Celebrating Inspirational Women
As we celebrate International Women's Day today, March 8th, we reflect on the women who inspire us every day. We have had the honor of featuring some incredible women from across the spectrum in our beauty Spotlight Series over the years, read on for some of our favorite words of wisdom (and funny tidbits) they have enlightened us with along the way.
Maya Chia Beauty: What is one thing you do every day?
DL: One thing I do every day is take a moment to listen to my mind. No matter how loud it may be. I call it brain surfing. Think of a Swan pruning its feathers every day to shed what is no longer needed for the next adventure.
MCB: How do you hope to change the world?
DL: The most effective way of changing the world is by working on myself. This is something I do every single day. Even this interview is changing the world in some way. When you feel good, the world feels a little better, too.
MCB: What do you wish you knew/learned sooner?
JG: At one point in my life, I determined that I would only be friends with people who made me feel good about myself when I spent time with them. Even if it meant staying home instead of going out, I knew I’d be happier at home alone than out with people who made me uncomfortable or feel bad about myself. A simple thing, but one that takes many of us years to figure out. That decision has made my life immeasurably better. It made me happier alone, and it opened up room in my life for me to welcome in some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known.
MCB: What's the best advice you've ever received - and think other people might benefit from hearing?
SS: A former coach once told me “It’s not if, it’s when”, and I reflect on this advice often. This mindset shift really calmed me in that the things that are meant for you will happen. Keep working, trust the process, and focus on what you can control.
MCB: What do you wish you knew/learned sooner?
SS: To enjoy the journey along the way!
MCB: What is the biggest challenge you face now or have faced in the past? How did you overcome it?
KG: Finding the time to nurture all the aspects of your life is always a challenge. There’s so much pressure to take care of yourself, your family and be the best at your job. One way I deal with the pressure is by journaling. It really helps me focus or expel my feelings! Also, since I travel a lot for work, we decided to prioritize family when I’m in town and when I’m away - that might mean a few red-eyes home (thus the need for good skin care!), but it’s all worth it for the hugs and memories.
MCB: What's the best advice you've ever received - and think other people might benefit from hearing?
KG: In the entertainment industry, you always feel like you haven’t quite made it. We say things like “I want to be a writer.” Then someone asked me “well, do you write?” “I said yes” “Well, then you’re a writer.” Writers write. Directors direct. Actors act. Eventually, you want to be paid for your efforts, but while you’re starting out, don’t forget that you control your own narrative. You are already doing what you want to be!
MCB: What's the best advice you've ever received - and think other women might benefit from?
LC: Whenever I hear a “no” (and I hear that quite often) I try not to automatically think thoughts like, “What’s wrong with me?” or “I suck!” Now the first thing I choose to think, which a friend of mine suggested, is “Well, that didn’t go as I would have liked.” Then, after I digest those words, I can cry and lick my wounds — all the while reminding myself that rejection rarely has anything to do with my value as a person.
MCB: What is something you're really proud of?
LC: When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. I’m really dependable.
MCB: What is the biggest challenge you face now or have faced in the past? How did you overcome it?
CSO: I have faced a lot of challenges in my life. I don't want to get too dark, so I'll just say my life, like many, many people's, has been a series of so many challenges that I don't think I even recognized them as challenges, necessarily, so much as just life. And I'm not sure I've necessarily overcome any of those challenges, because each one has so acutely informed who I have become, that I still carry at least some part of each one in me today and always will. What I will say is that I like who I am and I think I am a good person, so I can be, in some way, grateful for even the most difficult parts of life that I have experienced, because they played a part in shaping this person I am proud to be.
MCB: What's the best advice you've ever received - and think other women might benefit from?
CSO: The best advice I ever received is, "There are a thousand ways to say anything. When you can, always choose the kindest." And when I can, I always try to do just that.
MCB: What's the best advice you've ever received (and think other women might benefit from)?
CH: Stop plucking your eyebrows. My mom urged me in the early 90's to put my tweezers down. I, of course, did not heed her warnings. Now I pay a lovely woman from Estonia to tattoo faux hair on my face. So. Lesson learned.
These inspiring women have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, offering wisdom, humor, and resilience in equal measure. From the multi-talented Damaris Lewis, who reminds us to tune into the rhythm of our own minds, to the incomparable Sloane Stephens, whose mantra is" It's not if, it's when,” each of these women serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance.
As we honor the women who came before us and celebrate the women who inspire us today, may we continue to uplift, support, and champion one another, creating a brighter, more inclusive world for generations to come.