Category: women

Woman Wednesday: Sara A.

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Q and A with Sara A. from Dallas, Texas

“You can’t expect people to support you when you aren’t advocating for yourself.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I am passionate about problem-solving and seeking solutions. The fascinating thing is that this can come in various forms, so it’s important to stay well-rounded.

I recently discovered my passion.

For a very long time, I thought that my passion was digital marketing.

After working at my last corporate job at a marketing agency, I learned that my passion wasn’t digital marketing.

Instead, my passion was to leverage digital marketing and UX design to create solutions. 

I quit my job in December 2021. I am currently working on growing my online marketing agency called Ekko Media Inc. and I’m also about to launch my very own app called Bite Reel!

Ekko Media Inc. is a digital marketing agency.

My team is primarily made up of strong independent women.

We provide digital marketing solutions such as paid social ads, content creation, e-commerce strategy, and design.

Bite Reel is my second startup.

Bite Reel is a social media app for all things food and recipes.

You can save, share, and organize recipes all in one place.

If there is a recipe you’ve come across online, there isn’t a way to save those links or videos, but on Bite Reel, you can save all of it and be able to share it with friends, family, and followers.

UX Design stands for user experience design.

These designers are responsible for researching and creating the best and most seamless experience for people so they don’t have to think about the action they’re taking.

To better explain, software developed is responsible for the code and the structure of an app, similar to how the bones are for the human anatomy.

UX Designers are responsible for making sure that everything is working properly, efficiently, and effectively, just like the muscles and the organs of the human anatomy.

UI Designers or user interface designers are responsible for the overall aesthetic and design of the app, similar to how the eyes, skin, hair play a role in the human anatomy.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I am the eldest of five kids and a first-generation American from a conservative Muslim family. As a child, I remember always struggling with my academics.

I needed to study for a week to get an A in my classes, whereas my siblings would study the day before and ace it.

I knew I wasn’t the most intelligent from the group, but I was the most hardworking. I believed that once I put my mind to something, I will see it through. 

Because I struggled in my academics, I would put more pressure on myself and therefore more stress. Stress is a common theme throughout my life and it’s still something that I’m working on today.

From the outside, people saw that I am a hardworking and intelligent individual chasing my dreams.

The reality was that I was a struggling student trying to break stereotypes within my community and hoping to have a better future for my siblings.

My father always emphasized education and working towards an honest living.

However, everything needed to be accomplished quickly.

It was a race.

I completed my high school diploma and my associate’s degree at the age of 18, finished my bachelor’s at the age of 20, and finished my master’s at the age of 21.

I started my first company at the age of 22 while working a full-time job. Today, I am 26 years old and I’ve created my second company.

Being the third parent, the driving force to combat cultural and societal stereotypes, and dealing with my own personal demons, are all part of who I am.

All these events in my life have shaped who I am today. I am grateful for my experiences because now I can do better and take care of myself better.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is that it’s absolutely crucial that you be your biggest advocate.

There will be a time when you won’t have anyone’s support and people who are closest to you are making suggestions about your future that doesn’t make you feel excited.

You need to be able to hold your ground and make the final decision. Just because people around you aren’t seeing your vision, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Everything happens in its own time, you need to do what is best for you.

You can’t expect people to support you when you aren’t advocating for yourself.

Be confident and have faith in yourself.

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: To me, feminism means that men and women have equal opportunities in all facets of life. This includes roles at work, responsibilities at home, and opportunities for the future.

Everyone will make decisions according to what’s best for their lifestyle, but women should have the option of choice similar to their male counterparts.

MORE FROM SARA: Ethnically, my family is from Pakistan and India. My siblings and I are born and raised in Dallas, Texas.

We have been in Dallas for most of our lives, but also spent a fair amount traveling.

My goal is to be able to travel to learn about different cultures and cuisines.

I want to learn different languages and expand my perspective, so one day when I’m ready to open my own orphanage and school, I will be ready.

Connect with me:

Links:

Ekko Media Inc

Website: https://www.ekkomediainc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekkomediainc/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1454222978264476

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekkomediainc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEvID-XslvaDjRQRKST6XFg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/12951550/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ekkomediainc

Bite Reel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitereel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitereel/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72748060/admin/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bite_reel/

Thank you for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Jaycel

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Q and A with Jaycel from Papua New Guinea, living in England, UK

“I remember one of my uncles discouraged me to take up law as he believed it was a male’s profession. I did not let that crush my spirit and dream of becoming a lawyer. I proved him wrong.”


Q: What are you passionate about? 

A: I love helping people in whatever ways I possibly can and reading and watching inspirational or motivational quotes or videos, gardening, cooking and baking.

