Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade visits University of Kansas

Marlys Shulda, Elyce Arons, Ann Brill, and Lisa McLendon standing in front of the Media Crossroads Studio in Stauffer Flint on Friday, Sept. 26. Clarissa Rodriguez // KUJH

Clarissa Rodriguez | @clarissa.rodriguez_ & Annika Gustafson | @annikaa_gustafson

Elyce Arons, founder of Frances Valentine and co-founder of Kate Spade, visited the University of Kansas on Sept. 26 to talk to students and faculty members about her journey. Arons was named Kansan of the Year and Chi Omega of the year from her alumna chapter.

Elyce Arons returned to the William Allen White School of Journalism to share how her time and experience shaped her path from being a student to a fashion industry leader. KU Business Professor, Elizabeth Embry hosted the fireside chat leading Aron’s through questions about her story and the hard work that she put in to help her succeed.

“Her entrepreneurial story is one that is true of grit and heart and passion and perseverance.” Embry said.

Aron is the co-founder of the Kate Spade fashion brand with her best friend Katherine Spade. Their playful and colorful handbags became an international sensation.

Aron urged students and her audience that were able to attend the fireside chat to embrace curiosity, collaboration, and creativity; these values are what she credits her experience to.

“Work really hard, show up before everybody else… it’s how you feel about yourself and how you respect yourself and the more you think of yourself and the more you feel about yourself,” Arons said.

Today, Arons continues to inspire future fashion designs and carries her legacy forward as CEO and co-founder of Frances Valentine, a brand known for individuality and bold design.