#WCW Jen Gotch | Founder of ban.do

Here at LIVELY, we’re constantly surrounded by swoon-worthy women that are killin’ it in their businesses. We're launching #WomenCrushWednesday to celebrate the boss babes who provide us with a constant flow of inspiration, support, and endless girl-crushes.

Up next, Founder of ban.do, Jen Gotch

When do you feel most empowered?

Fridays after my weekly call with the President of our company. He always makes me feel confident, comfortable and empowered.

We’re not alone when we say that we’re obsessed with your brand. What initially inspired ban.do and how has in evolved?

It was meant to be a creative outlet. My friend, Jamie, and I had both made some really unique floral halos, and this was before the days of flower crowns, and we thought they would be fun to sell. We really did not set out to create a brand, but we inadvertently did just that. Our sense of humor and love of having fun and taking things with a grain of salt informed a lot of the personality of the brand. Our affinity for talking to strangers made us eager to connect with our customer. The products and inner workings of the company have changed a lot since then, but the intention behind what we do can be tied very closely to the initial ones and that feels pretty cool.

Many women of our crew dream of being a female founder. What’s the biggest myth of starting your own business?

I don’t know too many myths about starting a business. That’s the easy part. Keeping it is a whole other story.

What does the most intense part of your day look like?

The days where I have back to back meetings can be a bit tough on me. By the end of the day, I feel like my brain has been removed from my skull, played with like silly putty, and then squished back in through my ear.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

It was less advice as much as it was just watching someone I respected work. Watching her creative problem solving and never really stressing about “mistakes” or “mishaps.” It set the tone for the type of creative leader I wanted to be.

What is the hardest personal habit to break when growing your business?

The habit where you never ever ever want to stop working.

What is your process when approaching your creative work?

I wouldn’t say I have a process, but I like to be prepared, rested, relaxed and in an environment that feels open and non-threatening.

What’s the best part about your team?

Our desire as a whole is to always want to do our best and learn from our mistakes.

ban.do is a brand that is known by many for it’s bright and fun aesthetic. Describe your personal aesthetic.

I do love bright colors and patterns when it comes to clothes and accessories. I find them to be compliment generating, so that always makes me feel good. Plus it’s fun to dress like that! My house is much more restrained and neutral, because I find that to be more relaxing.

What are 3 qualities that make a badass woman?

Honesty, Vulnerability, Resilience.

Who is your hero and what character traits do you take on from them?

I have countless people I admire for lots of different reasons like humor, spirit, intelligence, compassion, style, talent, and strength to name a few.

What are your 3 fave LIVELY pieces?

I could never choose! The bralettes are amazing and the suits from the swim collection are awesome!!