So today, we're talking less about how to climb your way up in an industry and more about how to never lose sight of yourself while doing it. The cool background in fashion and PR? Not as cool as the brains behind the fire-hued locks and signature lipstick. Throughout her career, wherever it took her, she held fast to that personal brand-cultivating it, evolving it, but always championing it-and it was this dedication to speaking her truth in a consistent voice that led directly to her first book deal.ĭespite the glamorous roles she's held at Donna Karan and elsewhere, Aliza is first and foremost just a person-and it's that person that we've come to know and love. She'd cultivated a loyal audience who loved her for her honesty, attitude, and ability to unapologetically stand out in a cutthroat industry. When Aliza finally revealed her true identity, she found that her readers still wanted to hear from her, regardless of whether she was at DKNY or someplace else. Everyone wanted to know: Who is this girl? Through behind-the-scenes glimpses, brand transparency, and a quick-witted voice, she quickly built up the brand's social presence-DKNY's followers surged to half a million under her management. In 2009, under the guise of Aliza started anonymousyly talking to the fashion-loving masses. This is a story about how to stay true to yourself, at all times and against all odds, regardless of position title or industry.Īliza's ascent started on the smallest scale imaginable: the 140-character tweet.

It's that ability to speak up and out that today's Contessa, Aliza Licht, harnessed to build her career in fashion, write a book, and ultimately launch her empire, LEAVE YOUR MARK. Over the years, I have sat in meetings and watched people either remain silent or nod their heads at bad ideas. 'I think one of the greatest gifts is having conviction.

Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht