'I just love the agony of heartbreak': Sarah Jessica Parker insists she doesn't regret her past business failures, as she reveals how she finally found success with a shoe line

Sarah Jessica Parker told a room full of women at the Forbes Women's Summit on Thursday that she wouldn't change anything in her life, despite high-profile failures at both Halston Heritage and with her own clothing line, Bitten.

The 51-year-old actress and entrepreneur was invited to participate in a discussion with Forbes Media Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes, in which she talked about the ups and downs of her career.

'I love the agony of heartbreak,' she said. 'I like pushing on a bruise a little bit. I wouldn't change any of it.' 

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Learning curve: Sarah Jessica Parker spoke at the 2016 Forbes Women's Summit on Thursday afternoon

No regrets: The 51-year-old actress-turned-designer spoke out about her past business failures - a short-lived collaboration with Halston Heritage and a now-defunct fashion line, Bitten

Moving on: Sarah admitted that she 'loves the agony of heartbreak', which is why she refused to give up on either project and insisted on seeing them both through until the 'bitter end'

Opening up: The former Sex and the City star sat down with Forbes Media Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes to speak about her work in the fashion indsutry

The Sex and the City stunner turned up to the star-studded event on Thursday afternoon in a gauzy black skirt, blue blouse, and sparkly silver pumps. She topped off the look with a handful of rings and stacked necklaces.

'I’m a bitter ender,' she went on. 'It’s my greatest flaw. I will cross a finish line bloodied until I recognize there is nothing left to be done.'

In the case of Halston, which SJP signed on to run in January 2010 but left a year and a half later, she said plenty of people saw the incurable issues with the partnership before she did.

'I described it like when you’re single and you meet this fellow, say for instance, and everybody says he has warning signs all over him and you’re like, "No no no, I can fix him!"' she said.

Her line Bitten was sold at Steve & Barry's stores from 2007 to 2008. The chain store closed in 2009. 

Since then, though, she's had plenty of successes, including her SJP shoe line with Manolo Blahnik and several fragrances. In fact, she said she fell in love with business over ten years ago when she launched her first perfume, Lovely.

'A whole other life opened up to me. A whole other career if I would work hard and I just love it,' she said. 

Balance: The mother-of-three, who is married to actor Matthew Broderick, also spoke about how she has taught her children not to be afraid of the paparazzi who often follow them around 

Razzle dazzle: Sarah wore a shimmery black skirt and a smart navy shirt, finishing off the ensemble with some chunky necklaces, glittery shoes and a Mansur Gavriel bag

Success! The designer now has her own very successful line of shoes

Her shoe line, too, has been an exciting project for the star, as she'd been wanting to create one for years.

'I wanted to make beautiful shoes handmade in Italy like only Italy can, instead of mass-produced shoes,' she said. Though mass production had been pitched to her — and 'would have made me rich' — it wasn't the right path.

Also in the interview, she joked that she is 'terrified' by her two daughters, Marion and Tabitha, but has made sure that they — and her son, James — are not terrified of the paparazzi who sometimes follow them in New York City. 

She said that she and her husband Matthew Broderick strive not to make a big deal of it, explaining their presence without emotion — because if they seem upset, their kids might, too.

The actress also touched on the sexism that still exists in the business world.

'When people reveal themselves to be stuck in a time and a place, I try to think [about] what is informing the way they are choosing to speak to me or a female colleague,' she said. 'You have to be willing to take them there. Show them the way without scolding them. You have to massage them into the present.'

The interview ended with an emotional moment, as SJP hugged Mr. Forbes when he presented her with a first edition of Wilkie Collins' book, Moonstone. 

Sarah Jessica's son, James Wilkie, is named in honor of Wilkie Collins, who was the favorite author of her husband Matthew Brodrick's late father. 

 Good company: The event also featured the likes of Kate Hudson (left), who spoke about the success of her athleticwear brand Fabletics, and supermodel Christy Turlington (right)

Hot roster: Model Ashley Graham also gave a talk at the summit this morning

Head to toe: Ivanka Trump was the keynote speaker; she wore a floral dress, bag, and shoes from her own collection to the event

Powerful women: Transgender actress Laverne Cox also sat down to speak about her career

Earlier in the day,plus-size model and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover star Ashley Graham spoke about 'Power Redefined Spotlight'. Besides modeling, Ashley has her own lingerie line, Addition Elle.

Kate Hudson also gave a talk at the event, in which she talked about her athleticwear line Fabletics.

'I'd always wanted to get into fashion. This [Fabletics] really represents me,' the 37-year-old, who was dressed in Cavalli, said.. 'Our success has been shocking. It was shocking. It was so fast. I love being behind the curtain and I love playing a different role and connecting with women.'

Then, in a discussion moderated by Gayle King, Ivanka Trump took the stage, where she discussed her own brand, Ivanka Trump Collection, as well as her famous father.

All in all, the summit is set to include 250 leaders in industries such as business, philanthropy, education, science and technology, media, and entertainment.

Other stars scheduled to attend include Laverne Cox and Christy Turlington Burns.