The Safari Traub

Jen joined AEO in August 2010 to lead the Aerie brand and expanded her scope to also oversee the strategic vision of American Eagle in 2020, rising to the position of President, Executive Creative Director – AE & Aerie. She has been an instrumental force in Aerie’s rapid expansion to a nearly $2 billion brand and has been the catalyst for fueling the next chapter of growth at AE. In her role, Jen leads Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Visual and Business Strategies.
 
In 2014, Jen revolutionized the intimate apparel industry by bringing body positivity and inclusivity to the forefront with the power of #AerieREAL. This movement has been a game-changer for the Aerie business and for millions of women and girls who have been empowered to love their REAL selves inside and out. Throughout her tenure, Jen has assembled and developed a strong bench of talent at all levels and across functions.
 
Interviewed by Kate Doerge.

The vision for Dormify was born out of founder Amanda Zuckerman's own experience shopping for her freshman dorm at Washington University in St. Louis. While double majoring in graphic design and marketing, Amanda created Dormify as a dorm lifestyle blog supported by a college ambassador community. After graduation, she launched Dormify as a DTC brand and one-stop shop for small-space living.
With her mom, Karen Zuckerman, as her partner, Amanda has grown Dormify to a multi-million-dollar success with triple-digit annual revenue growth, earning a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2018. Following a successful acquisition in 2022, Dormify is now the largest retailer of college dorm and apartment essentials, with nearly 800 college and university partners across the country and a thriving community of student ambassadors.
Karen Zuckerman is a serial entrepreneur, creative director, and marketing executive known for taking bold risks and her brand-building expertise. As a graphic designer by trade, she scaled her first business, HZDG, into an award-winning creative agency with Fortune 500 clients, eventually selling it to WPP in 2018 and retiring in 2021.
Currently, Zuckerman serves as a board director of Dormify. Zuckerman played a crucial role in developing Dormify’s omnichannel marketing strategy and content platform, creating a space for young people to connect and navigate an exciting stage of life.
 
Interviewed by Kate Doerge.

Elyce Arons is the founder and CEO of Frances Valentine, a New York-based luxury apparel and accessories company. Frances Valentine celebrates the power of personal style through clothes and accessories that boost your mood and tell a story.
 
A 35-year fashion veteran, Elyce famously chased her passion for fashion all the way from Kansas to New York City alongside her best friend, Kate, and co-founded Kate Spade in 1993. Elyce shepherded the company from inception to international success, growing it into one of the most iconic brands in modern fashion history—and was instrumental in its 2006 sale to Neiman Marcus Group. In 2016, Elyce, Kate, and Andy Spade launched Frances Valentine as an evolution of their joyful style aesthetic; a brand with heart, soul, and a story to tell.
 
Interviewed by Kate Doerge.

Kendra Kolb Butler transitioned from a high-powered NYC life to founding Alpyn Beauty in Jackson Hole, drawing from her vast experience with luxury beauty brands and her new environment’s natural resources.
Alpyn Beauty uniquely combines locally wild-harvested plants with clinical ingredients, establishing a skincare line that mirrors the efficacy of nature with scientific backing.
Committed to sustainability, the brand supports the Grand Teton National Park Foundation by donating a portion of every sale to its rewilding efforts, underscoring Butler’s dedication to environmental conservation.
 
Interviewed by Kate Deorge.

Kevin McLaughlin, Co-Founder and Creative Director and Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO, are the dynamic duo behind J.McLaughlin.
 
Kevin McLaughlin is the creative force behind the impeccably designed clothing and accessories at J.McLaughlin. Since the late seventies when Kevin and his brother opened their first shop on 74th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan, Kevin’s taste and design sense have guided the J.McLaughlin collections. 
 
Mary Ellen Coyne is the CEO of J.McLaughlin. Coyne joined J.McLaughlin in 2016 as the brand’s first female CEO and oversees all aspects of strategy and operations including merchandising, product development, marketing, retail expansion, and e-commerce. Under her leadership, J.McLaughlin has launched new product verticals including swim and footwear, enjoyed robust retail expansion, and launched a brand refresh.
 
Interviewed by Kate Doerge.

Ed began his career in his native Sydney launching menswear brand, Beat Poet, out of college.  Beat Poet quickly became a cult Australian imprint, winning GQ designer of the year in 2009.  After divesting the brand and moving to New York for grad school, Ed has since worked for Robert Burke Associates, Patrick Johnson Tailors, and for the last 5 years as COO and then CEO of Vivid Brands, owners of Roller Rabbit, 18 East and Loudmouth.
 
Roller Rabbit is a travel-inspired lifestyle brand, offering exotic, sophisticated yet affordable leisurewear, accessories and home goods with a magical and playful touch.
 
Interviewed by Kate Doerge.