You may recognize her from gracing the covers of some of the world’s most famous glossy magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, People, and more. Besides making men swoon on a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, there are some other secret superpowers you may not know about today’s guest, Supermodel and fashion Icon, Kathy Ireland.
Kathy cat walked her way to being named one of the 50 most influential people in fashion, according to Fairchild. And, if you think Kathy is just another pretty face, think again. Her company, Kathy Ireland® Worldwide ranks in the 15th position of worldwide brands, according to License! Global Magazine.
If beauty and brains weren’t enough, Kathy happens to believe in living sustainably and cares about the health and well-being of our planet which is no more apparent than by the launch of her new Eco Clean line of eco-friendly home products in partnership with NaturEZway, creating a solution to harmful plastic products. Kathy’s here to share about this and her partnership with The Green Pet Shop to offer sustainable pet products. Kathy leaves some juicy tips for budding female entrepreneurs. From model to role model, she’ll inspire you to live better.
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Episode Links:
- kathy ireland Eco-Clean Bamboo Reusable Towels
- kathy ireland Eco-Clean 7″ Bamboo/Sugarcane Dessert Plates
- kathy ireland Compostable Cold Cups
- kathy ireland Eco-Clean Bamboo Floor Wipes
- kathy ireland Eco-Clean Dinner Napkins
- kathy ireland Eco-Clean Compostable Waste Bag
- Fashion Jungle (book)
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Narrator
How would you like to improve your health and keep your family safe? You're listening to the healthy home hacks podcast where we firmly believe enjoying optimal health shouldn't be a luxury healthy home authorities and husband and wife team Ron and Lisa will help you create a home environment that will level up your health. It's time to hear from the experts. listen in on honest conversations and gain the best tips and advice. If you're ready to dive in and improve your well-being and increase your energy, you're in the right place. All right, here are your hosts bow biologists, authors, media darlings, vicarious vegans and avocado aficionados, Ron and Lisa Beres.
Ron Beres
From supermodel to Super mogul. You may recognize her from gracing the covers of some of the world's most famous glossy magazines, such as Vogue, cosmopolitan, Forbes people, Harper's Bazaar, good housekeeping, Women's Day, glamour, The New York Times, Reader's Digest 17, and much more. Besides making men swoon on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, there are some other secret superpowers you may not know about today's guest, supermodel and fashion icon, Kathy Ireland. Welcome most teams were dealing with acne, finding a prom date and peer pressure. Kathy Ireland's fashion career was beginning its runway walk at the ripe age of sixteen.
Lisa Beres
Yes, and since then she has kept walked her way to being named one of the most 50 influential people in fashion. According to Fairchild. The success of her company Kathy Ireland worldwide, which was founded in 1993 is rooted in passion, creativity, teamwork and its dedication to service listeners. If you think Kathy is just another pretty face, think again. Her company ranks in the 15th position worldwide brands according to licensed global magazine, yet, Kathy Ireland solely owned company had humble beginnings starting at the family kitchen table. But today is the highest-ranking woman owned licensing business in American history.
Ron Beres
This year, Kathy has been elected to the licensing international Hall of Fame, and as the youngest executive and first woman to receive this rare Lifetime Achievement accolade. If Kathy's brains and beauty worn off. Add to this. She's a fearless humans rights advocate who works tirelessly on behalf of oppressed people, which explains why she received the International Religious Freedom champion award. Oh, and she's a philanthropist to Kathy Ireland worldwide supports numerous nonprofits and she uses her voice against all forms of discrimination.
Lisa Beres
So, friends, let's recap. Kathy, Ireland is smart, savvy, stunning and sweet. But guys, don't be green with envy. The reason she's here with us today, superpower number five. Turns out Kathy is also sustainable and cares about the health and well-being of our planet, which is how our green paths crossed.
Ron Beres
Welcome to the Healthy Home Hacks show.
Kathy Ireland
Ron and Lisa. Oh, my goodness, thank you for that kind introduction. And thank you for inviting me on your show. Congratulations. on all your success. I'm truly grateful for your amazing work, the information you get to people everywhere.
Lisa Beres
Oh, thank you, Kathy, we are so thrilled to have you. We're so excited. I know our listeners are going to love this episode and love hearing from you. You are just a wealth of success. I'm like reading your resume.
Ron Beres
The one word, success. Absolutely.
Kathy Ireland
Listening to all that. And I think of all the failures along the way that is just part of life and getting any kind of success or failure, or too many to mention, we wouldn't have time.
Lisa Beres
Oh, thank you for sharing that. I literally said to Ron, wow, her resume is so amazing. It looks like everything just fell so perfectly. And then I said to Ron, but I know that can't be true.
Kathy Ireland
You're absolutely, I mean it is it is a long journey to any kind of success. So, I say congratulations to you because I recognize its hard work. And when you fall when you fail, you get back up you learn from your mistakes and you do better.
Lisa Beres
Yes, absolutely. We're going to get into some of that too. I would love to hear some of the background than that, and I know we have some budding entrepreneurs in our audience, they're going to get some great tips today about how Kathy did create all of this. But just to get started, I want to talk about the plastic pollution problem that we have in our world today, which you'd have to be living under a rock not to know about it. And 91% of plastic today isn't even recycled. It takes more than 400 years to degrade in the environment. And in 2019, scientists set out to say, huh, how much plastic have we produced, and they found that it was 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, that's with a B billion, most of which is coming from disposable items. So, Kathy, you have a brand of all natural, eco-friendly home products called Eco Clean, that our readers and listeners may not be aware of, that provides a well needed solution to harmful plastics that are free of harmful chemicals. So, Kathy, why is it important to you personally, to create a greener, more sustainable legacy with your brand?
Kathy Ireland
Yes, we do with our partners, NaturEZway Eco Clean. There are so many wonderful alternatives to plastic, when you're talking about that bamboo, for one is amazing. And we started, when we started our brand back in 1993, with a single pair of socks, I was an agent by magnet model at our kitchen table. And the environment was first and foremost of socks were made out of recycled soda, pop bottles, and bamboo and also hemp. We did it because it's the right thing to do. It's also economical. So, for all those entrepreneurs out there, you can save a lot of money by doing things well and right that how is critical and it is critical for all of us to really accept the truth. You mentioned this in the opening and less we live in complete isolation. You know, we're all building some kind of a legacy, because we're all role models, somebody who's watching, they're paying attention. And the question is, you know, what kind of a role model are we? I mean, is it intentional? Or are we doing this without thought? And my goodness, we find ourselves as a world, as a nation as parents and grandparents, you know, in just a realization that we all must be great stewards of the environment, I believe that's a responsibility we all have. And with very few exceptions, today, we all realize, you know, each of us has the ability to lead a gently greener impact on our planet. And it's so sad to see that, you know, simple good citizenry for corporations and for individuals, it can be politicized and that it has no business being in that arena. And somehow, the body of politic has entered the most basic discussions, therefore reducing people to taking separate corners rather than aligning and solving problems, because we can all agree on and growing up in Santa Barbara, our parents instilled just some really basic values of awareness for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. And it was instructive in his rebuilt Kathy Ireland worldwide, that information was critical. Our dad worked in labor relations with farmworkers in particular, and my mom is a nurse. And so, when we think about it, they were really building a legacy for themselves, which is, which was imparted to my sisters and me. And, you know, we all have a responsibility to really improve the human condition and to leave each situation better than the way we found it.
Lisa Beres
Oh, I love that there's that famous quote, �we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.� And I think that's so true. Kathy, it's really great that you were taught that at such a young age, and that kind of became part of your mantra, it sounds like through your business and through your adulthood. And I know you have children, you have three children, correct?
Kathy Ireland
Well, I love I love Lisa and Rhonda, that you make it real. And I mean, yes, I mean, we, we travel, and we do cause a footprint. But yet, how can we reduce it? How can we make it better and seeking, you know, never, ever wanting to be hypocritical, yet looking for ways that we can always improve?
Ron Beres
Yeah, well said. You were so ahead of the curve, Kathy. 1993? I can't believe it. Wow. So, in addition to creating renewable bamboo inspired cruelty free lines, can you share with us some ways you incorporate green living into your own daily life?
Kathy Ireland
Yes. Well, I mean, you know, not seeking to be have to simply from the beginning of childhood, I mean, we knew not to waste anything. And we were taught to separate that which came from the earth with products that were man made, and our parents had us composting and wasn't really average. Back then, you know, they come over to play, and they're like, what is this?
Lisa Beres
What on earth. Are your parent�s hippies.
Kathy Ireland
But it was, I mean, just wonderful lessons. And I mean, Kathy, Ireland, worldwide, legacy is really an homage to the basic tenants of human decency, and the golden rule. And that was taught to us by our parents, and I mean, the legacy of the company, you know, in human rights and the environment in the avoidance of toxicity. mean, that's as much an homage to john and Barbara Ireland, as it is to the company itself. And without their values, I really believe that I would not be as aware and, you know, instill the truth is that we can always do better all of us. And so, there's no need to indict anyone. Being curious is a really good thing, just always asking questions, you know, what can we do to be better?
