Bebe Mehr’s style is an outward expression not just of who she is, but also how she runs her vegan footwear empire, Cult of Coquette. She’s sophisticated, stoic, and intentional—when she laughs, the warmth she exudes is palpable. It’s this calculated-with-care formula that has skyrocketed Cult of Coquette into superstardom.

Bebe’s fashion endeavors started out humble: She ran a boutique and online store based in Tucson, AZ for eight years that gave her a crash course in Business 101. But by 2014, armed with a slew of lessons learned, she set her sights on creating her own line. A dedicated vegan and fashionista, Bebe noticed just how much demand there was in the luxury shoe industry for chic footwear that didn’t compromise on ethics. She developed a single pump style—and it would be her key to success.

In four years time, Bebe was ready to expand. Not only did she introduce more styles, but she also rebranded the company, which was simply called “Coquette” at the time. The rebrand turned out to be the right move. Cult of Coquette exploded in popularity, attracting the attention of vegan and non-vegan celebrities alike—Miley Cyrus put in a special request for Bebe’s footwear for her wedding. Style publications came knocking for features too, and Cult of Coquette was splashed across the pages of Vogue, InStyle, and more—a childhood dream realized for Bebe.

Amidst all this growth and success, Bebe lives and breathes the lifestyle of an icon. And while she says getting her healthy habits right 100% of the time is still a work in progress (hey, we’re all human), there are some rules she lives by to ensure her personal life thrives just as hard as her business.

She recognizes that there’s seasons for balance

“We have been growing rapidly and while I do think it’s extremely important to have balance and to not burn out (something I have learned the hard way), I also believe you have windows of opportunity and you should do all you can to build on your momentum during those times. There is always an ebb and flow, so I know there may be some months that my days are a blur and I am overwhelmed with lists of things to do; and then there will be a month or so when things really calm down and I can work half days or even work from home without anything piling up. Now that I have accepted that pattern, it’s much easier to get through the stressful times with more of a calm attitude, because I know it’s only temporary.”

But she still has non-negotiables

“I do make it a point now to always take one full day off a week, and generally I get 1-2 days a week where it’s more of a half day, so that I can catch up with personal errands and appointments.”

Variety is the spice of life—and exercise

“Exercise is very important. I start every morning with a two-mile walk and I fit in some other form of exercise such as yoga, tennis, or weights, several times a week.”

Socializing is self-care

“This year I’m planning more travel and getting back to LA to see friends and family more regularly. My social life took a hit since moving operations back to Arizona after Covid to be closer to my family, so seeing my friends and getting back to the life I created in LA is a top priority for me again. My plan is to have a place in LA again next year and to be back and forth.”

Want more advice from the cruelty-free shoewear queen herself? Pick up Volume 7 of ICON/REFINED Magazine.