Growing up in a tiny town in Washington state, Kathleen Plate developed a knack for creating something out of nothing. Her childhood money-making schemes included collecting recyclable cans to pay for summer camp and selling handpicked blackberries. In grad school studying English lit, she made a pair of earrings as a party gift, and by the end of the night had a handful of orders for more. It was the beginning of her company, Smart Glass Jewelry, in which Kathleen transforms discarded glass bottles into imaginative earrings, necklaces, bangles, and recently launched, furnishings.

In business for 18 years, she’s seen the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and thinks it isn’t for everyone. “If you believe in scarcity and fear, then you’re probably better off having a desk job because you’ll be motivated by security,” she says. “But if you believe in adventure and look at the world as full of opportunity, then you’ll be more suited to entrepreneurship.” Below, a few insights into her Go-Getter Girl mindset.

Daily ritual: Driving to work, she sets her intention for the day. “Sometimes it might be business-related, such as securing the purchasing order from a new client. Other times, I just hope something quirky happens that day.”

On time-management: “When you run your own business, you’ll try a locked door a few times, but you can’t waste time banging on it when there might be three open doors right next to you.”

Stress relief: A four-mile jog around a lake. “Exercise clears your mind so that what you know can emerge.”

Can’t live without: Travel, in the last year to Peru, Italy, Tahiti, Jamaica, and Mexico. “It’s good for the soul.”

To learn more about Kathleen, visit Smart Glass Jewelry or kathleenplate.com.

Here’s a clip of the segment below:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQd1hPfsWjg

She went on to work for A Different World–becoming its head writer/co-executive producer– followed by 15 years as a television producer and writer. Next, she shifted to prose, writing the critically-acclaimed memoir, Always Wear Joy, about her late mother, actress and performer Josephine Premice. Now, she’s turned to fiction. Her debut novel, out this month, is One Flight Up, a juicy, fun-filled take on the lives of four multi-cultural girlfriends. Think Sex and the City, with an international twist.

Here, Susan shares a few of her secrets in work and in fashion (she’s been named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame).

Inspired by: friendships; textiles; books by Charles Dickens; the painting of her mother in the mezzanine at the New York Public Library (her go-to writing spot).

Style trademark: blouses with dramatic poet sleeves; bias cut gowns for evening

Writing motto: Don’t get it right; get it written.

Work look: “I get dressed to write: slacks, dresses, maybe even a suit.”

On following your bliss: “Don’t think you’ll necessarily become a multi-millionaire by doing what you love. You might just have the gift that you get to do what you’re passionate about. It’s a risk you’re taking.”

Footwear: Flats by Tod’s. “I don’t believe in wearing flip-flops– except at the beach or leaving the nail salon!”

Fitness routine: Reformer pilates, three times a week.

Beauty must: Perfume. “My first love is Amazone by Hermes.”

To learn more about Susan (and peek inside her swoon-worthy “closet”), visit www.susanfales-hill.com.

1. Your first purchase should be a basic black suit, then buy a couple more neutrals, such as navy, charcoal, or dark brown.

2. Unless you already have a big wardrobe of suits, or need them because you’re, say, a tv newscaster, avoid buying brightly-colored suits. Even though a pink suit may be a great fashion statement a la Elle Woods, you probably won’t get much mileage out of it because everyone will know you wore it last Tuesday. If you are still building your collection, add a stylish and interesting, but less-conspicuous, suit into your mix by choosing a neutral tweed or pinstripe version.

3. Look for suits at department stores, such as Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, or Bloomingdale’s. In addition, try discount emporiums like Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement or TJ Maxx. Oftentimes, these stores have the exact same items (aka “overstock”) you see full-price at the mall.

4. Expect to pay at least $200.

5. Look for first-rate fabrics, such as lightweight wool, or high-quality synthetic blends; many great designers work with polyester, rayon, viscose, or nylon nowadays. A little bit of stretch (i.e., Spandex or Lycra) is good as well. Avoid linen or khaki suits; they are a wrinkle nightmare. Also, look for quality construction: straight, matching seams; sewn-in, rather than glued, linings; well-sewn buttons.

6. Do you go lined or unlined? Jackets and skirts should be lined, but for pants, it’s a personal preference. Many of the more stylish makers, such as Theory or BCBG, nix the pant lining on lighter weight fabrics for a more modern look and feel.

7. Here are some markers of a good fit: In the jacket, shoulder seams should be centered on the top of your own shoulders. You should have enough room in the upper arms and back to allow full range of motion (i.e., hold your arms out to the side), while still creating a fitted shape. When your arms hang straight down, the sleeve cuff should fall between the wrist bone and top of your hand. You should be able to fit two fingers in the waistband comfortably. Pants should smoothly drape down your backside, not cling or hug, especially not to the bottom half of your tush. Skirt lengths should be at or just above the knee. Pencil skirts should not ride up. In short, buy something looser off-the-rack, and bring it to your trusted tailor.