Lisa Beres
I love that, yeah. We teach our listeners through our programs, how to read labels, how to knock in grain washed, how to understand you know, a brand state something that they are backing up those claims that they mean that so really becoming your own detective, which we talk a lot about on the show, and taking responsibility instead of just putting that on manufacturers or on somebody else to do that for you. And I know you recently partnered with the Green Pet Shop, as well as NaturEZway. And that's naturez with a Z for their Kathy Ireland Eco Clean home products line. So, what led to the formation of these partnerships? I mean, we're hearing about your background and kind of growing up with these values. But was there anything specific that led to this line?
Kathy Ireland
You know, these lines are amazing. And we seek to always work with incredible partners, and the, you know, asking questions, can we do more? So, finding people in the green pet shop and nature's way who would answer it in a positive way? I mean, why use chemicals in cleaning supplies, when nature offers healthier solutions? And why use plastic when bamboo is biodegradable? So, I'm curious. It's, it's just really helpful. And it makes me think there's a Broadway song being good, isn't good enough. But, you know, we're not we're not attempting moral high ground, we're just really seeking to, you know, come alongside what you're all doing and, and make an effort. And with our pet products, also, I mean, just a wonderful company, that is bringing products that that are eco-friendly, but you know, that's amazing. And we work with just extraordinary people, the green pet shop, you know, helping people helping animals helping the environment and any vertical wellness, the hemp industry, I mean, working with people who really take that seriously our vetting process or getting to know you process when we're seeking to work with a new partner. It's extensive that how is very involved. You know, I don't believe that when we're talking about supporting the environment, that nothing should be niche, everything has an impact. And so, we asked, okay, what's the gentlest way to do everything that we're doing?
Lisa Beres
Yeah. Is there a better way? I love because your pet line has the biodegradable pet waste bags, which I think is so spectacular. We wrote a book years ago, called just greener. Simple swaps to save the planet and your health. And that was its kind of a kind of like an eat this not that like buy this don't buy that. And we have that as one of our categories because of again, that plastic waste and we live in a community a development where you know, everyone's the bags, but Gosh, the amount of waste with those plastic bags too. And I want to just talk about some of the products in your line because that you go clean line, which, you know, for listeners who aren't familiar with it, there's everything from Bath tissue, paper towels that are biodegradable, compostable cups.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, compostable, right. That's from our childhood. It's Yeah.
Lisa Beres
It�s a really amazing line, what am I missing? I mean, there's a lot, you've got floor wipes, and I left out you have the aroma-free products, because we don't need to be adding more chemicals into our home with these toxic fragrances. Like you said, it's kind of going back to what grandma used, like, you know, nature gave us vinegar, and baking soda and essential oils and all these great things to clean. We don't need to be, you know, grasping for air from, you know, chlorine bleach and ammonia and these caustic chemicals that are so prevalent in cleaning products, and even trash bags, right trash bags are heavily scented today and dry your sheets and all of that. So, your line is very clean. And just amazing.
Ron Beres
That's true. Kathy, is there anything that we missed? Because we talked about how you're making this a greener earth with Kathy Ireland worldwide, but and how you're committed to that. But is there something we didn't discuss so far about the products and what you're doing right now that we should make a point of listening to?
Kathy Ireland
Well, thank you, I mean, with all of our partners across the board, the environment is something that is very important to us. And whether it's our rugs, you know, when we started by working with recycled products, and that's something that we continue today working to find to make a smaller footprint, in the home industry, working with the wonderful sustainability organizations that just are amazing working, aligning ourselves closely with them, to always learn how we can do better and to also teach others. That's an important so every all of our partners in the home industry, from home furnishings, lighting, everyone is involved in this and making an impact and our fashion industry, it's across the board in every sector in which we work. And we've This is something that we don't talk about, often. But we've walked away from millions of dollars in agreements and guarantees because we learned that partners, they were operating within the letter of the law, though, not what we considered a moral spirit an inch was that's cheating because you don't win when you cheat. And just because a product can meet the standards of some states, if it's a product that that our children couldn't use in in California, but it's going to be okay, this toxic environment in other parts, it's like no, right. So, you've got to have the courage to know what you're willing to walk away from. And, and we've walked away from a lot and been told that it was crazy and stupid. But ultimately, we we've earned so much in other places and having money, it's not evil, loving it, you know, worshiping it, we all know better on money, don't let it on you. But that's never our motivator and being willing to walk away no matter what. That's how we built our brand. And that's how we continue it.
Lisa Beres
Oh, wow, that's important. You really, you kept your standards high, you know, and you kept the integrity and you know, especially these days, consumers really, really value that. And they appreciate that they know you're going to be consistent, and that they're going to trust what you say is true. And you're going to follow through on that. Because as we know, we've seen a lot of companies not do that. And I like how you talked about the chemicals, maybe. I mean, there's a lot of chemicals on the market now. What is it? 80,000 registered with the EPA, that many, many, many have never been tested for their health and safety. So just because it's for sale doesn't mean that it's safe for you and your family. And you have to kind of going back to that, you know, trust the brands that are walking the talk.
Kathy Ireland
And there's such You know, there's so many great resources. You know, when I touched on it early in our furniture career, we had the privilege of working with Susan Inglis and she's of the sustainable furnishings Council. And, you know, our commitment to making sure that people are treated fair away in every step of the design and manufacturing process. You know, it includes the climate and includes you know, if factories are toxic, then people working on our products are being exposed to toxicity and those toxins, they come into the factory and during the supply chain, they traveled to the showroom, the retailer, and then of course, into the homes of our customers. So, each of us, you know, has and will leave some sort of legacy and is accountable for how we treat each other and what kind of stewards we're going to be. So, it's being alert and just always learning how to do better.
Ron Beres
Have you always had this passion even when you were younger to have this this, I don't know this fortitude to think about the big picture and how you can create businesses to help the world and people or did that kind of develop as you more mature later in life?
Kathy Ireland
You know, Ron, as a child, I grew up in the great outdoors, and we grew up camping, and fishing and hiking and just all the outdoor adventures and I loved it. And so, taking care of it has always been on my mind. And then with my mom being a nurse, my dad working with Cesar Chavez in the unions and helping the farm workers, how people are treated has always been on the forefront of my mind being I was that annoying kid who'd go door to door selling things. So, you're right, what did you sell, Ron?
Ron Beres
Well, I not as noble as you I was selling dry cleaning discount cards. So, buy $100 with the dry cleaning for $20. And I don't think dry cleaning was that clean at the time either. It wasn't green earth. That's right.
Lisa Beres
That was while back, Ron. Yeah, Ron�s background was sales. And so, you were a little budding entrepreneur from the time you were in high school.
Kathy Ireland
You know, sales is the lifeblood of every business.
Ron Beres
I would imagine that more doors were closed on me, then you.
Kathy Ireland
We�ll have to talk about that, Ron. I had quite a few doors slammed.
Lisa Beres
That's amazing. So, Kathy, can you shed some light on your company's Millennium Development Goals?
Kathy Ireland
Sure. So, I've had the privilege of working with the UN on their youth program, their Millennium Development Goals. And you know, in maturity as I, I just I'm just a little too cranky to agree with any one person or entity on anything. So, there's plenty of things for the UN that I don't agree with. However, the Millennium goals, those are great. I mean, these are these are wonderful, again, the How is really important to me, you know how we accomplish these goals. And I think we all have to take responsibility on that. And look at that. These goals include everything from fighting poverty, fighting, disease, fighting hunger, supporting our environment, on supporting education, and we've included two more goals. And that is the fight in human trafficking, and supporting our military veterans and their families. And so, with our company, sometimes people say Why do you still do this? After all these years? Why are you still working? We love what we do, we have a passion for it. And the vision for our company is teach, inspire, empower, make our world better. When we're looking to partner with a company. We show them our development goals. And we say please look at these because it's a very diverse group. And what do you currently support? or What will you commit to support should we work together? That's the first part of our vetting process once in a while, it doesn't happen a lot. But we'll get someone who says, we�re not interested in any of this. And that allows us to know, okay, we're not going to. So, what do you say? Wow, that's great. We don't demand a monetary amount. It can be volunteer hours with your team. But we have to know that if we're going to invest time and resources and our infrastructure, with people with companies, we need to know that in success. We're going to honor that vision, teach, inspire, inspire, empower, make our world better. And so that, I mean, that gets us up in the morning, that is exciting to us. When we know that in success. We're going to have a great impact on the world and do wonderful things, whether it's planting trees, helping animal shelters, supporting our military veterans fighting disease and poverty, whether it's the war on human trafficking. You know, I decades ago, I worked in the modeling industry and the sex slave trade. It is ugly, it is evil. It is real. It's heartbreaking. And tragically when human beings are no longer profitable and everyone is, I mean vulnerable to these children in particular, girls and boys, and when they're no longer profitable in the sex slave trade, they're often sold into forced labor. And that is why we began in 93. With our Sox, we started by conducting surprise factory inspections, you find out a lot when you show up unexpectedly, and continuing to work with wonderful organizations. I'm the International Youth chair for the National pediatric cancer foundation. They're doing amazing work as serve as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. People who are doing incredible work our partners at American family insurance, they have the biggest most philanthropic hearts, I just I just love that. It's it doesn't feel like going to work when you're working with such great people. They become family.
