees,
even in today’s hop-around job market. “Loyalty means a
lot, and I understand why people may want to move from
company to company, but at the same time, when I’m
looking to hire someone, if I see they’ve had three jobs in
the last five years I don’t bother interviewing them because
it will cost too much money to train them,” she said.
Be indispensable
Having been a mentor to students and early career
hopefuls, she keeps her advice simple. “I tell people
to volunteer for everything and say “yes” as much as
you possibly can. When you create that reputation
for yourself - someone that is always wanting to jump
in, wants to help and participate, that’s the kind of
employee I want. If you’re given the opportunity to work
on a project or asked to handle something outside your
normal duties, say “yes,” because you can learn more
about the company. If you’re looking for opportunities,
you see them. If you’re not looking, you miss them.”
Don’t be afraid to mix work and play
“When I started working, I thought I would retire at 45
years old - maybe 50. I just turned 51 and didn’t retire,”
she said. “I do everything that I would have done after I
retired - I just find a way to do it today.” It’s nothing for
Diane to take a business trip and mix in a few days of
vacation activities like hiking or exploring. “I find a way
to make time to do things that I love, so I don’t feel like
I’m missing out on my life by working. So I don’t have a
giant urge to retire.”
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Develop a personal motto - and live by it
“Be true, have integrity, and provide something every
day,” she said. “My personal tagline is to live every day
like your life depends on it.”
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY