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.