Lisa Beres
Yeah. Wow. You seem, I mean, obviously we can tell from just talking to you, you're very involved in your company. You're very involved in all aspects of it. Not one of these people that just slapped your name on the brands and you know, are off at the spa.
Kathy Ireland
I do get accused of being a control freak, and I prefer to think about it. I'm very passionate. Yeah. You know what Lisa, I was I was okay, as a model. I certainly wasn't all that. a celebrity endorsement was not an option. I mean, nobody was going to buy something because it had my name on it. I knew that. It whatever we design and market and bring out to market it had to be of great quality of great value. That's why we started with socks, because it's so basic. And if Yemen women would embrace something as basic as a pair of socks that would tell us that we were onto something and Ron Yes, when we first started selling our socks and going door to door. I can't tell you how many doors slammed in our face�s phones hung up on us, you know.
Lisa Beres
No one in sales hasn't experienced that. It�s true. Kathy, I hope you're okay with me telling the story. But I saw it when I was doing some background research. And I thought it was so funny. I told Brian the story. So, when you were in modeling, I don't know photographer tried to you know, have you be a little riskee and you slugged them.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah. Boundaries are really important, Lisa. And I said no. And he just kept you know, being very insistent and I and my no got bigger is yes, he insisted louder. But he just kind of crossed that line. He started to shove shoved me a little bit and so that was that was my reaction. It was a good left hook.
Lisa Beres
That's hilarious.
Kathy Ireland
I'm left-handed in writing and I live with it. Yeah.
Lisa Beres
Oh, me too, Kathy. I�m left in writing, but I do everything else pretty much right? Yes. Yeah. I guess because we live in right-handed world.
Kathy Ireland
But I punch with my right hand, though.
Lisa Beres
Well, I wanted to share that because you were talking about the human trafficking and I think just women having that strong voice and that empowerment to write knowing our boundaries and knowing when we're, you know, what we're willing and not willing to do not only in that area, but like with your values of your company, you can see that that trickles into all areas. And I think this empowerment for women, not just being strong businesswoman and entrepreneurs but really, you know, having those lines and having those values and really sticking to those. I think it's just so inspiring Kathy, I love that story. Ron loved it too. This Ron's like Mr. protective. So, when I told him that story, he was like, Wow, that's so great.
Ron Beres
You're such a winner. Well, Kathy, not that you need any more partnerships, you have so many great partnerships. But do you have any upcoming partnerships that you're looking forward to at the moment?
Kathy Ireland
I'm going to need to come back and spend time with you if you'll be kind enough to invite me because there are some really exciting partnerships that are premature to discuss right now. Okay. But I will tell you that they are wonderful companies, they're doing incredible things. I'm excited today to work with people across sectors. I mean, you know, Lisa, you were talking about women and standing up for ourselves. And we were talking earlier about the importance of being curious and asking questions, you know, specifically about environmental issues. But this goes across the board too. There's been a lot of pushback throughout my career. It's like, well, a woman can't be in FinTech. You know, you need to be in cosmetics and fashion strictly. I mean, nothing wrong with cosmetics and fashion. That's wonderful. I mean, these are areas in which we work, why not FinTech and so this is an area where we are working. We're working with incredible people, our company, it's been called a mini conglomerate Warren Buffett's been a mentor and a very dear friend and definitely inspired our business. It's kind of like Berkshire Hathaway. But on a much, much smaller valuation. We're currently Ireland pay is one of the one of our companies in which we work, credit card processing, and NASA being one of our clients. Wow. So, Wow, working with wonderful people. Since the pandemic, we've been able to, you know, we just were like, Okay, what is going to happen to small businesses, small businesses really are the heartbeat of our country. And so, we developed Kathy Ireland Small Business Network, and this is an effort to not only help small businesses survive, but to thrive, and scale, we work with UBS and our clients, our partners in the Small Business Network have the benefit of these leaders. We also launched Kathy Ireland, American homes with our partner Phil bear tally, affordable housing throughout our country, and really bringing products to these homes that are sustainable, and that are made well, and also that our Kathy Ireland recovery centers, we've seen a heartbreaking amount of just addictions and suicides. I mean, it's just it the world is tough right now.
Lisa Beres
It's really tough on children, too.
Kathy Ireland
We�ve got to bring solutions and bring hope. And our brand has always been about solutions. And so, as we're identifying what are the needs, how can we be a better service? That's incredible. Let's talk interactive, is a wonderful new partner for us, and just bringing medical information and care to people in their homes and serving people in ways that are really tangible, and that are making a difference in their lives in meaningful ways. So, they're the telehealth leaders in our health care.
Lisa Beres
Okay. Yeah. Which is great. Now, we're doing everything from home. More and more and more. Were you involved, were any of your partners involved in shipping containers using that? Was that that part of your brand?
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, I mean, container homes is an area in which we've worked. And those are amazing, because recyclable, and it really helps to, you know, limit that that footprint as well.
Lisa Beres
Yeah, we just did an article on our website on it's a company called Mod Pools. I don't know if you've heard of them. But they actually take shipping containers and make pools. And they're really beautiful. And they'll cut out like parts of the site and put glass in. So, they're very stylish. And, you know, they go in the ground, although I think maybe you could put them above the ground too. But they look like a high-end pool, you would never know it was a shipping container.
Kathy Ireland
How great is that? And, you know it isn�t going in a landfill.
Lisa Beres
Right? Exactly. Yeah, we have a lot. Go through the Long Beach port. Oh, my goodness, that all those shipping containers is mind boggling. So, moving forward with partnering with the Green Pet Shop that we touched upon earlier, such a great way to make a niche industry like pet supplies more eco-friendly. What are some other niche industries that you see innovating to become greener in the future?
Kathy Ireland
You know, Lisa, I think it can't be nice. I think it's got to be everybody. I know every company, what can we do? What can we do to make our products better? Our services better? How can we limit our footprint? So, and I really believe, you know, asking those questions where our products made our chemicals involved. It's like a clich� if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Ron Beres
Well said. Yeah. Well, I don't want to put any pressure on Lisa, but can you share with us how you built your career from supermodel to the 15th most powerful brand in the world? And really the highest-ranking woman owned individual own business in the licensing industry. How'd you do it, Kathy? Kathy, do you sleep?
Kathy Ireland
Not enough. Not enough. Maybe a little too much coffee. But you know what? I have a great team. I have a fantastic team and growing up. I've always loved sports. I'm not great at any of them. But I love the idea of different people. Coming together with different skill sets towards a common goal. And when I worked as a model, people used to tease me and they'd say, you know, you're so cheap, why don't you know, buy better clothes or, you know, they drive a nicer car?
Ron Beres
Because you were building an empire.
Kathy Ireland
That's why keep fiscally frugal. And I was I was saving to invest to invest in people. And knowing that I was going to need help. I think sometimes particularly, you'd kind of geared this towards Lisa, I think as women, it can be tough to delegate, because, you know, we're, we want to do everything.
Lisa Beres
We're kind of taught not to be assertive, I think, right? That that's rude. Whereas if a man says the same thing, you know, that can be like, Oh, that�s good.
Kathy Ireland
You know, we got to just not in you know, and solving problems for moms in the beginning. That's how we started our brand. And now it's really solving problems for everyone, you know, people who look to us as a brand of trust and integrity. I mean, that's really the foundation of our success, getting it right, getting it right, without first pair of socks. And an answer to your question, Ron, it's the sweat equity, it is a lot of failures. And we learn from our mistakes, and we get back up again. And it's that team, so our team at Kathy Ireland worldwide, they are family. And I mean that our core team, we've been together for over three decades, and we've got our millennials and our Gen Z. And it is just amazing team. And we're a very diverse team, we are very inclusive, but when it comes to what's really important, and this this is in thought to so you know, it's really boring. If you just surround yourself with people who think exactly the same way you do it, it makes for some really good debate. But when you know when I say that there's many differences in our team, every background, and every thought that we you know, different bakes different thoughts when it comes to what's important. And we have a core tenant. And that's consider others as more important than yourself, that comes from my favorite book. And I can't separate that from myself. So that, you know, that's just in our business. And some people say it's counterintuitive to business. For us, it works when we're considering working with someone. The question is, how will working with us lift your company? How will it raise your bottom line? How will it enhance the lives of others? And if it doesn't, then, you know, we're not a good fit. Yeah. And so, you know, when it's, it's, it's really important to have boundaries and to live them. And you know, walk the talk.
