Happy International Women's Day: Now Go Tell Your Story
A few years ago, I was on a long flight and decided to watch a movie. I chose "Hidden Figures," a film loosely based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly about black female mathematicians who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race. What they did was amazing. I'm not giving it away -- go watch the movie.
By the end of the movie I was quietly sobbing to myself, rejoicing in their accomplishment, and ignoring the guy next to me who had decided to take his shoes off mid-flight. But then I got angry. Really angry.
Why did I have to wait until my 47th year to find out about these amazing women and their contribution to science and the world?! And if I found out about this story (and thousands of other stories about amazing women) earlier in life, what affect would it have had on my teen psyche? Who's to know? But, needless to say, I felt royally ripped off.
My takeaway: We are all in this collective place we call the world together. And within that world are lots and lots of women. Millions of women and their stories that never get told. Hidden figures (get it?).
So on this International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, I've partnered with Style Collective, to tell my blogging story. Style Collective is an online community with influencer education that empowers women to follow their purpose, be inclusive of each other, and achieve success. Style Collective has been a great part of my online and social media education. Plus it's such a fun community of kick-ass, fashionable women, who use their style, experiences and interests to tell their personal stories.
We're not all members of NASA (I can barely figure out most rental cars), but that doesn't mean our stories are insignificant and shouldn't be told. On this day of celebrating women, I encourage you to tell your story. Who knows -- some random 13-year-old girl might hear that story and be inspired to launch a rocket, build a robot, redecorate a room, cook that jambalaya or add that scarf.
Why I started my blog:
I started fashion blogging several years ago as a creative outlet. I love fashion, creating outfits, writing and inspiring others. I believe you are never too old to wear what you love. There is definitely a void in the fashion industry when it comes to featuring fashionable women over 40. But that is slowly changing and the community is growing. I wanted to be a part of that community. Instagram soon followed as another creative outlet and made it easy to visually share what I love and build a community.
I mainly specialize in fashion blogging, influencing and presenting a positive portrayal of women at every age. I take pride in aligning myself with companies and brands that subscribe to my personal vision and value diversity, like Style Collective. I also aim to inspire through the progress of my ballet journey and show that continually learning is the key to a fulfilling life.
What are some big goals I've accomplished:
Along the way I have added a fashion reselling business to my brand and now have more than 400,000 followers to my Cursing Ballerina closet on Poshmark. I love the sustainability aspect to fashion resale. Through my customers, I give my clothes a new home, and anything I don’t sell, I donate. Now, my blogging is a companion to my fashion resale, offering styling tips and fashion inspiration for women of all ages. The name “Cursing Ballerina” comes from my adult ballet journey. I had always wanted to learn ballet as a child, but never had the opportunity. When I turned 40, I decided to go for it. Now I’m en pointe and learning new skills every day. Cursing Ballerina also describes my fashion sense — feminine, but sometimes irreverent, and always fun.
Three fun facts about me:
I have a tattoo (not saying where).
I learned pointe after the age of 40.
I make a mean guacamole.
What International Women's Day means to me:
International Women's Day is just a tool for promoting the accomplishments, achievements and stories of women across the globe. It's important for girls and women to see a variety of women in different stages of life, different countries and different backgrounds sharing their experiences. Hidden figures no more.
For more info on Style Collective click here.
For more about the Cursing Ballerina follow me on:
Twitter: @cursinballerina
