Over the last two months we have been spotlighting some pretty amazing women as part of our #smartisbeautiful campaign. These women have inspired us and made us rethink what it means to be beautiful. It has been our honor to share their stories with you. Here are the top 7 lessons we learned.
1. There was a French Theorist Named:
Carol enlightened us to Her theories. "whoever holds the power creates the conversation." Ladies we need to take back the conversation about what it means to be beautiful.
2. Beauty is the unique quality in you.
Not a lot of explanation needed here. We all have things that are unique to us or talents that we are good at. These are the things that make us US and make us beautiful.
3. Education is a community affair
4. The world is full of adventure & lessons to be learned
What's that old saying? Life is not about the destination but about the journey, or something along those lines. As we go through life we will all face trials and hardships along with some pretty awesome stuff. It's how we face those trials and what we learn in those times that produces our unique beauty.
5. What the word ephemeral means.
Amanda taught us a new word in her interview, ephemeral. It is a adjective meaning lasting for a very short time. #smartwomen
6. One person can change her family's history.
Sheyvette is the first person in her family to graduate high school and than go on to receive her college degree!
7. Compassion is beauty in action.
Everyone of these women described beauty in terms of compassion. None of them talk about physical traits. What would happen if we stopped talking about beauty in terms of the physical and talked about personality traits, actions, ideas, accomplishments?!
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Sakshi, is quite and makes the most out of her words. She doesn't like to make a fuss about herself, even though she is breaking female stereotypes by being in a male dominated field. She is an intellectual type with a colorful story to tell.
What is beauty to you?
Beauty is the quality of being accepting, non-judgmental and compassionate. Caring for and loving people, irrespective of where they come from, what they do and who they are, makes a person beautiful.
What is education important?
Education brings awareness and empowerment. It helps us be independent. It helps us know the world we live in and gives us a different perspective to look at life. Education is not just lessons in textbooks; it is about lessons of life. It builds character.
What would you say to a girl in Guatemala going to school for the first time?
I would tell her that the world is one step closer to becoming a better place because she chose this path. I would encourage her to make the best use of this opportunity to help herself and eventually help society.
Tell us your education story or what beauty means to you. #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Carol is someone you will never forget meeting. She is lively, spirited, and believes that every person has infinite potential. She grew up in the Topeka, KS area and moved away to pursue her passion in art. She has since moved back to Topeka and is using art and color to change the negative atmosphere surrounding Topeka. Her latest project was working with at-risk youth in a low income school district and using art and color to reshape their thinking about themselves and their community.
Carol, Why did you want to be a part of this campaign?
By participating in this photoshoot, we have an opportunity to come together and rewrite the narrative of what we believe beauty to be. Michel Foucault, the French social theorist, wrote that whoever creates the discourse holds the power. Being part of this photoshoot is a way to take back our power as women. In western culture, skin deep beauty is inherently connected to our social value. In my opinion, strong, smart women need to take the lead in educating others that our value and our beauty is not and should not be determined by what sells products.
How do you define beauty?
Compassion, a generosity of spirit, an ability to see and value others, just as they are, and a radical willingness to accept ourselves as beautiful, just as we are. . . I'm still working on that.
Why is education important to you?
Education opens our eyes to the possibility of becoming most fully who we are at our core. Education is an innovation to dream bigger and dreaming is the first step in creating a wild and wonderful life.
We would love to hear your education story or how you define beauty! #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
What promoted you to be a part of this photoshoot?
I wanted to show my daughters that smart is beautiful and that there is not just one beauty ideal.
What do you think defines beauty?
What is perceived as physical beauty is ephemeral and varies by culture or region. I think real beauty is defined by kindness. A smile or an act of generosity is beautiful everywhere.
Why is education important to you?
Education is empowering. It will take you placed you've never been just by opening a book. An education will create opportunities never dreamed of.
What would you say to a young girl going to school for the first time?
Be curious and courageous. Do not be afraid to accept challenges or to make mistakes.
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Norma is one of those women that you wish you could spend more time with. Her voice is soft, calm, and spills over with inspiration. Her life experiences have been vast and are nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Kenya and later moving to India in her adolescent years for her high school and college schooling. After her time in India she moved to the United States to pursue her PHD in business and now is a professor of business at Washburn University. She is passionate about education and entrepreneurship.
