Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen can now add "author" to their long list of credentials. In their new book, Influence, the twins share insights and interviews with the people of Hollywood who have most influenced them over the years. I'm looking forward to picking up a copy.Here's a brief glimpse into the pages.
***Whether she knows it or not, my sister has been my greatest teacher. At a young age, we had very distinct personalities; like a teddy bear, she was quiet and affectionate, and loving—which are adjectives I wouldn’t necessarily use to describe myself at that age (feisty and stubborn would be more appropriate). But by merely observing her demeanor, she taught me another way of being: I learned how to be affectionate. I learned how to compromise. I learned that tough love is not the only option. As one matures, personalities become more complex. In Ashley’s case, she evolved into a woman with a strong work ethic (she works twelve-hour days or more) and determination (she was the one to convince our parents to buy us our first pair of heels—red one-inch platforms with cherries on them). Her most dominant characteristic would be her natural business mentality (without a prior relationship, The Row)—and those are only minor examples. Passionate and true to her convictions, Ashley is an admirable woman who lives her life with a great magnitude of integrity, loyalty, and love. It’s been an honor to watch her grow and evolve on this twenty-two-year journey all the while fulfilling her roles of CEO, fashion designer, business partner, and sister. Possessed of a pure heart, unrelenting dedication, consistent drive, and endless innovation, Ashley Olsen is a person who has—and continues to influence me and the people in her life to do better, work harder, laugh more, live longer, be stronger, and know that anything is possible.--MARY KATE OLSEN
