Designing a Life You Love | Elizabeth McGarry | Co-Founder of McGarry & Sons

Elizabeth McGarry has been on our #WCW list for decades. She’s an entrepreneur, wife, mom, and one of the kindest, most stylish people you’ll meet. As Creative Director and Co-Founder of McGarry & Sons, she’s built a career designing for brands you know and love (Nike, Reebok, Puma, York Athletics) and mentoring the next generation of creatives. From growing up in suburban Oregon to working in high fashion in Europe, Elizabeth’s journey is one of bold decisions and creative vision. She talks about closing her first company to partner with her husband, raising two boys in a girl-power world, and staying true to what matters most - family, community, and meaningful work. Along the way, she shares the mindset shifts and personal values that have guided her from sportswear design to entrepreneurship, and why she believes creativity is a superpower. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Elizabeth McGarry 02:15 From suburban Oregon to high fashion in Europe 05:40 Breaking into sportswear design 08:20 Lessons from working with global brands 11:10 The leap to start her first company 13:55 Partnering with her husband at McGarry & Sons 16:30 Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship 19:20 Raising boys in a girl-power world 22:05 Mentorship and giving back to the industry 24:50 Building a creative business with purpose 27:15 The role of community in personal success 29:40 Staying inspired and avoiding burnout 32:05 Creativity as a lifelong skill 35:20 Advice for designers and entrepreneurs 38:00 What powerful means to Elizabeth The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices