If you know me, you know I’m a huge Kate Spade fan. The bold colors, the whimsy, the feminine yet confident vibe, it’s all me. I bought my first Kate Spade bag in my early twenties, back when I was just starting to figure out my personal style and professional voice. There was something about the brand’s mix of sophistication and playfulness that spoke to me. Kate Spade wasn’t just a designer; she represented a lifestyle, a reminder that women could be both powerful and playful, ambitious and stylish.

So when I found out that Elyse Arons, Kate’s best friend and co-founder of the original Kate Spade brand, was coming to town for a book signing, there was no way I was missing it. The event was held at Frances Valentine, the brand Elyse co-founded alongside Kate after they sold Kate Spade. It’s a beautiful continuation of the spirit they created together vibrant, bold, and full of heart.

When I walked into the event, it felt surreal. To be surrounded by pieces that reminded me of so many milestones in my life graduations, birthdays, first jobs and then to meet the woman who helped bring all of that to life? It was a full circle moment. Elyse had such a warm energy about her, and hearing her talk about her friendship with Kate and the journey of building two iconic brands was nothing short of inspiring.

Her new book, We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade, dives deep into their story, the creativity, the challenges, and the deep sisterhood that fueled their success. I couldn’t stop smiling as she signed my copy. I never had the opportunity to meet Kate Spade herself, but meeting Elyse felt like the next best thing. After all, she helped build the world that Kate dreamed of, and she’s keeping that legacy alive in the most graceful way.

As an author myself, moments like this remind me of how important it is to network and nurture connections. Being in spaces with other creative women, especially those who’ve built legacies that outlive trends, is deeply motivating. It’s more than just a “meet and greet.” It’s about planting seeds. You never know who might inspire your next project, your next collaboration, or even your next chapter.

Leaving the event, I felt a mix of gratitude and motivation. Gratitude for the women like Kate and Elyse who showed us that creativity has power and motivation to keep showing up in spaces where stories and style collide. Because that’s where the magic happens.

Here’s to timeless style, lasting friendships, and being bold enough to create something that matters.