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Defying the Odds
One of the nation's first female entrepreneurs shares the secrets of her success, looking back on half a century of making history in the fashion industry, from her first tiny store in an offbeat Los Angeles neighborhood and beyond. 10,000 first printing.
262 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 14, 2021
Marcia Israel was a self-admitted micro-managing workaholic who had good looks, experience with fashion through modeling, and an older sister in the retail business. She also had brains and instinctively made excellent decisions. Film industry magnate, Joe Schneck, who “mentored” Marilyn Monroe, was instrumental in getting Marcia her start in California. It seems he helped financially and by providing connections for her endeavors. She proved to be a good investment. Judy’s was her baby and she devoted all her efforts to making it a success.
March 27, 2015
Marcia Israel-Curley shares lessons she learned from years and years as a pioneer entrepreneur in the fashion retail business.
Judy's was a specialty store offering up-to-the-minute clothes at an affordable price for young women. The first Judy's opened in a tiny 7x12 store in Los Angeles in 1948, growing into a total of 104 Judy's stores by 1989.
One of the policies of Judy's was that salesgirls were taught how and encouraged to find happiness while working each day, by simply making someone else happy. This was the foundation of the Judy's culture.
In closing she says, "When you discover what it is that you like to do best (it doesn't matter what field or kind of work it is), and when you are confident that it is actually what you do best, make that your passion and run with it! Do I recommend you try? Absolutely! The rewards will make it all worthwhile. Just know that you can do it."
She had uncanny instinct, incredible will power, perseverance and talent that made it all happen. She was truly a pioneer entrepreneur, creating and becoming known for the "Judy's look." She was absolutely brilliant. How I wish she was still alive! I'm so grateful she wrote her story, so full of lessons.
Judy's was a specialty store offering up-to-the-minute clothes at an affordable price for young women. The first Judy's opened in a tiny 7x12 store in Los Angeles in 1948, growing into a total of 104 Judy's stores by 1989.
One of the policies of Judy's was that salesgirls were taught how and encouraged to find happiness while working each day, by simply making someone else happy. This was the foundation of the Judy's culture.
In closing she says, "When you discover what it is that you like to do best (it doesn't matter what field or kind of work it is), and when you are confident that it is actually what you do best, make that your passion and run with it! Do I recommend you try? Absolutely! The rewards will make it all worthwhile. Just know that you can do it."
She had uncanny instinct, incredible will power, perseverance and talent that made it all happen. She was truly a pioneer entrepreneur, creating and becoming known for the "Judy's look." She was absolutely brilliant. How I wish she was still alive! I'm so grateful she wrote her story, so full of lessons.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews