Friends For 10: Our Mama, Kim Fortunato

Our mama Kim gave birth to twins (even though for nine months she thought she was only having one) and is a superstar mom to 3. She's the first female president of Campbell’s Soup Foundation and founded a non-profit to support early childhood education in Delaware. Did we mention she's also super chic and a constant inspiration to us? She is passionate about social justice and in her next life she wants to be a cowgirl in Colorado. Our mom is the ultimate supporter -- gracious, stylish, and our favorite model -- and embodies all that is the Lizzie Fortunato line. We wouldn't be where we are without her!

Q & A:

 

1. What is your first (or favorite!) memory of Lizzie / Kathryn / the brand?

KF: Hmm, I have a lot of first/favorite memories of Lizzie and Kathryn since I am their mama. But as it relates to the brand, one of my favorite memories of Lizzie was when she was in elementary school. She had evolved from drawing cartoons to sketching fashion designs. When she was in 4th or 5th grade she told me that because she loved to draw fashion, it would probably make sense if she learned how to sew. We found a local sewing class where Lizzie skewed the average age by about 45 years! A favorite memory of Kathryn is from Duke University (my alma mater) where the girls went to college. Early in their sophomore year, Kathryn called to alert me that they were in Playboy Magazine. Of course as a mother, who did not view this as a remarkable milestone, I said, “I beg your pardon?” Kathryn responded, “No, not us….our jewelry!” Indeed, the girls of the ACC were adorned in nothing more than Lizzie Fortunato.

2. Are you a Lizzie (creative) or a Kathryn (business)?

KF: I like to think as their mama, I have a little of each quality. My creative aspirations are expressed in the kitchen. I love to cook and was fortunate enough to spend a decade at home raising my kids and doing a lot of cooking with Gourmet Magazine! While I still love to cook and entertain, I am also a business woman and entrepreneur. I co-founded an education foundation in DE and currently oversee philanthropy for the Campbell Soup Company.

3. What is your favorite accessory (this could be a belt / a watch / a pet / whatever!); Why?

KF: I have a 2-part favorite accessory: my convertible and an essential wide brimmed, glamorous straw hat. I drive a lot for business, so it’s really important for me to have a fun, stylish car. My convertible (which my son and I picked up together in Munich) along with a great hat, is a daily accessory!

 

 

4. What is your oldest accessory in your closet?

KF: A beautiful straw hat that belonged to my mother.

 5. I am a “_____” and I am passionate about “______”:

KF: I am the President of the Campbell Soup Foundation and I am passionate about issues of social justice and ensuring that we have a more equitable world.

6. Small but impactful advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs:

KF: Follow your dreams and never give up.

7. In my next life I want to be:

KF: A cowgirl.

 

 

8. Any secret talents?

KF: Two, according to my girls: I can tie a perfect bow, and I can drink a full cup of coffee without a lid and without spilling while driving to work.

9. Beach or Mountains?

KF: Mountains

10. Favorite place you've ever traveled:

KF: Kenya and Tanzania with my kids and sons-in-law.

11. One item you can't live without when you travel:

KF: A great book

12. What travel destination best matches your personality?

KF: Aspen – natural beauty, yet elegant.