New York Sash is a family affair. Jill Hayes is New York Sash’s CEO, and her sister, Jennifer Olivadoti, is COO. Their other sister, Katie Reilly, is VP of Marketing & Culture. Jill’s oldest daughter, Rachel Smith, is VP of Production & Fulfillment, and her youngest daughter, Ava Hayes, recently joined the team as a Marketing Intern. When Mohawk Valley Living asked for their participation in our feature, they stepped forward together—as a family, and reflected on what it means to lead as women in business.
While it is nice to have a dedicated month honoring women in small business, we’re doing this work every single day of the year. As a female-dominated leadership team, we recognize that running our company in a predominantly male-dominated industry speaks for itself. Our leadership brings a nurturing, empathetic, and resilient approach to both business and community. At the same time, Jill notes, “My brother Jeff, the only male on the leadership team, adds balance and perspective that make us all stronger.”
Family businesses often carry a unique legacy. For Rachel, continuing and growing a family-owned company is both her greatest challenge and her greatest blessing. “I look forward to what my generation will bring to the business and the opportunities I can create for future generations,” she says. “Working in a male-dominated field has made me tough, but I try to approach leadership with empathy and understanding—similar to how I approach being a mom.”
For Jill, 2025 has been a lesson in management: “Growth comes from empowering and challenging my team to become better leaders—and not taking on every duty myself.” She adds, “Growth can be scary and uncomfortable, but as leaders, it’s our job to remain confident and continue working toward our goals.” Katie’s priority in 2026 is to “continue our commitment to our customers and community while growing at a meaningful pace.”
With regard to health and wellness, Jennifer finds balance between running a family business and her personal life by prioritizing mental health and carving out time for herself. “I go to the gym twice a week and make my schedule flexible,” she explains. “I’ve found that when you take care of your personal well-being, you become more productive and refreshed for your workday.”
For the women in the Mohawk Valley who are just starting their professional journey, the advice from the New York Sash team is the same: it’s okay to be uncomfortable when advancing your career. Get out, meet people, get involved in the community, and volunteer. Never stop learning, no matter your career stage, and strive to do your best in every role. Surround yourself with a strong support system of co-workers and friends who can provide guidance and encouragement—crucial for growth and success.
