Influential Women, Past and Present
In building a better future, we must draw upon the stories of the past.
We tend to focus our attention on moving forward and what's next. But in building a better future, we must also draw upon the stories of the past. Where we are now – and often who we are now – is a culmination of the influence and efforts of those who came before us. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are amplifying the stories of influential women past and present. Meet the inspired women who are inspiring women – modern day history in the making.
DANIELA RAMIREZ
Founder, Nany’s Kloset
Daniela Rameriz wearing Vince Camuto Tie-Waist Cropped Jumpsuit, Orla Zebra Canvas Tote, and Ladeinela Braided-Strap Thong Sandal
As a woman, what are you most proud of?
Absolutely everything! I love how smart, strong, intuitive, fearless, and caring women are. I’m also super proud of being able to grow life–and while I have upmost respect for all the women who choose a different path than motherhood–personally, I am very proud of what our bodies are capable of as women, and I am proud to be a mother to my son, and baby-to-be that is currently in my tummy.
What woman from history has been an inspiration to you? How did her influence change your life or inspire you?
There are so many amazing women that come to my mind, starting with my mom and the women around me who inspire me on the daily. If I have to choose someone from history, I would say Frida Kahlo. I was always so inspired by her ability to turn her suffering into art, while also being extremely strong and defying gender stereotypes way before her time.
What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your brand and business that speaks to your experience as a woman?
Since I started fashion blogging over a decade ago, one of the biggest challenges was proving to people that it could be an actual career.
Since the beginning, fashion blogging has been predominantly driven by women and often considered “superficial,” so we really had to show the world that women have a big influence in women’s purchasing decisions and in dictating fashion trends. We are not little girls playing dress up, we are the women disrupting traditional “digital marketing.”
We have to be the role models we wished we had as kids, to always lift each other up and compliment one another.
– DANIELA RAMIREZ, Founder, Nany’s Klozet
What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
I always knew that my female peers were not my competition because we all had something different to offer. However, I wish I knew that we were stronger when we work together and we support each other 100% selflessly.
What’s one thing we, as women, can do to better empower and support the next generation of women?
We have come so far but we still have a long way to go when it comes to female empowerment. To support the next generation of women, we can start by listening closely like we wished older women would have listened to us when we were kids. We have to be the role models we wished we had as kids, to always lift each other up and compliment one another. We can also introduce amazing women to each other, especially for job opportunities or personal growth- because, again, we are stronger together.
Share the most important advice you could give to the next generation of women today–in two words, or less.
Be authentic.
RIA MICHELLE
Entrepreneur
Ria Michelle wearing Vince Camuto Ruffled Rumple Top, Faux-Leather Skinny Pants, Orla Zebra Canvas Tote, and Ladeinela Braided-Strap Thong Sandal
As a woman, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of our emotional intelligence and resourcefulness. We are the backbone–we bounce back, we nurture, we create, we are everything. Find me a woman that won’t make it work.
What woman from history has been an inspiration to you? How did her influence change your life or inspire you?
Shirley Chisholm, a powerhouse who never backed down and continued to fight for women and minorities. She’s also Caribbean like me, and though I wasn’t born in the U.S. like she was, her story still feels like a larger than life inspiration. She fought against the odds–not just for herself, but for others–in spaces she may not have always been welcomed as a Black woman.
What is a challenge you had to overcome when building your business and brand that speaks to your experience as a woman?
Focusing too much on other people’s assumptions about what I do–whether that is not being taken seriously, dealing with imposter syndrome, or even negative self talk. It’s easy to listen to all the noise that aims to convince you that your industry or job is frivolous–even while you’re literally carving your own path and career single handedly.
Community is our strength.
– RIA MICHELLE, Entrepreneur
What is one thing you know now about being a female entrepreneur that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Talk to your peers about salaries, especially minorities. Make sure you’re not undervaluing yourself. You’d be surprised to find out what you can learn from one another. It’s very helpful to know how to navigate and negotiate for yourself.
What’s one thing we, as women, can do to better empower and support the next generation of women?
Talk to each other about everything. Community is our strength. I feel very lucky to work in a field that is predominantly women. I consider it a blessing.
Share the most important advice you could give to the next generation of women today––in two words, or less.
Value yourself.
Spring's Hottest Festival Season Outfits to the Work Rescue
Because everyone deserves some FTO (festival time-off).
photo from French Connection
Be honest. How deep have you scrolled into the #festivalfashion hashtag to find your outfit inspo? With over half a million tags we’re guessing you’ve gone dark for hours. But there is a light at the end of the festival dressing tunnel.
And if you’re a little stumped on how to put together outfits that will carry you from Bonnaroo to Outside Lands, we’re connecting you to the brand that has effortless festival style in the bag.
Just launched, French Connection’s midsummer collection is right on time for festival-inspired styles. Scroll the below. Find your faves. And remember pics, or it didn’t happen.
Boho babe it, just like your mom did
The style that makes an appearance every time the weather gets warm. You can keep it flowy, simple, and oh-so-easy to dance in with a boho look that throws it back to music fests of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Because you want something you can shake in ‘til the sun sets. This look is effortless in every way.
Hit the here to stay off-the-shoulder trend
It's here for a good time and a long time. Simple, but chic. That’s how to to the festival circuit. The winning off-the-shoulder look is here to stay the summer long (#fashionstaycation). And with a plunging V, you’ll feel breezy and ready to roam the festival grounds. This look is pretty-meets-practical. *Bonus* looks rad with high-tops or sneakers.
Do a tee and denim, the festival way
Cropped and wide-legged is the denim silhouette of the year, and luckily, it’s perfect for long festival days where comfort dressing is key. Paired with a landscape tee and sneakers, it’s an outfit you won’t have to think twice about, but everyone else will.
Do yourself a fashion favor & get into festival vestivities
A raw-edge denim vest with embellished pockets and collar is the perfect way to amp up the ten pairs of jean shorts you already own. You can be charming with a side of danger. (Which coincidentally sums up how we feel about festival season in general.)
Jumpsuit up to get down
Everyone knows that a jumpsuit makes for the least fussy and the most playful outfit. This classic red jumpsuit says you’re ready for an adventurous festival rollick (it’s great for climbing onto shoulders), which a touch of elegance on the side (and also lounging in the grass). Loose, lovely, and perfect for pairing with high top sneakers for weekend-long extravaganzas.
Be safe out there and remember: bosses wear sunscreen.
