Tory Burch on Roe v. Wade and the Women Who've Shaped Her Life and Business

Updated on 7/7/2022 at 2:45 PM

Courtesy of Tory Burch

Some designers may have been reluctant to address the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but Tory Burch was not one of them. As a vocal supporter of women's rights, the business mogul was among the first to respond to the news. "I am outraged by the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stripping women of the constitutional right to make safe, informed choices about their own bodies," Burch wrote in a letter posted on Instagram. "This decision was a giant step backwards for women, but we are undeterred and know we need to step up now more than ever. I believe in a world where women are free to make choices that are right for them — and not be penalized for those choices."

Burch went a step further and shared how her business is working to protect reproductive rights. "We are reviewing our benefits plans to ensure there are no obstacles to abortion access and reproductive care for employees who must travel outside of their state," she wrote.

As a child, Burch was first introduced to the concept of women's empowerment by her mother. "My mother taught me a very simple and fundamental truth: women are capable of anything," Burch told POPSUGAR over email. The fashion designer put that principle into action with the launch of the Tory Burch Foundation in 2009, making it her mission to champion women entrepreneurs. "I understood the obstacles they face: access to capital, limited child-care support, stereotypes and biases, I could go on and on. I wanted to address those issues to help other women follow their dreams."

Through the organization, Burch has not only funded several women-owned businesses, but she's also facilitated powerful conversations among women. The recent Embrace Ambition Summit on June 14 was a clear example, with its focus on pressing women's issues including systemic racism, prison reform, abortion rights, mental health, and gun violence.

"I believe in a world where women are free to make choices that are right for them — and not be penalized for those choices."

While she acknowledges that progress is being made toward greater representation for women in business, Burch insists we still have a long way to go. "Companies need to be held accountable, but it isn't just about representation — women are incredible investments," she says. "They think differently than men; they are visionary, collaborative, and bring unique skills to decision-making. Simply put, women are good for business."

After the Embrace Ambition Summit, the designer spoke further with POPSUGAR about her foundation's mission, the women who've shaped her career, and her advice for young women entrepreneurs.

On Starting the Tory Burch Foundation

POPSUGAR: Can you take us back to the moment when you decided to make women's empowerment a central part of your platform? How has your mission to champion women entrepreneurs evolved alongside your business?

Tory Burch: Starting a foundation was in my business plan. My concept was to create luxury products that were aspirational and accessible — the pieces I was missing in my own wardrobe. But I also wanted to start a foundation for women. I considered where I could lend my expertise and have the greatest impact, and that was in supporting women entrepreneurs. I understood the obstacles they face: access to capital, limited childcare support, stereotypes and biases, I could go on and on. I wanted to address those issues to help other women follow their dreams. We launched our foundation in 2009, and our mission remains the same: empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging women to embrace their ambition. We have made an enormous impact, and we're just getting started.

On the Women Who've Shaped Her Career

PS: You talk often about your mom's influence on your style and your life in general. Who are the women who've contributed to your career, and how did their support inspire you to become a mentor yourself?

TB: From an early age, my mother taught me a very simple and fundamental truth: women are capable of anything. She and my grandmother both gave me incredible advice that I still use today. My mother always said, "Negativity is noise," which helped me in the early days of my company. So many people doubted or dismissed my ideas, but it only made me more determined.

My grandmother often said, "You never learn anything with your mouth open," which taught me to be a great listener and to surround myself with people with different perspectives, opinions, and experiences.

I always had people willing to help me in my career, and I want other women to have that, too. Through our foundation's signature Fellows program, we provide 50 early stage women entrepreneurs with mentorship, education grants, business resources, workshops, and access to an incredible network.

On Delivering on Antiracism Goals

PS: In 2020, many leading executives pledged to increase Black representation within their own corporate walls and commit to antiracism action. How are your teams at Tory and Tory Burch Foundation delivering on these goals?

TB: Hiring diverse talent is a priority — two-thirds of our employees are people of color — and we provide growth opportunities at every level. We are dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses through our foundation. Access to capital is one of the greatest barriers women entrepreneurs face — especially women of color — and biases around race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities impede women's success. Earlier this year, we introduced our Women of Color grant program with Fearless Fund and The Cru to support WOC-owned businesses. These grants can be game-changing for business owners who have not had access to traditional loans, and we have already deployed $2 million.

On Her Proudest Accomplishments

PS: What are your proudest accomplishments as the leader of the Tory Burch Foundation?

TB: I am incredibly proud of our loan programs with Fearless Fund, The Cru, and Bank of America. Through our long-standing partnership with Bank of America, we have given $75 million to more than 4,800 women. It's hard to believe we have almost reached our $100 million goal.

Our Fellows program has grown substantially in the last seven years, and we have reached a point where we have meaningful statistics. Nearly 30 percent of our Fellows have surpassed $1 million in annual sales, compared to just 4.2 percent of all women-owned businesses in the US, and 14 percent of our Fellows have raised venture capital, compared to less than 3 percent of women founders in the US. Our Fellows are also staying in business far longer than the average early stage company in the US.

On the State of Women Representation in Business

PS: How do you feel about the state of women representation in business today?

TB: We've certainly made progress, but the fact that we're still talking about this in 2022 is a clear indicator that we have a very long way to go. Companies need to be held accountable, but it isn't just about representation — women are incredible investments. They think differently than men; they are visionary, collaborative, and bring unique skills to decision-making. Simply put, women are good for business.

On Her Advice For the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs

PS: What would you tell the next generation of women entrepreneurs?

TB: Believe in yourself, embrace your ambition, and support the other women around you. There is room for everyone — and when you help other people shine, you shine.