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The Glitter Plan: How We Started Juicy Couture for $200 and Turned It into a Global Brand
Part memoir, part business manual, and 100% juicy—the inside story of Juicy Couture, one of the most iconic brands of our times
While working together at a Los Angeles boutique, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor became fast and furious friends over the impossibility of finding the perfect T-shirt. Following their vision of comfortable, fitted T-shirts, they set up shop in Gela’s one-bedroom Hollywood apartment with $200 and one rule: Whatever they did, they both had to be obsessed by it. The best friends’ project became Juicy Couture. Pam and Gela eventually sold their company to Liz Claiborne for $50 million, but not before they created a whole new genre of casual clothing that came to define California cool.
Pamela and Gela built an empire from the ground up, using themselves as models to build their patterns and placing their merchandise by storming into stores and handing out samples. They balanced careful growth with innovative tactics—sending Madonna a tracksuit with her nickname, Madge, embroidered on it—and created a unique, bold, and unconventional business plan that was all their own: the Glitter Plan.
Now, Pam and Gela reveal the secrets of Juicy’s success: how they learned to find and stick with the right colleagues and trust their instincts when it became time to move on to their next project. They also share their missteps and hilarious lessons learned—like the time robbers stole one thousand pairs of maternity shortalls, which the partners took as the first sign to get out of the maternity clothing business.
Told in the bright, cheery voice that defines Juicy style even today, The Glitter Plan shows readers how to transform passion and ideas into business success. Aspiring designers, Juicy fans, and business readers of all stripes will be enthralled by the story of spirit and savvy behind Pam and Gela’s multimillion-dollar fashion empire.
While working together at a Los Angeles boutique, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor became fast and furious friends over the impossibility of finding the perfect T-shirt. Following their vision of comfortable, fitted T-shirts, they set up shop in Gela’s one-bedroom Hollywood apartment with $200 and one rule: Whatever they did, they both had to be obsessed by it. The best friends’ project became Juicy Couture. Pam and Gela eventually sold their company to Liz Claiborne for $50 million, but not before they created a whole new genre of casual clothing that came to define California cool.
Pamela and Gela built an empire from the ground up, using themselves as models to build their patterns and placing their merchandise by storming into stores and handing out samples. They balanced careful growth with innovative tactics—sending Madonna a tracksuit with her nickname, Madge, embroidered on it—and created a unique, bold, and unconventional business plan that was all their own: the Glitter Plan.
Now, Pam and Gela reveal the secrets of Juicy’s success: how they learned to find and stick with the right colleagues and trust their instincts when it became time to move on to their next project. They also share their missteps and hilarious lessons learned—like the time robbers stole one thousand pairs of maternity shortalls, which the partners took as the first sign to get out of the maternity clothing business.
Told in the bright, cheery voice that defines Juicy style even today, The Glitter Plan shows readers how to transform passion and ideas into business success. Aspiring designers, Juicy fans, and business readers of all stripes will be enthralled by the story of spirit and savvy behind Pam and Gela’s multimillion-dollar fashion empire.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 29, 2014
50 people are currently reading
1702 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Skaist-Levy
3 books2 followersPamela Skaist-Levy is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. A former costume designer, she is married to writer/producer/director Jefery Levy. They have one son and live in Malibu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 5, 2015
F*** off Juicy Couture.
I bought this book because it sold itself as "we were on really hard times with only 200 bucks and a dream, and no Harvard business degrees". So I thought this would be inspiring as a young female entrepreneur starting a business without funding in software.
Oh, but they had wealthy husbands and parents, shopping at Nieman Marcus, Saks, and Barneys. And they "only" had photography and fashion degrees from FDIM and CARNEGIE MELLON. B**** please.
Not to mention their ties with the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, the film industry, and the fashion industry (one of them already had a brand before starting Juicy).
Moral of the story? Rich people will get richer. If you started off in middle class, you're probably screwed unless you are really good friends with someone famous who can basically sell your product for you.
I feel like I just got slapped in the face with a huge lie and wish I could get my money back from this stupid book. I am genuinely angry.
The one thing that gave this a second star is that there are a few interesting bits about finding vendors which could be helpful. But that is just not enough for a whole book and seventeen bucks.