Lisa Beres
Exactly. Now, do you? Do your family members work at the company, also your husband or any of your children?
Kathy Ireland
You know, our family is very independent of my work. My husband, as well as an emergency room position. He's the CEO and Captain of his fishing industry, the fourth watch. And so, saving lives feeding people. Amazing.
Lisa Beres
Amazing. And you guys have been married a long time, right?
Kathy Ireland
We just had our 33rd anniversary, so and are all of our children amazing. I mean, our son is an extraordinary photographer, and he and his wife have an amazing business. And so yeah, our company we drag him in from time to time, because he's the best. But they've all got their own identities, their own work, their own passions, and it's exciting to see them come to fruition.
Lisa Beres
Wow, that's really fantastic. So, what advice do you have for the listeners that are women on this show that you know, are wanting to start their own business? Are there any do's and don'ts that you would tell your past self that can maybe help somebody listening today?
Kathy Ireland
I don't assume anything. Ask a lot of questions. Be curious. Know your values. Know what you believe and why put boundaries in place to protect those values because they're going to be challenged, know what you'd be willing to walk away from to be fired from? And don't do anything in fear, the fear list and don't let someone else's opinion of you, or your circumstances define or destroy you. You know, I'm way too odd shaped. I don't fit in anyone's box. Don't let anyone put limits on you. And if someone tells you your ideas, stupid, you know, it's their opinion and try to discern from it because sometimes I really think criticism is a gift. Sometimes it's in a nasty package and we just have to deal with that. We kind of have to open it to discern, even though it was delivered in an unkind way. Is there something I can learn from this?
Lisa Beres
That's good. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. And I think, don't let it stop you. Yeah, don't let it Don't let it stop you. And I think that we're in an age right now with social media where it's really a big topic of impacting young girls and men, young boys, that we are not me. Well, yeah, we're all victim to we're all victim to the mean comment on social media or, you know, anything negative and you just have to realize like your, what is it? If you try to please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one, especially yourself.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we can't be people pleasers. I knew that just yeah. Be true to yourself and true to who you are, learn from each other. But not try to try to please other people and compromise yourself at the same time. It just doesn't work.
Lisa Beres
It just doesn't work. And especially you coming from the modeling industry is really so impressive, because that's an industry where it's all critical on looks right? It's just, you know, defined and then to have really been successful in that and then overcome and done a business and have thick skin and a good upper jab.
Kathy Ireland
Well, no, thank you. Thank you, Lisa. And I think one of the greatest gifts of that long go modeling career was all the rejection, you know, didn't appreciate it at the time. But Ron, when those doors started slamming certainly didn't destroy me. And I had some past rejection experience being that kid door to door, you know, entrepreneur.
Ron Beres
You had a good left foot too, Kathy, because your foot went right into the door when they closed it.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah. You just you know, and it's, it's like Sheryl Sandberg wrote that book leaning in. I understand that yet. When we started, there was not a boardroom to lean into. Nobody was like opening those doors. There were doors a curiosity that didn't take my ideas a CEO seriously. But not only did we have to build our own board, really build the on our own table until you don't have it. You just build it You do what you find ways you find people who can help you. And it doesn't always have to be, you know, I mean, oh, my goodness, I've worked with the most creative people. And it's, they just exchange services. I mean, I've even seen my husband do this. He's had patients who haven't been able to pay him and they would bring him fish and he brings other people fish, you know, there's things that you can do if there's, we don't need to make excuses. There are things we could do. Lisa, you mentioned the modeling background. And I'm grateful for that long-ago career, it was a great education. There are things that are concerning in that industry. And sometimes I feel like a big killjoy. When people say, Oh, my child wants to be in this industry. It's like, Okay, I need to just like, let you know about this, this and this. And I never thought I would write a novel. But I met Rachel Van Dyck, and she's a New York Times bestselling author. And so together, we wrote fashion jungle, it's fiction. And it's based on true stories in my life, roommates, other women that I knew in the industry, just it really exposes the I mean, she wrote it in such an entertaining fun way. And at the same time, it exposes the underbelly of that business.
Lisa Beres
Oh, my gosh, I bet you have some stories. I want to read that book. Now. I'm going to put a link to that in the show notes, guys. Absolutely. Yeah, that's Gosh, I mean, I think that's a lot of the entertainment industry, too. Right? Not just the fashion industry, but the entertainment as a whole. You know, just having that really good core sense of yourself is so important, really, in anything business, whether you're going into the entertainment industry or anything like that, knowing who you are like you have to have that strong sense of who you are.
Ron Beres
Hey, Kathy, final question for you is just wrapped up here and thank you. Your Eco Clean line is great for modern households, eco conscious office spaces looking to reduce their footprint. But can you share with our listeners about a time you've directly seen the positive impact of your work?
Kathy Ireland
Oh, my goodness, Ron, powerful question. I see it every day. I see from our family at home, working to be more conscientious and doing a better job to being at the, at the furniture markets. And that's been really exciting to see a whole industry come together and just work together again. Susan Inglis just a great leader in this to learn about how we can work better and I'd say being at it furniture markets, people from all over the world coming together with this, this common goal of just being better stewards of our planet, and taking better care, that's, I mean, that's has such an impact and just experiencing the excitement. I'm encouraged by the younger generation who does ask a lot of questions, and they are demanding. And I love that they want to know the how well how are you bringing this to market? How is this happening? And I encourage those questions. And I encourage people keep asking those questions until you get your answers.
Lisa Beres
I love that. Yeah, keep up, keep going. And I read this in a spiritual person that I that I like and follow when you see somebody successful doing something great. Something has something that you want, rather than feel envious, because a lot of times your first gut reaction is to feel that like envy feeling, go, gosh, you know, rockets of desire have shot out into the universe, that gave me that feeling that that is something that I want to accomplish. And that's something that I want to achieve. So quickly change that mindset and say, gosh, how can I do that? If she did that, if Kathy built this worldwide Empire, maybe I can, too. Maybe I can do that. And maybe she set the bar high for the you know, the rest of us to follow. And I love that thought because like we talked about the social media and a lot of the competition and envy and everybody feels like they have to be just so perfect all the time look perfect, you know, say the right things, realizing the No, we're all human and let other people inspire each other and look at it like that, instead of you know, that kind of envy, the green and V and making this a full circle.
Kathy Ireland
Oh, Lisa, that is. I mean such a great point that you bring up. And one of the frustrating things about the modeling industry back when I worked in it is so much sameness, everybody kind of looked the same and my girlfriend's back home with them not going to spend money on a magazine to look at pictures of retouch skinny women wearing clothes, I can't afford your we understand you're working, you're earning money to try to start a business. But when you do have your own business, make it real. And one of the first models I hired when we had our company was my mom. And I love that and working with beautiful people come in every shape, size, color and age. The biggest secret of that long ago, modeling career was a good photo retoucher. I mean, today, there's Photoshop.
Lisa Beres
The secret�s out of the bag.
Kathy Ireland
People need to understand that and sometimes people will say, well, it was easy for you because, you know, you had you know, that little smidgen of notoriety from the modeling career. And my answer to that is, my goodness, if you have the gift of anonymity, that is a gift. I do admit there were some doors that were open to me because of the modeling career. They were doors of curiosity, as I mentioned earlier, they didn't take my ideas as CEO seriously, they wasted each other's time they wasted my time wasted their time. If you have that gift of anonymity, you get to start your brand with a clean slate. Wow, you get to start it however you want. And build your integrity and be consistent and you can improve upon that brand every day. And every experience with us is a lasting brand impression. And so that's why it's so important to truly take control of that brand of your own brand. And build it with integrity, know what's happening every step of the way and bring things to market that are going to bless other people be a benefit and fill your heart because you know you're doing something positive.
Lisa Beres
I love that. Wow, guys, I hope this inspired you I know I feel so inspired. And friends run in your sustainable sneakers. Don't walk over to NaturEZway and that�s naturezway.com to learn more about Kathy's Eco Clean line, or to find a store near you. You can also find them on Amazon as well as major chains like Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Whole Foods, Lowe's Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Ace, and many others. And to learn more about Kathy, visit her at Kathyireland.com. And that's Kathy with a K.
Ron Beres
Yeah, thank you so much for joining us today. Kathy, keep up the great, green work.
Lisa Beres
Thank you, Kathy!
Ron Beres
Thank you so much.
Kathy Ireland
Ron and Lisa, thank you. Thank you. And just one last shout out to our partners at the Green Pet Shop. They are helping save animals with no kill shelters. So grateful to them and so grateful for you, Lisa and Ron for all the great work that you're doing.
