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.
How You Can Help Small Businesses ‘Foot the Bill’
Small businesses are not only the foundation of our economy, they are the heart of our communities.
In honor of National Women’s Month, we’ve teamed up with Vans to help "Foot the Bill" and provide financial support to women-owned small businesses across the country.
COVID-19 has changed all of our lives—socially, emotionally, physically, and certainly financially—in the blink of an eye. We have seen the impact of the coronavirus pandemic hit our communities, economy, and our main streets. While the business impact of COVID-19 has varied depending on industry, there's one group that has been hit particularly hard in America: women-owned small businesses.
In honor of National Women’s Month, we are teaming up with Vans to help “Foot the Bill” and provide financial support to local, and community-driven small businesses across the country.
The Vans “Foot the Bill” initiative invites independent shops and community-driven organizations to collaborate on a custom footwear and apparel design, featuring original artwork that best represents their business’ identity. The exclusive designs are available for purchase through the Vans Customs website, and the net proceeds from the "Foot the Bill" merchandise go directly to the participating partner to help them navigate through the present challenges.
New businesses and venues are added to the “Foot the Bill” website each week, where consumers can learn more about each business’ story, how they will be utilizing the funds that they receive, and the inspiration behind the design that they have selected for their footwear and apparel.
We believe that small businesses are not only the foundation of our economy, they are the heart of our communities. Supporting women-owned small businesses – as a woman-owned small business ourselves – is at the core of what Create & Cultivate stands for.
Our “Foot the Bill” nominees spotlight three amazing, women-owned businesses from across the country that were deeply impacted by the events of this past year. Their enduring resilience is an expression of the unwavering commitment they have made to their communities. Financial support through this initiative will not only benefit their business, but their respective communities.
Meet the “Foot the Bill” nominees below and then head to www.vans.com/footthebill to shop and show your support.
Portland Flea + Food
is a monthly market held on the last Sunday of the month in Portland, Oregon. It’s a monthly gathering place for the creators, curators and collectors, and a haven for small business owners, local shoppers and communities alike. Every market features 40+ local artists, makers, and curators of the best vintage, handmade and locally-sourced goods in town. It’s almost certain you’ll discover a new favorite piece to treasure.
Portland Flea + Food has taken a huge hit this year, like so many other small businesses, including many of their local vendors. Your contribution not only helps support the monthly flea market, but its many creators, curators and collectors.
Grit N Glory
is a rock n roll inspired clothing boutique and tattoo studio located in the heart of NYC's Lower East Side, led by native New Yorkers Emily Conley and Veronica Mallo alongside internationally recognized tattoo artist and TV personality, Megan Massacre. A combination of gritty fashion sense with an original edge and the glory of an exclusive and coveted tattoo expertise.
Grit N Glory was one of many tattoo and retail shops forced to close this year. Your support not only helps the business stay afloat, but also provides assistance to their many artists and collaborators.
Sweat Records
opened in 2005 to cater to Miami’s huge audience of music lovers, as well as visitors to the tropical metropolis. They carry Miami’s widest selection of new and reissued vinyl, as well as used LPs, turntables, accessories, enamel pins, local merch, zines, and more. Today, Sweat Records is not only known for being a world-renowned record store, but its regular schedule of in-store and all-ages programming and events.
Sweat Records, like many brick and mortar retail businesses, pivoted to focus on digital sales this year and were Your purchase not only supports the business of vinyl, but helps to preserve the legacy of its many artists and musicians.
To learn more about Vans’ “Foot the Bill” program, nominate your favorite small business, or shop and support the participating partners, head to vans.com/footthebill.
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PAIGE Celebrates the Women Who Are Walking It Forward With Intimate L.A. Dinner—See the Photos!
“I want every woman to grow up seeing themselves in places they can dream to be.”
No matter how many times you hear it, “step into your power” can be an intimidating phrase to initiate on your own. Summoning the courage to boldly leap into the unknown isn’t a simple task, even for the most confident person. So, what does it take to make that first step?
Visibility is so important. There is so much power in seeing someone you identify with, pave the way before you. That’s why we joined forces with PAIGE to launch the Walk It Forward initiative which shines a light on the modern disruptors—Chrissy Rutherford, Poppy Jamie, Dani Austin, Angela Fink, and Gracy Mahary—who are paying it forward with an outstretched hand behind them, beckoning us to walk this way, too.
To celebrate our fearless five, we held an intimate dinner in Los Angeles for International Women’s Day where PAIGE co-founder and CEO, Paige Adams-Geller paid tribute to those who step out of their comfort zone to challenge the status quo and lift each other up along the way. After all, every journey starts with a single step.
Click through the photo gallery below to see all the photos from the special night.












