Samantha Ettus interviews catalogue queen and business pioneer Lillian Vernon

Known for her personalized mail order gifts, Lillian Vernon launched a catalogue business that grew to become a household name. The company started at a kitchen table with $2,000 of wedding money and rose to $287 M in revenue and 5300 employees, becoming the first female owned business listed on the American Stock Exchange. Fleeing Germany just before the start of World War II, Lilian Vernon launched her company in 1951, a time when women in business were scarce let alone women entrepreneurs. Lillian is humorous and strong, and was a pioneer for women in business and that is why I am Obsessed with Lillian Vernon.

xO,
Sam

www.lillianvernon.com

12 Responses to “Samantha Ettus interviews catalogue queen and business pioneer Lillian Vernon”

  1. Andrew Mager Says:

    Great interview Samantha. Lillian looks great too.

  2. Brad Coughlin Says:

    So wonderful to listen to words of wisdom and experience.

  3. nikki meek Says:

    Love this interview!! I wasn’t born an entrepreneur. I was born..whatever I was born as but I am a caregiver a pediatric nurse. I so admire business minded people. I loved the discussion with her..now I obsessed with her in addition to both you and the man Gary V….my husband married his dad LOL…headstrong, smart, heart of gold hidden by stubbornness. Thanks for this interview!!! …nikki M

  4. Travis Stoliker Says:

    Great video. I wasn’t aware of Lillian Vernon before this but I learned a hell of a lot from this video. Very interesting. Thanks

  5. alex harris - alexdesigns Says:

    Great interview. I think the get guests and conversation get better with each video. The positive people that have been joining you have been fun to watch, look forward to seeing more.

  6. Christina Says:

    Feisty, I like her!

    BTW, love the show.

  7. Anna Tausend Says:

    Cute sense of humor! Lillian knows, encourages & shares a working mom’s/wife’s frustrations with delightful humor & inspiration. What a joy! a special treat to have had her share her journey & insights ~ her humble shared wisdom will continue to create creative empowering work ethics for many women/moms for generations to come. ~ thanks for sharing Lillian & Samantha

  8. Fabi Says:

    Tough woman to interview! Great job, Samantha and Gary! Keep ‘em coming!

  9. Corinne Edwards Says:

    Lillian is an example that chronological age is only a number.

    Gary - I can see her in the dugout of the New York Jets with you. She is itching to do something new.

    And her wealth could make your dream come true faster.

    Samantha - you are getting better and better. This and your interview with Gary are your best shows.

    One follow up I would have asked her is -

    “What gave your father the clue to leave Germany so early in the game?” That would have been interesting to hear.

    All in all - a great show. I am a fan!

  10. Jamie Says:

    I’m obsessed! Love the show :)

  11. Rosy Villa Says:

    Love this interview, Samantha! To paraphase Lillian Vermon: find a goal, it’s much easier where you need to go… VERY TRUE! And enjoyed Lillian Vermon asking Gary questions. Always enjoy Gary’s insight and passion, too.

  12. Misty Gibbs Says:

    Great interview Samantha! You did a very good job of pulling her wisdom out :)

    I recently launched Inspiration Lounge TV, it’s a combination of inspiring videos from around the web and featured videos where I’ve interviewed real women about their passions, what’s truly important to them and the common goals that unite women around the world.

    I will make sure to share this video on there! :)

    Cheers and wish you much success!
    Misty

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