The Secret To These Entrepreneurs’ Success Is Not What You Think

You want the right partner when starting a business — it's just as important as a brilliant idea. Sure, you could go all in with your BFF or life-partner in crime, but sometimes all you really need is family. Just ask Annette and Phoebe Stephens. The creative minds behind our new favorite jewelry line, Anndra Neen, also happen to be sisters.

Growing up in Mexico City, as the only women in a family of five, they formed a bond at an early age. And, while they always knew they wanted to do something together, they never imagined it would be a jewelry line. “We were sitting in a café in Tokyo when the idea occurred to us" they said. "We had that lightbulb moment!”

And, what a beautiful moment it was. Five years later and now based in New York, Annette and Phoebe have caught the eye of luminaries like Drew Barrymore and Michelle Obama with their Bauhaus- and Japanese-art-inspired designs — and now we can't get enough either. So, we teamed up with Clarks on one crisp, fall day to try on some shoes and talk shop. Read on for their tips on balancing business, family, and everything in between — and start dreaming up your own sibling-helmed empire.