This week’s guest is Suzanne Lerner. Suzanne’s story is about guts, grit, and heart: building a fashion brand with her husband, carrying it forward after his passing, and weaving her values of equality, inclusion, and giving back into everything she does. She’s pragmatic, fearless, and deeply human — the kind of leader who shows us that success isn’t just about business, it’s about being a mensch.

Suzanne joins Gloria Feldt’s incredible organization, “Take the Lead” for their annual “Power Up” conference on Women’s Equality Day, August 26, 2025.

Suzanne featured on THEONES.ORG by founder, photographer and stunning visual artist Taghi Naderzad. He is on a mission to uplift and inspire. His work inspires with spirit and artistry!

“Only in America” has always meant the freedom to build something of your own. But that freedom doesn’t end at starting a business—it must include the ability to grow and sustain it. If we want to honor that ethos, trade policy must strengthen—not weaken—the businesses already investing in this country.

April Buying Week is almost here, delivering the next wave of top apparel, formalwear, and accessories for buyers and retailers in Atlanta, Georgia. Ahead of the inaugural event, we caught up with Michael Stars founder Suzanne Lerner on her brand’s highlights and advancements, career successes, and what she’s looking forward to during the week! Below, discover Lerner’s reflections and more before visiting AtlantasMart from April 1 to 4.

Michael Stars has released a special t-shirt designed by Karla Welch, stylist and co-founder of the Period Abundance Foundation, with the aim of raising awareness for the critical issue of period poverty. The Michael Stars Foundation, co-founded by Suzanne Lerner, has made a grant to further The Period Abundance Foundation’s work to distribute sustainable, reusable period care products and provide vital health education globally to communities in need.

Hollywood power stylist Karla Welch is joining forces with L.A.-based basics brand Michael Stars for an exclusive T-shirt to benefit the Period Abundance Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by Welch to distribute eco-friendly menstrual care and provide health education to communities around the globe.

Celebrity stylist and cofounder of The Period Abundance Foundation Karla Welch has teamed up with the Michael Stars Foundation’s Suzanne Lerner to raise awareness

Powerhouse celebrity stylist Karla Welch dresses both Biebers: Justin in boxy Balenciaga suiting for the Grammys and Hailey in Saint Laurent dresses for the Met Gala… Out of all those experiences—and across her decades of working with heritage fashion houses and mega-watt stars to create some of the best red carpet moments of all time—Welch's proudest fashion endeavor is a $48 white t-shirt.

Suzanne shares her journey with Shoshanna Hecht, exploring the impact of life changes on leadership, the role of activism in business, and becoming more engaged in democracy.

Acclaimed activist Elisa Parker and Suzanne look ahead to a country where sex equality—the Equal Rights Amendment— is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Suzanne “Meets the Moment” at the Meteor’s annual event, moderating a panel on voter engagement with activists Deja Foxx and A'shanti F. Gholar, President, Emerge. The event tackled critical issues including: voting rights, abortion access, climate justice, and the fight for freedom in Iran. The Meteor gathered with the most influential voices on these subjects—people across generations  who have worked to pave the way for a brighter feminist future. 

Sourcing Journal’s Lauren Carter talks brands, purpose, and sustainability with Suzanne

Ms. Foundation kicks off $100M fundraising campaign—the largest in its history. Suzanne will serve as co-chair with activist and foundation board member, Alex Busansky, president and founder of Impact Justice, a national innovation and research center based in Oakland, CA and Washington, DC, which works to create a more humane and restorative system of justice in the United States.

Suzanne in a wide ranging fireside chat with Marc Lewkowitz, president and CEO of Supima, moderated by Sarah Jones, senior editor, strategic content at Sourcing Journal.

SheMoney’s inaugural “Spend” event!

Suzanne wins the first-ever “Wear the Shirt” award introduced by Gloria Feldt, co-founder and president of Take The Lead. It signifies standing by your convictions with intention, integrity and action.

Business leaders share their personal stories about abortion.

By unleashing capital's power for good, impact investing looks to generate positive ESG effects alongside financial returns. The goal is to provide funds to address the world’s most pressing challenges.  Suzanne shares her perspective on why she invests for impact.

Global Retailing Ideas Summit at the Univ of Arizona in Tuscon, 04-2-22: Suzanne shares her deeply personal story about her journey to co-founding her company Michael Stars and what it means to be both a CEO and an activist.