Tory Burch has already gained a cultlike following for her Reva flats and wardrobe-energizing prints. That career milestone? Achieved. Now, the designer is reportedly making more headway on her résumé: surpassing $1 billion in revenue in 2014. On its own, that figure is no small feat – but when you combine it with the fact that her brand is just a decade old, it’s astonishing.

Image via Tory Daily

And the media has taken note of the label’s earning power. This week, Fast Company published an intimate profile on Tory in its September 2014 issue, outlining her company’s history from inception through its future plans. Having left her fashion PR path to raise three boys, Tory’s story is a relatable one, even if her privileged upbringing is less so. But Tory channeled her globetrotting experiences into beautiful items that defined “accessible luxury,” earning our affection (and disposable income) along the way.

At the core of Tory’s success is her family. They helped staff her Manhattan storefront on opening day in February 2004, and her parents’ colorful style continues to be a source of inspiration to this day. She’s even gone so far as to name the company’s guiding principles (including kindness, humility, and humor) after her dad, Buddy.

This year has brought, and will continue to bring, many firsts for the Tory Burch brand, all bearing her personal touch: a foray into wearable technology with a Fitbit collaboration, a coffee-table book called Tory Burch in Color, a collection of dinnerware, and sometime soon, a line of men’s items. While other American lifestyle icons have come before her (Donna Karan and Michael Kors come to mind), Tory continues to pave her own path as an entrepreneur to watch. And an upbeat, hardworking female one at that.

By Susie Kostaras, Associate Editor

What do you hope Tory will design next? Tweet us at @ruelala.

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