Iconic Femme™: How ‘The Gucci of Branding’ Mindi Lyons Transforms Brands into Legendary Icons
Mindi Lyons is the powerhouse trailblazer behind Iconic Femme™, a dominant presence in luxury brand evolution. Revered as ‘The Gucci of Branding,’ Mindi thrives on breathing life into lackluster brands and turning them into legendary icons.
For a taste of her magic, venture to iconicfemme.com, but be forewarned — Once you step into her world, you’ll be captivated by her mesmerizing vision, passion, authenticity and badassery.
Here we sit down with Mindi, to know a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur — how did you get started?
Mindi: In the autumn of 2021, I found myself at a crossroads.. Several years earlier, I had become a solo parent overnight, and the weight of that responsibility hung heavy on my shoulders. At the time, I was following the well-trodden path of the corporate world, enjoying the comforting predictability of a regular income.
But the idea of being able to work from home and have the flexibility to be with my kids every day tugged at my heartstrings, and it also came with its own set of fears and uncertainties. In November of 2021, I took a defining step, diving headfirst into full-time entrepreneurship.
As I ventured into this new territory, my business began to grow rapidly. What started as a modest venture soon blossomed into a World Class Luxury Brand Management Agency. The entrepreneurial journey proved to be a test of resilience and determination.
Today, I find myself in a place where I have the incredible privilege of being with my children every day. I can work from virtually anywhere, and I have the autonomy to set my own schedule. But what’s even more exhilarating is the opportunity to transform the brands of my clients into iconic, legendary entities through my agency.
In my journey, I’ve discovered that while entrepreneurship demands courage and unwavering dedication, it also opens doors to unparalleled freedom and fulfillment. I’m so fortunate to have embarked on this path, a path that was born out of love, necessity, and the unshakable belief that I could not only provide for my family but also thrive in doing so.
Q. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
Mindi: I’ve found that my approach to staying focused and productive in my busy daily schedule is a unique blend of structure and intuition. I start my mornings by aligning my energy and mindset with activities like listening to uplifting music, personal development videos, reading, meditation, and journaling. This sets the tone for a positive and productive day.
Throughout the day, I prioritize staying in alignment with my spiritual and internal guidance system. If I sense I’m losing that alignment, I take breaks for deep breaths, meditation, or even a relaxing bath to recalibrate and regain focus. I’m at my most productive when I’m feeling good.
I’ve learned to listen to my body’s needs and value open space in my schedule, which allows me to do things I enjoy without the pressure of tight deadlines. This approach may not be the traditional “tricks” many entrepreneurs use, but it works for me, allowing me to balance structure with a heart-centered, spirit-led approach to my work and life.
Q. How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
Mindi: I’ve never been one to believe that being busy equates to being productive. If I had to sum up my approach in a nutshell, it would be, “Don’t just be busy, be purposeful.”
With the dual roles of running my business and being a solo parent to my children, it can be a lot to manage. So, I’ve hired support to help with things that suck the life out of me or yank me from my zone of genius. The relief that comes from this arrangement far outweighs any lingering “I should be able to do this on my own” guilt.Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
My advice to fellow non-conformists and those who, like me, value their precious time and sanity is simple: pay someone else to do the things you don’t want to do, aren’t doing, or aren’t good at doing. Heck, even the things you’re good at but gobble up your time and focus. Your time is precious, and there are some things only you can or should do. Embrace the liberation of having others handle the rest.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Mindi: I already have a name for my first book, which should be coming out in the next few months, but I can’t tell you the name since it isn’t copyrighted yet. :)
Q. What motivates you?
Mindi: My relentless drive is fueled by the incredible souls I’m guiding and influencing on this journey, especially my three beautiful children. They are the shining stars that light my path, and I am unwavering in my commitment to lead them with love, wisdom, and resilience.
But my motivation extends far beyond my family; it encompasses the rich tapestry of humanity. In the world of influence and impact that surrounds me, I am driven by an insatiable desire to drench this planet in love, kindness, and compassion. I yearn to inspire others, to show them that hope can emerge from the darkest of shadows. That pain can be transformed into purpose, and that a victim can rise as victorious.
When my time on this Earth reaches its final chapter, I want to look back and know that I squeezed every drop of potential from this gift of life; that I embodied the highest version of myself; that I fulfilled the purpose imprinted on my soul.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Mindi: This may seem cliché, but the most transformative investment I’ve made was pouring my time and resources into the most valuable asset I possess — myself. This investment was a deep dive into my overall personal growth, a radical shift in mindset, my health, happiness, and the causes that stir my soul.
This investment is like a stone thrown into a tranquil pond, creating ripples that touch every facet of my life and those within my realm of influence. It’s the most impactful investment I’ve ever made because the returns go far beyond financial gains — it’s what breathes life into the legacy I leave behind.
Q. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?
Mindi: I believe there’s no better investment than the one you make in yourself. Start with your personal growth and development. It’s the foundation upon which you can build your business and your life. Take time to nurture your physical and mental well-being. We only get one body and one mind in this journey, so treat them with the utmost care and respect.
Don’t forget to invest your time in what lights up your soul as well. Hobbies, spending quality moments with family and friends, or even a bit of leisure time — they all contribute to your capacity for productivity. These moments of joy infuse your spirit with energy and creativity, and that’s priceless.
The connections you form with people are also precious investments. Whether it’s family, friends, partners, colleagues, mentors, clients, or vendors, relationships are the threads that weave our lives together in this intricate tapestry of experiences. Take time to nurture and grow these connections, for they’re not just about business; they’re about the beautiful human connection that adds depth and richness to our lives.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Mindi: Embrace the journey, relish every step, celebrate every milestone, and your destination will celebrate the path you’ve walked. You MUST be relentless, have thick skin and be flexible in order to have long-term success,
To keep up to date with Mindi and her journey, connect with her on Facebook.