We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Levine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At the age of 48 I transitioned from the corporate world to establish The Original PeachSkinSheets. After experiencing a layoff from a marketing role, I decided to focus on my love of color and design, enrolling in SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to pursue a degree in Interior Design. Before that next chapter could officially begin, the opportunity in sheets presented itself and I found myself at a crossroads. The textile product category aligned with one of my main network marketing principles, to always sell items that consumers need to replace regularly. In choosing to move forward with sheets, I was still able to merge my love for design, fabric and style. The inspiration to start PeachSkinSheets stemmed from a personal need for affordable, breathable, yet luxurious sheets that could manage night sweats – this, combined with my passion for design and fabric, drove me to create a brand that offers high-quality bedding at an accessible price point. My extensive background in marketing and e-commerce, coupled with my hands-on approach through grassroots marketing and customer engagement at festivals and trade shows, laid the foundation for PeachSkinSheets’ success.

What should our readers know about your business?

WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF CONVENTIONAL ADVICE THAT YOU DISAGREE WITH?

I believe that the conventional advice to “play it safe” is often misguided. My experience has taught me that taking calculated risks is essential for growth and success. For instance, transitioning from a corporate marketing role to focus on my passion for design led me to the creation of PeachSkinSheets, a decision that defied traditional career paths but ultimately proved successful and incredibly fulfilling. I like to tell folks that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Take risks, and chase your passions regardless of age!

RISK TAKING: HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT RISK, WHAT ROLE HAS TAKING RISKS PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER?

I view risk-taking as a necessary component of both personal and professional growth. I have embraced risks throughout my career, from venturing into e-commerce and network marketing to starting PeachSkinSheets from my kitchen table. Each risk I took, whether it was navigating a layoff or starting a new business, has contributed to my resilience and ability to seize opportunities.

WHAT HABITS DO YOU FEEL HELPED YOU SUCCEED?

My success can be attributed to my strong work ethic, resilience, and ability to adapt. My habit of engaging directly with customers to understand their needs and preferences has been crucial. Additionally, my experience in sales with Mary Kay® taught me the importance of making customers feel valued, a practice I continue at PeachSkinSheets by packaging our products thoughtfully and offering gifts.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS / THE SUCCESS OF YOUR BRAND?

The two most important factors behind PeachSkinSheets’ success is my ability to think like and prioritize my consumer, and surrounding myself with individuals who share and ignite my ambitions. I strongly believe that the five people with whom you spend the most time influence values, ambition, drive, attitude and overall outlook on life. It’s critical to surround yourself with a combination of like minded, positive people and mentors who have already achieved goals that you are targeting – these people are my greatest cheerleaders and my greatest teachers. I have also made it my mission to prioritize affordability and quality, ensuring that our products offer luxury without the hefty price tag. My focus on providing a wide array of vibrant colors also sets PeachSkinSheets apart from competitors, allowing customers to personalize their bedding choices.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOUR BUSINESS/CAREER HAS TAUGHT YOU?

I have learned that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges. My journey through personal hardships, such as navigating a difficult divorce and financial instability, taught me that setbacks can pave the way for comebacks. This resilience is reflected in my approach to business and my ability to grow PeachSkinSheets despite initial obstacles.

WORK LIFE BALANCE: HOW HAS YOUR BALANCE CHANGED OVER TIME? HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE BALANCE?

Balancing work and life has been a dynamic process for me. Initially, running PeachSkinSheets from my home allowed me to be present for my family while building the business. Over time, I have maintained this balance by fostering a supportive work environment and involving my family in the business. Our office’s dog-friendly policy and close-knit workforce contribute to a familial atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of work-life integration.

WHY DID YOU PURSUE AN ARTISTIC OR CREATIVE CAREER?

I pursued a creative career due to my love for color, design, and fabric. Even before PeachSkinSheets, my passion was evident in my decision to enroll in SCAD for interior design. The textile product category allowed me to merge these interests with my business acumen, ultimately leading to the creation of a brand that reflects my artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

WHAT ARE YOU INSPIRED BY?

I am inspired by the desire to create products that make people feel special and valued. My experiences in retail and network marketing taught me the importance of consumer appreciation, which is evident in PeachSkinSheets’ approach to packaging and customer engagement. Additionally, my commitment to supporting single mothers and local communities fuels my drive to make a positive impact through my business; Shout out to Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:
Check-in at Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel: We arrive and settle into our comfy suite. Walk straight to the brand new Saks Fifth Avenue (Can’t beat the Beverly Wilshire location) and then pop up and down Rodeo. Back to the hotel for pool time, relax with mojitos before we get ready to walk to dinner at The Hideaway Beverly Hills (who doesn’t love a tequila button at the table!). Back at the hotel we wrap ourselves in the new PeachSkinSheets PeachyMink Robes and snuggle into the cozy PeachSkinSheets oversized comforters for a restful night.

Day 2:
We do breakfast at The Polo Lounge then jaunt over to Visit Dr. Paul Nassif’s Practice for a Sofwave treatment. This non-invasive procedure revitalizes our skin and stimulates new collagen production, leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. There is no downtime so we can go straight to XIV Karats on Beverly to check out the must have jewelry (we spend hours there) before we head to Malibu for a walk around the Malibu Country Mart before we land at Dinner at Nobu Malibu, just in time for sunset (and the ultimate people watching).

Day 3:
Brunch at FarmShop in the Brentwood Country Mart. I always stop by SugarPaper to get some new cards and stock up on Hostess gifts at Hudson Grace. Then off to the Getty Villa for an afternoon of LA culture before dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. I get the Ravioli Agnolotti every time.

Day 4: We pop over the hill to Erewhon Studio City for the Hailey Bieber smoothie (Probably the most touristy thing I love to do in LA) and the custom breakfast burritos. After more morning people watching in the Sportsman’s lodge, we jaunt over to The Tox for the celeb favorite Master Tox lymphatic drainage treatment and then over to BLVD Steak for a delicious dinner (with more star spotting).

Day 5:
We start the day on Melrose Place! A lite bite and coffee at Alfred Coffee and then straight to the shops.If we are feeling adventurous we do a PVOLVE class, followed by Lunch…. the chopped salad at Hotel Bel Air (so iconic) and then the scalp and foot massage at the Spa at Hotel Bel Air (much needed after all the heels and all the walking). As I wave bye to the swans I tell them I will be back soon, have to get ready for our final LA meal at Gucci Osteria, but not before we swing by Society Hounds in Beverly Hills to bring back a gift for my fur babies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my amazing children, who are my why; my husband Steve, who is right next to me, cheering for my every move and working quietly alongside me; and our three sweet fur babies, who give us unconditional love. As a woman of faith, I also have to acknowledge God and His perfect plan. Finally, to the organizations that support and help single moms and animals, including German Shepherd Rescue of Georgia, The Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles and The Drake House for Women and Children.

Website: https://www.peachskinsheets.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachskinsheets/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peachskinsheets-com

Twitter: https://x.com/PeachSkinSheets?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor&mx=2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peachskinsheetscom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOriginalPeachSkinSheets

Image Credits
JESSICA CZARNECKI

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