Designer Carolina Herrera knows what it’s like to be in a family business better than most; she’s worked alongside two of her four daughters, Carolina Herrera de Báez and Patricia Lansing.

The secret to working with family…

Always be honest.

Lessons I’ve learned from my children…

I learn something from my children and grandchildren every day. They really let me see things in life in a different way.

Style tips I’ve picked up from my daughters…

That style isn’t solely defined by what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read and what you choose. They all have a common aesthetic, but have made it their own. All of my daughters are a great source of inspiration for me.

When starting a company with family…

Whether you’re starting your company with your family or with another partner, always remember to follow your instincts.

The biggest challenge when it comes to a family business…

They’re very honest with you. They will tell me their opinions on things — which is not a bad thing, but definitely the biggest challenge.

And I overcome it by…

It is easy to overcome, because even if we disagree, I respect and value their input very much. They help me see things in a different way.

The plus side of being in a family business…

Even though it is a challenge, honesty is also an advantage. We don’t agree on everything and I think that’s what makes the relationship so great. You get a different point of view on the collections. You come to a compromise and in the end it all works out.

My first fashion memory…

Me wearing a Snow White costume and hating it because I wanted to be the Evil Queen. My sister always got that role! As a young girl, I was also fascinated by tennis and my horses. Fashion came later in my life.

Favorite childhood memory…

Playing dress up with my sisters. We had a governess who organized theater and plays, like Cinderella and Snow White. My sisters and I would choose characters and act. My childhood was full of fantasy and fun. Although we had fun, I was also very lucky to have been born in a family where I was taught to be disciplined.

A Herrera family dinner involves…

Laughter.

My philanthropy…

I have always supported many charities, from breast cancer to delivering meals to a range of other areas where help is really needed. You cannot feel happiness in receiving when you have not given.