I bought this book because it sold itself as "we were on really hard times with only 200 bucks and a dream, and no Harvard business degrees". So I thought this would be inspiring as a young female entrepreneur starting a business without funding in software.
Oh, but they had wealthy husbands and parents, shopping at Nieman Marcus, Saks, and Barneys. And they "only" had photography and fashion degrees from FDIM and CARNEGIE MELLON. B**** please.
Not to mention their ties with the founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, the film industry, and the fashion industry (one of them already had a brand before starting Juicy).
Moral of the story? Rich people will get richer. If you started off in middle class, you're probably screwed unless you are really good friends with someone famous who can basically sell your product for you.
I feel like I just got slapped in the face with a huge lie and wish I could get my money back from this stupid book. I am genuinely angry.
The one thing that gave this a second star is that there are a few interesting bits about finding vendors which could be helpful. But that is just not enough for a whole book and seventeen bucks.
November 7, 2014
Ok, I had just finished #girlboss and was eager to find another inspiring read. I saw this one had good reviews, so I went for it. Once I start a book, I can't leave it unfinished and this ended up being a very painful fight to the end.
First of all, it's very poorly written. Like, high school essay level. I don't know if they really are as ditzy as their writing makes them sound ... I hope not.
Nothing in this book was helpful. According to these women they: invented the concept of sending celebrities clothes, are responsible for today's perfume bottle designs, were the first designers to throw a fun fashion launch party, etc. So ridiculous. And the definitions they give you are beyond elementary terms that everyone who takes themselves seriously should know. "No, 'marketing' isn't spending a day Whole Foods, it's how people find out about your brand." Puh-lease.
I also don't take them as the representation of the kind of businesswoman I strive to be. Rather than the empowering "women can do anything" message of #girlboss, this book literally told me to "play naive or just be a girl" when it comes to an unfamiliar situation. I audibly scoffed at that point.
Don't waste your time.
First of all, it's very poorly written. Like, high school essay level. I don't know if they really are as ditzy as their writing makes them sound ... I hope not.
Nothing in this book was helpful. According to these women they: invented the concept of sending celebrities clothes, are responsible for today's perfume bottle designs, were the first designers to throw a fun fashion launch party, etc. So ridiculous. And the definitions they give you are beyond elementary terms that everyone who takes themselves seriously should know. "No, 'marketing' isn't spending a day Whole Foods, it's how people find out about your brand." Puh-lease.
I also don't take them as the representation of the kind of businesswoman I strive to be. Rather than the empowering "women can do anything" message of #girlboss, this book literally told me to "play naive or just be a girl" when it comes to an unfamiliar situation. I audibly scoffed at that point.
Don't waste your time.
February 23, 2014
"Remember when you were in elementary school and you thought you could do anything? Then by junior high you knew you couldn't? Well, we skipped that day of school."
Pam and Gela are the super cool and fun girls from California that you just want to be best friends with. They believe that they can do anything and they usually do just that. They are real women who were able to succeed by working hard and never forgetting who they are. I loved this book and I love their story. I highly recommend this for any fashionista, entrepreneur, business person, or any person who has a sense of humor.
Pam and Gela are the super cool and fun girls from California that you just want to be best friends with. They believe that they can do anything and they usually do just that. They are real women who were able to succeed by working hard and never forgetting who they are. I loved this book and I love their story. I highly recommend this for any fashionista, entrepreneur, business person, or any person who has a sense of humor.
February 28, 2014
(First reads giveaway win)
Though the tone was sometimes off-putting and the narration was a bit strange (narrated jointly in the 1st person plural, which makes it choppy to refer back to the individual women), the story itself was interesting. Interspersing their memoir with business strategy was a successful method too.
Though the tone was sometimes off-putting and the narration was a bit strange (narrated jointly in the 1st person plural, which makes it choppy to refer back to the individual women), the story itself was interesting. Interspersing their memoir with business strategy was a successful method too.
May 17, 2015
This book really surprised me. It is very interesting, very funny and most informative. If starting your own business is something you are thinking of then this book is for you. Don't hesitate to pick this up....you won't put it down until you are finished.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
February 26, 2018
These girls did exactly what I did, sold my company and watched from the sidelines while it deteriorated. Then you have to live with it and a non-compete clause all the while wishing you could take off where you left off with another brand or something, but it's never quite right again. Living life Fast and Furious then boom, it's done, now what does one do?
March 21, 2021
Okay so... it wasn’t a bad book. It was just underwhelming, boring, not inspirational or motivating. These women made it sound like they built a billion dollar brand from $200. This was not the case. These women made it sound like they were genius reincarnated without any form of education and loads of struggles. This was not the case. These women went to great schools, earned degrees, had famous friends and husbands, loved in rich houses, had tons of resources at their disposal and made it sound as though they didn’t. I don’t get it, it’s not wrong to be rich. It’s not wrong to have resources. Hell, that’s why were reading the book. I don’t want you to pretend it was all your idea. As though you were the very first company to send PR packages or you created leisure wear!
They were creative. They designed and created a positive company culture. However, the business? It was built by the rich for the rich through the rich. I do not believe the fake rag to riches story. I would have loved the book had it felt real. Tell me you took a million dollar loan and I’d understand, tell me you were really privileged and lucky to have known famous people and business men and women, and I’d understand. But don’t come and sell your story as though all you had was a dream and $200.
Let me tell you one thing, as a woman, I did not feel inspired by their story. They did not talk about the logistics possibly because they didn’t deal with that. They did not talk about the struggles of your business growing rapidly or about trying to sell. They did not talk about anything really. They just had a strategy “play dumb and let other people do the work and you just buy candy and let people bring their dogs to work”. I mean, thank you for being chill but also... how did you build your business?
Not to mention how badly the book was written. Look, I’m not a writer, I write too fast. Make spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, all sorts of bad writing but at least I’m aware of it. If I wanted to write a book, I’d get someone to help me, someone I’ve reviewed (by that I mean read their work). I don’t know if these women got someone to help them or not but if they did, they sure as hell did not read any of her/his writing. It was hard to read, but felt like a child essay at the same time? Terrible.
Anyways, if you’re really looking for a good inspiring female entrepreneur book, I suggest you read “my fight to the top” by Michelle Mone.
They were creative. They designed and created a positive company culture. However, the business? It was built by the rich for the rich through the rich. I do not believe the fake rag to riches story. I would have loved the book had it felt real. Tell me you took a million dollar loan and I’d understand, tell me you were really privileged and lucky to have known famous people and business men and women, and I’d understand. But don’t come and sell your story as though all you had was a dream and $200.
Let me tell you one thing, as a woman, I did not feel inspired by their story. They did not talk about the logistics possibly because they didn’t deal with that. They did not talk about the struggles of your business growing rapidly or about trying to sell. They did not talk about anything really. They just had a strategy “play dumb and let other people do the work and you just buy candy and let people bring their dogs to work”. I mean, thank you for being chill but also... how did you build your business?
Not to mention how badly the book was written. Look, I’m not a writer, I write too fast. Make spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, all sorts of bad writing but at least I’m aware of it. If I wanted to write a book, I’d get someone to help me, someone I’ve reviewed (by that I mean read their work). I don’t know if these women got someone to help them or not but if they did, they sure as hell did not read any of her/his writing. It was hard to read, but felt like a child essay at the same time? Terrible.
Anyways, if you’re really looking for a good inspiring female entrepreneur book, I suggest you read “my fight to the top” by Michelle Mone.
May 11, 2014
I read the book and could not put it down...
a must read for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting anything really.
want the sequel.
a must read for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting anything really.
want the sequel.
February 12, 2023
I appreciate the hustle but that's about it. Time to write a book report on this for school... wish me luck.
February 3, 2019
Honestly it’s like it was written by a teenage girl. The information wasn’t anything special, and they didn’t seem to really go through any really challenging struggles. Like “oh, she was a single mom at the time! It was hard!” You can’t just throw in two lines like that. Or maybe we were a 1 billion dollar company, now were only a multi million dollar company!
They also complained that people didn’t take them seriously, even after pages of them describing how juvenile they can be.
I was really into juicy couture when I was in high school, so that’s why I read the book(found it at the dollar store lol). It was ultimately a let down, but looks cute on a shelf.
They also complained that people didn’t take them seriously, even after pages of them describing how juvenile they can be.
I was really into juicy couture when I was in high school, so that’s why I read the book(found it at the dollar store lol). It was ultimately a let down, but looks cute on a shelf.
August 6, 2014
Meh
Meh
While this book spouts more fluff than foundation, once you get past the name dropping, one has to admire these two for getting their business not only off the ground but developing it into a formidable brand.
However, I couldn't help but view the story as a guide for what NOT to do, particularly when the authors sold their business. The final chapters of the book are positively cringe worthy.
All in all, great if you are a Juicy fan or fashion tragic.
Meh
While this book spouts more fluff than foundation, once you get past the name dropping, one has to admire these two for getting their business not only off the ground but developing it into a formidable brand.
However, I couldn't help but view the story as a guide for what NOT to do, particularly when the authors sold their business. The final chapters of the book are positively cringe worthy.
All in all, great if you are a Juicy fan or fashion tragic.
January 23, 2018
The most interesting part of this book was hearing the story of how they really helped pioneer the way brands are marketed and merchandised and the celebrity/influencer relationships they built. It is a super easy read, which is great. That said, what I didnt love was that they tried to make the story into a sort of business manual. Their lessons weren't really groundbreaking and really the takeaways at the end of the chapters were better served from the stories that exemplified them. Seemed like the publisher wanting this to be more than it was.
November 4, 2018
An Amzing story and adventure of two strong women in business.
April 14, 2021
I didn't have any expectations for this book. I picked it up because I love stories of women building businesses. Boy, was I charmed! I love this case story written in an unpretentious way.
July 3, 2024
wow what a start
I was captivated and found out humble beginning and the drive behind an iconic empire that paced the way for others to follow with luxury track suits. So Juicy.
I was captivated and found out humble beginning and the drive behind an iconic empire that paced the way for others to follow with luxury track suits. So Juicy.
November 17, 2020
Considering the brand was in its hey days during my late teens/early 20s, I was interested to learn about the origin story. Juicy was everywhere then and it was aspirational for sure- extremely trendy, comfortable and also pricey, it wasn't something everyone could run out to buy. Until later when it became widely available, you'd catch some great sales at Macy's or outlet stores. I still have 2 sweat pants and a charm bracelet from 2007!!
Anyway, memory lane aside, the book was an easy read and you get a feel for the women's passion. Yeah sure they didn't come from nothing, but you have to admire their instincts and scrappiness to create such an iconic brand that went global. A lot of their takeaways share common themes to good start up practices: a focus on product, rapid prototyping, etc.
One has to wonder though, if the brand would have longevity had they remained at the helm. The track suits of course, were a thing of the past, but maybe the could've have pivoted the brand somehow. By 2013 or so, they were disappearing from retail shops and I can't even find them online now. The perfume is still around though.
Overall, if you want to learn about the Juicy story, it's a good place. Viva la Juicy!
Anyway, memory lane aside, the book was an easy read and you get a feel for the women's passion. Yeah sure they didn't come from nothing, but you have to admire their instincts and scrappiness to create such an iconic brand that went global. A lot of their takeaways share common themes to good start up practices: a focus on product, rapid prototyping, etc.
One has to wonder though, if the brand would have longevity had they remained at the helm. The track suits of course, were a thing of the past, but maybe the could've have pivoted the brand somehow. By 2013 or so, they were disappearing from retail shops and I can't even find them online now. The perfume is still around though.
Overall, if you want to learn about the Juicy story, it's a good place. Viva la Juicy!
May 15, 2023
This book is full of straight forward wisdom that is perfect for someone who is interested in the fashion space. The advice is a little outdated because Juicy Couture flourished before SEO and social media changed the advertising industry. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator had so much energy — she was a perfect fit for their story! It’s a great glimpse into Juicy Couture’s whimsical creative vision and the business side. The writers didn’t hold back from dirty details — they blasted their enemies which they call the “suits” and thanked their friends and business associates. This book perfectly captures the essence of Juicy Couture — fun, playful, but smart and thoughtful. A wonderfully uplifting and easy read that leaves you feeling energized. I love Juicy Couture even more after this book!
This is more of a feel-good, behind the scenes type of book. Don’t read it as a business guide or manual. It’s another piece of advertisement for the brand.
This is more of a feel-good, behind the scenes type of book. Don’t read it as a business guide or manual. It’s another piece of advertisement for the brand.
June 27, 2024
I’m a y2k girl through and through, so of course I had to read this! Pam and Gela seem like so much fun to be around! The title is misleading because they had way more than just $200 at the start (wealthy parents who supported them, co-signed with them, gave them a large inheritance etc.) but it’s an entertaining read. I’ve always wondered what happened to Juicy, and now I know after reading about their business model, ideologies, and decisions (even if some of the later decisions weren’t their own). That said, I’m forever a juicy girl and finding juicy at my local TJX store always puts a smile on my face. 😊💝
June 26, 2023
I am such a lover of y2k fashion, so it was a no-brainer for me to buy this book as soon as I learned of its existence. Hearing the story of the founding of Juicy Couture was SO intriguing, especially due to the friendship between the founders. I was a toddler during the early 2000’s so I loved being able to read up on what that time was like for young adults who are about the same age as I am now.
There was also some great motivation and advice provided in this book that made me extra excited to read on.
There was also some great motivation and advice provided in this book that made me extra excited to read on.
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book immensely. I worked in the fashion industry for years in Downtown LA & remember the phenomena that was Juicy Couture . I know the feeling of being creative & just having fun and then to watch that energy become all about business & money . Ok , the writing isn’t great , though who cares ? Great story and an easy read . PS - The reference to Sushi on Sunset gave me such a nostalgic feeling . Fun times !
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September 24, 2024Key takeaways from the book:
If it’s not making you money, it’s a hobby not a business.
Borrow if you must, but pay it back as fast as you can.
Figure out your brand DNA. For juicy it was fit, fabric, and color.
You don’t have to go to business school to have a successful business, but you do need the right team around you. Accountant, sales rep, lawyer, and retail partners.
Do one thing and do it well.
If it’s not making you money, it’s a hobby not a business.
Borrow if you must, but pay it back as fast as you can.
Figure out your brand DNA. For juicy it was fit, fabric, and color.
You don’t have to go to business school to have a successful business, but you do need the right team around you. Accountant, sales rep, lawyer, and retail partners.
Do one thing and do it well.
July 19, 2017
I can see where this book wouldn't be exciting for everyone, but for me it was. It was exciting, sad, happy, and crazy journey that I felt I knew even before I read this. I just have a true love for juicy and could really see it going downhill. Otherwise this book was really interesting and a fun and inspirational read.
May 5, 2020
A quick read to know the story behind the Juicy Couture brand. It has been very nice knowing Pam’s and Gela story and I think this book could be a wonderful TV show one day.
Is more a guilty pleasure book than a business book. Although is you go to its essence you can learn some business stuff too.
Is more a guilty pleasure book than a business book. Although is you go to its essence you can learn some business stuff too.
May 27, 2025
I know they are already rich and took the easy way bit i really enjoyed the story..
quotes that i liked :
- “We have always believed that we have to be our costumers”
- “when you’re a creative person, you have to create, Retirement isn’t part of that mentality. The mentality is, What is inspiring you next?”
Xoxo
quotes that i liked :
- “We have always believed that we have to be our costumers”
- “when you’re a creative person, you have to create, Retirement isn’t part of that mentality. The mentality is, What is inspiring you next?”
Xoxo
December 29, 2018
Fashion fascinated me and so this was my kind of book. I loved hearing the back story of Juicy Couture and how they gained such a cult following. I learned a lot from a business perspective and can appreciate their out of the box approach to their business, which proved to be very successful.
March 25, 2024
If you’re a millennial I think you’ll find this interesting. I did take quite a few tips from the Juicy girls for running my own business and I found that very inspirational. All in all an interesting read that I would recommend to entrepreneurs!
April 8, 2018
I was very surprised to find this book has legit business advice. It's an easy and quick read charting both the rise and fall of Juicy Couture.
February 23, 2019
I thought this was a fun read. I love stories about building brands and this one didn’t disappoint. If you’re into fashion or female entrepreneurship, you should give this easy read a try.
May 14, 2019
Equal parts memoir and business advice, this takes me back to my preteen and teenage years when I was obsessed with Juicy Couture. This book is great for inspiring the boss babe in all of us.
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November 8, 2019DNF - The writing wasn't great and these women are very unlikable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews