Nurturing Ambition

Motherhood did not deter Tory Burch from owning up to her power as an entrepreneur and she believes it shouldn’t be in the way of any woman, writes Lily Ong

- Lily Ong

INSIDE THE NEW Tory Burch boutique in Landmark Alexandra Hong Kong, there were many dynamic women in attendance for a private cocktail party, such as K-pop sensation CL and gorgeous Chinese actress Li Bing Bing. And, amid the crowd of beautiful people in the room, Tory Burch herself stood out (not only because she was the hostess) as she simply had that commanding presence that draws you in and make you want to stop and talk to her.

Tory, who has built a global apparel and accessories empire since the early 2000s, may be a tough-as-nails businesswoman, but there is a maternal air about her as well. She is a woman in charge, but she is also not afraid to embrace the essence of her gender despite the position she holds. After thriving as a media, communications and advertising professional in the business of fashion, Tory decided to become an entrepreneur at a time when her three sons were all under the age of four—she was ready to nurture a company after her years nurturing her boys.

“Being a mother will always be the greatest adventure and joy of my life. It makes me appreciate everything my mother did (and still does) for me and my brothers,” she asserts. Motherhood also made her realise the importance of time management and striking a balance, which she practises today. “My boys come first, no matter what. It all boils down to setting clear priorities,” she adds.