Nili Lotan’s career didn’t begin on the runway. It started in corporate fashion, where she spent over two decades working at major brands like Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne. Then, in her late 40s — newly divorced, with a 9-year-old at home and two kids heading to college — she launched her namesake brand from the ground up. No outside investors or business plan. Just instinct, confidence, and a commitment to designing for real women like herself.

In this episode of 9 to 5ish, Nili also shares: 

• How she went from Israeli Air Force to the NYC fashion scene

• Why she thinks every woman needs a good pair of jeans

• The importance of betting on yourself, even when it’s scary

• Why it’s never too late to start something new

• How her own mom influenced her decision to be a working mom 

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