8. In addition, keep in mind what you will be wearing underneath. You’ll usually wear a button down or knit top beneath your jacket (i.e., no flimsy camisoles!), so make sure there’s enough room to accommodate. Or, you may be looking at one of those new style jackets that button all the way up the front and are worn more like a shirt. Even then, make sure there is room for a lightweight undershirt to absorb sweat. Hint: Try an uber-thin, moisture-wicking tee from brands like Autrepeau or Uniqlo.

• Handful of raw nuts, like cashews, walnuts, or almonds
• 1 cup dry, crunchy bran cereal with some raisins or dried cranberries
• Drinkable yogurt, like Dannon Frusion
• Sliced apple or banana with a bit of peanut butter
• A hearty nutrition bar from brands like Think, Odwalla, Kashi, or Clif
• 4 or 6 oz yogurt (try the Greek style!) or cottage cheese, with cinnamon
• Low-fat mozzarella string cheese (yes, just like the kind you ate in second grade)
• Small bowl of oatmeal
• Sliced veggies such as carrots, cucumber, or red pepper
• 2 oz of dried fruit, such as dried apples, mangoes or plums
• 1 cup edamame
• 1 oz pkg Flat Earth Baked Veggie Chips Farmland Cheddar (borderline junk food, but cures your jones for something salty/crunchy!)

• Do pick a gym that is super clean and has up-to-date equipment. Bonus points for amenities in the locker room, like free razors and nice lotion.

• Do test out the gym before you sign anything. Legit places offer at least one free workout; many offer free two-week memberships or a few trial group fitness classes. (And if it’s not advertised, ask for it anyway).

• Do ask around to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances about what are the best gyms in the neighborhood. Usually people that have lived in the area for a while know where the gems are and can break down what groups of people go where (e.g., stockbrokers are Gym X, stay-at-home moms are at Gym Y).

• Do look for a gym that has adequate facilities for how you like to work out. If you love to swim, make sure there’s a great pool. If you love fitness classes, make sure the studio and teachers are up to par.

• Don’t break the bank. Your monthly gym membership shouldn’t be anymore than, say, you would allow yourself to spend on a great date night top. Depending on your budget, that could be $29, or $150. Also, take advantage of discounts. Many spots offer student or summer memberships for lower fees.

• Don’t pick a place that’s too far from your house and/or office, depending on when you tend to work out. If it takes more than 15 minutes to get there, you know you’re not going.

• Don’t get suckered. If the salesperson pressures you to buy, look elsewhere.

1. DON’T use this opportunity to finally “let your boss have it” or tell off your idea-stealing cubiclemate. The fleeting satisfaction is not worth the consequences! (See Tip #6).

2. DO give adequate notice so that your employer can have time to replace you. Two to four weeks is standard.

3. DO stay engaged and do your best until the last minute of your final day! You may think of yourself as a lame duck, but you’re still a member of the team.

4. DO leave complete, written records of your work, your contacts, your procedures, or any other details your officemates need to know.

5. DON’T disappear once you’ve resigned. Leave your new contact info so that colleagues can reach you if they need help on something you handled in the past.

6. DON’T let your former colleagues drop from your life. Update your status on professional sites like “Linked In” and keep in touch. One day, you all could be working together again!

• Delayed or deferred start date
• Your title
• Flexible hours or telecommuting
• More vacation
• Signing bonus
• Administrative support (e.g., an assistant)
• Tuition reimbursement or training opportunities
• Company car or gas/mileage allowance
• Free parking
• Air travel vouchers
• New equipment, such as a laptop or Blackberry
• Gym membership
• Stock options
• Deferred compensation
• Childcare contribution
• Mortgage subsidy
• 401K contribution matching
• Upgraded medical benefits

• Pay attention to what your boss wants. If she says she likes short, bullet-pointed memos, don’t keep turning in exhaustive reports!  Sometimes impressing your boss is as simple as following her lead, and not veering off path simply because you want to do things differently.
• Be Proactive, and solution-oriented.  Most bosses have a million things to do. Get on her good side by thinking about ways to approach a project or solve a potential problem—before you even bring it to her attention.
• Take responsibility for mistakes.  If you screw up, just admit it! Your boss will be impressed by your integrity and credibility—especially if you can identify lessons learned from the experience.
• Go “above and beyond.” What does this really mean? It means be creative and find ways to add value to any project you’re given, and volunteer for extra assignments when the team is in a bind.  When you’re known as someone who can “handle anything,” you’ll start receive the best and most interesting assignments.