Read all of the Walk It Forward interviews HERE then comment below with the person who has paved it forward for you and given you the courage to step into your power, too.
Angela Fink Looked Fear in the Face to Follow Her Intuition—She Hasn't Looked Back
"Don’t do it alone.”
You know the feeling. It starts as a soft whisper, calling you from deep within. You push it to the side and it pauses for a moment until eventually, your spirit turns up the volume dial and the noise is too hard to ignore anymore. This is your intuition talking. You can only push her aside for so long before she makes herself known and you are forced to confront her call.
Angela Fink clearly recalls this calling a few years ago. “I was driving in the car with my husband, and I said I'm ready to start something for myself,” Fink recalls. “I was working as a stylist and felt boxed in by a few of my then clients. I knew that I needed a space where I could create without restrictions and then the next day I started a blog called The Fashion Sight.”
Fink is so glad she looked fear in the face to follow her intuition because, today, she is pursuing her passion for a living collaborating with her husband, Kelly Bolton to create editorial-style imagery for her 116K plus followers. Last year they launched their branding, creative, and content consultancy We Are Dumont where they help other brands bring their stories to life. And if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Fink is also a mom to her daughter, Lola and an ambassador for No More Plastic.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we partnered with our friends at PAIGE to put the spotlight on five incredible women who are marching to the beat of their own drum and walking it forward with an outstretched hand bringing the rest of us along for the ride.
So, read on to hear more about Fink’s many creative pursuits, how she uses clothing to step into her power, and her advice so you can too.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You launched your own creative agency last year—What is it all about?
ANGELA FINK: Dumont is about working with people, brands, and designers to create something special for them. Each project is catered to that brand. We do everything from branding to creative direction, strategy, and full-service production.
We are different because of our point of view. You come to us because of who we are and what we can produce. Our work speaks for itself. I wasn't scared. I had been a stylist and creative director in the past, and it felt like a natural progression for me.
You are an ambassador for No More Plastic. When did you join this movement?
I joined last summer. My family and I travel a lot; we mostly drive to remote locations that are visually out of this world. We would find trash littered everywhere, plastics sitting in the most beautiful sand dune you have ever seen, and that's when I said no more plastics and reached out on how I could help make a difference.
My daughter has started at a plastic-free school, and we limit our plastic intake in our own home.
Going plastic-free is a huge undertaking in a world where so many things we purchase, including food and necessities are covered in it—How have you navigated that path?
Going plastic-free is a huge undertaking—it’s everywhere. I try my best to be aware of what I purchase and what comes into our home. A few small changes I made were replacing plastic vegetable bags with reusable ones and swapping zip locks with silicone versions.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's day should be every day. We should honor friends, mothers, grandmas, daughters every day for how special we are and what we create in this world.
You seem so bold and self-assured—what advice do you have for others who want to summon that courage too?
Practice kind self-talk. We all are so hard on ourselves. Give yourself a break. We are all doing the best we can—reminding myself of that makes the pressure melt away and I can become my best self.
How we appear on the outside can impact how we feel on the inside. As a fashion icon, we look to you for style advice so, what do you wear to feel confident?
Finding what works best on your body and what feels right is the two tells for an empowering wardrobe. I found myself buying into trends, but it wasn’t right. Through much trial and error, I went towards pieces that made me feel confident and secure. It's about testing out what you feel good in.
How does clothing make you feel self-assured and ready to take on the world? Why?
My clothing is apart of me—it shows people around me how I feel about myself. If I feel confident, I dress like it; when I feel daring, I take unexpected pieces and mix them if I'm having an off day and don't feel like myself I find pieces that make me feel strong, empowered and confident.
How do you shake off the fear and doubt to pursue your innovation/dream?
Wow, this is hard. I am not going to say I don't have fear or I seamlessly go through life. I battle with this. That monkey mind creeps in and it creeps in often. I know where I want to go is not where I am currently, and in order to get there, I need to put my boots on and walk through the mud as my mom would say. It works, one step in front of the other and then before you know it you are through it to the other side.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women starting out in your field?
Listen to podcasts, read books, speak to other women in your field. Don’t do it alone. Build a team, grab coffee with someone you admire. I learn every day from my friends.
What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make professionally?
Asking for what I am worth. Wow, oh wow, this took me a while to get down but you are worth it so ask for it!
What traits do you need to succeed as an entrepreneur or founder in the competitive start-up environment?
Write down exactly where you want to go and who you are—follow it, read it often and don't veer too much from it.
The filtered world of social media often hides a lot of the hard work and hustle behind-the-scenes—What’s a lesson we can all learn from your mistake/s?
Don't overthink things.
What does it take to be the first and pioneer a new space?
Radical passion.
You can’t be it if you can’t see it. Why are representation and visibility so important to you?
