Olivia Fay, is the CEO and creative director of Rallier, a New York based contemporary womenswear label that unites a commitment to providing school uniforms to girls where gender inequality is most prevalent and the heritage of classic tailoring. For every dress sold, school uniforms are sourced from regions plagued by gender inequality and given to local schoolgirls.

Olivia previously worked at luxury fashion institutions including Prada, Cartier, Vera Wang, and Alberta Ferretti. Inspired after seeing the movie, Girl Rising, Olivia left her public relations job at Belstaff to creatively (and fashionably) make an impact.

Olivia Fay, CEO and Creative Director of Rallier

What inspired you to launch Rallier?

I started Rallier after discovering that the cost of school uniforms was keeping girls around the world out of school. Incorporating social missions into fashion and accessories brands is an undeniable and exciting trend. There is such a synergistic relationship between wearing a brand you love and supporting change you believe in.

In conceptualizing Rallier, I wanted to elevate the notion of social responsibility in fashion by incorporating our impact strategy into our fabric and other design decisions as opposed to just the marketing. Our first inspiration boards were covered with school uniforms in traditional gingham prints. The tension between uniformity and individuality continues to be an inspirational touchpoint for the brand.

How did you choose the name?

Rallier comes from the verb “rally,” which means to bring or come together for a common purpose. This definition is highly aligned with the core values of the brand. Also, I liked that “Rallier” was ambiguous enough that we could create our own visual culture and meaning around the word.

What were the first logistical steps you took to start a business?

After initially coming up with the idea, I slowly started writing what eventually became my business plan. It was actually really fun to come home after work and privately put words on paper. While I had experience in the fashion industry, my educative background was largely arts-focused at the time. As a result, I decided to pursue my MBA so that I could further develop and vet the idea.

Proceeds from dress sales go to Shining Hope for Communities. Why did you choose that organization?

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is an organization that I was involved with before starting Rallier. I’ve been on the organization’s leadership council for several years. My personal involvement allowed me to experience firsthand how impactful and effective they are at not only educating girls but also lifting up entire communities. SHOFCO was an obvious choice for me.

What is the design process like?

The process of conceptualizing a product that speaks equally about both our design aesthetic and social mission has been challenging and extremely fulfilling. To create something—anything—is something that everyone should experience. To have a small idea and turn into something that you can see and eventually touch is just such a cool, unique feeling.

What is a day as Olivia like? Please walk me through a day!

One of my favorite things about running Rallier is that no two days are completely alike, but I do have some consistencies. My mornings almost always involve checking for new orders and preparing them to be shipped out. I often meet with other women entrepreneurs during lunch to compare notes and vent about common challenges. In the afternoons, I’m likely at our factory located in the Garment District to check up on current production or review samples that are in development. At least once a day I analyze our website’s traffic and sales to try to spot informative trends and patterns. There’s also editor appointments and sourcing trips that occur at least a few times a month. My days also almost always include coffee with a new potential partner, interested customer, intern candidate etc.

What are your responsibilities as founder and CEO of Rallier?

Everything! At this stage in the brand’s development there’s literally nothing that I’m not responsible for. It’s a stressful yet thrilling place to be.

What has been your proudest moment from your career so far?

We launched sales on February 9th this year. By midnight that night we had achieved 50% of our monthly sales goal. It was a quiet moment between myself and my team, but it was our earliest signal that we were onto something tangible. I’ve never felt prouder.

What have you learned about yourself since founding Rallier?

More than anything, founding and launching Rallier has taught me that I’m stronger than I thought.

What has been the biggest challenge and, on the flip side, the biggest reward of starting Rallier?

Embracing the unknown! Before Rallier, I was on what felt like a very stable, linear career path. Going from such established fashion brands to creating something entirely new took a lot of getting used to. Learning to live comfortably in the unknown was at first a challenge but is now a mindset that is filled with rewards.

What would be your dream female to wear Rallier?

In terms of public figures, Emma Watson is the person I think of the most when designing the line. She embodies so much of what Rallier stands for. We keep her UN Women HeForShe campaign speech bookmarked for days when we need a little extra push.

What is the most important characteristic for entrepreneurs to have?

Resilience.

You previously worked at Prada, Vera Wang, Cartier, and Belstaff. Do you think your experiences helped you with your role at Rallier?

Absolutely. There is a rhythm to the fashion industry that I believe can only be learned by experiencing it.

What is one thing that you wish you had known when you were starting out your career?

That my voice mattered.

What is on your desk right now?

Shipping boxes, coffee, fabric swatches, button samples, and a growing “to-do” pile!

What is your morning routine?

Snoozing my alarm clock, hugging my fiance goodbye, and coffee.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Trust yourself.

What is your career advice for other young professional women?

I tell all my young interns to stop being so hard on themselves. I’ve found that young professional women want to know exactly what they should be doing at this moment, but we’re all still trying to figure that out in one way or another. It doesn’t change as you get older so go easy on yourself and find fun in the unknown!