In a bi-weekly series, we're interviewing female executives, founders, CEOs—basically, boss ladies—on their one "power suit" a.k.a. the outfit they wear every day for easy dressing to conquer whatever the job throws at them.
Rachel Krupa is redefining the concept of convenience store. Krupa, who grew up in Michigan, recalls her hometown 7-Eleven as the place "you would get your eggs, milk, and cheese from. You knew Debbie would be working at the register and that you might run into some friends from your high school."
After Krupa started her own public relations firm, Krupa Consulting, with a focus on health and wellness in food, she reminisced about those good ol' convenience store days and wondered why today's shops carry so much sugary and fatty products. As she grew her firm and spent more time researching the clean-eating space, she learned it was possible to stock convenience stores with healthy snack alternatives—she just needed to start it.
Hence The Goods Mart, a place where you can get coffee, granola, eggs, fruits, and other small goods all sourced from natural, sometimes local, and socially-conscious brands. Essentially, what you'd find at your local bodega or 7-Eleven, but healthier.
"I have friends, family, and kids taste things before we put them in The Goods Mart, so we know they're healthy and delicious," says Krupa.
"I wanted to take my love of a corner store and my love of snacking and healthy food and turn that into a store that helped support the community and do-good brands," Krupa says. "We try to keep the prices low, like working with La Colombe to have $1.25 drip coffee and finding those cosmetically challenged or quote-unquote 'ugly'—but still edible—apples for 50 cents."
Krupa avoids labeling the store as a "health food shop" or an "organics only" hotspot because she wants everyone to walk in and feel welcomed. Currently, there are two TGM locations—one in Silver Lake in Los Angeles and one in NYC's SoHo (you can check out all the products, and order from each location here)—both of which also accept food stamps. Since the entrepreneur frequently travels back and forth to check on her stores (Krupa has places to live on both coasts, but considers L.A. her primary residence) and pop into her two offices, I had to ask about her on-the-go power woman work wardrobe and get some packing tips. Spoiler alert: She has some damn good denim recommendations.
Her Morning Routine
"There are certain rituals I do no matter which coast I'm on. I wake up around 6 a.m. and often take a pilates or yoga class. I get most of my ideas while working out and I need that. Then I come home, drink a liter of water before I start my day and take a handful of vitamins. I oil pull while I shower, then dry brush. I use a lot of essential oils to have a scent around me and to calm me down. It all makes me feel set for the day. I always grab something for breakfast, whether it's fruit, a loaf, or hard boiled eggs. Then, I'm out the door or on emails by 8:30 or 9 a.m. I love my mornings."
Her Getting Dressed Strategy
"I am a jeans type of person. I love high-waisted jeans; I like to have something hugging me. In the wintertime, I wear a black bodysuit, black t-shirt, or a black tank top tucked in. Everything is pretty much black, white, navy, or gray—super easy to switch in and out of. Sometimes I will have a pop of color through a chunky sweater or a tank top. I have this amazing Ulla Johnson bright pink sweater that was everywhere for fall.
My style stays the same while I travel from the west to east coast. Some packing tips I have are: rolling up your clothes in the suitcase to save space; always wear your heaviest or chunkiest shoes on to the plane. I also always bring a sweater or something cozy with me, because once you land and get to the office, the AC is always blasting, and I tend to get cold easily. My beauty routine remains the same while I travel too—I put on face masks and make sure to moisturize my face so it doesn't dry out."
Her Work Uniform
"I love the Goop long-sleeve shirt because I like pulling things over my thumbs. It’s their version of the henley." says Krupa.
"My work uniform is definitely denim and black, whether it’s a bodysuit or a t-shirt. It’s really easy. Sometimes, I'll do a pop of white or navy. For tops, my favorite bodysuit is a bodysuit from Goop (I love an open neck), but I also love Ulla Johnson and Rachel Comey. For jeans, I love denim in a darker wash with vintage vibes. My favorite pair right now are from Levi's, but Reformation and AYR make great jeans. For shoes, I really like Rachel Comey or Rag Bone. Boots in the winter and in the summer, I love a fun mule with a kitten heel. I always wear a small heel because it helps me with my arches. I like not having to over think about what I put on, but also feeling comfortable and stylish."
The Three Words That Describe Her Power Outfit
"I think it would be simple, fitted, and confident. Confidence in that your work uniform is something that makes you feel like your best and most natural self. Since I am always running around to meetings with clients, I need to have an outfit that's true to me and also works for all the different situations."
Her Motto
"'Do good and be change,' meaning how can we do good in the world but also evoke actual change? This way of thinking motivates me to do more and be better."
If you love Rachel's #bosswoman work style, shop similar pieces from her favorite brands, below.
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