Lisa Beres
Thank you so much. That's amazing. Great job Green Pet Shop on that and the cruelty free the line. Your Eco Clean line is cruelty free and that is huge and so important today more than ever, that we support those brands that walk their talk and they're making the world a better place. So, thank you, Kathy. This was incredible. We really appreciate it.
Ron Beres
I just talked to Kathy Ireland. I was like Oprah who? Look at this empire, it�s incredible. Okay, stay tuned for another episode to up level your health, your home and the planet. Goodbye, everyone. Thank you.
Lisa Beres
Thanks, everyone.
Kathy Ireland
Thank you.
Narrator
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Narrator
How would you like to improve your health and keep your family safe? You're listening to the healthy home hacks podcast where we firmly believe enjoying optimal health shouldn't be a luxury healthy home authorities and husband and wife team Ron and Lisa will help you create a home environment that will level up your health. It's time to hear from the experts. listen in on honest conversations and gain the best tips and advice. If you're ready to dive in and improve your well-being and increase your energy, you're in the right place. All right, here are your hosts bow biologists, authors, media darlings, vicarious vegans and avocado aficionados, Ron and Lisa Beres.
Ron Beres
From supermodel to Super mogul. You may recognize her from gracing the covers of some of the world's most famous glossy magazines, such as Vogue, cosmopolitan, Forbes people, Harper's Bazaar, good housekeeping, Women's Day, glamour, The New York Times, Reader's Digest 17, and much more. Besides making men swoon on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, there are some other secret superpowers you may not know about today's guest, supermodel and fashion icon, Kathy Ireland. Welcome most teams were dealing with acne, finding a prom date and peer pressure. Kathy Ireland's fashion career was beginning its runway walk at the ripe age of sixteen.
Lisa Beres
Yes, and since then she has kept walked her way to being named one of the most 50 influential people in fashion. According to Fairchild. The success of her company Kathy Ireland worldwide, which was founded in 1993 is rooted in passion, creativity, teamwork and its dedication to service listeners. If you think Kathy is just another pretty face, think again. Her company ranks in the 15th position worldwide brands according to licensed global magazine, yet, Kathy Ireland solely owned company had humble beginnings starting at the family kitchen table. But today is the highest-ranking woman owned licensing business in American history.
Ron Beres
This year, Kathy has been elected to the licensing international Hall of Fame, and as the youngest executive and first woman to receive this rare Lifetime Achievement accolade. If Kathy's brains and beauty worn off. Add to this. She's a fearless humans rights advocate who works tirelessly on behalf of oppressed people, which explains why she received the International Religious Freedom champion award. Oh, and she's a philanthropist to Kathy Ireland worldwide supports numerous nonprofits and she uses her voice against all forms of discrimination.
Lisa Beres
So, friends, let's recap. Kathy, Ireland is smart, savvy, stunning and sweet. But guys, don't be green with envy. The reason she's here with us today, superpower number five. Turns out Kathy is also sustainable and cares about the health and well-being of our planet, which is how our green paths crossed.
Ron Beres
Welcome to the Healthy Home Hacks show.
Kathy Ireland
Ron and Lisa. Oh, my goodness, thank you for that kind introduction. And thank you for inviting me on your show. Congratulations. on all your success. I'm truly grateful for your amazing work, the information you get to people everywhere.
Lisa Beres
Oh, thank you, Kathy, we are so thrilled to have you. We're so excited. I know our listeners are going to love this episode and love hearing from you. You are just a wealth of success. I'm like reading your resume.
Ron Beres
The one word, success. Absolutely.
Kathy Ireland
Listening to all that. And I think of all the failures along the way that is just part of life and getting any kind of success or failure, or too many to mention, we wouldn't have time.
Lisa Beres
Oh, thank you for sharing that. I literally said to Ron, wow, her resume is so amazing. It looks like everything just fell so perfectly. And then I said to Ron, but I know that can't be true.
Kathy Ireland
You're absolutely, I mean it is it is a long journey to any kind of success. So, I say congratulations to you because I recognize its hard work. And when you fall when you fail, you get back up you learn from your mistakes and you do better.
Lisa Beres
Yes, absolutely. We're going to get into some of that too. I would love to hear some of the background than that, and I know we have some budding entrepreneurs in our audience, they're going to get some great tips today about how Kathy did create all of this. But just to get started, I want to talk about the plastic pollution problem that we have in our world today, which you'd have to be living under a rock not to know about it. And 91% of plastic today isn't even recycled. It takes more than 400 years to degrade in the environment. And in 2019, scientists set out to say, huh, how much plastic have we produced, and they found that it was 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, that's with a B billion, most of which is coming from disposable items. So, Kathy, you have a brand of all natural, eco-friendly home products called Eco Clean, that our readers and listeners may not be aware of, that provides a well needed solution to harmful plastics that are free of harmful chemicals. So, Kathy, why is it important to you personally, to create a greener, more sustainable legacy with your brand?
Kathy Ireland
Yes, we do with our partners, NaturEZway Eco Clean. There are so many wonderful alternatives to plastic, when you're talking about that bamboo, for one is amazing. And we started, when we started our brand back in 1993, with a single pair of socks, I was an agent by magnet model at our kitchen table. And the environment was first and foremost of socks were made out of recycled soda, pop bottles, and bamboo and also hemp. We did it because it's the right thing to do. It's also economical. So, for all those entrepreneurs out there, you can save a lot of money by doing things well and right that how is critical and it is critical for all of us to really accept the truth. You mentioned this in the opening and less we live in complete isolation. You know, we're all building some kind of a legacy, because we're all role models, somebody who's watching, they're paying attention. And the question is, you know, what kind of a role model are we? I mean, is it intentional? Or are we doing this without thought? And my goodness, we find ourselves as a world, as a nation as parents and grandparents, you know, in just a realization that we all must be great stewards of the environment, I believe that's a responsibility we all have. And with very few exceptions, today, we all realize, you know, each of us has the ability to lead a gently greener impact on our planet. And it's so sad to see that, you know, simple good citizenry for corporations and for individuals, it can be politicized and that it has no business being in that arena. And somehow, the body of politic has entered the most basic discussions, therefore reducing people to taking separate corners rather than aligning and solving problems, because we can all agree on and growing up in Santa Barbara, our parents instilled just some really basic values of awareness for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. And it was instructive in his rebuilt Kathy Ireland worldwide, that information was critical. Our dad worked in labor relations with farmworkers in particular, and my mom is a nurse. And so, when we think about it, they were really building a legacy for themselves, which is, which was imparted to my sisters and me. And, you know, we all have a responsibility to really improve the human condition and to leave each situation better than the way we found it.
Lisa Beres
Oh, I love that there's that famous quote, �we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.� And I think that's so true. Kathy, it's really great that you were taught that at such a young age, and that kind of became part of your mantra, it sounds like through your business and through your adulthood. And I know you have children, you have three children, correct?
Kathy Ireland
Well, I love I love Lisa and Rhonda, that you make it real. And I mean, yes, I mean, we, we travel, and we do cause a footprint. But yet, how can we reduce it? How can we make it better and seeking, you know, never, ever wanting to be hypocritical, yet looking for ways that we can always improve?
Ron Beres
Yeah, well said. You were so ahead of the curve, Kathy. 1993? I can't believe it. Wow. So, in addition to creating renewable bamboo inspired cruelty free lines, can you share with us some ways you incorporate green living into your own daily life?
Kathy Ireland
Yes. Well, I mean, you know, not seeking to be have to simply from the beginning of childhood, I mean, we knew not to waste anything. And we were taught to separate that which came from the earth with products that were man made, and our parents had us composting and wasn't really average. Back then, you know, they come over to play, and they're like, what is this?
Lisa Beres
What on earth. Are your parent�s hippies.
Kathy Ireland
But it was, I mean, just wonderful lessons. And I mean, Kathy, Ireland, worldwide, legacy is really an homage to the basic tenants of human decency, and the golden rule. And that was taught to us by our parents, and I mean, the legacy of the company, you know, in human rights and the environment in the avoidance of toxicity. mean, that's as much an homage to john and Barbara Ireland, as it is to the company itself. And without their values, I really believe that I would not be as aware and, you know, instill the truth is that we can always do better all of us. And so, there's no need to indict anyone. Being curious is a really good thing, just always asking questions, you know, what can we do to be better?
Lisa Beres
I love that, yeah. We teach our listeners through our programs, how to read labels, how to knock in grain washed, how to understand you know, a brand state something that they are backing up those claims that they mean that so really becoming your own detective, which we talk a lot about on the show, and taking responsibility instead of just putting that on manufacturers or on somebody else to do that for you. And I know you recently partnered with the Green Pet Shop, as well as NaturEZway. And that's naturez with a Z for their Kathy Ireland Eco Clean home products line. So, what led to the formation of these partnerships? I mean, we're hearing about your background and kind of growing up with these values. But was there anything specific that led to this line?
