Lillian Menasche was born on March 18, 1927 in Germany. As a young girl, she experienced the hardships of World War II, which had a lasting impact on her entrepreneurial spirit. Her family eventually immigrated to the United States, seeking a better life.
At the age of 24, Lillian took a leap of faith and placed her first advertisement in Seventeen magazine for $2000. This marked the beginning of her journey as an entrepreneur. In 1951, she founded the Lillian Vernon Corporation, specializing in household and fashion retail products. She quickly gained success by offering unique and personalized items, catering to the needs and preferences of her customers.
Lillian Vernon was a trailblazer in the business world. In a time when female entrepreneurs were rare, she stood out as a powerhouse in the industry. Her company, the Lillian Vernon Corporation, became the first corporation owned by a woman to be traded on the American Stock Exchange. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for more women to enter the business world and succeed on their own terms.
While Lillian was dedicated to her work, she also valued her family life. She married three times and had two sons, Fred and David. Despite the challenges she faced in balancing work and family, she always made time for her loved ones and instilled in them the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Lillian's success and contributions to the business world did not go unnoticed. She was appointed as head of the White House National Business Women's Council by United States President Bill Clinton, recognizing her as a leader and role model for women in business. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Lillian Vernon passed away on December 14, 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. Her name is synonymous with success and determination, and her impact on the business world will be remembered for years to come. As a pioneer for women in business, she broke down barriers and proved that gender is not a limitation to achieving greatness.
Today, the Lillian Vernon Corporation continues to thrive, carrying on her legacy and commitment to providing quality products and personalized service to customers around the world. Lillian's story serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and hard work, anything is possible.