It is International Women’s Day…a day that ignites inspiration across the globe through the achievements of inspirational and aspirational women. The first National Women’s Day was way back in the USA in 1909 and was more about equality in both pay and voting rights. Today it is still very much apart of modern day culture, Google even giving it their own doodle. Here’s a couple of quotes from some inspirational women from around the globe.
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Margaret Thatcher
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel
“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got”
Janis Joplin
So where better to get the low down on strong, passionate, great independent women than our own back yard. We’ve four individual, very important women in the LOTI team and you’ll get to see what sets them each apart…
Name Jules Pearson
Position Co-Founder
Age 31
Lives Stoke Newington
What’s do you think makes a modern day woman 2016?
It means getting shit done, knowing what you want to achieve and going for it. Not been scared to take chances and believing in yourself. I’m a big believer that opportunities are there for the taking and those who go that extra mile and keep going when the going gets tough can achieve great things – completely cheesy I know.
Who is your role model and why?
There are many people I look up to, mostly people that I work with every single day. I wouldn’t want to name names but there are people who have faced real challenges and come out the other side fighting.
Favourite track that makes you feel like a strong independent and inspirational women?
Beyonce Run The World obvs.
Name Sarah Ardell
Position Team Assistant
Age 21
Lives Hoxton
What’s do you think makes a modern day woman 2016?
To me being an independent woman is being your own person, being strong, standing up for yourself and knowing you shouldn’t have to change for anyone, because you’re great just the way you are.
Who is your role model and why?
For me the main role models in my life are my friends and family, because when it’s someone you’re close too you see how strong people really can be, whether life has thrown something in their face or how they achieve great things and follow their dreams. But ultimately it would have to be my gran, because she’s got that f**k it attitude, stands her ground, fights for what she believes in, and well she’ll just be sat there doing her patchwork in her leather jacket and docs, because who needs to conform right.
Favourite track that makes you feel like a strong independent and inspirational women?
‘I’m Every Woman’ by Chaka Khan…all about the fire in every woman and how every woman can achieve anything, and well who doesn’t love a bit of disco, instant game changer.
Name Christina Dean
Position Team Assistant
Age 25
Lives Waltham Cross
What’s do you think makes a modern day woman 2016?
The ability and freedom to choose how you live your life.
Who is your role model and why?
I don’t have one but women that I think are super cool – Emma Watson and Little Simz for showing what my generation can achieve; Mindy Kaling and Caitlin Moran for proving that women can be funny, smart and successful; and Vivienne Westwood for refusing to slow down.
Favourite track that makes you feel like a strong independent and inspirational women?
M.I.A – ‘Bad Girls’
Name Judith Kutschenreuter
Position Intern
Age 20
Lives At this moment I am extremely happy to say that I live in London, in cool area Shoreditch / Brick Lane.
Originally from Eindhoven, The Netherlands, a quite small city compared to London!
What’s do you think makes a modern day woman 2016?
It means much to me because it’s so important to be an independent woman. Most of all; strength, being able to do whatever it is YOU want to! I believe it’s believing in your own abilities and thriving those goals you have. Not being held back by a person or obstacles because you CAN do it, if you want something, you can achieve it!
Who is your role model and why?
This might sound cliché, although I love a good cliché. My role model is my mom. If you would ask me to tell you about a strong woman, SHE is that strong person. I have so much respect for my mom, the way she does things, what she’s been through. And also, the beautiful human being she is and always has been. People adore her and I know every single reason why. I know my mom will support me as an independent woman and every step I take (maybe not every step) but she will always be right by my side. I would like to thank her for that!
Favourite track that makes you feel like a strong independent and inspirational women?
Beyoncé, to be fair, all of her songs are empowering to me. I’ve been a fan since I was a little girl, the feeling I get when I listen to her songs is freaking amazing. She makes me feel good, more secure about my abilities and strong! She encourages me to step out that door and follow my dreams. The song that immediately popped into my head was ‘Flawless’.. This is what Bey said the moment she started recording the song; “…Imagine the person that hates you. Imagine a person that doesn’t believe in you. And look in the mirror and say, ‘Bow down, bitch’ and I guarantee you feel gangsta.”
AND there you have it…At LOTI are all for equality, we may have four women and just one man, but together we are a TEAM!