Klarna is on Clubhouse! Follow our club, Your Move, where we sit down with the most influential voices worldwide for conversations about the topics that matter most—from entrepreneurship and retail to sustainability and financial wellness.
Diane Von Furstenberg—fashion and design icon, philanthropist, and creator of the wrap dress—joined the Klarna Clubhouse on July 12th for a fireside chat with Natalia Brzezinski, Klarna’s Head of Strategy. They discussed highlights from Diane’s new book, “Own It: The Secret To Life,” and DVF shared her expertise on life and growing her business.
Lesson #1: The most important relationship in life is the one you have with yourself.
When Diane needs comfort, she finds it in herself. “I am always there, consistently—I have all of the souvenirs, all of the things that I’ve done. I am the only one that has the entire library of data on myself.” When it comes down to it, the only thing consistent in your life is you. People come and go, life has ups and downs, but anything can be accomplished if you appreciate and invest in your relationship with yourself.
One of the best pieces of advice Diane has ever received, she said, was from academic, educator, and historian Vartan Gregorian’s grandmother, who survived the Armenian Genocide: “The only thing you have complete control over is your character. You can lose your health, wealth, beauty, family, and freedom—but you can never lose your character.” Diane equates character with a safe shelter inside ourselves, which is the core of our strength. “The truer we are to ourselves, the happier we can be.”
Lesson #2: Don’t doubt!
“When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt,” said Diane.
Whether launching your own business or dealing with personal challenges, when asked about how to approach self-doubt, Diane’s advice is simply not to do it. Rather than dwell on what could go wrong, take a look in the mirror and tell yourself what could go right.
Lesson #3: Practice gratitude.
Gratitude is hugely important to Diane, who advised we say thank you from the moment we open our eyes to give ourselves a better day. “Nourishing gratitude inside ourselves, even in the most challenging moments, is a source of strength.”
Feelings of negativity, resentment, and anger are toxic and shouldn’t be dwelled upon, she noted. And in the midst of times of darkness, while they can be difficult, it’s important to remember everything in life is fleeting. For example, in her late twenties, Diane said there were moments when her business was a tremendous success, and everyone thought she was at her peak, where she was actually going through intense difficulties. Over time, and with a positive outlook, she moved past them and continued to find success along the way.
“Even when going through hard times, live your own legend,” said Diane. Be grateful and open to what each day brings. You never know what could be in store for you.