Fairygodboss of the Week: Amy Stanton

After years of unique marketing roles, Amy Stanton wanted to start her own operation. Inspired by an awesome female boss and "feminine power," she opened her own full-service marketing and PR agency to support brands targeted to and built by women. Now, she has a team that she says is like family, clients that are positive female role models and a recently published book. 

We spoke to Stanton about her path to Stanton & Company, along with asking her about the mentor that helped her build her current career. She also shared how she she manages the fear of failure, how she relaxes and how she finds creative inspiration in her day-to-day life. 

Founder and CEO, Stanton & Company 

Greater Los Angeles Area

I started out in advertising in New York City, then ran the marketing and PR for New York's Olympic Bid (NYC2012) prior to serving as the first CMO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. I started my business, Stanton & Company, twelve years ago. We're a full-service marketing and PR agency focused on healthy, active living with a large emphasis on brands targeted to and built by women. We also have a focus on building positive female role models.

I'm proud of my most recent accomplishment: Co-authoring a book called "The Feminine Revolution" with the wonderful Catherine Connors. About five years ago, I started thinking about the idea of femininity and the fact that there needed to be a global conversation about it. And now that the book launched on November 6th, the revolution has begun!

I think on some level I must have been afraid to write our book — otherwise, why would it have taken me five years?! It's intimidating to do something new, something you have no experience with, and then even more frightening to put ideas out in the world knowing that some people will love them and others won't. So, I had to overcome that fear in order to finally bring the book to life. On so many levels, I'm thankful that Catherine and I could do it together.

I had a wonderful boss named Jane Gundell. She taught me a ton, became a dear friend and ultimately recommended me for the Director of Marketing & Communications role at NYC2012, which was a pivotal moment in my career. Throughout the time we worked together and certainly since, she has always exemplified integrity, a strong work ethic and, most importantly, kindness. I am grateful to her both personally and professionally.

I've always loved my runs at the beach, yoga classes and walks with my dog, Bernard. Now I'm really into dancing! I started taking classes two years ago and I am wholly addicted. I love having that wonderful community of women around me. I'm also taking singing lessons and exploring finding my voice. The creative outlets are really new and inspiring for me.

Michelle Obama, for sure! I admire her so much and she's the ultimate exemplar of beautiful, feminine power.

Elton John's "Rocket Man," although now I'm working on" Always Remember Me This Way" from the "A Star is Born Soundtrack." If only I sounded like Lady Gaga.

"When Harry Met Sally."

"Shantaram."

My shopping vice is lingerie. If I won the lottery, I'd buy a yacht! I love being out on the water so much.

We're all afraid of failure. The truth is there is no such thing. The most challenging times in my career have been the biggest moments of growth and opportunity. They may not have seemed that way in the moment but in hindsight, without those challenging moments, I would never have been able to grow and expand to the degree that I have. Now when things go a bit awry, I may still feel frustrated, afraid or uncomfortable — but in the end, I know it will all be ok. Actually, better than ok!

I love my team, I love my clients and I love the fact that the business is constantly evolving with the times. No two days, weeks, months or years look the same. It feels expansive and constantly challenging. My team is like my family and we're all in it together.