Social media is such a powerful tool. It's a space where we can be ourselves and share it with the world. When I first started shooting editorial style shoots with my husband, we would travel to remote places. I was nervous about how it would be received, but the more I did it, the more I felt like I was showing who I truly am. This space is about who you are and who you want to be, it's a visual timeline of growth and change, and there is real beauty in that.
Seeing people pave the way can give us the confidence to do it too. Name someone who walked it forward and inspired you to step up too?
My sister Jillian Dempsey. She showed me to think outside the box and never give up on your path.
Click here to learn more about the other fearless women who are walking it forward this International Women’s Day.
Ladies Clap Back: A Roundup of the Raddest, Baddest Feminist Merch
Every day can be International Women’s Day.
Image credit: Glamour Mag
While feminism is far from a new phenomenon, interest around it is at an all-time high. And we are here for it. When Dior’s Paris show last fall featured “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirts as part of its Spring 2017 collection, the (political) statement took on a whole new meaning. And to give the T even more gravitas, Dior announced that it’s donating a portion of the proceeds to Rihanna’s non-profit organization, the Clara Lionel Foundation (which supports and funds effective education and health programs around the world).
Some background about that T-shirt: Dior collaborated with writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who penned an essay of the same name as an adaptation of Adichie’s 2013 TEDx talk. And if you haven’t yet had the chance to hear the TEDx talk, you might recognize this line: “Feminist: A person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes,” as it appears in Beyonce’s “Flawless.”
Natalie Portman was seen rocking the “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirt at the Women’s March in L.A., while RiRi stepped out at NYC’s March with a pink THIS P**SY GRABS BACK hoodie, designed by Victoria’s Secret model Leomie Anderson and created by LAPP The Brand.
Even Karl Lagerfeld had a huge feminist-inspired moment in September 2014, when he staged a feminist rally starring the likes of Gisele and Cara, megaphones, and posters of the “He for She,” “Ladies First” and “History is Her Story” variety.
But while Chanel’s “women’s protest” back in 2014 felt like a throwback to a bygone era (and almost felt theatrical in its grandeur), the groundbreaking Women’s March this past January was all too real. And all too necessary in an era where we need to make our voices heard as much as possible. Because this year, shit’s getting REAL.
Consider feminist-inspired gear our way of clapping back to 2017; a way of flexing our feminist muscles and using our voices -- so even if you aren’t heard (and shame on the world if you aren’t), you will be seen. After all, fashion has always been a form of self-expression.
"Consider feminist-inspired gear our way of clapping back to 2017; a way of flexing our feminist muscles."
Tweet this.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we rounded up some of our favorite feminist-inspired goods: best enjoyed the other 364 days of the year.
THE FUTURE IS FEMALE
photo credit: Otherwild
Those “The Future is Female” sweatshirts spotted on Cara Delevingne and girlfriend St. Vincent in October 2015 have become an Insta phenomenon (and spawned similar merch like pins and baby onesies). While they might seem like a recent political statement, there is feminist history behind them. According to a New York Times article, the OG “The Future Is Female” T-shirt design was worn by Alix Dobkin in 1975, when photographer Liza Cowan took a picture of Dobkin (her girlfriend at the time) for a slideshow she was working on.
Thirty years later, Rachel Berks, the owner of LA-based shop / graphic design studio Otherwild spotted the photo on the Instagram account, h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y. Berks made 24 T-shirts, which sold out in two days. She made another batch and decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood. Soon she introduced the sweatshirt design, and the rest is literally, her-story, as the T has taken on a life of its own.
NASTY WOMAN
Photo credit: @AlfieFriday
Get yourself a “Nasty Woman” T-shirt or reusable bag, made by Amanda and Cameron of Google Ghost (50% of the T-shirt’s proceeds go to Planned Parenthood; 20% of the bag’s proceeds go to the ACLU).
NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED
photo credit: Casetify
Studio15 is a socially responsible fashion brand geared towards millennial women and founded by total boss lady, Jia Wertz. The company supports female entrepreneurs in developing countries by donating a percentage of proceeds to fund women-led businesses in Uganda. The brand launched “The Future Is Female Collection” on Presidents' Day to make a statement against the current administration's comments about women, immigrants and refugees.
For International Women's Day, Casetify released an ENTIRE "Nevertheless, She Persisted" Collection. Protect your rights. Protect your phone. All in a day's work. CAN YOU HEAR OUR FEMINIST VOICES NOW??
STRONG FEMALE LEAD
photo credit: bando
One of our favorite “girl gangs” ban.do created this “Strong Female Lead” sweatshirt, among its wide array of other femme-perfect swag.
Stay warm when taking down the patriarchy.
LET'S CALL THEM, ACCES-HERIES
Check your self-ie. Protect your phone with these “Nasty” cases by Casetify.