Norma, Why did you want to be apart of the #smartisbeautiful campaign?
I wanted to be part of this photoshoot to add my voice to the conversation. I believe in empowering and creating opportunities for others. If a business is able to provide premium quality products and services that exceed the customer's exception and simultaneously create opportunity for disfranchised individuals, that is a double win and a beautiful story that I would love to tell to everyone I know.
What defines beauty?
True beauty is reflected in the conversations you have with yourself. Who you think you are, how you see the world and how you define your role in this wonderful voyage that we call life.
Why is education important to you?
Education opens doors for you and those around you. It opens doors to centuries past. . . it gives an understanding of who we are by enlightening us of our roots. Education allows you to travel the world without ever leaving your desk. True education allows us to overcome superstitions, bigotry, and simple mindset.
What would you tell a young girl or woman getting to go to school for the first time?
A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. State your destination to yourself before you head out to school every single day, do not worry about the detours you will get there.
We would love to hear your education story or how you define beauty. #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Brittany is the kind of woman that you can easily be best friends with, she is open, caring and understanding {and I (Zoe) have only known her for a few months!}. She has a heart for helping others and has a knack for marketing and all things social media.
Brittany, why did you want to take part in this photoshoot?
I love this T-shirt and the idea behind it! As women still struggle with equal treatment in the workplace, I want to promote the idea that smart is beautiful. I also want to support the beautiful work that 4 All Humanity is doing.
What is beauty to you?
Compassion and understanding are beautiful in action. We can bring out the beautiful in one another by listening, and also being a mirror for one another. Beauty is defined by our action.
Why is education important?
When I bought my first house, I checked out a 12-disk audiobook on how to do it right. A process that was intimidating suddenly became attainable, through education. When I confront fear or insecurity, I find that education can help me get back on track making progress - no matter the topic.
What would you say to a young girl getting to go to school?
I would say - make it fun! Treat education like a journey or adventure, because you truly don't know the destination and that is the fun part of becoming the person you're meant to be.
We would love to hear how you define beauty or a story about how education has changed your life! #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Robyn, is 100% Robyn. She is full of life and will tell you what she thinks. Passionate about mother hood and giving mothers a voice, she is a mom to three little ones and queen of the crocheted animal hats. Ashley too is full of life, and loves helping others. These two sisters have huge hearts and know how to make anything fun!
What made you (Robyn) want to be a part of this campaign?
Not too long ago, a family member offhandedly said "I wouldn't understand because I'm just a mom" in a context to mean that somehow because I choose to be a stay at home mom I am less intelligent than others. I want the world to recognize that women who choose full time motherhood are just as smart and capable as their working counterparts. I don't mind being the face of smart, beautiful women who are "just moms."
What is beauty to you?
Beauty is the manifestation of the good inside oneself.
What would you say to a girl in Guatemala going to school for the first time?
Soak in everything around you. Reach as high as you can and never stop learning or growing. God made you exactly the way you are and He thinks you are amazing!
How about you, Ashley, what would you say to a girl going to school for the first time?
I would say, keep your eyes and ears open. Soak up as much as you can.
Tell us what beauty is to you or your eduction journey! #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Hannah is a fun-loving lady with a huge heart! As a hairstylist she is half therapist and half beauty guru. You can always find her with a smile on her face and a willing ear to listen. She is a mama of three (almost four), and I'm pretty sure she is constantly training for a 5k, half-marathon, or some kind of race.
What made you (Hannah) want to be a part of this campaign?
I think this is a great opportunity to spread awareness for helping those around us to achieve their academic goals. There are so many great opportunities that we take for granted because we lack the confidence or endurance to persevere. You will never regret taking the extra step to reach your goals and I'm so grateful to be a part of a campaign that emphasizes education!
What defines beauty?
I have been lucky enough to participate in the many stages of life with my clients. Where they are getting ready for prom, applying for their first job, preparing for their wedding day, battling breast cancer and losing their hair, letting their natural gray grow out and embracing it, and even styling their hair for their final resting place. Through all those phases, I see beauty portrayed in the confidence and joy in their eyes, by those taking life as it comes and seeing that no matter what comes their way they will allow it to make them stronger individuals. I belive that beauty grows in all of us by taking the happy and sad moments of our lives and letting it shape us into shinning examples that others can't help but notice.
Why is education important?
