HANNAH GARRISONMOTHER, DESIGNER & CO-FOUNDER OF WEAR YOUR MUSICNEW YORK CITY

Best Advice I Have Ever Received: "Do what I love. I know it sounds cheesy, but if you are doing something you love then you are helping the world turn."

Hannah Garrison is the co-founder of Wear Your Music. She started out handcrafting bracelets made of recycled strings for family and musician friends. Her hobby eventually expanded into a profitable business whose philosophy celebrates music, style, and philanthropy. Wear Your Music bracelets are collected from earth-conscious students and budding musicians around the world, including used guitar strings donated by acclaimed musicians such as John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Joan Jett, etc.

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Describe a day in the life of Hannah Garrison.

Can we start with the fact that I am mostly in bed by 9 PM? Yes, that's what running a few businesses and having two kids under 4 will do to you. My days start and end early. My time is split between my home office and Wear Your Music office. I love that the Internet has made all of this possible. My days are busy, but also flexible. There is a lot of nursing the baby, many, many emails, lots of healthy food, a bunch of social media, number crunching, and the occasional burst of creativity to keep things fun. I love my life.

How did you get started with Wear Your Music – and how does it reflect your personal aesthetic?

Wear Your Music was my first baby. I met my business partner on Craigslist before we knew there might be crazy people on there. =) I was a creative maker and he was a savvy businessman. Now, he's creative and I'm all business-y. We rubbed off in each other. But as far as aesthetic, it is totally reflective of me. It's jewelry for the person who doesn't wear jewelry. It’s simple, unique, elegant, and gender neutral. I love subtlety – and it is that.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

I've found that with women it can go either way. Either you grate up against each other with evil or you lift each other up. I've been lucky enough to have a village of women that lift me up. In my life and career (which are so linked) there have been women who've shown me that it is all possible; that you can have your cake (work) and eat it too (family). This subject is so fraught, but it is important too. We bring our personal values along with us to our businesses, so we better be damn clear about what they are.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

If you wear yoga pants you will always be relevant... No! Did I just type that? Crap! Yes, culture is ever changing. (Oh no! Are yoga pants here to stay?) But truly, I think the best thing I know how to do is to be in touch with all different types of people and all different ages. I am friendly, and care about people in a genuine manner. Different people are my go-to for different things.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

Number 1) I am always exhausted. That means 2) I am über focused. Like, laser focused.

I have to make use of all of my clarity so I need to work fast and efficiently. I tend to pick a task that suits my mood. If I am all drifty and far out, I write a copy, think, draw, and come up with ideas. If I am fully caffeinated and settled in, I do numbers. Picking a task that you are in the right state of mind for is key.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I think mentors are super important. I've had many people who've influenced me. But I am on the lookout for a serious mentor. So if you have one, send them to me!

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Take care of yourself! Self-care and work/life balance are really important. All the other shit matters, but it won't happen without you – so you come first. Eat breakfast, save some money, hire a coach.