In Her Words: Lizzy Chesnut Bentley

Lizzy Chesnut Bentley - TEXAS BETA

IN A NUTSHELL … TELL US ABOUT YOU:

I'm the founder and CEO of CITY Boots, an online handmade boot store based in Texas. I was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, where I live now. I attended Southern Methodist University where I studied Finance and Economics. I started my career in Oil and Gas but quickly moved over to e-commerce and Cowboy Boots. I love catching up with friends over dinner, eating good food, exploring new cities and hiking in national and state parks. My next stop is Zion! I am super family-oriented and have a younger sister and brother and a fur baby Birdie, my toy Australian Shepherd.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN THE OFFICE LOOK LIKE?

Every day is so different! Some days I’m on the road traveling to a pop-up shop, and some days I’m in the warehouse organizing inventory. I do a lot of texting with the factory, customers and my marketing and fulfillment teams.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

It’s something I can put work into and see an immediate outcome. I definitely get what I put into it, which is very rewarding and motivating.

“LOOKING AT ME, NO ONE WOULD GUESS…”

I’m a widow. My late husband, William, passed away in April this year.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

A pair of diamond earrings I bought myself when I took a new job in my previous career. They go with everything and make my day so much easier because I never have to pick which jewelry to wear. They outshine everything I have in my closet.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“There are always a million reasons NOT to do something. Don’t let that stop you.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN UP-AND-COMING PROFESSIONAL WOMAN?

You don’t need to have a 10-year plan; not even a 5-year plan. Life and career will throw you curveballs, try to be in the moment and do the task at hand instead of being distracted by what else is out there and what “should” be happening in your career or what’s happening in your peers’ careers.

WHO IS SOMEONE THAT HAS CONSISTENTLY INSPIRED YOU?

Whitney Wolfe Herd, the creator of Bumble. She went to SMU and has done amazing things. She is such a genuine person too. She really wants the best for everyone.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL?

When you can take a phone call from a friend at any time of the day.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS?

Sleep!!! I’m a stress sleeper.

PI BETA PHI HAS TAUGHT ME…

Sisterhood. When my husband passed away my Pi Phi sisters really rallied beside me and made me feel so supported and loved during my darkest days.

SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN SOONER IN YOUR LIFE?

Not to worry so much about the future.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

You can have everything; you just can’t have it all at one time.

FAVORITE WORD (AND WHY):

Love. It’s all we really have at the end of the day.