Education is so vital today because it is an empowering avenue for success, allowing us to help others with the different talents and knowledge that we have received.
What would you say to a girl going to school for the first time?
Stick with it, no matter what! Find something you are passionate about studying and pursue it with all you have. Seeing firsthand the challenges that girls face in Haiti when it comes to education, and life for that matter, I know how easy it would be to give up. I just wish they knew how much better life could be with the will power to stick it out and become educated individuals in their communities.
We would love to know how you define beauty #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
This past spring we invited some pretty awesome and inspiring women into our studio to talk about #smartisbeautiful. Over the next couple of weeks we will be sharing with you their personal stories, how they define beauty, why education is important and what made them want to get involved with 4 All Humanity.
Sheyvette is a bigger than life kind of gal. She is bold and 100% Sheyvette. After getting to know her for a short time you learn that she has over-come her fair share of obstacles. She is always on the go, going from one community event to the next trying to help as many women as she can through Women Empowerment, Inc.
Sheyvette, why did you want to be a part of this campaign?
Smart is beautiful is a grand motivational and empowering slogan for women and especially our youth. Often youth believe that their body is the only form of beauty. They miss that their brains are stimulating attributes and serve as intellectual power.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is defined by the beholder. I can only answer this question for myself, as every single woman and girl has a different perception of beauty. Beauty is defined by who we believe we are and what we're able to vision for ourselves and our life. For me . . . beauty is the holistic package of a woman. How we speak and convey a message. How we display our emotions in the atmosphere. How we use our minds as a platform for cause and justice. How we use our physical appearance to support and encourage other woman and girls. How we share our spiritual wellness with others.
Why is education important to you?
I am the only person in my family to graduate from high school, let alone venture into secondary education. Education is the key to our destiny and it is something that can never be taken from us. Education is important to me because it's the only way that can save ourselves from destructive environments and stranded traditions.
Tell us how you define beauty or your education story! #smartisbeautiful {Empowered women, empower others}
Change didn't come easy. We have learned so much over the past two and a half years. The greatest lesson being, "be yourself." Being yourself can be, and normally is, hard. It is often accompanied with resistance and fears about what others may think, say or do.
We had to dig deep and be true to ourselves as a company. We are a fair trade apparel line, with the mission of using design to transform lives. After the two and half years we started asking ourselves how much change, and how many lives have we really transformed? And to what degree? These where not easy questions to ask and the answers where not easy.
In order for us to do as much good as we can, we as a business have to be sustainable. We have seen many other fair trade companies and marketplaces come and go, and ultimately it is the artisans who get hurt and are out of a job. This is something that we do not take lightly.
So for us to do as much good as we can and to impact change on a larger scale we needed to work with artisans who did not have an outlet for their work, and go back to our roots as an apparel company and focus on apparel. This is why we have decided to work with the artisans in El Tablon, and Panajachel. Their quality of work in impeccable, but their quality of life is bleak. We believe that we can impact the lives of these artisans to a great degree.
What does this mean for the artisans that we have been working with? They will stay working and stay protected. They work with some other amazing fair trade companies. If you would like to keep on supporting these artisans you can shop at: Mata Traders, Raven and Lily, Global Girlfriend, and Emilime.
To halt working with our artisans in India, Peru, Ethiopia and Uganda was something that we did not take lightly. It was a heavy decision that we made after months and months of consideration. We only feel comfortable doing so knowing that they have support and partnerships with other fair trade companies.
What does this change mean for 4 All Humanity? It means that we are focusing on supporting and economically empowering artisans in Guatemala. We have gone back to our roots by focusing on apparel and are committed to designing and creating unique pieces with classic silhouettes paired with vibrant fabrics and fair trade principles for a lasting impact.
What does this change mean for you? You will find more clothing and jewelry that fits your lifestyle and shows off your unique beauty. You can also rest assured knowing that we are still taking care of our artisans and knowing that when you use your financial influence at 4 All Humanity, you are making a lasting impact in the lives of the artisans and changing the world for the better.
If you have any questions or comments about the changes, we would love to hear them! Please feel free to comment below or send us an email at zoe@4allhumanity.com
We are so excited to unveil our Fall 2015 collection. We think that you will love it as much as we do! It celebrates the culture and textiles of Guatemala and empowers women to be uniquely beautiful.
-Z