Kathy Ireland
You know, these lines are amazing. And we seek to always work with incredible partners, and the, you know, asking questions, can we do more? So, finding people in the green pet shop and nature's way who would answer it in a positive way? I mean, why use chemicals in cleaning supplies, when nature offers healthier solutions? And why use plastic when bamboo is biodegradable? So, I'm curious. It's, it's just really helpful. And it makes me think there's a Broadway song being good, isn't good enough. But, you know, we're not we're not attempting moral high ground, we're just really seeking to, you know, come alongside what you're all doing and, and make an effort. And with our pet products, also, I mean, just a wonderful company, that is bringing products that that are eco-friendly, but you know, that's amazing. And we work with just extraordinary people, the green pet shop, you know, helping people helping animals helping the environment and any vertical wellness, the hemp industry, I mean, working with people who really take that seriously our vetting process or getting to know you process when we're seeking to work with a new partner. It's extensive that how is very involved. You know, I don't believe that when we're talking about supporting the environment, that nothing should be niche, everything has an impact. And so, we asked, okay, what's the gentlest way to do everything that we're doing?
Lisa Beres
Yeah. Is there a better way? I love because your pet line has the biodegradable pet waste bags, which I think is so spectacular. We wrote a book years ago, called just greener. Simple swaps to save the planet and your health. And that was its kind of a kind of like an eat this not that like buy this don't buy that. And we have that as one of our categories because of again, that plastic waste and we live in a community a development where you know, everyone's the bags, but Gosh, the amount of waste with those plastic bags too. And I want to just talk about some of the products in your line because that you go clean line, which, you know, for listeners who aren't familiar with it, there's everything from Bath tissue, paper towels that are biodegradable, compostable cups.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, compostable, right. That's from our childhood. It's Yeah.
Lisa Beres
It�s a really amazing line, what am I missing? I mean, there's a lot, you've got floor wipes, and I left out you have the aroma-free products, because we don't need to be adding more chemicals into our home with these toxic fragrances. Like you said, it's kind of going back to what grandma used, like, you know, nature gave us vinegar, and baking soda and essential oils and all these great things to clean. We don't need to be, you know, grasping for air from, you know, chlorine bleach and ammonia and these caustic chemicals that are so prevalent in cleaning products, and even trash bags, right trash bags are heavily scented today and dry your sheets and all of that. So, your line is very clean. And just amazing.
Ron Beres
That's true. Kathy, is there anything that we missed? Because we talked about how you're making this a greener earth with Kathy Ireland worldwide, but and how you're committed to that. But is there something we didn't discuss so far about the products and what you're doing right now that we should make a point of listening to?
Kathy Ireland
Well, thank you, I mean, with all of our partners across the board, the environment is something that is very important to us. And whether it's our rugs, you know, when we started by working with recycled products, and that's something that we continue today working to find to make a smaller footprint, in the home industry, working with the wonderful sustainability organizations that just are amazing working, aligning ourselves closely with them, to always learn how we can do better and to also teach others. That's an important so every all of our partners in the home industry, from home furnishings, lighting, everyone is involved in this and making an impact and our fashion industry, it's across the board in every sector in which we work. And we've This is something that we don't talk about, often. But we've walked away from millions of dollars in agreements and guarantees because we learned that partners, they were operating within the letter of the law, though, not what we considered a moral spirit an inch was that's cheating because you don't win when you cheat. And just because a product can meet the standards of some states, if it's a product that that our children couldn't use in in California, but it's going to be okay, this toxic environment in other parts, it's like no, right. So, you've got to have the courage to know what you're willing to walk away from. And, and we've walked away from a lot and been told that it was crazy and stupid. But ultimately, we we've earned so much in other places and having money, it's not evil, loving it, you know, worshiping it, we all know better on money, don't let it on you. But that's never our motivator and being willing to walk away no matter what. That's how we built our brand. And that's how we continue it.
Lisa Beres
Oh, wow, that's important. You really, you kept your standards high, you know, and you kept the integrity and you know, especially these days, consumers really, really value that. And they appreciate that they know you're going to be consistent, and that they're going to trust what you say is true. And you're going to follow through on that. Because as we know, we've seen a lot of companies not do that. And I like how you talked about the chemicals, maybe. I mean, there's a lot of chemicals on the market now. What is it? 80,000 registered with the EPA, that many, many, many have never been tested for their health and safety. So just because it's for sale doesn't mean that it's safe for you and your family. And you have to kind of going back to that, you know, trust the brands that are walking the talk.
Kathy Ireland
And there's such You know, there's so many great resources. You know, when I touched on it early in our furniture career, we had the privilege of working with Susan Inglis and she's of the sustainable furnishings Council. And, you know, our commitment to making sure that people are treated fair away in every step of the design and manufacturing process. You know, it includes the climate and includes you know, if factories are toxic, then people working on our products are being exposed to toxicity and those toxins, they come into the factory and during the supply chain, they traveled to the showroom, the retailer, and then of course, into the homes of our customers. So, each of us, you know, has and will leave some sort of legacy and is accountable for how we treat each other and what kind of stewards we're going to be. So, it's being alert and just always learning how to do better.
Ron Beres
Have you always had this passion even when you were younger to have this this, I don't know this fortitude to think about the big picture and how you can create businesses to help the world and people or did that kind of develop as you more mature later in life?
Kathy Ireland
You know, Ron, as a child, I grew up in the great outdoors, and we grew up camping, and fishing and hiking and just all the outdoor adventures and I loved it. And so, taking care of it has always been on my mind. And then with my mom being a nurse, my dad working with Cesar Chavez in the unions and helping the farm workers, how people are treated has always been on the forefront of my mind being I was that annoying kid who'd go door to door selling things. So, you're right, what did you sell, Ron?
Ron Beres
Well, I not as noble as you I was selling dry cleaning discount cards. So, buy $100 with the dry cleaning for $20. And I don't think dry cleaning was that clean at the time either. It wasn't green earth. That's right.
Lisa Beres
That was while back, Ron. Yeah, Ron�s background was sales. And so, you were a little budding entrepreneur from the time you were in high school.
Kathy Ireland
You know, sales is the lifeblood of every business.
Ron Beres
I would imagine that more doors were closed on me, then you.
Kathy Ireland
We�ll have to talk about that, Ron. I had quite a few doors slammed.
Lisa Beres
That's amazing. So, Kathy, can you shed some light on your company's Millennium Development Goals?
Kathy Ireland
Sure. So, I've had the privilege of working with the UN on their youth program, their Millennium Development Goals. And you know, in maturity as I, I just I'm just a little too cranky to agree with any one person or entity on anything. So, there's plenty of things for the UN that I don't agree with. However, the Millennium goals, those are great. I mean, these are these are wonderful, again, the How is really important to me, you know how we accomplish these goals. And I think we all have to take responsibility on that. And look at that. These goals include everything from fighting poverty, fighting, disease, fighting hunger, supporting our environment, on supporting education, and we've included two more goals. And that is the fight in human trafficking, and supporting our military veterans and their families. And so, with our company, sometimes people say Why do you still do this? After all these years? Why are you still working? We love what we do, we have a passion for it. And the vision for our company is teach, inspire, empower, make our world better. When we're looking to partner with a company. We show them our development goals. And we say please look at these because it's a very diverse group. And what do you currently support? or What will you commit to support should we work together? That's the first part of our vetting process once in a while, it doesn't happen a lot. But we'll get someone who says, we�re not interested in any of this. And that allows us to know, okay, we're not going to. So, what do you say? Wow, that's great. We don't demand a monetary amount. It can be volunteer hours with your team. But we have to know that if we're going to invest time and resources and our infrastructure, with people with companies, we need to know that in success. We're going to honor that vision, teach, inspire, inspire, empower, make our world better. And so that, I mean, that gets us up in the morning, that is exciting to us. When we know that in success. We're going to have a great impact on the world and do wonderful things, whether it's planting trees, helping animal shelters, supporting our military veterans fighting disease and poverty, whether it's the war on human trafficking. You know, I decades ago, I worked in the modeling industry and the sex slave trade. It is ugly, it is evil. It is real. It's heartbreaking. And tragically when human beings are no longer profitable and everyone is, I mean vulnerable to these children in particular, girls and boys, and when they're no longer profitable in the sex slave trade, they're often sold into forced labor. And that is why we began in 93. With our Sox, we started by conducting surprise factory inspections, you find out a lot when you show up unexpectedly, and continuing to work with wonderful organizations. I'm the International Youth chair for the National pediatric cancer foundation. They're doing amazing work as serve as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. People who are doing incredible work our partners at American family insurance, they have the biggest most philanthropic hearts, I just I just love that. It's it doesn't feel like going to work when you're working with such great people. They become family.
