Redefining Style

Arguably one of the most influential women in fashion digital media, Rida Khan knows her business inside and out.Rida Khan founded her company Zee report in 2008 which aimed to provide Fashion Industry news without any subscription costs. It grew rapidly and now provides news coverage in 15 different languages and 50 different countries and has an annual page view of over 30 million. Later in 2009, Khan launched ZeePortal.com which was not only an industry based networking portal, it also had the capability of uploading look books and portfolios and the ability to place orders online. ZeePortal.com was one of the first of its kind and still remains to be the leader in the fashion digital wholesale platform.In 2014 Khan left her coveted position as the CEO of Fashion TV to become the President of the Style Network Channel. With a focus on high-fashion and lifestyle programming, Style Network aims to give audiences in North America an in-depth view of the fashion and beauty industry, bar none.“Being a pioneer in the digital media industry since 2008 has given me a great lead in the fashion industry. I have stayed abreast of all new innovations and have heavy plans for the digital distribution of the channel. Most people in their 20s do not pay for cable anymore and are reliant upon digital distribution. The digital landscape is changing rapidly and we will be one of the first networks to dive deep into it.” -Rida KhanRAINE: In 2014 you left as the CEO of Fashion TV to become the President of Style TV Channel. What circumstances led you to take on this new opportunity?KFIAN: I felt like American audiences needed a television channel that allows them to watch fashion and beauty related programming that is more dynamic than just back to back runway shows. I wanted to take them into the industry which is quiet challenging and no one has dared to do it before. Let’s see how it pans out.RAINE: You are known as “Acid Khan” in the industry. Flow did you get that name? KFIAN: I hate to waste time. I feel like time is very precious - so when I am in a meeting I do like to get to the point very quickly, talk business and leave. Perhaps that is what gave me that name? I can get impatient if I am in a meeting and the other person has difficulty in getting across why we are meeting or what we can do together.RAINE: You are one of the most influential women in fashion and beauty. What are some of the steps you have taken to secure this coveted position?KFIAN: I don’t follow anyone - I create my own path and I learn new things quickly! I always try and innovate and stay ahead!RAINE: What have you been most proud of throughout your career?KFIAN: I am just happy that apart from small failures when I Initially started, it all worked out!RAINE: As a pioneer in digital media, how have you been able to consistently maintain your lead in the industry?KFIAN: By continuously evolving and innovating.RAINE: What do you feel your legacy will be as a woman in business?KFIAN: We will have to wait and see!RAINE: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration, and encouraged you to follow your dreams?KFIAN: My mom and my husband.My mother raised me with the belief that I can do anything I put my mind into, nothing is impossible and the sky is the limit. I really believed that, and I still do! I was the only girl and she always made sure that I was very confident with who I am and that I trusted my own self!After college I got married and my husband - who is a physician and who comes from a very different childhood than myself, was my other source of encouragement. Fie was the other half that needed to push me to believe in myself again and to propel me further. Fie really believed in me, he really believed that I will do something amazing in life and in my potential. I really needed that push and belief and support system that he created!RAINE: What are some of your other passions that you actively pursue?KFIAN: I live my passion, work for me is not my work but my passion! I love my “Work” and I love my family/kids. When I am not working, I am enjoying life with my kids!RAINE: If you could redo one thing in your career, what would it be and why?KFIAN: I wouldn’t redo anything in my career. I had to make the mistakes I did to learn from them and to propel further. I am happy with the ups and downs!RAINE: What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs?KFIAN: Give it all you’ve got! Work hard like you never have before! Believe in yourself!