A journey of empowerment

Debbie Rudoy

They say that “if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” These are words that we live by and inspire us deeply at Goldie Tees.

In honor of International Women's Day, we interviewed Debbie on her journey of empowerment and the women who inspired her along the way.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

Who are some of the most important female figures in your life?

The most important female figure in my life was my mother, Goldie. She always taught me to follow my dreams and was a driving force that helped facilitate things and make them happen.

My mother is at the top of my list of important female figures in my life. She supported all my decisions starting with my attending art school, launching my career in fashion, starting my first business, purchasing my first home to launching Goldie!

I’ve always surrounded myself with women who were mentors, and who taught me everything I needed to know and pointed me in the right direction.

At a very young age, I was exposed to very strong women, and I attribute that to how I live my life. It made me feel like I can be empowered and make things happen.

What makes you feel the most empowered as a female business owner?

I think it’s about being acknowledged and appreciated for where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going — and who is on that path with me. Seeing people grow and expand and join my team makes me feel empowered. I love watching them grow into their own.

I was raised by parents who taught me to follow my dreams and work hard. I grew up in a household of 4 sisters, my mother and father. Growing up with a father who was a businessman, having him pay attention to me as a young female and respecting that I could be as good as any man, had a huge impact on my life and my future work.

Debbie is wearing the Ribbed Long Sleeve Tee

What are some of your favorite female-owned companies?

Diane Von Furstenburg and Liz Claiborne always stand out to me. There were a lot of females in the apparel industry who forged their way to make it relevant and important for women to do their thing. I think it’s important that women stick together and support each other. At the beginning, middle, and end of the day — that’s what it’s about.

What advice would you give to another female founder or someone wanting to start their own business?

Follow your dream. Starting a business and being a founder is not for the faint of heart. You need to REALLY want it. I launched Goldie because I woke up one day and said, “I'm going to do this” and I just kept going.

You need to be passionate about your business and do whatever it takes to make it through the next deliverable, timeline, and hurdle to reach your goal. It's about believing in yourself.

Debbie is wearing the Ribbed Long Sleeve Tee

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