A Colorful Way of Living: How to Be More, Create More, Do More the Vera Bradley Way

by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard

Overview

From the co-founder of the Vera Bradley empire, a practical and inspiring book that shows women how to awaken their full potential, at any age.

"This place could use some color!" That's what Barbara Bradley said to her friend Pat during an airport layover. It was 1982 and all the women could see was a succession of drab, bulky suitcases. When they returned home to Indiana, Barbara and her business partner got out a few Simplicity patterns and a Singer sewing machine and set to work. And the Vera Bradley Company was born.

A Colorful Way of Living offers practical, inspiring advice to empower women of all ages to navigate life by the values that provide the foundation of the Vera Bradley empire. Women looking for the encouragement to start a new chapter, women balancing career and family, and new graduates entering the workforce will all benefit from the Baekgaard’s learned wisdom has as it applies to career, life, and relationships. Lessons include “Noticing Every Detail,” “Choosing Nice,” and “Remembering Always—there’s enough room for everyone.”

In this highly readable book, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard shares the values that have helped her to thrive in business, health, and relationships--in every aspect of her personal and professional life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250121929
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	145 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

BARBARA BRADLEY BAEKGAARD is a wife, mother, sister, friend, and grandmother. She is also the co-founder, designer, and Chief Creative Officer of Vera Bradley, and the driving force behind the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Barbara lives in Indiana and New York City.
BARBARA BRADLEY BAEKGAARD is a wife, mother, sister, friend, and grandmother. She is also the co-founder, designer, and Chief Creative Officer of Vera Bradley, and the driving force behind the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Barbara lives in Indiana and New York City.

Table of Contents

Introduction: It's Never Too Late xi

Color Your Perspective

Ready, Fire, Aim 3

Sell Yourself First 9

Know Your Strengths 15

The Best Idea Wins 21

Define Success 25

Keep the F in Fun 29

Slip Up from Time to Time 37

It's Good to Be a Girl 41

Know Your Audience 45

Color Your Relationships

Choose Nice 53

Titles Mean (Almost) Nothing 57

Invite Connection 61

Be a Friend, Make a Friend 67

Practice Kindness 73

Open Doors 79

Keep It Real 83

Choose Carefully 87

Color Your Work

Find Your Inspiration 95

Go Big 101

There's Enough for Everyone 107

Act as If 111

Sometimes Wrong, Never in Doubt 115

Cultivate a Sisterhood 121

The Culture of Color 125

Add a Big Cause to Your Purpose 129

Give Just for Fun 137

Color Your Every Day

Be Fussy 145

Refine Your Tastes 151

Define Your Style 155

Keep Moving & Allow for Little Extras 161

Make Yum Yum Cake 167

Cultivate New Friendships 173

Color Your Life

Find Your Balance 179

Follow Love 185

Remember Romance 191

Celebrate Your Place in the World 193

Discontinue Old Patterns 197

Cut and Trim 203

Continue to Redesign 207

Embrace Your Success 211

Find the Silver Lining 215

Lean on Your Sisters 221

Notice the Magical Moments 229

Acknowledgments 233

Author Bio 237

Company Bio 238

Editorial Reviews

02/27/2017
This empowering offering is replete with practical strategies for leading a fulfilled life. In a breezy and friendly tone, Baekgaard, cofounder of the apparel and accessories line that bears her mother’s name, Vera Bradley, doles out sage advice. Her advice includes being unafraid to take chances (without that, the company wouldn’t exist, she insists), giving back (as she does with the Vera Bradley Foundation, a breast cancer charity), being ready to make friends anywhere, knowing your audience, and taking breaks. She calls her business strategy “ready, fire, aim”—meaning that if one always waited for the perfect market research and business plan, few companies would be created. Her business (and personal) style is inclusive, although she does note that on issues she’s passionate about, like having all departments of her company under one roof, she will stand firm. Baekgaard’s optimistic take on life and values-based leadership style will inspire readers, particularly those already smitten with her company’s colorful goods. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"This empowering offering is replete with practical strategies for leading a fulfilled life. In a breezy and friendly tone, Baekgaard, cofounder of the apparel and accessories line that bears her mother’s name, Vera Bradley, doles out sage advice." - Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher