If you missed the recap of my speaking engagement at GIRL Congress 2026 at Fordham University this past March for the S’moreside Chat, the link is here and on the image below.

It was truly such a special day for me and I am so proud of the girls who interviewed me.

The past few weeks somehow captured almost every version of me.

Founder.
Professor.
Speaker.
Creative.
Mentor.
Friend.
Mom.
Storyteller.
Customer service rep.

And when I looked back at everything that happened between my guest professor and speaking engagement at Fashion Institute of Technology, my WWD amazing press placement for my 25th anniversary, the BOY MEETS GIRL® x Bergdorf Goodman collaboration (yes, you read that right :)), customer conversations, and even an unexpected shopping video moment, maybe what hit me most was seeing all the different parts of my world collide at once.

Not separate identities. Just different chapters of the same story.

Professor Igel

I always love speaking to the next generation of thought leaders and sharing my journey of building a brand from scratch. I was definitely in the midst of chaos when I hopped on, but I truly believe in showing up raw and vulnerable. That is the real story of what it takes to build and run a company. Thank you for such thoughtful questions. I loved doing this with you .

And yes, this was on April 20th, and when I say my goods were just landing at JFK from Pakistan to make it in time for my Bergdorf Goodman event on April 30th, that is the truth.

If you read my book, Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, you already know I have learned how to handle these chaotic moments with grace... and maybe a minor back ache lol.

Seeing 25 Years in WWD!

Seeing BOY MEETS GIRL® 25 Years in WWD. This one hits different. What started as an idea in New York has grown into a brand built on kindness, confidence, and community. How can I even explain this feeling? It is surreal. It is wild. And yes, I still make sure to pinch myself. Building a brand from scratch has been so hard. Really hard. I cannot sugarcoat the lows. But the highs have always made it worth it.

And when I say I still love every minute of what I do, I truly mean it. I get to meet and work with amazing humans, help others, connect with thought leaders making change, and teach students about the business so they can believe in their own power to lead the next era, too. I also get to teach my son about the winding road of entrepreneurship, and hearing all of his questions along the way has been one of the greatest gifts.

Success comes in all forms. If you haven’t been knocked down yet, you probably haven’t experienced success yet either. The challenges shape us. The setbacks make us stronger.

Grateful to Lisa Lockwood for telling our story. And grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. 25 years in. Still building. Full article here.

BOY MEETS GIRL® x Bergdorf Goodman

Me in 2026 vs my launch in 2001. I’m still trying to process this one.

25 years later, standing inside Bergdorf Goodman celebrating 25 years of BOY MEETS GIRL®, honestly felt surreal. Because this is where it all started for me.

Back in 2001, Bergdorf Goodman discovered BOY MEETS GIRL®️ when it was just an idea, a vision, and a lot of hustle coming out of NYC. To return 25 years later for an anniversary collaboration and event was one of those true full-circle moments you dream about but never fully know if they will happen.

And then all of you showed up.

The energy in that room. The love. The support. The customers customizing pieces and bringing back such a core part of our DNA. Watching styles sell out in real time. Seeing people connect to the collection, the story, and the journey behind it all.

It honestly stopped me in my tracks more than once that night.

One of the most emotional moments for me was introducing my son Dylan to Tracy Margolies, my very first department store buyer, now President of Bergdorf Goodman, someone featured in my book, and someone I’m lucky enough to call a friend.

I started crying in that moment. Celebrating with the person who first believed in my brand, alongside my son, was something I will never forget.

Building a brand from scratch is hard. There are incredible highs and very real lows. There are moments where goods are literally landing at JFK days before an event, moments where you question everything, and moments where you somehow keep going anyway.

But nights like this remind you why.

They remind you that perseverance matters. Connection matters. Community matters.

And seeing all of those worlds collide in one room at Bergdorf Goodman 25 years later meant more to me than I can fully put into words.

Thank you to the entire Bergdorf Goodman team. Thank you to my BOY MEETS GIRL® team and Jonna, who flew in for this special evening. Thank you to my sister Kathy and niece Samantha, who helped pull sizes off mannequins and assist customers throughout the night. Thank you to Abbode for bringing our embroidery collaboration to life.

And thank you to my Husband Brian, son Dylan, friends, family, customers, collaborators, and everyone who has supported this journey over the years. None of this happens alone, and I never take that support for granted.

Customer Service Is the Brand

Customer service is not a department to me. It is part of the heartbeat of the brand.

I was interviewed this week for The Skupe — full article linked here.

I’ll be digging deeper into this topic in my next newsletter because I know so many of you here are building brands, businesses, creative projects, and partnerships of your own. The conversation around what brands really want from their retail partners is incredibly important to me, especially after 25 years of building BOY MEETS GIRL®.

Here’s one of the questions from the interview… What’s the most important thing a business owner should know about customer loyalty? How has the way you communicate and connect with your customers changed?

The customer always comes first. Customer loyalty comes down to how you treat people across every touchpoint. To earn their respect and belief in your brand, every person needs to feel that you genuinely care. That’s what builds loyalty.

In terms of communication, the platforms have changed, but the intention hasn’t. Whether a customer DMs me directly or reaches out to BOY MEETS GIRL® on Instagram, we are always there for them. I do not believe that, as founder and chief creative officer, I should not be involved. Being connected to our customers brings me so much joy.

Just yesterday, a customer messaged our Instagram asking where she could find our silhouette tees because they were sold out on our website. She wanted to surprise her daughter. We guided her to Bergdorf Goodman, where the collection is currently available, and she went in, found pieces and followed up to share her excitement. That kind of real-time connection is everything. Nothing has changed in how I approach it. It’s always about showing up, being present and making every customer feel seen and valued.

Friendships

Ending this post with a video of me and my best friend since we were 3, Ike Barinholtz. Friends supporting friends. Ike came straight from rehersal when he landed in NYC from Los Angeles to come see my collection and celebrate this milestone with me which meant so much.

Huge congratulations to him on the BAFTA recognition for The Studio ( The Studio won the BAFTA TV Award for Best International Series at the 2026 BAFTA) and the new season of Running Point. So proud of him and everything he continues to create and be in.

Maybe that’s what 25 years really teaches you.

The press moments matter.
The milestones matter.
The events matter.

But the people are what stay with you.

The students.
The customers.
The collaborators.
The friends who hype you up.
The people who believed in you before the world did.

That’s the real story behind BOY MEETS GIRL®.

P.S. If you want to shop the limited edition BOY MEETS GIRL® x Bergdorf Goodman drop, send me a DM or email sales@boymeetsgirlusa.com and we’ll connect you directly with Brian and his team who can help you with what is still available and can ship anywhere.

This collection is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman so it is only available there, but Brian and his team have truly become an extension of our team and have been helping so many of you secure pieces through text or phone.

Old school and very cool ⭕️

XO,

Stacy Igel

Also one last thing — a huge shoutout to my community also here on Substack, who came out to celebrate my 25th anniversary at Bergdorf Goodman. Seeing so many of you and celebrating together meant more than you know. cc .

Right now, I’m in the middle of final fittings for a limited collection drop connected to this moment. Being back in this space with everything I’ve learned over 25 years feels surreal. Every stitch, every detail, every decision carries more meaning. Stay tuned for a special announcement.

Life Lately: Two Weeks, Two Worlds

I went away for two weeks, and it wasn’t just “A one kind of trip”. It was “Two Amazing trips!” One part was with my husband, my son, and my amazing mother-in-law. The other was with my mom’s side of the family — 20+ of us together for Passover and Easter. In the middle of it all, we carved out a few days with my mom. Those days meant everything. Her Parkinson’s medication seems to be working at least from what my sister and I saw, and I’m not letting go of that feeling. The good moments, the small shifts, the time together… it all hits differently right now. I’m so grateful for my time away with family. I needed that reset, even though I was working; the waves were there as my backdrop and gave me exactly what I needed. Make sure you give yourself time to breathe, too.

Self-Care, Preventative Care, and Showing Up

I’ve been slowly incorporating new vitamins and minerals into my routine, alongside everything I’m learning through my mom’s diagnosis. I always share what I’m taking, so here is my latest update. I just added NMN, I’m on week one, and will report back in a few weeks.

Morning (empty stomach)

• NMN (new for me, contains B vitamins for energy)

After breakfast

• Metformin

Midday

• Iron + Vitamin C
  (Avoid coffee, tea, or dairy 1–2 hours before and after, and keep separate from magnesium)

Night

• Magnesium glycinate

• D3 + K2 (take with magnesium before bed to support absorption)

If you have questions, I’ve shared more in past newsletters and am always happy to answer what I can below.

If you missed my 2026 Substack posts, check them out below. Thank you for getting me to #88 on !

Walking on Sunshine After the Storm

My Substack Fashion Week: Then, Now, and #88 on Sub!

Hello 2026, I’m Still Here

Speaking of Substack…

You know I always love to give Substack shoutouts — so please join me in welcoming some new voices and friends to the space:

- Aliza Licht is currently writing a fiction novel on Substack set in the ’90s fashion world. “It’s fiction inspired by a world I know intimately, one built on ambition, reinvention, and the quiet manipulation of perception. If you were there, you’ll recognize it. If you weren’t, you’ll finally see how it worked.” Congrats on being #22 on sub out of the box!

- PC Chandra’s Substack, Fashion: From the Kid’s Table, explores fashion through a fresh, accessible lens that invites more people into the conversation. With experience inside major fashion houses, the perspective feels both informed and refreshingly inclusive.

&

- Simone Oliver’s Price Upon Request spotlights the brands, places, and ideas shaping modern consumer culture and personal style. With a background spanning The New York Times, Refinery29, Meta, Allure, and BET, her lens is both culturally sharp and highly curated. Her recent post about sweatpants got me excited for what is coming soon!

All are covering fashion in their own unique ways, and as someone who interned for Elsa Klensch, Donna Karan, and Zandra Rhodes in the ’90s, I’m especially excited about what they’re building. Give them all a follow 😊

Book Shoutouts

• does it again. So proud of you, my friend. Her new book Between Books: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot will be published on Sept. 22 and is available for preorder.

• . I am so excited for you and love this so much. Her new book Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour is available for Preorder here.

  

  
  

Community Shoutouts

My dear friend co-created Distil, a counter-worthy, all-natural, refillable cleaning brand designed to make everyday routines more beautiful and more sustainable with her dear friend Emily Blair. Thoughtfully created with chemical-free ingredients and reusable amber glass bottles, it’s about making small, intentional changes that reduce single-use plastics without sacrificing design or effectiveness. Their collection includes All Purpose (with disinfectant), Counter & Stone, Glass & Mirror, Sink Scrub, and hand soap — all designed to seamlessly live in your kitchen and home. Even better, using Distil refillable products for two years can eliminate up to 40 plastic bottles per household. Currently available exclusively in the Bedford, Katonah, Mount Kisco, and PR area — perfect for those nearby to discover.

Book Love

Seeing your support for Embracing the Calm in the Chaos truly means everything to me. I cannot believe it has been three years since my pub date. Keep tagging and sharing. I see you. I appreciate you.

Behind The Seams…

Full ⭕️ moment yesterday… being captured for something special I’ll be sharing soon.

Right now, life feels like a blend of movement, memory, and meaning.

From fittings… to family… to everything in between —
This is what’s really going on right now.

More soon! XO STACY

Yesterday I went live on Instagram with someone very special to me — Kate Doerge — a woman whose story embodies resilience in ways that are hard to even put into words.

In a span of just six years, she lost her father, her mother, and her 16-year-old daughter.

We met during Covid, and from the moment we connected, I knew her story needed to be shared — not just because of the tragedy she experienced, but because of how she continues to live, love, and move forward.

I paired today’s reflection with the song Walking on Sunshine — Kate’s daughter Penny’s favorite song. Not because life is always bright, but because even in the darkest moments, choosing light can be the bravest thing we do.

Our full live can be viewed here.

Takeaways From Our Conversation

1. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline

There is no roadmap for loss.
Whether someone passes away or we slowly lose them through dementia or illness, grief shows up differently for everyone.

What matters most is allowing yourself the space to feel it.

2. Community carries us when we can’t carry ourselves

One of the most powerful parts of Kate’s story is how she leaned on community.

Friends.
Family.
Unexpected connections.

Sometimes the people who hold us up are the ones we least expect.

3. Strength doesn’t mean being okay

Strength is not pretending everything is fine.

Strength is waking up the next day and continuing forward — even when your heart is still broken.

4. Sharing stories heals others, too

By telling her story, Kate is helping others navigate grief.

And that’s the power of vulnerability:
When one person speaks openly, others feel less alone.

5. Light can exist alongside grief

This is the lesson that stayed with me most.

You can carry sadness and still choose joy.
You can honor loss while still embracing life.

Sometimes both exist at the same time.

6. Signs can bring comfort in unexpected ways

During our conversation, we also talked about something many people experience when they are grieving — signs.

The small, unexpected reminders that the people we love are still somehow connected to us.

For some people, it’s a song that suddenly comes on at the right moment.
For others, it’s a feeling, a memory, or something symbolic that appears when they need it most.

For me, butterflies have always carried that meaning.

I wrote about this in a previous Substack reflection after experiencing a moment that felt too perfectly timed to ignore — a butterfly appearing when I needed reassurance the most.

Whether you believe signs come from loved ones, from the universe, or simply from the way our hearts stay connected to those we’ve lost, the meaning they carry can be powerful.

They remind us that love doesn’t just disappear.
Sometimes it just changes form.

As many of you know, I am also navigating a different kind of grief — loving a parent who is still here but living with Dementia and Parkinson’s.

It’s a grief that unfolds slowly.

Conversations like this remind me that none of us are alone in the complicated emotions life brings. There is real power in showing up for each other.

Even after unimaginable loss, people still find ways to keep going, keep loving, and keep showing up for others.

That might be the real definition of walking on sunshine.

You can pre-order Kate’s book here. Thank you, Kate, for your courage, your vulnerability, and for allowing us to learn from your journey.

The Fashion Layer: Finding Joy in the Details

Image shot at my first solo show in Los Angeles, BTS. This was in 2009. Full show below for past reference. This was a dream indeed.

If you watched the IG live, you might have noticed a few small things in the frame that made me smile.

The glasses I was wearing — bold, bright, a little playful. I asked my IG family which ones to wear before I went live. They chose the lighter color. You can snag these same ones here.

And the joyful stickers in the background behind me are available here.

Fashion has always been my language. Sometimes it’s the quiet ways we express what we’re feeling or what we hope to feel.

On a day when we were talking about grief, resilience, and healing, those little visual choices mattered.

A reminder that even in serious conversations, joy can live in the details.

It’s something I talk about in my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos — that balance between holding the hard things in life while still allowing yourself moments of light.

Archive moments from the early days. So many of these moments are coming back full circle, and I will be sharing more in the coming months. 25 years of my fabric baby BOY MEETS GIRL®.

XO,

Stacy Igel

The Shift

For years, Fashion Week meant backstage chaos, run-of-show binders, call sheets, casting, seating charts, and adrenaline pulsing through venues in New York and Paris.

This February looked different.

There were no traditional shows on my calendar. No front rows. No after-parties.

My Fashion Week happened right here — on Substack.

Instead of producing a runway, I produced words.
Instead of dressing models, I dressed thoughts.
Instead of a guest list, I built conversation.

And something shifted.

I wrote my first Substack of 2026 on February 6th ( if you missed it check it out here).
The next day, I went live on my first-ever Substack Live with . That night, while walking Rocky, I watched my ranking move from #99 to #88 in Fashion & Beauty.

I stopped walking.

I just stared at my phone.

A few days later, I FaceTimed my mama to tell her.
She said, “Great job, Stacy.”

Tears rolled down my face.

My mom, facing dementia and Parkinson’s, is still there for me.

And that felt bigger than any ranking.

The 25-Year Moment

Then came another shift.

BOY MEETS GIRL® launched the first of many collaborations planned for our 25th anniversary year — kicking things off with BOY MEETS GIRL® x SLOOMOO x STICKERBEANS now available here!

And the campaign was photographed by my 11-year-old son, Dylan.

Photographed.
By.
My.
Son.

Dylan has grown up behind the scenes of my brand — and in front of the camera too, modeling in many of my campaigns over the years. He has attended shoots, watched creative direction unfold, sat quietly in corners absorbing lighting conversations, lens swaps, mood boards, and last-minute changes. He has witnessed what it actually takes to build something over decades. So when he said yes to capturing this campaign — alongside 30+ of his classmates — I saw something shift. He wasn’t “helping mommy.” He was working. He approached the role with focus, professionalism, and pride.
Yes, he was paid. Work matters. And in that moment, 25 years collapsed into one. As a founder, this moment represents longevity. As a creative director, it represents legacy.
As a mother, it represents trust. Another deeply meaningful layer of this collaboration is its full-circle nature. Over 20 years ago, Karen Robinovitz was one of the first journalists to champion my work. Long before Sloomoo existed. Long before 25 years felt possible.

Today, we celebrate BOY MEETS GIRL®’s 25th anniversary together — inside Sloomoo, a space built on creativity, emotion, and connection. Here is how Earnshaw’s Kids Magazine announced it: “This February, Boy Meets Girl is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and founder Stacy Igel has a special collaboration to celebrate it. Coming together with her longtime friend and Sloomoo co-founder Karen Robinovitz, the childrenswear brand and cult, play-based “slimescapes” companies are banding with Stickerbeans for a limited-edition sticker assortment. The set will be brought to life through a fully immersive, experiential campaign shot inside Sloomoo’s physical space and photographed by Igel’s 11-year-old son, Dylan. “This collaboration is deeply personal,” Igel offers. “Karen and I met over 20 years ago, long before Sloomoo existed, when she was one of the first editors to champion my work. To come together now — celebrating Boy Meets Girl’s 25th anniversary inside a space built entirely around creativity, emotion, and connection — feels full circle. This moment is about joy, community, and giving kids the chance to express themselves freely again.”

This campaign is about joy.
It’s about community.
It’s about giving kids space to express themselves freely.

And for me? It’s about building something that outlives you.

If You Missed My Live:

Watch the full replay here.

Now Available:

– New Week, New Beginning Notebook here by
– Purple Heart-Shaped #1 MOM in support of Alzheimer’s & Dementia here made by my son Dylan.
– BOY MEETS GIRL® x SLOOMOO x STICKERBEANS

What’s happening this Wednesday:

Join me with Kate Doerge live on Instagram on Wednesday, March 4th at 1 PM EST. I’ll be sitting down live with author Kate Doerge for a deeply honest conversation about grief, healing, and what it means to live forward after loss.

Kate’s new book, Reimagining Grief, available for pre-order, was born from unimaginable personal loss — the deaths of her father, mother, and 16-year-old daughter within six years. Instead of framing grief as something to “get through,” she offers five actions that help us engage with it — connecting, moving, honoring, finding meaning, and allowing joy to coexist with sorrow.

Together, we’ll talk about:
• Why there is no “right” way to grieve
• The complicated grief of loving someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Turning pain into purpose
• Post-traumatic growth
• How joy can be a tribute, not a betrayal

This will be a conversation for anyone who has lost someone — or is slowly losing someone — and is searching for strength, connection, and light.

FIRE WRAP-UP: WHAT’S FUELING ME RIGHT NOW

🎧 Listening (Audiobooks + Podcasts)

• Strangers by Belle Burden - A quiet, haunting reminder of how the people we barely know can still shape us in lasting ways.

• Siddhartha by Herman Hesse -A timeless exploration of self-discovery — and the truth that wisdom can’t be taught, only lived.

• The Timeline Podcast interview with Ty Jerome’s Dad -Mark Jerome - For my basketball mamas — a grounded, honest look at raising an athlete with patience, perspective, and long-term vision.

📖 Currently Reading

(Yes, I read multiple books at once — different moods, different moments.)
My goal is to finish these by May/June:

• The Purpose Pivot by

• Wreck by Catherine Newman

• Worn Out by Alyssa Hardy

• The Best We Could Hope For by

• Pick-Up by Nora Dahlia.
  

  📺 Watching

• Dawson’s Creek – Rewatching something nostalgic

• Love Story– The Love Story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

  ✍️ Substacks shoutouts

  • 

  🗂 From the Archives

  Because before Substack, there was my blog.

  Here are a few past posts that feel relevant right now:

  • Did 90’s Fashion Ever Go Away? Post here.

  • Kate Moss & Johnny Depp...Johnny Depp & Kate Moss V10. Post here.

XO,

STACY

It’s February 5th, and I’m finally sitting down to write this.

I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately, how much of it we have, how much mental energy we carry, and how much bandwidth we can realistically give. Over a decade ago, I spoke at Fashion 140 about the importance of humanizing a brand in a digital world. Back then, the conversation was about authenticity before it became a buzzword. Today, it feels more necessary than ever.

We consume post after post after post, but what we don’t always talk about is the cost of creating them. The time it takes. The energy it requires. The grace we owe ourselves when we don’t have it in us to show up every single day.

I’ve been writing online since 2008—blogs, newsletters, posts—for both BOY MEETS GIRL® and for myself. When I eventually brought on teammates to help with the BMG digital footprint, I kept my personal writing mine. Every Stacy Igel post, every note, every reflection, you’re reading them because I showed up myself. And yes, sometimes I get tired just like you do.

So if you’re not posting every day, every week, or even every month, I want you to hear this: that’s okay. Giving yourself grace isn’t quitting; it’s sustaining.

And yet… here we are. Hello 2026. I have so much in store for you.

There is so much I want to tell you.
So much I want to share.

New podcasts ( link here ), proud friend. Hesta made this playlist for my underground BOY MEETS GIRL® NYFW show in 2015. Take a listen here.

Friends’ books that deserve your time ( list coming soon), books I read recently, and loved Midnight Library and Sandwich. New on and Friends of mine ( BTS of a great publicist), Movies and shows that stayed with me longer than expected ( list coming soon). Rent the Runway pieces I am loving Blank Sweater, AGLODE Twist Low Slung Baggy Jeans, Fifteen Twenty Sweater, and AGOLDE Kiera Jean. Also, I am a #RTRpartner, so you can use RTRXSIGEL50 to get 50% off your first month. You can use it and then pause your membership the following month. I highly recommend it as a great way to try new designers while also helping the environment.

Also, I am wearing the very special and sparkly 25th anniversary BOY MEETS GIRL® x Jimmy Crytstal collection here. Hit 25 years, baby. I’ve got to shine bright and pat myself on the back, right? If you read my book Embracing The Calm In The Chaos, I share how important it is to celebrate your wins, big or small.

Speaking engagements that filled my cup. “Last night with Melissa Gonzalez, Stacy Igel, and Joanne Heyman was everything we needed—an honest conversation about purpose, alignment, slowing down, and rewriting the narrative around asking for help.” - . Thank you, Fran, for kicking off the year with Melissa and me. I’m so in love with your bookstore and can’t wait to visit again soon. I’m also a contributor to Melissa’s book The Purpose Pivot, which is a must-read. I am so grateful to my dear friends who showed up this night, who are also contributors to my book, Deb Ruffalo Ross and Lauren Locke.

—and where I’m headed next.

There are projects I can’t fully talk about yet, but I can tease.

There are things to shop, collaborations I’m proud of, and drops that mean more because of the people behind them. There are moments worth celebrating—like my husband turning a year older and us marking 26 years since our very first day together this February 12th. WOW!

There are lessons I’m learning as a mother—how my 11-year-old can make me beam with pride and challenge me in the very same breath. There are truths I want to share with you as an entrepreneur. Music I can’t stop listening to.

Losses that shook me. And joy that surprised me.

And then there’s this quieter truth underneath it all.

I miss talking to my mama.

She’s still here, but she’s not the same. Dementia and Parkinson’s have changed the shape of our relationship, and mourning someone who is still physically present is a grief I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It’s made me think deeply about time, presence, and what really matters. My friend is great for those in the midst of Grief. Her Substack notes, “I want to help change the daily vernacular to include GRIEF! Small g and capital G grief! That can be hard in a grief-denying society.”

Which brings me back to grace.
To bandwidth.
To choosing what we can hold—and letting the rest wait.

I want to share the self-care practices that are helping me stay grounded in this season. Not in a perfect way. In a real way. Because I’m still here. And so are you.

One of my highest-rated Substacks was this one: SCFW: Self-Care Fashion Week. I was vulnerable, I was authentic, and I shared it when it felt like the right time. You all gravitated to it—and so did Substack, ranking me #99 among the best Fashion Substacks. Thank you!

So this is my tip today: please make sure to get your blood panels tested. Below is a list to start with. Ask your doctor for the test codes, then call Quest or another lab to confirm what your insurance covers—otherwise, you may end up paying out of pocket, and that’s not fun.

ApoE4 Genotype-Whole exome, exome chip, or genome, Complete Blood Count: White Blood Cell and Platelet, Complete Metabolic Panel: Albumin, A/G Ratio, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio, Calcium, Creatinine, Globulin, Glucose, Potassium, Lipid Panel: Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, Non-HDL Cholesterol, Ferritin, Hemoglobin A1c, Fasting Insulin, Homocysteine, Hormone status: TSH, Hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), Vitamin D.

These panels can help identify markers related to Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and they are truly important. Once I did this, I learned which vitamins were best for me. I’ve listed the ones I’m currently taking below, but it’s essential to test your blood first before starting any supplements—you want to be sure you actually need them.

Vitamin K2 with D3, Reacted Iron, Magnesium Glycinate, Vitamin B Complex (formerly Glycogenics®)

I’ll also share additional preventative essentials in my next newsletter for those who haven’t yet completed their blood panels.

Join me for my first live tomorrow with at 2 pm EST. Link here to join us. It will be both of our first times going live here :) I am excited to go live with Natasha, whom I recently reconnected with on our panel closing out 2025 with SweatforSmiles, Penny Goffman, and Elizabeth Tretter ( who made us sweat)!

RIP Catherine O'Hara, Prayers for Savannah Guthrie, F**CK ICE, Prayers for our world!

XO,

STACY IGEL

It’s hard to believe how quickly this year flew by. As we close it out, I’m also standing on the edge of something I never could have imagined—entering the 25th anniversary of my first baby, BOY MEETS GIRL®. I promise to bring you along for every moment of what’s to come, and yes, I’m still pinching myself. I shared a 24 Years in Business recap in a recent newsletter to reflect on the journey so far here, and we’re also working on another with my BOY MEETS GIRL® team (which, as you can imagine, is taking a longgg time). Looking back has been a powerful reminder of just how meaningful community truly is. I am beyond grateful for the BOY MEETS GIRL® community that has carried me here—allowing me to do what I love, with purpose, for nearly 25 years. THANK YOU!

_______

STACY IGEL UPDATES:

Check out these podcasts I have hosted or appeared on:

1. interviewed me on her podcast, Totally Booked with Zibby, when Embracing the Calm in the Chaos first came out. You can listen to that conversation below. It marked our very first meeting—before we went on to share countless book tours, for my book, our books together, and for USA TODAY bestseller ( which I am one of the contributors to). I am deeply grateful for the path we’ve walked side by side and for our friendship.

2. : ON BEING JEWISH NOW: Two Years After 10/7 interviewed by ME. Take a listen here. I was truly honored to be asked to step in and lead this podcast for you . As you know, when life gets chaotic, I don’t freeze — I move, I show up, and I jump in where I’m needed. So when you asked Alix Strauss and me to be there for you, we didn’t hesitate for a second. We said yes — because that’s what community does. Zibby, thank you for trusting me. And — thank you for your insight, wisdom, and the powerful energy you brought to this conversation.

3. Tying It All Together, Elyse Ryan and her company were part of the event noted above and is also a collaborator of mine, along with Amri Kibbler, on Sea Waves of Seaport. It felt like pure kismet that Elyse was also showcasing her jewelry at the event. Before that, Elyse had invited me to join her podcast, which released today (listen → here).

4. Be sure to check out my collaboration with her, as well as the many beautiful collaborations she continues to create—including her collaboration with Zibby here. Women supporting women—that’s what we do.

5. If you missed me, Podding with the Purpose Pivot Podcast with Melissa Gonzalez check it out here. I’m also featured in Melissa’s book, where I open up about my mother’s recent diagnosis with dementia and parkinson’s. This is the first time I’m sharing it here as well. Melissa’s book shares Stories, experiences, and lessons from dynamic leaders to help you take the next step forward. “Standing at the nexus of health & wellness and leadership, The Purpose Pivot: How Dynamic Leaders Put Vulnerability and Intuition into Action takes a dive deep into exclusive shared stories, experiences, and learnings of successful women, helping readers navigate their own leadership journey, whether it be at work, at home, or within themselves personally. Inspired by author Melissa Gonzalez’s wake-up call of a life-threatening medical emergency that required emergency surgery in the middle of the night, this book opens a dialogue to demystify aspects of our health, both physically and mentally, from invisible illnesses like chronic fatigue to outdated beliefs one needs to shed in order to evolve into our best selves.”

6. Join me & Melissa at Bedford Books Store on January 8th, 2026!

   I’m so thrilled to kick off the New Year in conversation with Melissa, Joanne, and Fran—and I truly can’t wait to finally meet Frana and celebrate her beautiful bookstore, which is now one year old.

   Details below:
   📍 Bedford Books on January 8th, 2026 @ 6:30 PM EST
   🔗 Sign-up link here

   Can’t wait to see you there and start 2026 together!

Re-sharing this newsletter that hit so many of you…

I’ll leave you with a question as we close out 2025—one I ask my social media community often because I believe it’s an important one, and I’d truly love to hear my Substack family’s thoughts on it. I touch on this in my book as well.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery! Is it?

A look back: the BOY MEETS GIRL® 2015 Subway Campaign Shoot captured by ( all images here).

BTS video captured by Maddy Talias

The NYFW show that told the story…

&

Chanel 2025

I started my first Substack on July 14th, 2022. I love it here! If you missed any of my newsletters, you’ll find them all here.

P.S. My best friend Ike Barinholtz, is in town making his Broadway debut for the very first time. I was lucky enough to see the show on opening night with dear friends I grew up with—Meredith, Lauren, and Shani—along with my husband, Brian, my sister, Kathy, and my brother-in-law, Bill. The show is called All Out, and Ike is in it through December 19th. If you’re in NYC, I highly recommend running to see it while he’s still in the cast. I couldn’t be prouder of him. You can get tickets here. Also, one of my new favorite bands is the house band for the show called Lawrence, love them so much, check them out!

Wishing you a happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a joyful Kwanzaa—here’s to a safe, healthy New Year. See you in 2026!

XO,

STACY IGEL

This week, I shared the story of Michael Jordan with my son, Dylan, in my eyes, the GOAT. What he didn’t know was that Michael Jordan didn’t make his high school basketball team. True story! I printed out the story for him, and after reading it, he thanked me. Later that day, when I picked him up from school, he told me he had brought the printouts with him — and that it made his day. Dylan turned 11 in October. He’s a basketball player who’s growing, learning, and determined to get better every single day. I love his passion. As a mom, there’s nothing more powerful than watching your child find their confidence slowly, genuinely, through effort and perseverance. When Dylan told me how grateful he was to learn Michael Jordan’s story, it felt like a “mom win.” Because confidence isn’t something we can hand our kids — it’s something we help them build, one challenge, one lesson, one story at a time.

A Week of Self-Care (and What It Really Looks Like)

This week, I literally spent an entire day setting up a Google Doc with all my doctors. After nearly 25 years of building my first baby BOY MEET GIRL®, I’ve become a master of organizing things in Google Docs. Recently, at an incredible dinner where I was the guest speaker for the non-profit StreetWise, my friend Gitanjali, who invited me to speak at this dinner, called me the “spreadsheet queen” — and honestly, I’ll happily take that title. ;)

So here’s the roundup of what I did while putting this self-care sheet together. I took the time to follow up with all my new doctors — from my GYN and OBGYN to specialists involved in Alzheimer’s trial programs — and the list goes on. It’s sad to say, but if we don’t take charge of our own health, who will? Many of you have asked me what blood panels to request and what preventative steps I’m taking. Be sure to check out my past newsletter here, where I dive deeper into the panels and tests worth exploring. What I didn’t include in that newsletter was the 100-Panel Genetic Cancer Blood Test, which was implemented at Weill Cornell by one of my dear mo friends, Melissa Frey. After speaking to her about my preventive journey, she shared with me at one of our son’s basketball games the importance of this program. Check it out here. The Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program (GPCP) is an innovative program that advances personalized healthcare by offering comprehensive, multidisciplinary genetics services for cancer prevention. The GPCP offers cancer risk assessment, genetic testing, and long-term cancer prevention care, empowering individuals to actively manage their health. The program integrates genetic counseling, advanced genetic testing, personalized screening, and preventive strategies to effectively identify and mitigate cancer risks. I highly recommend looking into it — it can help you identify potential risks early and take the necessary steps to protect your health. I know many of you would rather not know, but I truly believe that knowledge is power. If you know now, you can take action for your future. I wish my mom, who was so healthy and truly took care of herself, had done these genetic tests and blood panels. I don’t think she ever imagined she would face dementia and Parkinson’s. She was a triathlete, a marathon runner, and one of the healthiest women I’ve ever known.

Also, check out this new Substack by “Nutritional neuroscience explainer & health-tech (BokHealth.com) founder exploring how food shapes the brain and autonomic nervous system (ANS). I turn science into meals and tools that boost parasympathetic tone, focus, mood, and metabolic health.”

On top of everything I worked on this week, I treated myself to a special experience. I was invited by Spotlight Magazine to learn about a beautiful line called Orveda. It was a moment to pause, breathe, and do something just for me, something I haven’t done in over 20 years. I’m learning to give myself more of this kind of time, time to refuel, reflect, and recharge. If you’ve been waiting to do the same… my advice: do it now, don’t wait.

Author Friends + New Book Releases

I’m so proud to celebrate so many of my friends who have new book launches this week and this month. I’m sharing them here because I believe in cheering each other on always. Some of these books are already out, and others are available for pre-order, so be sure to check them out and show them some love!

• - An uplifting story of hope amid heartbreak, Shaken to the Core explores motherhood, chosen family, and love that transcends life’s greatest hardships. Pre-order here.

• Newly released under publishing, I Wanted To Be Wonderful by Lihi Lapid. This book begins where most love stories leave off: at the beginning of real life.

• Noah Rothbaum’s The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit.

• ‘s The Weekend Crasher’s. It’s the story of a mother and daughter knitting retreat that goes awry when the knitters clash with a bachelor party sharing the inn.

• Heidi Shertok’s, Match Me If You Can, For five years, Ashira Wernick has thrown herself into the company her mother built, continuing her work as a matchmaker in the Orthodox Jewish community. But when a small (read: huge) faux pas lands her in hot water with one of the most powerful families in Brooklyn, Ashira’s future starts to look a little shaky.

💔 Thank You, Teen Vogue

When I read the news about Teen Vogue folding into Vogue, my heart sank. For so many of us who grew up reading and contributing to Teen Vogue, it wasn’t just a magazine; it was a movement. It gave a voice to young creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers long before social media amplified those stories.

I’m deeply grateful for every article, every feature, and every editor who took the time to tell pieces of my story over the years. From the early BOY MEETS GIRL® collections to the collaborations that shaped my brand and message, Teen Vogue was there, spotlighting purpose-driven fashion and empowering the next generation to use their platforms for good.

As the publication transitions under the Vogue umbrella, I carry immense appreciation for its role in shaping the conversation around style, identity, and activism. It will always hold a special place in my career and my heart. Thank you, Teen Vogue, for believing in voices like mine—and in the power of youth to change culture.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/boy-meets-girls-new-apparel-campaign-encourages-young-people-to-vote

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/care-bears-collection-boy-meets-girl-collaboration

https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/tshirts-protest-slogans-donate-causes

Lastly, Join Me in NYC on November 17th! Link here for tickets. See you there ;)

XO,

STACY

On repeat all day — and when I say all day, I mean all day.

Yes, I’m absolutely creating my TikTok version this week. And if you have no idea what I’m referring to, don’t worry — I’ll share it as soon as it’s uploaded.

I was 16 years old when this song came out, and Linda Perry’s vocals were everything (and still are). At 16, I was spending summer nights at outdoor concerts in Chicago — Pearl Jam, The Grateful Dead and many more. I was a sophomore in high school when MTV ruled and social media didn’t exist. My Gen X/Millennial world was nothing like my son’s Alpha generation.

Lately, I’ve been feeling extra nostalgic. As my son turned 11 this month (we call it his birthday month, and it’s still going strong), I can’t help but notice how fast life is moving even faster than last year. This song hits me the same way it did that summer before junior year. There’s a lot of “what’s going on” energy in the air, and honestly… my head is spinning today.

Which brings me to MySpace — and honestly, I wish I could show you what mine looked like. The playlists, the glittery backgrounds, the endless top-eight debates… it was a moment.

This popped up in my feed — and yes, it was from MySpace. I’m not sure all of you were in that space, but that was the beginning of everything that shaped where we are today. For a little throwback context: MySpace launched in 2003 and reached its peak around 2005–2008, before officially fading out in the early 2010s as Facebook and other platforms took over.

So… Almost Twenty-Five Years of BOY MEETS GIRL® in Business and What’s Going On? You can imagine my head is spinning, right?

Do you know who is in this photo with me? If you guess who that is, type below in the comments, and you will be entered into a BOY MEETS GIRL® raffle for this tee.

The song on repeat starts with that slow build — “25 years and my life is still…” — and I swear it feels like Linda Perry wrote it for this exact moment. Twenty-five years of creating, collaborating, crashing, rebuilding, and still asking the same question: What’s going on?

Maybe that’s what keeps me grounded. Because between running a global brand, celebrating milestones, and trying to be the best mom I can be to my growing boy, there’s always this balance — the calm and the chaos, the scream and the stillness, the question and the next brave step forward.

Cue the chorus… “And I say, hey yeah yeah yeah yeah…” 🎶

So there is a lot in store for 2026! BOY MEETS GIRL® began as a fashion label — today it’s a global lifestyle and impact brand spanning fashion, digital worlds, and cultural collaborations. I will be sharing more with all of you in the coming months so we can celebrate together!

More I wanted to share on this iconic song at its core: Existential Frustration “What’s Up?” is about feeling lost and overwhelmed by the world — trying to understand your place, purpose, and voice amid chaos. Linda Perry wrote it in her 20s, living in San Francisco, feeling stuck and questioning everything. The title “What’s Up?” isn’t even in the lyrics — the actual line is “What’s going on?” — a cry for clarity and connection in a confusing time.

So, Why It Resonates (Then & now), when it was released in 1993, it became an anthem for Gen X disillusionment — a kind of “post-peace, pre-Internet confusion.”
On TikTok today, it resonates with modern burnout, mental health awareness, and emotional authenticity. People use it to express moments when life doesn’t make sense — in a world of pressure, performance, and constant noise. Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” represents the opposite emotional pole — power, control, and defiance.
So the mash-up creates a full emotional arc:

😩 Confusion → 😤 Confidence

Vulnerability → Empowerment

It’s basically a musical version of “I’m breaking down… now watch me rise.”

And honestly, that line could soundtrack the last twenty-five years of my life.

As I approach the 25th anniversary of my fabric baby — BOY MEETS GIRL® — I’ve been thinking about how many times I’ve found myself in that “what’s going on?” moment. The truth is, no matter how far you go, that question never really goes away. It just evolves with you.

Like I wrote in Embracing the Calm in the Chaos:

“The clock doesn’t stop, but you don’t have to race against it. You do, however, have to work hard all the time and really believe in what you’re putting out there. If you don’t believe in it—and you can’t differentiate yourself in the marketplace—don’t bother.”

That’s still the advice I give every entrepreneur, designer, and dreamer who reaches out. Things didn’t always happen overnight for me. But what kept me going was the energy, the belief, and the people — my tribe — who lifted me up and challenged me to rise again.

Twenty-five years later, I’m still learning, still evolving, still balancing being a mom, a founder, and a human who sometimes screams “what’s going on?” into the void. But then I laugh, pick up the pieces, and keep creating. Because that’s what we do — we rise.

Here’s to all of you who are doing the same.

I will get back to you in my next newsletter on where I have been this past month, book suggestions, self-care preventive tips, and more.

Happy Halloween.

XO,

Stacy

Fifteen years ago, The New York Times ran an article mentioning me as someone who dreamed of being Oprah’s last guest. It read: “EVERY time Stacy Igel concludes a meeting with her staff, she ends it roughly the same way: ‘O.K., I'll see you on Oprah!’” (NYT, Nov 14, 2010), seen here. Well, I wasn’t selected for that final Oprah show in my hometown of Chicago, but I was mentioned in the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times—and I took that as a win. As much as I dreamed of being the next Tory Burch, whose appearance on Oprah put her on the map and sent sales soaring, I knew my journey would unfold in its own way.

Details of the Oprah appearance

• The endorsement: On the show in April 2005, Oprah Winfrey called Tory Burch "the next big thing in fashion".

• Website traffic: The next day, the Tory Burch website received 8 million hits, a massive increase that far exceeded what her company was prepared for.

• The boost from Oprah

  The episode's effect on Tory Burch's brand is often cited as a prime example of the "Oprah effect," where her powerful endorsement could launch a brand into the stratosphere. While the exact dollar amount is unknown, the appearance provided an invaluable marketing push that would have been financially impossible to achieve through traditional advertising.

Just a month later, on December 7th, 2010, Wendy Goodman visited me at my eco-friendly office to feature me for Curbed and New York Magazine. Wendy is known for showcasing the city’s most spectacular interiors, so it was an honor to be included in her coverage. Full story here.

Through each step, I was grateful. Maybe I didn’t always have the time to pause, but I would jot down gratitude in my journal on subway rides. In between the rush from meetings in the garment center to quick cab rides across the city, I’d call my mom. I’d share the highs, and I’d lean on her through the struggles: new partners, new employees, business changes. Even if it was just a minute, I always made sure to tell her I loved her. I miss those moments, those quick conversations. It’s not that I don’t get to tell her things now, in this new state of Dementia and Parkinson’s, it’s that we can no longer have the same conversations we once did. And oh, how deeply I miss them.

Exactly 15 years ago today. This memory resurfaced on Facebook from my NYFW show, featuring the Neon Trees. Here with my sister Kathy and our MAMA, who flew in from Chicago to support me 💕 Some fun BTS moments you can see here.

And as we go down memory lane, this is also a fun recap of some of my amazing NYFW shows with incredible musicians I’ve had the honor of working with 🎶.

Fast forward to this week—15 years later—@Substack placed me on their Rising List at #99 in Fashion & Beauty. Where was I when I found out? Standing in front of One World Trade, reflecting on my journey. I pulled out my phone to take a photo, and right then, I got the alert. Thank you, Substack 🙏 I love writing. I love sharing. I love helping. I love mentoring. And I’ll continue to do what I do—with or without recognition—but this truly made me happy. Although I couldn’t call my mom to explain what this meant, I know she is proud of me, and that gets me through those moments.

As I shared in my recent newsletter, I promised to bring you along on my journey of preventive self-care. I’ll be sharing my learnings in small doses—because the research is deep, the work is ongoing, and at times it can feel overwhelming. My goal is not to overwhelm you, but to offer thoughtful, digestible notes you can take in at your own pace.

Suggested Blood Tests for Preventive Screening (Alzheimer’s & Dementia)
These are the recommended blood tests included in the PreCODE Baseline Lab Panel, which can help guide preventive care and early detection. I learned about this in the book by Dr. Dale Bredesen, The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age . *Please note I had my doctor call in these blood tests and did not do it with PreCode through Dr. Dale Bredesen.

ApoE4 Genotype -Whole exome, exome chip, or genome

Complete Blood Count -White Blood Cell and Platelet

Complete Metabolic Panel -Albumin, A/G Ratio, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio, Calcium, Creatinine, Globulin, Glucose, Potassium

Lipid Panel- Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, Non-HDL Cholesterol

Ferritin

Hemoglobin A1c, Fasting Insulin

Homocysteine

Hormone status: TSH

Hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)

Vitamin D ( this is the only one I have not done yet, as INSURANCE does not cover this one)!

“Small steps taken today can prevent big struggles tomorrow.” - unknown

This week, our community grew by 100 new subscribers and over 200 new followers! ✨
I am so grateful to everyone of you for being here. A special thank you to the several new PAID subscribers who joined—without me even advertising it! 💛 Your support means the world.

Paid content will be shared quarterly and will include:

• More personal stories

• Exclusive invites

• Giveaways

• And more surprises along the way

Share with me in the comments below, Where Were You 15 Years Ago… and Where Are You Now? I look forward to hearing from you.

Once Covid subsided, I shifted into book tour mode, and it feels like that journey hasn’t stopped since. I also began attending my friends’ NYFW shows and events, supporting them much like I did in the old days when I covered fashion week for Elsa Klensch (you can read more about that in my book, ETCITC).

Enter my newly coined term (and one I just might have to trademark—wink, wink): SCFW: Self-Care Fashion Week. While NYFW events were buzzing from uptown to downtown, and across Brooklyn and Queens, I was focused on me celebrating one of my close friends’ birthdays by watching The Summer I Turned Pretty at a bar in NYC (yes, I really just said that), podcasting and opening up about something I had never shared before, attending an events on cancer prevention and antisemitism ( I will share more on both in future newsletters), and, most importantly, being there for my son during his first full week of 5th grade. If you had told me five years ago that this is what I’d be writing, I never would have believed it. I did miss one NYFW event, I was a little sad about but the truth is, there will always be another NYFW. :)

A taste from the past, preparing at NYFW, or featuring shows at NYFW:

Podding with the Purpose Pivot Podcast:

You can listen and watch the full episode here. I’m also featured in Melissa’s upcoming book, out September 30th, where I open up about my mother’s recent diagnosis with dementia. This is the first time I’m sharing it here as well. Melissa’s book shares Stories, experiences, and lessons from dynamic leaders to help you take the next step forward. “Standing at the nexus of health & wellness and leadership, The Purpose Pivot: How Dynamic Leaders Put Vulnerability and Intuition into Action takes a dive deep into exclusive shared stories, experiences, and learnings of successful women, helping readers navigate their own leadership journey, whether it be at work, at home, or within themselves personally. Inspired by author Melissa Gonzalez’s wake-up call of a life-threatening medical emergency that required emergency surgery in the middle of the night, this book opens a dialogue to demystify aspects of our health, both physically and mentally, from invisible illnesses like chronic fatigue to outdated beliefs one needs to shed in order to evolve into our best selves.” Pre-Order here. Use code PREORDER25 to get 25% off your pre-order.

Since opening up about a very sensitive part of my life, I’ve found that it has not only helped me, but also resonated with many others. Because of the requests and questions I’ve received, I’ll be sharing more on this journey in future newsletters as I focus on preventive health, working to guard against dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancers, and more. I’ve been diving deep into research, undergoing extensive blood panels, reading everything I can, and doing my best to process it all. Moving forward, I plan to dedicate at least one newsletter a month to this topic, given both the demand and the rising data around dementia in our world.

The Alarming Rise of Dementia, Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s:

• 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2020 — projected to reach 78 million by 2030 and up to 152 million by 2050.

• In the U.S., an estimated 6.7–7.2 million adults 65+ are living with Alzheimer’s today. That number is expected to double by 2060.

• Lifetime risk after age 55: about 42% of Americans will develop dementia — more than double older estimates.

• ⚰️ Alzheimer’s deaths in the U.S. have more than doubled since 2000, making it one of the leading causes of death.

• Over 10 million people globally live with Parkinson’s today.

• In the U.S., 1.1 million people have it now—and that’s expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.

• About 90,000 new U.S. diagnoses happen every year.

• By 2050, Parkinson’s cases around the world are projected to reach ~25.2 million, more than double what we have now.

A taste from the past preparing for NYFW:

XO,

STACY

I wanted to share something special with you.

When I was first pitching my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, there was one note in particular in my overview that was raw, personal, and honest—that made editors say yes. It sold the book. But… it didn’t make it into the final manuscript.

Now, for the first time, I’m sharing that original proposal overview with my paid Substack community. If you upgrade to a paid subscription, you’ll unlock this full post immediately, and no need to wait for a new email.

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes process, or if you just love seeing what doesn’t make the cut but still shapes everything, this is for you.

I’ve been receiving about 3-5 emails a week asking about how to write a proposal, find an agent, and sell a book. If you’re looking for this advice too, drop a comment below or DM me. I’ll be sharing more about the process soon, right here.

I’m also starting something new: I’ll be compiling freelance job opportunities in the fashion space for those of you looking for work or wanting to pivot. Think of it as your insider job board.

Thank you for being part of this community. It means the world.

Read more

I’ve been distracting myself from the news as much as possible and wanted to bring a little weekend joy to all of us right now.

In my book 📕 Embracing the Calm In The Chaos, I share the story of when I first started selling—not just at lemonade stands, but to my first-grade classmates. And it wasn’t even a product I made. It was product my mom brought back from the factory in Taiwan 🇹🇼 that manufactured her lumbar support.

What was it? Charms, charm necklaces, and canteens you could paint on. I took my Polaroid camera 📷, snapped pics of them, made a manual “catalog” with SKU numbers and prices, and headed to school ready to sell, sell, sell.

Can you imagine if I had the tools we have today?

That early hustle—learning how to market, merchandise, and sell—shaped me into who I am now. And I love sharing it all with you.

Over the past year, I formed a group of students I taught in Chicago into what is now called the BOY MEETS GIRL®️ Chicago Collective. Much like the work I do under BOY MEETS GIRL®️ University, this team learns every facet of the business alongside me—from manufacturing and design to sourcing, marketing, PR, digital strategy, and more. And yes—they get paid for their work! My goal has always been to pave it forward, and I’m so proud of this incredible collective.

This past year, we worked on a project that—like many creative journeys—started as one thing and evolved into something else. (If you’ve read my book, Embracing the Calm In The Chaos, you know how collaborations can pivot in unexpected ways.) The team learned in real time how to adapt, shift, and make magic from those moments. Sometimes those pivots are exactly what was meant to be.

So… without further ado: here’s your Charmed Weekend Giveaway.

I can’t wait to see how you rock this very special charm. 🙏🏽

We’re so excited to launch our limited edition BOY MEETS GIRL® upcycled keychain — handmade with love in Chicago, the hometown of our founder Stacy Igel, and crafted by our BOY MEETS GIRL® Collective Team.

This charm clips onto your bag, keys, or wherever you want to carry a little love and purpose. Made from recycled denim and faux leather, it’s a meaningful nod to our brand’s roots — and a celebration of where we’re headed.

✨ Eco-conscious & upcycled

🧵 Handmade in Chicago

👜 Doubles as a bag charm

📦 Ships starting 9/1/25

🛒 Limited quantities – Pre-order yours here »

🎁 GIVEAWAY: Tag & Win!

Want to win one for free? We’re giving away two of our exclusive upcycled keychains to a lucky community member and your friend.

To enter:

1. Head to this IG post → @boymeetsgirlusa

2. Tag a friend you’d love to gift one to 💝

3. Tell us in the comments: do you love charms now or did you collect them in the past?

4. Must follow @stacyigel & @boymeetsgirlusa to win.

We’ll randomly select one winner on August 31st!

XO,

Stacy

It’s Not All Roses
Yes, I’ve hit rock bottom.

I write about it in my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, and I’ve shared pieces of it here in my newsletters. But I don’t think I’ve ever told you about the time my bank account showed a negative balance.

That feeling? It’s like a punch to the gut. I remember staring at the screen in disbelief, those red numbers burning into my eyes. I wanted to cry. I wanted to float away—literally. I remember walking by the water thinking, What if I just let myself drift for a while? I didn’t want to disappear forever, but I did want to escape.

And I’ve had those thoughts more than once.

But somehow—through the fog and fear—I got back up. Because I had to. I had employees to pay. A team that believed in me. Friends and family who reminded me of my strength, even when I didn’t feel it.

Still, no one could fix it for me.

I had to take a hard look in the mirror and tell myself, You built this. You can fix it.
I had poured myself into this business—24/7. I wasn’t about to let it fall apart.

But it’s hard to say those words—“I can fix this”—when your account is empty.
So where do you go from there?
How do you begin again when you're that low?

So many of us—entrepreneurs, artists, writers—keep pushing forward, chasing passion, putting in the work… and yet, our bank account doesn’t always reflect that hustle.

How do we turn that negative into a positive?

Over my 20+ years building a brand, I’ve hit rock bottom more than once. But each time, it forced me to pivot: a new partner, a revised financial strategy, a different revenue stream, a difficult team decision—whatever it took to move forward.

It wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.

Those moments demanded creativity. Grit. Vulnerability. I had to ask for help. I had to think differently. And each of those lows helped shape the next phase of my business—and my life.

In my interview with Ike in Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, we talk a lot about this. The road to where we are in our careers didn’t happen overnight—it was filled with rejection, countless “no’s,” and more than a few low bank account moments along the way.

Whether you're starting from scratch or sitting at the peak of your career, this still holds true: success doesn't always look the way we expect—especially in our bank accounts.

I’ve interviewed so many people—in my book, on my podcast, my blog, and right here in this newsletter—and this theme keeps coming up.

You are not alone.

If you're in it right now—at the edge, unsure, exhausted—I see you. I’ve been there.
And I want to share the tools, resources, and stories that helped me find my way back.

Let me know—have you ever been in this position?
And if so, how did you get out of it?

Leave a comment

Here are a few tips to check off your list when you’re feeling low—in energy, in spirit, in confidence, or even in your bank account. These are small but powerful steps that have helped me move forward when things felt heavy:

• Pause and breathe. Sometimes, just taking 10 minutes to sit in stillness or go for a walk can help reset your mind.

• Audit your wins. Write down 3 things you’ve accomplished in the past year. Big or small—they count.

• Call in your people. Reach out to one person who lifts you up. A voice note, a text, a coffee. Don’t isolate.

• Rethink the plan. What’s one small pivot you can make today—personally or professionally—that might lead to new energy or opportunity?

• Consume inspiration. Listen to a podcast episode, re-read a chapter from Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, or watch an interview that reminds you you’re not alone in this journey.

• Give yourself grace. You’re not failing—you’re learning, you’re evolving, you’re becoming.

New Substack Shoutout

My friend just launched her Substack , and I couldn’t be prouder. In just one week, she’s already ranked #4 in Humor—and you know how much I love a good laugh.

Here’s how she describes her writing:
“I write about what it takes to rebuild a life, a brand, and a belief in love — all while raising kids and running a business. Healing is messy. But it pays off. Bonus: I'm hilarious.”
Trust me, she is.

And speaking of humor… I have to give a big shoutout to my BFF—Ikey—who was just cast to play Elon Musk. Go Ikey, go!

If you missed our fun conversation at book shop in Los Angeles with me and Ike, here are a few great clips above & below—never shared before and exclusive to my newsletter readers!

Remember, Ike is also featured in my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos—and in the audiobook, too, with a special interview.
If you haven’t read or listened yet, now’s the time :)

XO,

STACY

Something got me fired up, and I had to get this out to you today. Substack deadlines feel like book deadlines to me—when the moment strikes, I have to share it with you.

Lately, so many of you have been asking about collaborations: How do they really work? Are they always smooth? How long does it take? What if someone copies your idea? The questions keep coming—and I get it.

I go deep into this in my book, Embracing the Calm in the Chaos (and hey, it’s Prime Day, so if you haven’t grabbed it yet, now’s the time). The subtitle says it all: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration.

In particular, Chapter 12—Collaborate with Others—dives into the real truths behind partnerships, from magical moments to messy misfires. And honestly? The whole book is full of these raw, behind-the-scenes lessons.

I was vulnerable writing it, and I’m going to be vulnerable here too—because not everything is red carpets and roses. And you deserve to hear all of it.

So, I wrote this tweet—yes, I’m still on Twitter (or X… are we calling it X now?). You can find me there at @stacyigel. I posted two tweets this week—sometimes I use X to capture a quick thought or feeling in the moment.

1st) 07/08/25 “Common in collaborations. They come to you. You set the meetings. You send the plans on how it will all work out. Then you wait weeks for the contracts. Then you negotiate the contracts. Then you work hard to make the collab a success. Patience is a virtue.” Stacy Igel

2nd) 07/09/25 “They called to collaborate because they saw what you built, then their teams copied what you built, and they are a billion-dollar company! How do you compete ?!” Stacy Igel

Guess which one had the juice. The one that got people talking—the one I’m breaking down in this newsletter today? Yep, Tweet #2.

Why? Because for every 99% of incredible collaborations that do work out, there’s that 1% that goes sideways. Sometimes, someone copies you. Sometimes, you get completely blindsided. And it stings—no matter how seasoned you are as an entrepreneur.

This applies to anyone building something, whether you're running your own company or working inside one as an intrapreneur. You put in the hours, pull your team in, create the PDFs, build the decks, design the storyboards… and then it falls apart or someone pulls the rug out from under you. It just sucks.

When I wrote tweet #2 and posted about it in my notes here on substack I got a few responses that I wanted to share.

One of my dear friends and fellow entrepreneurs, Rachel Wilkins, said it best:
“I’m sorry you’re going through this, love. Really feeling it too after a recent, frustrating experience of my own. But here’s what I’m reminding myself: We’re the golden geese. They might take the ideas, but they can’t replicate the source. They’ll never execute with our vision, our spirit, or our fire. Love you.” When I read this from Rachel, I responded, “I’m sorry you’re going through this too. I talk about this a lot in #EmbracingTheCalmInTheChaos, and while it definitely stings at first, I’ve learned there’s always a bigger light at the end of the road. You’re absolutely right—they can never replicate the vision, the spirit, or the fire.” And this is the TRUTH. I want you all to know that sometimes we get hit down to make a bigger collaboration or impact later on. I always quote Steve Jobs famous quote on this, where he says, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward." Which brings me to amazing who I never thought back then we would be on a platform where we can connect like this. Devin covered me and my brand BOY MEETS GIRL® years ago in Forbes, and I love our connection here. So I askedb him to shed some light on this topic, and he wrote, “Collaboration always creates challenges. When it goes well, the challenges are dwarfed by the benefits. But, you’re right—that isn’t how it always works. Small businesses have no real recourse when a big company “collaborates” and then steals your idea and scales it, leaving you out. My experience is that most projects require founder energy. Founders who sell their companies for huge amounts to large corporations and then buy them back for ten cents on the dollar years later are remarkably common. Chipotle is the biggest example I can think of, but by no means the only one. Our passion is sometimes the only “moat” we have to protect us.”

So then I had to look into the Chiplotle story, which you can read about here. Maybe I will do a Substack live with to dive more into this too!

So now the big question: What happened to you, Stacy?
Here it is—without naming names. As I share in my book, I don’t believe in shaming others, even when they’ve wronged me. But I do believe in sharing the story.

So, Company X reached out to me for a collaboration. They’re a billion-dollar brand. And as I write this, I’m realizing this kind of situation has happened to me several times now—each in its own way. But today, I’m sharing this story.

They saw me in the press. They saw my latest collaboration featured in WWD. They saw the brand I’ve built over the past 20+ years. And they wanted in. They were eager to collaborate and be part of my roster. But in this case, I had one condition: if they wanted me to do a clothing collab, I asked that we expand it to include another category they also produce.

They came back and said they could only move forward on the clothing side. So I had to walk away—something that’s never easy for me.
And then… guess what?

The idea I had pitched to them now lives on in the category I asked to be part of.
It stings.

In my book, I talk about being a young designer and seeing my work copied by a major fashion house, ending up in their stores. I was just starting out. I didn’t have the resources to fight back. And now, 24+ years later, while this is a different situation—not my exact product, but my idea being used—it still hits hard. It still feels helpless at times. I’m not in a place where I want to go after a billion-dollar company.

But here’s the twist.

Just a few weeks after I said no to Company X, a call came in. It was an opportunity to do exactly what I had originally pitched—this time with a partner who truly sees the vision. As I mentioned in Tweet #1, I’m now working on contracts for that new project.

As my friends Rachel and Devin both reminded me: your spirit, your fire, and your unique perspective are what fuel a real collaboration. That’s the difference. You’re not AI. You’re not a robot. You’re a human who works your ass off and creates with heart and soul. And when that energy aligns with the right partner? The result is always more powerful than whatever was taken from you.

So, as I always say: keep moving, keep believing, and keep persevering.

07.10.25

Today, I went back to teach at Barnard/Columbia University in NYC. I shared the journey of building a brand from the ground up, including many of the incredible collaborations I’ve had the honor of launching throughout my career. I'm so grateful to walk this winding road and pass on what I’ve learned.

One of my favorite moments? Hearing directly from my students. I asked them all kinds of questions about what brands resonate with them right now. They were excited about my collaborations with Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake (yes!), but when I brought up a few 50-year-old heritage brands… crickets. Some had never even heard of them.

But—phew—I’m happy to report that most of the class knew me and my brand!

I also asked about the wild Labubu trend, and guess what? Not a single one of them was into it.
Are you? Let me know below!

Remember to always THINK. SAY. DO. (This has kept me moving in hard times.)

some past posts you might have missed below:

And as promised, a shoutout to some new Substacks shared with me —go check them out and show them some love!

, , (She also wrote an endorsement on the back of my book, thank you, Stacy). (long-time friend and editor) , , , (long-time friend and director),

I started BOY MEETS GIRL® with no investors—just a Sharpie, a big dream, and a fire inside me I couldn’t ignore. I worked 24/7, packed orders on my floor, and hustled my way into the hearts of editors, celebrities, and communities around the world.

But this journey has always been about more than fashion.

It’s about building while becoming a mom. Using my voice—and platform—for something bigger.

Writing down every messy, magical chapter in Embracing the Calm in the Chaos.
And never, ever giving up.

This week, I created a visual story that brings this journey to life in 8 slides. Each image reflects the chaos, the calm, the grit, and the growth that shaped both the brand and me.

I’ll also be back at Barnard College this Thursday to speak with international business and marketing students about the real, winding road behind the brand—and how staying grounded in your "why" makes all the difference.

I’m still here. Still building. Still believing.

And yes—I have some exciting Q4 announcements coming soon. Stay tuned.

Thank you for being a part of this ride. You are forever in my journey.

My heart is heavy as I watch the devastating floods impacting families and communities across Texas. To everyone affected, please know that I am thinking of you and sending my deepest love and strength your way.

XO,
STACY

P.S. You might notice that my previous podcast episodes are linked here on Substack—with our original logo still showing up on the audio clips. Yep, this mama’s got some tech cleanup to do! 😅 Until then, you’ll see the old branding pop up.

#MomsGotThis, featured in Forbes, was co-hosted by myself and the amazing Michelle Park. We ran for 3 seasons (2017–2020), sharing over 70 stories and 200+ episodes from incredible moms doing it all. ❤️ You can take a listen to previous episodes right here ;)

I’ve been asked to speak on this topic many times throughout my career, but one of the most pivotal moments was when I was invited to speak at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in front of thousands of people on “Humanizing a Brand in the Social Media Space.”

At the time, I was terrified—sweaty palms and all. Public speaking was something that made me so uncomfortable. But they say practice makes perfect… and after speaking millions of times over the past 20+ years while building my brand, the jitters have (mostly) gone away.

These days, I see so many people “selling” storytelling as a concept, which is why I brought it up in my subject line. When I first spoke on this at Fashion 140, a packed room of brands came to hear what I had to say. A friend who worked at a major brand told me I was the topic of their next-day meeting—they were taking notes from this “small biz lady.”

And guess what? I told them exactly what to do:

• Differentiate yourself in the marketplace.

• Create separate handles (this was pre-Instagram—hello, Twitter!).

• Be authentic (a buzzword now, but it’s always been true).

• And most importantly: Be a storyteller.

Because if you don’t share your story, why would anyone care enough to follow you—or buy what you’re selling?

I started sharing my story wherever I could, on whatever device I had. My blog was the first space where I documented my behind-the-scenes journey. That led to my webseries—which was eventually picked up by MTVu and then Lockerz. Every step was about opening the curtain and letting people in.

And that’s still what it’s all about.

When my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos came out, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Adam Mendler. He asked thoughtful questions that really got to the heart of my journey as a founder, author, and storyteller.

I’m sharing some of the questions here with you all because it captures so much of what I believe in: staying grounded while building something bold.

Adam: What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Stacy: I have found the hardest part of running a business, especially a business that owns intellectual property and needs to protect its assets that it is super hard and a lot of money is needed to protect assets which means in turn you need a lot of money on the onset of your business. This brings me to raising capital and finding the right partners. I failed when I made rushed decisions out of the need to bring capital into my company.

But if I didn’t learn from those mistakes, I would not be here to share my story with you.

Adam: How did you come up with your business idea? What advice do you have for others on how to come up with great ideas? Adam: How did you know your business idea was worth pursuing? What advice do you have on how to best test a business idea?

Stacy: When I first started BOY MEETS GIRL®, I knew I wanted to create a message and a logo that spoke to everyone. One of the many ways I embrace the calm amidst the chaos in my life and career is to constantly distinguish myself from those around me, because my style is different from everything else on the market.

From the day I launched after 9/11, I made a promise to myself that I would always help others by sharing stories and bringing awareness to topics, organizations, and current events that were happening around me. And that is how I have led for 21+ years running my business.

I have a lot of advice for others who want to come up with great idea/s. I want you to think about what does your brand stand for? Why are you creating it? Can your idea change the landscape of a business? Is your idea a necessity in your market?

You have to be confident in your capabilities and your open point of view. It’s one thing to be unique and another to share that in a public forum. To move forward, the latter is necessary. Test your idea with 100 people.

How do you get your product awareness when it is in a store? Why would a salesperson in a big department store want to help you? For me, it has always been necessary that anyone who is selling my product or my brand comprehends not only my professional goals but also the ethos of why I got started and that my brand has been an impact brand from day one and that there would always be a nonprofit piece to it. I always share with any sales rep or store salesperson my story of who I am, where I came from, why I am so excited to launch there, how grateful I am to be in that particular store, and go through all product specifics that apply to my brand ie thumbholes on the sleeves of my hoodie etc.

As an owner and boss, you have to understand how customer service operates and how important that personal touch is when you’re trying to stand out. And you have to treat everyone equally, from the picker and the packer to the top salesperson to the president. It doesn’t matter who they are, to earn their respect and their belief in your success, every person needs to know that you care about them, so they’re motivated to represent you and your collection.

Adam: What are the key steps you have taken to grow your business? What advice do you have for others on how to take their businesses to the next level?

Stacy: My model for growth has always been to partner and collaborate with thought leaders from all facets of business from other brands, designers, artists, musicians, activists, and non-profits. I think each business is unique in its approach and there is not one recipe for success. However, I will say that how you communicate and how you treat a partnership is key to success and taking your business to the next level. Industries are small after you learn more about your industry and when others hear that you are a great partner and you created change they will want to join your roadmap. If you are not kind to others and you treat partnerships poorly it will come back to haunt you.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Stacy: So hard to answer as there are so many. My mom taught me to never doubt my own capabilities, and to believe in what I set out to do in the universe and take ownership of it. My dad taught me that there are and will be many twists and curves on your journey, so remember to keep moving when you feel you might have failed. Lastly, I always loved what Bob Dylan said, “A man/woman is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between, he does what he wants to do.”

More from our interview here.

Found this oldie—me speaking at FIT 15 years ago.
Wow… what a journey it’s been.

From shaky hands and nervous energy to standing on stages around the world, I’ve come a long way in public speaking. Grateful for every step, stumble, and story shared along the way.

If you’re just starting out, trust me—confidence comes with practice, passion, and time. 🎤✨

In my last newsletter, you asked for more of this content from me, so I am delivering it to you more as promised.

xo,

Stacy

I shared a full recap on the ‘gram — and yes, this one took me three hours to put together 😅. If you’re planning to do monthly recaps, I definitely recommend keeping track as you go… but honestly, this month was so full, I just didn’t have the time.

And today, I’m also celebrating another milestone — 10,000 of you subscribed to this community.
10,000 people who showed up for the stories, the messiness, the meaning, and the magic. So first: THANK YOU.

Throwback to a great interview from around 2010 in Glamour featuring yours truly.
See those little ones with me? That’s my twin niece and nephew — they just graduated college and are moving back to NYC to start their careers.
Did I mention time flies way too fast? 💫

You came here for a reason — and I’d love to know why.

Is it for…

📈 Business, branding, and behind-the-seams of my brand BOY MEETS GIRL® ?

✨ My book journey (writing, launching, touring Embracing the Calm in the Chaos )?

Thank you for this most recent reviews below:

✨ My book journey as one of the authors who wrote an essay in

The photo above is at the JCC in Columbus, Ohio, in May with fellow authors , and Julia Devillers. We had a beautiful time together standing up to hate.

🎤 Deep-diving interviews and conversations with founders, authors, and creators? Like this one, where I interviewed friend Teddy Swims?

📝 Honest storytelling — motherhood, mental health, purpose, and pivots?

💡 Or maybe all of the above?

➡️ Tell me what brings you here — put in the comments below, or link right here

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this space. Here's to the next 10K.

XO,

Stacy
@stacyigel | @boymeetsgirlusa | @embracingthecalminthechaos

📚 Books: Embracing the Calm in the Chaos | On Being Jewish Now
📩 Share this newsletter with a friend who needs it

This photo of me was captured by Sophie Elgort

Sparkles

April brought heart, hustle, and proud sparkle moments ✨

I sat down with the Leaning into Being Podcast for an episode titled:
"From Fashion Weeks to Family Moments: Lessons on Resilience and Reflection."
We discussed juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, legacy, and remaining calm through the chaos. Listen here → Apple Podcasts.

A Sparkling Honor

I’m beyond honored to be named one of The KNOW Women’s “100 Women to Know in America” Class of 2025. This recognition means the world — to be among so many change-makers and leaders pushing forward is both humbling and energizing. Thank you to the KNOW Women team for the spotlight and support.

📰 Read the full list
💫 Yahoo Finance Article

Something New -May is blooming with purpose and sparkle.

Introducing the BOY MEETS GIRL® x PINKCANS4CANCER x STICKER BEANS collab! This limited-edition rhinestone sticker set is a tribute to strength, resilience, and the power of community. Created in partnership with my dear friend Tony and StickerBeans, this collection supports breast cancer awareness and honors every fighter’s story. Pre-order yours here.

Watch the AM Buffalo segment about our mission to hear how I teamed up with Tony, founder of PINKCANS4CANCER, to bring our mission to life. This feature was captured during our Thriver campaign shoot, where seven incredible thrivers were photographed by the talented Sophie Elgort.

Books & Big Conversations

I’m thrilled to be part of On Being Jewish Now, a powerful anthology curated by. In May, I’m excited to take part in two special events celebrating On Being Jewish Now — a powerful anthology I’m honored to be part of. I’ll be sharing more about the book, the meaningful stories inside it, and the inspiring contributors I’m lucky to stand alongside. Check out the details below — I’d love to see you there! Also, a proud moment to share: the book just hit its 18th consecutive week as a USA TODAY BESTSELLER! Huge congrats to all the contributors who made this possible.

May 5th, in Deal, New Jersey, at the DSN Beach Club at 12 pm. Link here and on the image with fellow authors Zibby Owens, Corie Adjmi, Ali Rosen, and Alix Strauss.

May 14th, in Columbus, Ohio, at 7 pm. Link here and on the image with fellow authors, , and Julia Devillers. Excited to see you there.

Sparkle Shoutouts on Substack

Check out my author friend. We are both in the book . I have an amazing story that I think I will do a Substack live on with her when we are both back from book tour ; ) In the meantime, check out her Substack .

Closing Sparkle

April reminded me how important storytelling, community, and giving back are to everything I do. Thank you for being here — for supporting the work, the words, the sparkles, and the mission behind it all.

Wishing a Happy Almost Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms, aunts, godparents, dog moms, mentors, and nurturers of all kinds. Your love, guidance, and spirit make the world a better, kinder, and brighter place.

XO,
Stacy

Let’s go!

“In New York (ayy, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (yeah) (okay)
Now you're in New York (ah-ha, ah-ha, ah-ha)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you .” _ JAY-Z Empire State of Mind ft. Alicia Keys

I tend to work backward sometimes. Funny enough, I read magazines that way, too—starting from the back. Does anyone else do that?

Leave a comment

Thursday April 4th, 2025

One week ago today, I had the honor of being the first guest in a new talk series hosted at Branch New York and moderated by my longtime friend and collaborator, Sophie Elgort. Thank you to everyone who came out—it was such a special evening for both of us!
More on the Career Stories series at the Branch:
For the first installment of Career Stories, Sophie is chatting with fashion entrepreneur and changemaker Stacy Igel. As the founder and creative director of the global impact brand BOY MEETS GIRL®, Stacy has built a career at the intersection of purpose and style. From major brand collaborations to meaningful advocacy work, she’ll share her journey, how she’s used fashion as a platform for change, and her lessons on building a business with heart.

Sophie asked such thoughtful, meaningful questions and really dove deep into my career—so many of them resonated with the audience, which to me is the sign of a truly great talk. Thank you, Sophie! Here are a few highlights:

Thank you to some of my new friends and fellow authors from the book we are all in together, called by who joined me last week. Some are here on @Substack & . I appreciate your insightful questions and vibrant energy and your coming out to support me.

TAKEAWAYS:

“Stacy, you were manifesting before anyone was manifesting,” Meredith Weintraub, one of my oldest friends, noted to the crowd. Meredith is also featured in my book.

“This is the first time I’m hearing your full story (and also meeting you in person). As a female entrepreneur, you truly are so inspiring. Your candor surrounding your former partners was just what I needed to hear. I’m also absolutely buying your book!” - GW

Thursday, March 27th ( Ike’s premiere for The Studio) in NYC & Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 (The Drew Barrymore Show with Ike)

My best friend Ike Barinholtz—who’s also featured in my book—was in NYC for the premiere of The Studio on Amazon, directed by Seth Rogen and starring an incredible cast, including Seth, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, Catherine O’Hara, and more. The premiere was on March 27th, and we were treated to a private screening of unreleased episodes 7 and 8—they were absolutely amazing. I sat next to Ikey, with my sister on the other side, both of us laughing throughout. I think I had a permanent smile the entire night. Highly recommend the show.

Also, Ike’s show Running Point—which he co-wrote with Mindy Kaling and our dear friend David Stassen—was just picked up for another season on Netflix. It’s fantastic. I'm a proud friend over here!

After the premiere, Meredith (who quoted me above) and one of my dearest friends joined us for dinner—and guess who sat next to us? Drew Barrymore! It’s wild because Drew featured my book on her show, and Ike invited me to join him BTS on April 1st to meet her. So, I was able to thank her for the segment and share that I’d be joining Ike the following Tuesday. Sometimes the world aligns in the most amazing ways. Drew is truly incredible.

If you missed the segment featuring my book on Drew’s show, I wrote about it here. On April 1st, Ike took me BTS, and it was so special to see my best friend shine and share his journey with Drew. Watch the full segment here. While backstage, I realized Drew had shared the story of our first meeting in the segment with Ike from March 27th!

Oh, and wildly enough,h my sister happened to be at Drew’s show that same day, and this happened.; )

The last shoutout of my day is to who gave me an endorsement on the back of my book and someone I also mentor and have known for a longgggg time. I will share more about us and the journey of friendship and collaboration with Allie in another newsletter, as I am at copy length. But check out her amazing new Substack. You will love it!

XO,

Stacy Igel

I’m thrilled to share that I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Simon on NY1 this weekend! This segment was a true pinch-me moment—reflecting on my almost 25-year journey with BOY MEETS GIRL®, my book Embracing the Calm in the Chaos, and the initiatives we’ve built to give back.

What made this moment even more special? Having my son and sister join me on set! Seeing my son capture behind-the-scenes footage reminded me just how fast time flies. These are the moments I talk about in my book—the ones where you stop, take it all in, and give yourself a pat on the back.

Building a brand, writing a book, and creating meaningful programs isn’t easy—but when you love what you do, the hard work is always worth it.

I’m so grateful for all of you who have supported me along the way. If you missed the segment, you can catch the full interview here and I have included the link when you click on the images too.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

✨ “Embrace the calm in the chaos, for it is in those moments that we find our true strength.” – Stacy Igel

Thank you, Stephanie and NY1!

—-

A few highlights from the segment:
✨ Some of the BOY MEETS GIRL® pieces featured on air ( click on the image they link to the products)

✨ A special necklace I wore that holds deep personal meaning & where you can purchase it.

This pendant was made by my son, Dylan. Just like his mama, he’s starting a business at the age of 10! My first business began around the same age—selling charm necklaces that my mom brought back from Taiwan, where she was producing her lumbar supports (more about this in my book). I would photograph the charms with a Polaroid camera, create little catalogs, and sell them to my classmates.

Dylan is following in my footsteps, but with the power of technology, he can share his creations far beyond the classroom. He has named his company #1MOM and is donating 10% of sales to Hilarity for Charity (HFC)—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s, activating young advocates, and leading brain health research and education. I’m so proud of him. Check out the necklace which we are currently selling on Poshmark until he is set up with his own shop : )

XO,

Stacy