When Elyce Arons met Kate Spade, then Kate Brosnahan, at 18 years old, the two quickly became friends over a shared interest in journalism. But they moved to New York after college and realized a greater passion for the fashion industry. That led the duo, plus Andy Spade and Pamela Bell, to become the founding partners of Kate Spade, in January 1993.  After eventually selling Kate Spade to Neiman Marcus Group in 2006, Arons and Kate Spade realized they hadn't lost the desire to create and design. Thus, in 2016, they launched Frances Valentine, starting with shoes and handbags. Since then, Frances Valentine has built a growing business by focusing on often overlooked demographics: boomers and Gen X.  "When [Kate and I] started Kate Spade, we were 29 and 30 years old. We were at a time in our lives where we were young professionals, and the products we made were targeted to women like us. But when we started Frances Valentine, we were missing things in the market that we wanted." Arons said on the latest episode of The Glossy Podcast. "I thought, 'We've done this before. I know we can do this again.' So we started by making beautiful [shoe] designs at great prices, with good quality." Though Frances Valentine initially began selling apparel as an homage to Kate Spade, it realized the great demand and soon released a full apparel line to complement its accessories. Apparel has grown to become the brand's No. 1 product category. Now, Frances Valentine has its sights on expansion, most recently entering the home decor and beauty categories. As it slowly works toward becoming a premier lifestyle brand, it also plans to open more physical store locations.

When Zara Terez Tisch launched her namesake brand Terez in 2008, right before the recession, her main goal was to find her light in a sea of darkness. The New York City-based brand, which initially sold leather handbags, quickly grew from operating out of her parents' basement to selling through wholesale partners.  In 2012, Terez expanded into apparel and updated its mission to center on spreading happiness and positivity through clothes. While a kids' line marked the move into the new category, the overwhelming demand for the hero product led to Terez launching colorful leggings for women. That's now the brand's most popular category, according to Terez Tisch. But it's seeing competition. "I am a big kid at heart, and … kids are a huge part of our brand's DNA," Terez Tisch said on the latest episode of The Glossy Podcast. "Since launched our first store this past fall, our kids' business has been rising once again."  The flagship location, which opened in NYC's Upper East Side in September 2022, is a physical manifestation of all the best parts of the brand, she said, citing its bright decor and welcoming energy.