Women are a powerful force and in Queen Bey’s wise words, “who run the world…GIRLS!” We are entrepreneurs, moms, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, girlfriends, powerful individuals, and masters of multi-tasking. Women defy all odds and once we put our hearts and minds into something, we get it done.

Although “International Women’s Day” is celebrated today, we should celebrate women everyday. In honor of women’s celebration, I wanted to share with you the powerful women that have inspired me to take the fashion leap of faith. Yes, I fell in love with fashion because of its glamour, but it truly took my heart after I learned how women have shaped this industry into what it is today.

First and foremost, I owe the love of fashion to my mother, who was my fashion muse since I was a little girl. I clearly remember she owned the most beautiful suits and shoes, and every time I could, I would put on her clothes and imagine I was modeling and selling her outfits. From then on, fashion took over my life, and the more I learned about the industry, the more enamored I became.

Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe came into my life during my senior year of high school, and if we all know anything aRachel Zoe came into my life during my senior year of high school, and if we all know anything about Mrs. Zoe, is that she is the epitome of everything women can do. If anyone lit my fire when it came to fashion, it was this woman. Zoe started as an editor and quickly became a stylist for high-end clients and celebrities. As the years have gone by, she has launched a clothing line, fashion books, TV shows, and a total fashion empire, all while having a beautiful family and successful marriage… whoever said women can’t have it all, haven’t seen what this powerhouse can do.

Katherine Power and Hilary Kerr

Back in the early 2010’s Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power, founded Who What Wear. This duo is the perfect example of women empowerment, as they began their journalism road with one thing in mind, to make their website the leading online destination for all fashion content. Ten years have gone by, and not only their website is one of the top sites that offer trend reports, style guides, and fashion news, but they have partnered up with Target to launch an affordable and chic fashion line. Oh, and did I mention both of these women are happy wives and mothers? Another example that we CAN have it all. 

Anna Wintour

Although Anna Wintour is referred to as the “Ice Queen,” the truth is that Wintour is nothing short of THE fashion queen. This woman not only knows what she wants and how she wants it, but her Although Anna Wintour is referred to as the “Ice Queen,” the truth is that Wintour is nothing short of THE fashion queen. This woman not only knows what she wants and how she wants it, but her drive has brought American Vogue and other Conde Nast publications to one of the top spots in the publishing world. The British-born editor is also a trustee of the New York Metropolitan Museum, and her involvement has turned the museum’s annual gala into one of the highest profiles of the year.

Coco Chanel

To think Coco Chanel started a fashion empire back in the 1920s is simply invigorating. At the time, women did not much place outside of the house, yet this woman revolutionized the world. Coco was credited in the post-World War I era with liberating women from the constraints of the “corseted silhouette” and popularizing a sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style. She introduced casual knits and her famous little black dress, silhouettes that were shockingly simple compared to what was coming out of the couturiers in Paris. Her legacy lives on, and nearly 100 years later, Chanel is still the epitome of fashion. Her label has transcended the test of time, making it one of the oldest fashion houses in the current market.

Whatever niche you might be in or whatever it is that inspires you to do what you do, one thing that I can guarantee is there is a woman behind that inspiration. After all, each one of us are warriors who are constantly inspiring those around us to be stronger, braver, brighter and better everyday. Happy International Women’s Day!