Rebecca Minkoff built a global fashion brand from a $3.25/hour internship, a scrappy “I ❤️ NY” tee after 9/11, and one breakout bag that women literally stopped her on the street to ask about. With no connections and no safety net, she moved to New York at 18, figured it out in real time, and turned hustle into a multi-million-dollar brand worn by celebrities and carried everywhere.
In this episode, Rebecca walks through the real story behind the “Morning After” bag, what it was like losing 70% of revenue overnight during COVID, and why most founders should think twice before raising venture capital. She shares hard-earned lessons on hiring and firing, betting on yourself, building a brand in the age of social media, and navigating fame through Real Housewives.
If you’ve ever wanted to start something from scratch, pivot when everything falls apart, or build a brand that lasts longer than trends — this episode is your blueprint.
Chapters
00:00 From No Connections to Fashion Icon
00:18 Moving to NYC With $3.25/Hour
01:19 Intern to Founder, Starting Her Own Line
02:00 I ❤️ NY Shirt Breakthrough
03:17 Betting It All on Bags
05:43 Going All In, Quitting Styling for Good
06:11 Networking Like Cash
09:29 Building a Brand in 2025 vs. 2005
10:17 Hiring, Firing & Learning to Let Go
19:52 COVID, 70% Revenue Drop & Rebuilding the Business
31:15 Real Housewives, Brand Impact & Mental Toll
35:04 NFL, Amazon & Building Strategic Partnerships
36:55 What’s Next
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Phoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a fashion-tech app helping shoppers find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app and help us grow → https://www.phia.com
About The Burnouts
The Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, athletes, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real stories behind ambitious careers.
Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more.
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The Burnouts with Phoebe & Sophia 