Lisa Beres
Yeah. Wow. You seem, I mean, obviously we can tell from just talking to you, you're very involved in your company. You're very involved in all aspects of it. Not one of these people that just slapped your name on the brands and you know, are off at the spa.
Kathy Ireland
I do get accused of being a control freak, and I prefer to think about it. I'm very passionate. Yeah. You know what Lisa, I was I was okay, as a model. I certainly wasn't all that. a celebrity endorsement was not an option. I mean, nobody was going to buy something because it had my name on it. I knew that. It whatever we design and market and bring out to market it had to be of great quality of great value. That's why we started with socks, because it's so basic. And if Yemen women would embrace something as basic as a pair of socks that would tell us that we were onto something and Ron Yes, when we first started selling our socks and going door to door. I can't tell you how many doors slammed in our face�s phones hung up on us, you know.
Lisa Beres
No one in sales hasn't experienced that. It�s true. Kathy, I hope you're okay with me telling the story. But I saw it when I was doing some background research. And I thought it was so funny. I told Brian the story. So, when you were in modeling, I don't know photographer tried to you know, have you be a little riskee and you slugged them.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah. Boundaries are really important, Lisa. And I said no. And he just kept you know, being very insistent and I and my no got bigger is yes, he insisted louder. But he just kind of crossed that line. He started to shove shoved me a little bit and so that was that was my reaction. It was a good left hook.
Lisa Beres
That's hilarious.
Kathy Ireland
I'm left-handed in writing and I live with it. Yeah.
Lisa Beres
Oh, me too, Kathy. I�m left in writing, but I do everything else pretty much right? Yes. Yeah. I guess because we live in right-handed world.
Kathy Ireland
But I punch with my right hand, though.
Lisa Beres
Well, I wanted to share that because you were talking about the human trafficking and I think just women having that strong voice and that empowerment to write knowing our boundaries and knowing when we're, you know, what we're willing and not willing to do not only in that area, but like with your values of your company, you can see that that trickles into all areas. And I think this empowerment for women, not just being strong businesswoman and entrepreneurs but really, you know, having those lines and having those values and really sticking to those. I think it's just so inspiring Kathy, I love that story. Ron loved it too. This Ron's like Mr. protective. So, when I told him that story, he was like, Wow, that's so great.
Ron Beres
You're such a winner. Well, Kathy, not that you need any more partnerships, you have so many great partnerships. But do you have any upcoming partnerships that you're looking forward to at the moment?
Kathy Ireland
I'm going to need to come back and spend time with you if you'll be kind enough to invite me because there are some really exciting partnerships that are premature to discuss right now. Okay. But I will tell you that they are wonderful companies, they're doing incredible things. I'm excited today to work with people across sectors. I mean, you know, Lisa, you were talking about women and standing up for ourselves. And we were talking earlier about the importance of being curious and asking questions, you know, specifically about environmental issues. But this goes across the board too. There's been a lot of pushback throughout my career. It's like, well, a woman can't be in FinTech. You know, you need to be in cosmetics and fashion strictly. I mean, nothing wrong with cosmetics and fashion. That's wonderful. I mean, these are areas in which we work, why not FinTech and so this is an area where we are working. We're working with incredible people, our company, it's been called a mini conglomerate Warren Buffett's been a mentor and a very dear friend and definitely inspired our business. It's kind of like Berkshire Hathaway. But on a much, much smaller valuation. We're currently Ireland pay is one of the one of our companies in which we work, credit card processing, and NASA being one of our clients. Wow. So, Wow, working with wonderful people. Since the pandemic, we've been able to, you know, we just were like, Okay, what is going to happen to small businesses, small businesses really are the heartbeat of our country. And so, we developed Kathy Ireland Small Business Network, and this is an effort to not only help small businesses survive, but to thrive, and scale, we work with UBS and our clients, our partners in the Small Business Network have the benefit of these leaders. We also launched Kathy Ireland, American homes with our partner Phil bear tally, affordable housing throughout our country, and really bringing products to these homes that are sustainable, and that are made well, and also that our Kathy Ireland recovery centers, we've seen a heartbreaking amount of just addictions and suicides. I mean, it's just it the world is tough right now.
Lisa Beres
It's really tough on children, too.
Kathy Ireland
We�ve got to bring solutions and bring hope. And our brand has always been about solutions. And so, as we're identifying what are the needs, how can we be a better service? That's incredible. Let's talk interactive, is a wonderful new partner for us, and just bringing medical information and care to people in their homes and serving people in ways that are really tangible, and that are making a difference in their lives in meaningful ways. So, they're the telehealth leaders in our health care.
Lisa Beres
Okay. Yeah. Which is great. Now, we're doing everything from home. More and more and more. Were you involved, were any of your partners involved in shipping containers using that? Was that that part of your brand?
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, I mean, container homes is an area in which we've worked. And those are amazing, because recyclable, and it really helps to, you know, limit that that footprint as well.
Lisa Beres
Yeah, we just did an article on our website on it's a company called Mod Pools. I don't know if you've heard of them. But they actually take shipping containers and make pools. And they're really beautiful. And they'll cut out like parts of the site and put glass in. So, they're very stylish. And, you know, they go in the ground, although I think maybe you could put them above the ground too. But they look like a high-end pool, you would never know it was a shipping container.
Kathy Ireland
How great is that? And, you know it isn�t going in a landfill.
Lisa Beres
Right? Exactly. Yeah, we have a lot. Go through the Long Beach port. Oh, my goodness, that all those shipping containers is mind boggling. So, moving forward with partnering with the Green Pet Shop that we touched upon earlier, such a great way to make a niche industry like pet supplies more eco-friendly. What are some other niche industries that you see innovating to become greener in the future?
Kathy Ireland
You know, Lisa, I think it can't be nice. I think it's got to be everybody. I know every company, what can we do? What can we do to make our products better? Our services better? How can we limit our footprint? So, and I really believe, you know, asking those questions where our products made our chemicals involved. It's like a clich� if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Ron Beres
Well said. Yeah. Well, I don't want to put any pressure on Lisa, but can you share with us how you built your career from supermodel to the 15th most powerful brand in the world? And really the highest-ranking woman owned individual own business in the licensing industry. How'd you do it, Kathy? Kathy, do you sleep?
Kathy Ireland
Not enough. Not enough. Maybe a little too much coffee. But you know what? I have a great team. I have a fantastic team and growing up. I've always loved sports. I'm not great at any of them. But I love the idea of different people. Coming together with different skill sets towards a common goal. And when I worked as a model, people used to tease me and they'd say, you know, you're so cheap, why don't you know, buy better clothes or, you know, they drive a nicer car?
Ron Beres
Because you were building an empire.
Kathy Ireland
That's why keep fiscally frugal. And I was I was saving to invest to invest in people. And knowing that I was going to need help. I think sometimes particularly, you'd kind of geared this towards Lisa, I think as women, it can be tough to delegate, because, you know, we're, we want to do everything.
Lisa Beres
We're kind of taught not to be assertive, I think, right? That that's rude. Whereas if a man says the same thing, you know, that can be like, Oh, that�s good.
Kathy Ireland
You know, we got to just not in you know, and solving problems for moms in the beginning. That's how we started our brand. And now it's really solving problems for everyone, you know, people who look to us as a brand of trust and integrity. I mean, that's really the foundation of our success, getting it right, getting it right, without first pair of socks. And an answer to your question, Ron, it's the sweat equity, it is a lot of failures. And we learn from our mistakes, and we get back up again. And it's that team, so our team at Kathy Ireland worldwide, they are family. And I mean that our core team, we've been together for over three decades, and we've got our millennials and our Gen Z. And it is just amazing team. And we're a very diverse team, we are very inclusive, but when it comes to what's really important, and this this is in thought to so you know, it's really boring. If you just surround yourself with people who think exactly the same way you do it, it makes for some really good debate. But when you know when I say that there's many differences in our team, every background, and every thought that we you know, different bakes different thoughts when it comes to what's important. And we have a core tenant. And that's consider others as more important than yourself, that comes from my favorite book. And I can't separate that from myself. So that, you know, that's just in our business. And some people say it's counterintuitive to business. For us, it works when we're considering working with someone. The question is, how will working with us lift your company? How will it raise your bottom line? How will it enhance the lives of others? And if it doesn't, then, you know, we're not a good fit. Yeah. And so, you know, when it's, it's, it's really important to have boundaries and to live them. And you know, walk the talk.
Lisa Beres
Exactly. Now, do you? Do your family members work at the company, also your husband or any of your children?
Kathy Ireland
You know, our family is very independent of my work. My husband, as well as an emergency room position. He's the CEO and Captain of his fishing industry, the fourth watch. And so, saving lives feeding people. Amazing.
Lisa Beres
Amazing. And you guys have been married a long time, right?
