Lizna Kabani
CEO & Designer LIZNA
What inspired you to start your business?
It was when my daughter was born and I left my job to stay home with her until she was around 9 months. I wanted to work, I always loved working! My husband said “it’s now or never” and I rolled up my sleeves, did research for months, and launched my own apparel line soon after.
Since launching LIZNA in 2016, my pieces have been spotted on The Real Housewives of Dallas, at New York Fashion Week 2017, and my collection has been reviewed by fashion icon, Nina Garcia who described LIZNA as “the perfect look for the art lover.”
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Somehow, women can do it all! Never stop believing in yourself, don’t let any roadblocks stop you from doing what you do best, and keep going.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
Sustainable and made in America garments. I think that the talent we have in this country in incredible and I love that I get to support local manufactures.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
Owning and managing a business is never easy and has its ups and downs. It requires a lot of hustle, patience and planning. The fashion industry is constantly changing and you have to do everything you can to keep up.
For me, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve had to work for long hours, weekends and late at night to get things done. For example, to prepare for a last minute buyers event, I had to prep all the samples, sew the hangtags on, steam samples and pack them up. All of this was after a full day of work. My biggest struggle is probably time management. Between work and personal life, (I have two little children), I am constantly struggling to manage time with being a full time mom of two and a full time business owner.
What are you reading or listening to now?
Becoming by Michelle Obama. I absolutely love it and recommend it. She is such an inspiring woman and listening to her book, in her voice, is fascinating.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Fashion Designer from when I was in 5th grade! It is my calling and I love that aspect about the business.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... remind myself why I’m doing this.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… slow down and enjoy the ride.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my family.
By this time next year, I will… a year wiser.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… getting to spend Mother’s Day with my children.
To get my creative juices flowing, I… listen to house music or vocal jazz (depending on my mood).
LIZNA
Lizna, LLC is a women’s premier contemporary apparel brand based in Dallas, Texas. All garments are proudly made in America, supporting local vendors and manufactures.
