Marissa Kim – from Lawyer to Fashion Expert

Posted: November 8th, 2009 | No Comments »

A former corporate lawyer who discovered and followed her passion for fashion (a girl after our own hearts!), Marissa Kim now works and gets to play at the same time! As the co-founder of Allison Parris, an eco-friendly, socially conscious designer label based in New York City, Marissa wears many hats and puts her legal background to work!

Job (aka, Career/Calling/Inspiration): Co-founder of Allison Parris

Age: 32

Family situation: Engaged

How do you make sure you feel good everyday?

I create balance in my life by taking time out, regardless of how busy I am, to go for a run, see friends, or go out to a nice dinner.

What inspires you to do the work that you do?

I worked for four years at large New York law firms and wanted to do something more entrepreneurial and creative. Building a business is exciting and challenging in a completely different way. I have always loved fashion and it’s always a rush to see the strong (positive) reactions others have to our clothes (we get stopped on the street all of the time when we wear our line).

How did you muster up the courage/confidence to create the life you have?

I am not afraid of taking risks when there is potential for upside. I hate feeling regret, so my approach is usually to go after what I want, even where there is a possibility of failure. In starting this company with Allison, I was ready to take the leap.

What’s your approach to nutrition?

Overall I am pretty healthy, but I do love food and never deprive myself. I try to eat healthy most of the week and then maybe go out to a nice dinner on the weekends and always when I’m traveling. I think moderation is the key, and I’m also lucky in that I genuinely like vegetables (especially artichokes, avocado and kale).

How do you stay inspired when difficult challenges arise?

I like to sulk for a few minutes, but I try to spin any challenge into something positive and look at challenges as opportunities to do something different or be pushed in a different direction. I also think it’s important to have perspective – overall the types of challenges I face are pretty insignificant compared to what a lot of other people face.

What do you do to stay in balance?

I am a big proponent of balance and having a full life. People waste time doing mundane things (i.e. complaining about how tired they are, smoking, getting coffee, etc.) that it’s actually not that hard to take time out to exercise or to have lunch with a friend. Those little things give you perspective and ultimately give you more to bring to the table.

What’s your ultimate indulgence – just for you?

I absolutely love massages and indulge way too often.

What advice do you have for women aiming to have it all?

I don’t claim to “have it all” but I do think I have a pretty full life. I try to be efficient with my time but I always avoid routine and try to find new and interesting things to do on my own and with others. Luckily for me, because of the nature of my business, I am able to merge my social and work lives often!