In Conversation with Pamela Roskin
Tell us about your background:
Professionally? Out of college I started working in book publishing. I was at Random House, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic and Taschen for over a decade. I was at a crossroads in my career and felt like I needed to take a step back which was when I went to graduate school for fashion and textile history. From there I eventually became the textile archivist for Ralph Lauren. When I had a baby, I quit to work with my (now ex’s) family jewelry business. After my divorce, I started my own jewelry company: partly in response to my production team needing work. I also took up a new career in teaching fashion studies at Parsons. Currently, I am re-evaluating my next move! Where will it be? Where will I go?
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I wish I had given myself more freedom to dream bigger. I’m trying to give myself the room to do that now.
Best career advice you've ever received?
A mentor in publishing once told me that we are not computers forever outputting work at the same speed day in and day out--that I will have weeks/months where I am not engaged and giving it my all at work and then I will have spurts where I am totally focused and on and that’s OK!
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Empathy. Making decisions from a place of knowledge. Seeing the best in people. Humor.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Oh, how could I limit it to just one! I think women, so often as caretakers, have peaks and valleys in their resumes. I think learning to embrace that and celebrate it rather than see it as a flaw.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
White shirts. Turtlenecks. I love classics.
Instagram: @pamelaroskin