We’re having our cake and eating it too. Feminist blogger slash baker Lyndsay of CocoCakeLand.com whipped up these delicious messages on her sweet creations and was featured in the resistance-leading mag, Teen Vogue, as a result.
Wear your feminist flair with enamel pins, buttons and patches from the likes of jewelry brand Bing Bang NYC (50% of “girl power” swag’s proceeds are donated to women’s organizations) and our favorite “Girls’ Only Club,” The Wing. We love the Bang Bang Bad Bitch Circle Patch or the Girl Power Button Starter Pack.
Speaking of NYC-based The Wing, its feminist merch is a call to arms, especially “The Self Supporting Tote.” The tote's text comes from a call to action written by Anna Cardogen Etz in the early 20th Century. The letter, "Self Supporting Women of Hornell" argued for the creation of a women's club and was printed in the local newspaper in Hornell, New York. (A tote that literally carries the weight of women’s issues.) Or wear your feminism on your keychain.
So let’s make sure feminism is more than simply “a mainstream trend,” and actually becomes the norm. Instead of proclaiming to “Wake up like this,” let's stay woke. Happy International Women’s Day, ladies.
Karin Eldor is a writer specializing in career, fashion and lifestyle. After several years in the corporate world as the Social Media Manager and Copywriter at ALDO, she took her side hustle full-time and is now living out her dream as a contributor for COVETEUR, Levo, Shopify, 818 Agency, and of course Create & Cultivate. Her mission is to offer guidance and mentorship to women by aligning with brands that value self-expression, integrity and impact. Follow her on Insta @alwayskarin.
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11 Badass Women Share Their Thoughts on International Women's Day
Stay woke.
Future is Female poster designed by Kimothy Joy
We asked 11 women the following question in anticipation of International Women’s Day (today!!), a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Q: If you could steer the conversation around International Women’s Day, what would that dialogue be about?
These are their badass answers.
LAUREN MILLER ROGEN
Oh man, so many important things! I think there are many conversations worth having. But, I think one of the biggest issues that women still face is breaking gender stereotypes that have been laid out for them for generations and generations, so for me I love to celebrate women who really broke the mold whether it be Eleanor Roosevelt, Malala, Beyoncé, or Kamala Harris. Women are doing AMAZING things and I think that there are so many worth highlighting to inspire women everywhere by examining the choices trailblazers made along their way.
DAYA
As women, we need to focus more on building each other up rather than tearing each other down. We need to lead the way to change and we are not going to make progress unless we focus on bringing other women with us so we can rise together.
FRANCHESCA RAMSEY
I'd encourage more women to be intersectional in their activism. It's important to acknowledge our privilege and remember that there are all types of women from a variety of walks of life that face challenges that we do not. If you're truly committed to advocating for women you have to be willing to stand up for all women regardless of race, sexuality, physical ability, religion, class or gender identity, not just ladies that look like you.
CONSTANCE ZIMMER
Equality. I find it unbelievable that a woman doing the same job as a man is not making the same amount of money. That's mind boggling to me.
SANAA LATHAN
I want us to focus on anything around mentoring and empowering young girls-- from body image to cultural pride to self-esteem and self-worth.
NICOLE BYER
That all women are beautiful, smart, strong as fuck and special. We also have to listen to each other and remember to be inclusive. There's feminism and intersectional feminism.
LAUREN CONRAD
I think the progress we've made in recent years is fantastic, but we still a lot of work to do. As women we should do all we can to support each other and continue to move in the right direction. We are always stronger together.
LAUREN PAUL
I would hope that the conversation is well rounded and that it would make every woman feel celebrated. Whether you are a politician, CEO or a mother. There is no specific definition to what a strong, empowered woman looks like because that varies for each person. To define that, ultimately creates exclusion because we are all different. In this beautiful chapter where feminism and girl bosses are highlighted (yay!) I really want stay at home mothers to feel celebrated and reminded that they too are hard-working HEROS.
PIERA GELARDI
The world is sitting on a huge untapped natural resource: billions of women who have not been able to reach their full potential. I’d love to create a vision statement and paint a picture of what the world would look like — what greatness we could unleash by bringing Women’s Equality and Empowerment to the forefront. And show that there’s a huge business case for doing this.
MANDY MOORE
I hope the dialogue continues around gender equality and recognizing the need for a larger political, cultural and social shift when it comes to pro-women policies on a global level. When women and girls are empowered, educated, healthy and free of violence, they can recognize their full potential and make an enormous impact on their communities and ultimately the world economy.
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR
I hope to see more women supporting other women. I have always believed that when women work together we can do anything. So often we are pitted against each other instead of remembering we are a big tribe.
What do you hope for today? Share below!
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