Style Influencer Sarah Yonover

unnamed This week’s Modern Day Girlfriend Influencer is Sarah Yonover, the designer and creator of HIPKNOTIES. Sarah comes from a very extensive fashion background as well as personal style.  Working for many well-known brands such as Bergdorf Goodman & Michael Kors. Sarah’s reputation in the fashion industry was one of respect, fabulous taste and sensibility.
In 2011, she created HIPKNOTIES® all-in-one infinity- scarf-wrap-dress-halter top-skirt-shawl-cape-one shoulder dress and much more. It’s fantastic and makes deciding what to wear that much more easier!

Sarah has also graciously gifted a wrap to for one lucky participant in our giveaway, please comment below on how you would wear this product & like us on Instgram to enter to win.

1  Not knowing or feeling like one has not found their “passion” in life seems to be the growing trend in today’s generation. Did you always know what you wanted to do with your life or did it come to you later?  Do you remember the exact moment when it all clicked?  

That is an interesting question/ statement! I am not sure I ever knew what I wanted to do with my life, but always knew that I loved to have impact on people. It has always felt “right” to me when I talk to women or men, young or old and say something that will result in an “ah-ha moment” where they realize their self worth. Empowering people to give them their own self-confidence is so important to me. I tell my own children every day to love themselves first. And the rest will fall into place.

When HIPKNOTIES was born, I don’t think I actually realized that a product like this would have the same effect. However, as it has evolved, I have come to realize that it is a clothing garment and concept that is all about empowering women to feel confident and find their own way to dress beautifully and comfortably.

2. How did you get started in the career that you are in, did you face setbacks? Did those setbacks change the course of your life, if so in what ways?

For as long as I can remember, I always had my own “style”. I always loved to get dressed and made it an important part of my day, even if I wasn’t going to be seeing anyone. So needless to say, my interest has always been around fashion.

After graduating from college at the University of Wisconsin Madison, I was determined to secure a job at Bergdorf Goodman in the buying offices. It was the ONLY store I wanted to work for and I was not giving up on it. I had no experience, but they liked me… and it took about 9 months of interviewing before finally getting a job there in the designer sportswear division.

Now looking back, I realize that even at the age of 22, I was persistent. I didn’t give up. Too often, I see people giving up too quickly when something doesn’t work and it is so important to work hard for things you want. Nothing comes easy. And hard work and perseverance does pay off.

3. How do you find time to balance professional and personal life? 

My family means everything to me. My husband Brad and my daughters, Mimi and Jaden are my world. I am so proud of the family we have built and the children we are raising. My mother worked while I was growing up and I think that instilled a belief in me that it is important for the mother to have something else to focus on outside the family. She was strong, confident and independent.  And I admired her for everything she did. She handled everything with grace and dignity.

So for me, I want my children to see me balancing both our family and work in a similar way. Having them involved as well with Hipknoties whether it is by helping pack orders, select colors, create styles, etc. allows them to take some ownership as well. Because they are older now, 11 and 14, they can understand that sometimes I may need to travel or work at times that they may need me to help them with homework or an activity, but they understand and it is all a balance.

My husband is my biggest support in the world. Some husbands can be threatened by their wives working and their success, however, Brad is my biggest and best cheerleader.

4. How important is it to have women empowering women?

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT!!!! I cannot stress this enough. I am ALL ABOUT WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN! Women are the most amazing and powerful beings. Instead of competing with one another, we can support each other and help each other out. It makes me so sad when I see ladies who lack any sort of self-confidence in any way. No matter what, all women need to find their confidence and love themselves. And with society and social media the way it is today, it is becoming more and more difficult. I see this too often with my daughters, as they are in middle school. It is so upsetting to me what can happen between teenage girls. It needs to stop. We need to put an end to bullying and encourage more empowerment for all women. Any age. Any size. Any way.

5.What was the most important piece of advice you have received and who gave it to you?

To love myself and be confident. My mother.

6. If you met the younger you tomorrow, what would you tell her and why?

To love myself and be confident! A simple concept that can be overlooked. Too often we look to others for self-validation. While other people can make us feel good about ourselves, we need to find the inner love first. If you don’t like yourself or believe in yourself, why should someone else? Confidence is contagious.

7.We all have moments in life of now what? What is next for you?

I have always lived in the moment. I take each day and appreciate everything about it. I am grateful. I am blessed. For today. If I spend too much time looking ahead and thinking “what next” I will miss the present. And it is a gift to be cherished.

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