A pair of great skinny jeans, leopard flats, the perfect matte red lipstick—these are just a few of Leila Lewis’s favorite things. Founder and editor in chief of Inspired By This, Leila has an intuitive eye for spot-on style and a business-savvy brain. It’s no wonder she’s taken the digital world by storm! Welcome to the glitter-filled offices of Inspired By This!
Photography: Valorie Darling
The first event I planned was for 450 people at an awards ceremony put on by the business publication I worked for right out of college. CEOs from Fortune 500 companies were there, and the pressure was on! It was a huge success! Looking back, it was one of the most challenging moments that helped define the career path I am now on today. From events to weddings to PR—and to now running a site that does a little bit of it all—it was one of the most rewarding events I was encouraged to take on.
What tips can you give to women aspiring to succeed in your field?
-Be patient—sites take time to grow.
-Put in your time. New sites will pop up every day, but what will set you apart is your experience.
-Stay fresh—don’t be afraid to switch things up, try new content, work with new people. It keeps your readers coming back for more! If you feature the same people over and over, you’re leaving no room for growth.
What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?
The biggest challenge is handing over some control to my team. Recognizing I can’t do it all myself, and trusting others to help. The most rewarding part is when we meet people at events and, when we tell them we run IBT, hear them say, “Oh my gosh, I LOVE that site! I read it every day!” It always feels good to know people are reading and enjoying all of our hard work.
On a daily basis, what inspires you?
My family! My husband encourages me to keep hard working at what I love, and my daughter inspires me to create work I’m really proud of. I want her to know she can do anything she puts her mind to.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Cook a homemade meal, enjoy a glass of wine and catch up on the newest episodes of “The Good Wife” and “Scandal.”
Would you say you have a variety of décor styles, or do you tend to stick to one style or theme?
I’d say a variety! I can appreciate the simplicity of neutrals—my home has a lot of white, gold and grey—but I also love color! Our office is full of bright pinks, green and yellow. We like to keep things new and fresh, so we’re always swapping out pillows, prints, magazine covers. It’s always changing!
Where do you go to look for inspiration?
I still love magazines! Martha Stewart, Real Simple and even Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware catalogs are my go-to when I’m feeling the need to make changes at home or in the office.
Who are your biggest style icons, and why?
Blake Lively: She has a glamour and a grace about her style—it always appears effortless and accessible but is so chic. I just want and need every gown and jeans/blazer/scarf combo I see her in!
Kate Middleton: Although she tends to dress quite conservatively as the Duchess, I do love to emulate many elements of her style (just without the price tag!).
What staples should every woman have in her closet?
A pair of great skinny jeans, leopard flats and a camel-brown purse. Oh, and a really great matte red lipstick.
Such an amazing feature!! I love the office and these women are so inspired to me and so many others! Thanks for sharing!
Love the chevron wall and the gold polka dots wall!!! How did they do that? wall paper?
So cute!! I need that CHEERS sign!!
This office is incredible. I wish my house looked like that! I am obsessed with the gold leaf boards from picture 6. Did she buy them or make them because I need them like yesterday!!
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.ohmyleopard.com
I love these women! I love how they are constantly looking at the evolution of one’s life to keep them inspired and coming up with new ideas! Love their style too – wish my office looked like that :)
In love with that quote wall!! Too cute!
This office looks so fun and cute!! Definitely taking tons of inspiration from it!!
the cutest office i ever did see. so in love <3 #cheers
Great inspiration – her space is just gorgeous and oh-so chic!
Stop it. I need that light up “Cheers” sign! Can they decorate my home/office everything?!