Margaret Coblentz
Margaret Coblentz
founder of Frances Austen
Q&A
What career risks have you taken
along the way?
The first risk I took was deciding to go into retail. It wasn’t something that I studied in college (I was a Political Science and History major at UCLA), so it was a risk for me to move from Chicago out to San Francisco to pursue this career path. Secondly, deciding to start my own business was my next huge risk.
What has been your greatest reward?
My greatest reward is being at a point in my career where I feel confident running a business the way I think it should be run. I’m able to be the person who decides how we’re going to set the strategy and how we’re going to run the company. I can do it all on my own terms.
Who would you consider to be your favorite fashion icon?
I am totally in love with Tracee Ellis Ross. I think she personifies how much joy you can get from fashion. You can see she loves fashion, she loves championing young designers, she loves creating cool outfits. She’s totally in it for the pure joy fashion can bring. And I think that’s
so inspiring.
"When I was considering the start of Frances Austen, one of my mentors told me if I really have the passion to be an entrepreneur, then I’m not going to escape that feeling.
The only thing I could do is start my own business."
more about me
i am most passionate about...
I had my first child this past year so right now I’m most passionate about living a well-balanced life. I’m making space to spend time with the people I love and prioritize the special connections I have in my life.
i think it's important for girls to know...
I would like girls to know that there aren’t any limits to what is possible for them to achieve. There are infinite possibilities for what their life and their careers can look like. If they take risks, whether they succeed or fail, they can learn and grow from it.
i created Frances Austen because...
I believe confident garments empower confident women! That’s why we make quality staples that are timeless and made from 100% silk & cashmere.
{shop their new collection}