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Embracing the Calm in the Chaos: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration

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Run your own business, raise a family, and make a difference—at your own pace. Stacy Igel, founder of the global fashion line BOY MEETS GIRL®, walks you through the highs and lows of creating a how to establish a brand and attract customers, hire and fire employees, collaborate with business partners, rise up from the midst of discouragement, and not just survive the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship—but thrive. Stacy shares her twenty-year journey of growing her company from the ground up while powering through life’s challenges. Today, with her clothing sold in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and other stores worldwide, Stacy has climbed to the top of the ladder—but instead of pausing to look at the view, she’s pulling other women up with her. Embracing the Calm in the Chaos shares a realistic look at how to successfully balance the chaos of being a businessperson, a woman, and a parent. Through Stacy’s story and the stories of the women and men who worked alongside her, you will learn how A captivating, practical guide for new entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, and established entrepreneurs looking for insights and inspiration.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

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Stacy Igel

5 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,333 reviews3,579 followers
July 26, 2022
Just the book I needed.

I have been searching for a practical, helpful guidebook which would actually help in collaboration and staying connected with people as per my professional requirements.

This is just the right guidebook.

Friendly and easily accessible in its writing and presentation, the book is composed of fourteen helpful yet short chapters which has different tips and tricks to guide influencers, beginners as well as anyone looking to build connections and be able to figure out how to communicate effectively.

Reads like a memoir and talks to you like a close trusted friend. This book is just the perfect balance of guide and trustworthy advice.

Check out for the points towards the end of each chapter. Considering each point will help you figure out a lot of things quite easily and effectively.

Thank you, HarperCollins Leadership, for the advance reading copy.
Profile Image for Renée Rosen.
Author 10 books2,241 followers
July 5, 2024
EMBRACING THE CALM IN THE CHAOS is a must-read for anyone looking to take a risk and make their dreams come true. Whether you want to start a business or write a book, Stacy Igel's personal account shows you the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and how to claim your success. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Heidi Shertok.
Author 3 books130 followers
October 13, 2024
In “Embracing the Calm in the Chaos,” a young Stacy had written in her journal, “Success is measured by how much you want it.” Certainly, an evocative, powerful message to those with ambitious dreams. And like many brilliant minds, Igel’s creativity began taking shape as early as the age of three, with some of her favorite childhood memories thrifting and shadowing her mom at trade shows. Her mom, a physician assistant and an entrepreneur herself, invented and sold “The Back Machine.”
Following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin, Stacy spent time interning and working for big-name brands and designers while continuing to perfect her craft. Then, at only twenty-four, she launched her brand of Boy Meets Girl. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Gilmore Girls Lauren Graham, and many others have been spotted in her clothes. Bergdorf’s, Bloomingdale’s, Sak’s, Target, Project Runway, plus countless boutiques have partnered with Stacy to sell her brand. Still, Igel keeps it real as she divulges that behind every success are days spent working through the night, rushing to fix unexpected errors, and gaining a better understanding of interpersonal dynamics between that of an employer and an employee. She makes it very clear that she learned something from every person, partnership, or deal gone wrong, yet she remained calm throughout the chaos, an attribute she credits toward her mother.
But the most important part about Igel’s brand lies within its ethos, supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Watch, and BullyBust, as well as creating hoodies and T-shirts to combat racism. Because being a good person never goes out of style.
Profile Image for Kelly.
259 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2022
Boy meets girl Stacy Igel, tells her story from starting her business to right now. The brand how it developed and grew. How all through her brand development Stacy has stood strongly to her beliefs and by her brand values and principles including working with other brands that have a match.
The highs the lows pure grit and determination of getting a business off the ground to growing into an internationally recognised brand with strong ethics and collaborations.
The end of the story finishes with insights from entrepreneurs Stacey has met and worked with along the way giving more great insights into the vast world of business.
Profile Image for julia.
176 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2023
quick read, good for inspirational boosts but I never read anything like this so it was very different!
Profile Image for Abby.
93 reviews
April 22, 2023
I liked it!!! plus drew gave it to us😛😛
29 reviews
April 28, 2023
Excellent book that documents the journey of a very successful entrepreneur. Everyone can learn something from another's journey to the top.
Profile Image for Harper Kincaid.
Author 9 books443 followers
February 2, 2024
This is the kind of primer for life we should be gifting anyone who’s got a dream stuck in their head and heart needing to be lived. What a treasure!
Profile Image for Ruth Bonapace.
Author 1 book34 followers
May 31, 2024
I met Stacy by chance at a bookstore event. She was super friendly and kind, so I bought her book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, even though at the time, I didn't see how it related to me, since it detailed her journey as a fashion entrepreneur. Wow, was I wrong! It related to nearly EVERYTHING in my life. Take that old expression - it's who you know - well, ok, what's next? This book dives into the "what's next" in your career, how you find people with synergy, how you keep your wits about you (the calm!) when everything seems overwhelming (the chaos!) About 3/4 of the book is her compelling personal story, yet addressing universal themes like "Be Unstoppable," "Live the Dream" and "Rock and Roll with the Punches." The last part comprises Q&As with women in a variety of roles, mostly entrepreneurial, who share their own struggles, successes and advice. One of the best features are the helpful checklists at the end of each chapter -- morsels to go back to for an instant refresher. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for kglibrarian  (Karin Greenberg).
905 reviews36 followers
July 23, 2023
I flew through this book despite not having much of an interest in the business side of life. Hearing Stacy Igel speak at Sag Harbor Books, I was intrigued by her story and knew I would love the book—I was right!
Not only does she give useful advice for anyone running a business, she also tells fascinating stories about her own career path. Her run ins with celebrities were exciting to read about, especially the time she went on the set of Gilmore Girls and met Lauren Graham, who wore one of her designs on the show. She also opens up about the not-so-perfect moments that inevitably happen when running a business. Giving practical tips about how to get through difficult times, Igel, with her positive attitude and determination, shows that it's possible to overcome most obstacles if you really want something.
Whether you’re starting a business, love fashion, or are looking for ways to remain calm and organized, you’ll be happy you read this.
2 reviews11 followers
May 27, 2025
Stacy Igel's warmth, leadership skills, and integrity shine through this book. Embracing the Calm in the Chaos is the guidance needed for entrepreneurs, working parents, and anyone considering taking a risk to pursue their passion.
-- Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C, psychotherapist and author of Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period
Profile Image for Zibby Owens.
Author 10 books25.1k followers
March 31, 2023
Embracing the Calm in the Chaos: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration is an empowering new guidebook that walks you through the highs and lows of creating a business. In it, author Stacy Igel describes her tireless work ethic, from begging for an internship at Delia’s and selling the shirt off her back during a wild spring break trip to ultimately building her global impact brand. She tells readers what it means to make your voice stand out in the marketplace and be authentic. She uses examples from her own successful and famous friends.

The author combined so many great lessons in the book. Each chapter began with something inspirational and ended with a takeaway. She says an entrepreneur needs to know what everybody does in the company and how to do it themselves. Embracing the Calm in the Chaos is the perfect balance for how to be happy and successful in life.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews