I’m incredibly lucky on so many counts but professionally, I’m especially so because I had an amazing mentor. When I began my career as a marketing intern, an executive in the company took the time to chat with, encourage and teach me how to succeed. She left a tremendous impact on me – so much so that I followed her to two other companies throughout my career.

She worked hard, insisted on constant growth and learning, and stressed the importance of perfect grammar. She reviewed strategy with everyone, let us learn from our mistakes (though she stressed never to make the same mistake twice), and most of all, listened. From teaching me what it means to be a leader and how to support a team, to how to help others and show compassion in the workplace, her example is still one I live by each day.

It’s incredibly powerful to build a strength-based organization. It allows everyone to be their best and lean on each other. It creates camaraderie and confidence. It creates joy and empowers individuals to shine.

Garnet Valley Intern, Julianna

Her influence is why mentoring others is one of my professional passions. I’ve had the privilege to work with many amazing folks fresh out of school and just starting their careers. My goal is always the same: give them the kind of mentoring I received, by encouraging them to find their passion and help them get to where they want to be – even if it means leaving me.

At Ivory Tree, we have the most amazing team. That’s not my opinion – it’s a fact that our clients reinforce daily. This team of artists supports each other, learns from each other and above all has fun! We genuinely enjoy coming to work, and you can sense that as soon as you step into the studio!

Encouraging an Artist

That’s part of the reason I’m so excited to introduce our latest class of interns.  We have a great class of young adults who are fresh, ready to learn and are having so much fun working with our seasoned team. Courtney from Radnor High School is helping us with events. A Radnor native,  It’s fun to see her work the events she’s gone to for years as a spectator. We also have Julianna, my niece from Garnet Valley, who will be spending the summer updating client files and conducting market research, including identifying new trends for us to incorporate. My other niece, Sadie, also spent some time shadowing the studio team. An incredible artist who is gearing up to apply to art schools, Sadie specializes in pencil and charcoal work. She painted an event background for us that we are honored and thrilled to use out in the community. Sadie also hosted a session with my tiniest team members – my daughters: Caitie, 7, and Lorelai, 6), which was an amazing way for her to show off her talents and have some work to add to her portfolio.

Radnor High School Intern, Courtney

We hear so much about women in business, the glass ceiling, #metoo and the importance of women supporting other women. Early on in my career I was asked when I was having babies to determine if I was a good fit for a promotion. On the other side of the coin, I was also hired for a new job when I was pregnant. As I built and grew my family, I continually grew my career – and as my mentor taught me, I took – and still take – the time to pull others up and be supportive. As an entrepreneur, there is no ladder to climb, no ceiling to bust through – only my own drive to support, mentor and lift up the next generation. And taking the time to teach them is incredibly fulfilling.

xoxo

Lara

#xoxoivorytree #summervignette #minisessions #wisteria #waynepa #mainline #mentoring #thenextgeneration