ABOVE PHOTOS: Start Up @ 320 High St, Palo Alto, CA.

Earlier in the week I had the incredible opportunity to watch @julieb.70, Julie Bornstein, COO of @stitchfix and former CMO of @sephora speak. Location: Downtown Palo Alto @ a local start up (bay area basic, yet this talk was anything but). What an accomplished, visionary, and impressive woman with a striking amount of genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Julie had warmth about her that is rare to see in women so accomplished (at least in my experience). She was essentially the first person at Nordstrom working on launching their e-commerce business. After that massive accomplishment she went on to Sephora and launched their renowned loyalty program, "beauty insider" all the while raising a family. Before watching her I really questioned if I could have my career (1st priority) and a family at some point, should my maternal extinct kick ever kick in, after this experience I'm sure I can. I am inspired!

ABOVE PHOTOS: Delineating my inability to ever be serious + extreme excitement at getting to watch Julie. Long Sleeve: Nordstrom Rack, Black High Rise Jeans: J. Brand, Necklaces: Urban Outfitters + J.Crew, Open Toed Heeled Booties: Schutz

Mixed with her ability to relate, empathize, while at the same time being an assertive, confident woman is remarkable. It is rare for me to find women in life that I truly admire and look up to, but I can say confidently she is now one of them. I creepily overheard Julie telling someone her email and the next day I emailed her telling her how watching her talk and hearing her story inspired me. Her response gave me the feeling you get when you're walking on the street near dusk and the light post turns on right as you pass it:

“Kelly, Thank you for your really kind email. It made my day! I remember you in the audience- I wish you the best of luck. Sounds like you’re at the start of an exciting journey. You already have one talent I can identify, which is sharing positive thoughts with others. That goes a really long way. All the best to you, Julie.”

— Julie Bornstein