Kathy Ireland
We just had our 33rd anniversary, so and are all of our children amazing. I mean, our son is an extraordinary photographer, and he and his wife have an amazing business. And so yeah, our company we drag him in from time to time, because he's the best. But they've all got their own identities, their own work, their own passions, and it's exciting to see them come to fruition.
Lisa Beres
Wow, that's really fantastic. So, what advice do you have for the listeners that are women on this show that you know, are wanting to start their own business? Are there any do's and don'ts that you would tell your past self that can maybe help somebody listening today?
Kathy Ireland
I don't assume anything. Ask a lot of questions. Be curious. Know your values. Know what you believe and why put boundaries in place to protect those values because they're going to be challenged, know what you'd be willing to walk away from to be fired from? And don't do anything in fear, the fear list and don't let someone else's opinion of you, or your circumstances define or destroy you. You know, I'm way too odd shaped. I don't fit in anyone's box. Don't let anyone put limits on you. And if someone tells you your ideas, stupid, you know, it's their opinion and try to discern from it because sometimes I really think criticism is a gift. Sometimes it's in a nasty package and we just have to deal with that. We kind of have to open it to discern, even though it was delivered in an unkind way. Is there something I can learn from this?
Lisa Beres
That's good. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. And I think, don't let it stop you. Yeah, don't let it Don't let it stop you. And I think that we're in an age right now with social media where it's really a big topic of impacting young girls and men, young boys, that we are not me. Well, yeah, we're all victim to we're all victim to the mean comment on social media or, you know, anything negative and you just have to realize like your, what is it? If you try to please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one, especially yourself.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we can't be people pleasers. I knew that just yeah. Be true to yourself and true to who you are, learn from each other. But not try to try to please other people and compromise yourself at the same time. It just doesn't work.
Lisa Beres
It just doesn't work. And especially you coming from the modeling industry is really so impressive, because that's an industry where it's all critical on looks right? It's just, you know, defined and then to have really been successful in that and then overcome and done a business and have thick skin and a good upper jab.
Kathy Ireland
Well, no, thank you. Thank you, Lisa. And I think one of the greatest gifts of that long go modeling career was all the rejection, you know, didn't appreciate it at the time. But Ron, when those doors started slamming certainly didn't destroy me. And I had some past rejection experience being that kid door to door, you know, entrepreneur.
Ron Beres
You had a good left foot too, Kathy, because your foot went right into the door when they closed it.
Kathy Ireland
Yeah. You just you know, and it's, it's like Sheryl Sandberg wrote that book leaning in. I understand that yet. When we started, there was not a boardroom to lean into. Nobody was like opening those doors. There were doors a curiosity that didn't take my ideas a CEO seriously. But not only did we have to build our own board, really build the on our own table until you don't have it. You just build it You do what you find ways you find people who can help you. And it doesn't always have to be, you know, I mean, oh, my goodness, I've worked with the most creative people. And it's, they just exchange services. I mean, I've even seen my husband do this. He's had patients who haven't been able to pay him and they would bring him fish and he brings other people fish, you know, there's things that you can do if there's, we don't need to make excuses. There are things we could do. Lisa, you mentioned the modeling background. And I'm grateful for that long-ago career, it was a great education. There are things that are concerning in that industry. And sometimes I feel like a big killjoy. When people say, Oh, my child wants to be in this industry. It's like, Okay, I need to just like, let you know about this, this and this. And I never thought I would write a novel. But I met Rachel Van Dyck, and she's a New York Times bestselling author. And so together, we wrote fashion jungle, it's fiction. And it's based on true stories in my life, roommates, other women that I knew in the industry, just it really exposes the I mean, she wrote it in such an entertaining fun way. And at the same time, it exposes the underbelly of that business.
Lisa Beres
Oh, my gosh, I bet you have some stories. I want to read that book. Now. I'm going to put a link to that in the show notes, guys. Absolutely. Yeah, that's Gosh, I mean, I think that's a lot of the entertainment industry, too. Right? Not just the fashion industry, but the entertainment as a whole. You know, just having that really good core sense of yourself is so important, really, in anything business, whether you're going into the entertainment industry or anything like that, knowing who you are like you have to have that strong sense of who you are.
Ron Beres
Hey, Kathy, final question for you is just wrapped up here and thank you. Your Eco Clean line is great for modern households, eco conscious office spaces looking to reduce their footprint. But can you share with our listeners about a time you've directly seen the positive impact of your work?
Kathy Ireland
Oh, my goodness, Ron, powerful question. I see it every day. I see from our family at home, working to be more conscientious and doing a better job to being at the, at the furniture markets. And that's been really exciting to see a whole industry come together and just work together again. Susan Inglis just a great leader in this to learn about how we can work better and I'd say being at it furniture markets, people from all over the world coming together with this, this common goal of just being better stewards of our planet, and taking better care, that's, I mean, that's has such an impact and just experiencing the excitement. I'm encouraged by the younger generation who does ask a lot of questions, and they are demanding. And I love that they want to know the how well how are you bringing this to market? How is this happening? And I encourage those questions. And I encourage people keep asking those questions until you get your answers.
Lisa Beres
I love that. Yeah, keep up, keep going. And I read this in a spiritual person that I that I like and follow when you see somebody successful doing something great. Something has something that you want, rather than feel envious, because a lot of times your first gut reaction is to feel that like envy feeling, go, gosh, you know, rockets of desire have shot out into the universe, that gave me that feeling that that is something that I want to accomplish. And that's something that I want to achieve. So quickly change that mindset and say, gosh, how can I do that? If she did that, if Kathy built this worldwide Empire, maybe I can, too. Maybe I can do that. And maybe she set the bar high for the you know, the rest of us to follow. And I love that thought because like we talked about the social media and a lot of the competition and envy and everybody feels like they have to be just so perfect all the time look perfect, you know, say the right things, realizing the No, we're all human and let other people inspire each other and look at it like that, instead of you know, that kind of envy, the green and V and making this a full circle.
Kathy Ireland
Oh, Lisa, that is. I mean such a great point that you bring up. And one of the frustrating things about the modeling industry back when I worked in it is so much sameness, everybody kind of looked the same and my girlfriend's back home with them not going to spend money on a magazine to look at pictures of retouch skinny women wearing clothes, I can't afford your we understand you're working, you're earning money to try to start a business. But when you do have your own business, make it real. And one of the first models I hired when we had our company was my mom. And I love that and working with beautiful people come in every shape, size, color and age. The biggest secret of that long ago, modeling career was a good photo retoucher. I mean, today, there's Photoshop.
Lisa Beres
The secret�s out of the bag.
Kathy Ireland
People need to understand that and sometimes people will say, well, it was easy for you because, you know, you had you know, that little smidgen of notoriety from the modeling career. And my answer to that is, my goodness, if you have the gift of anonymity, that is a gift. I do admit there were some doors that were open to me because of the modeling career. They were doors of curiosity, as I mentioned earlier, they didn't take my ideas as CEO seriously, they wasted each other's time they wasted my time wasted their time. If you have that gift of anonymity, you get to start your brand with a clean slate. Wow, you get to start it however you want. And build your integrity and be consistent and you can improve upon that brand every day. And every experience with us is a lasting brand impression. And so that's why it's so important to truly take control of that brand of your own brand. And build it with integrity, know what's happening every step of the way and bring things to market that are going to bless other people be a benefit and fill your heart because you know you're doing something positive.
Lisa Beres
I love that. Wow, guys, I hope this inspired you I know I feel so inspired. And friends run in your sustainable sneakers. Don't walk over to NaturEZway and that�s naturezway.com to learn more about Kathy's Eco Clean line, or to find a store near you. You can also find them on Amazon as well as major chains like Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Whole Foods, Lowe's Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Ace, and many others. And to learn more about Kathy, visit her at Kathyireland.com. And that's Kathy with a K.
Ron Beres
Yeah, thank you so much for joining us today. Kathy, keep up the great, green work.
Lisa Beres
Thank you, Kathy!
Ron Beres
Thank you so much.
Kathy Ireland
Ron and Lisa, thank you. Thank you. And just one last shout out to our partners at the Green Pet Shop. They are helping save animals with no kill shelters. So grateful to them and so grateful for you, Lisa and Ron for all the great work that you're doing.
Lisa Beres
Thank you so much. That's amazing. Great job Green Pet Shop on that and the cruelty free the line. Your Eco Clean line is cruelty free and that is huge and so important today more than ever, that we support those brands that walk their talk and they're making the world a better place. So, thank you, Kathy. This was incredible. We really appreciate it.
Ron Beres
I just talked to Kathy Ireland. I was like Oprah who? Look at this empire, it�s incredible. Okay, stay tuned for another episode to up level your health, your home and the planet. Goodbye, everyone. Thank you.
Lisa Beres
Thanks, everyone.
Kathy Ireland
Thank you.
Narrator
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