Family time is important to me. I love spending time with my husband and my three-year-old son, my family, my extended families.

I like discovering new adventures and traveling! I am an outdoorsy person, so I just love nature because it makes me feel refreshed and helps me think clearly.

I have a career in law, but I was always passionate about venturing into the entrepreneurial world. I guess my profession aligns with my interest of helping people. I wanted something that I could do from the comfort of my own home, which is what I’m currently working on. I mentor and teach people to work online.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was the second born of six children. Since my elder brother was adopted, I was seen as the older one and looked out for my other four siblings.

Our parents were average hard-working people who sacrificed a lot. They did not have so much money, but they had enough to make sure there was food on the table, enough to buy our necessities, and enough to put us all to school. What they really wanted was for us to get a better education and excel in life.

Seeing how much my parents had sacrificed really pushed me to study hard and do well in my primary school days to high school and eventually to university.

I was fortunate to be selected to university amongst the top students around the country and completed my bachelor of law degree (LLB). Coming from a society where women were seen as inferior due to cultural and ethnic beliefs, I really wanted be the voice of the voiceless and prove that women can take up any role in the society.

I remember one of my uncles discouraged me to take up law as he believed it was a male’s profession. I did not let that crush my spirit and dream of becoming a lawyer. I proved him wrong.

My parents, especially my mum, had the greatest impact on my life. She pushed forward in life no matter what obstacle she encountered. She always believed in me even when sometimes I did not believe in myself.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is to never trust anyone but yourself. I’ve watched people go from being someone I loved, trusted, and looked up to…to being people I never speak to or even want to talk to ever again.

I’ve experienced so much deceit, lies, manipulation, and disgusting behavior from people I thought I knew and cared about; it broke my heart.

I had experienced the worst relationship in the past to being conned and deceived by my own friends whom I trusted. That’s why I’ve learned not to ever trust anyone but myself. I’ve faced so many challenges in life.

I’ve learned that life can be messy and painful sometimes, but always learn to be focus on what you can learn from these moments and become stronger and smarter. That’s the only way to keep forward.

Do not let other people’s negativity or opinions discourage you from what you truly want in life. You can conquer anything! You just have to have that self-confidence to deal with whatever life throws at you. You are responsible for yourself and no one else is. Always be yourself. If you want to be happy, you go to work for it.

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: To me, feminism means standing up for yourself and for the voiceless. It’s about empowering other women about anything really. It’s about women being accepted and recognized in leadership roles and given the same or equal treatment and respect.

MORE FROM JAYCEL: I’ve paused my career for a while to concentrate on my online business. I mentor and teach people especially moms to set up their own online business.

Thank you for reading!

I’d love to connect with you! 🙂 Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Lychee

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Q and A with Lychee from Brussels, Belgium

“…whenever you think a story has ended, there is always a new beginning coming...”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about well-being, in-bodiment, good music, shaking that booty, and eating healthy!

Açaï in particular is amazing!

[Lychee is an alchemist, herbalist, and psychosomatic therapist at AINÚ holistic therapy, as well as a certified yoga instructor.]

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up in a separated household, I mostly looked up to my older brother, who has a beautiful mix of both masculine leadership and feminine radiance. He’s now married with two beautiful children and co-creating therapy with his wife, as they are both psychologists.

As a white female born in Brussels, I don’t think I was always aware of some of the luxury my parents gave me, until later in life.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I think one thing that I’ve learned is that whenever you think a story has ended, there is always a new beginning coming; it’s really just a matter of perspective. Sounds cliché? That’s because it is!

I also hid away a lot as a kid, could easily play, doodle, read, or listen to music and stories for hours on repetition. Not that those qualities are completely gone; but as an adult, I do value the sense of togetherness and sharing time a bit more.

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism means many a thing, but to me, it represents freedom where in other ways softness, vulnerability, and adaptability have been mistaken for weakness and/or prone to only one gender.

As the copy dude in friends would say: we are the same, yet we are not. It’s in those different flavors that we can marinate life and in-joy ourselves.

All those different experiences and make-up is not what defines us, but it does allow for certain processes and patterns affecting our decisions. I think (self) respect has something to do with it too. And love. A LOT of self-love.

Thank you for reading!

Holistic Therapy with Lychee

Connect with Lychee on Facebook here.

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Jennifer S.

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Q and A with Jennifer S. from Conway, South Carolina, USA

“Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I am a seamstress and quilter. I began sewing when I was five or so. I would sew with my mom and gram. I went through high school and took all the home economics (home ec) classes I could and then became a home ec teacher. While I was teaching, I continued sewing for myself and others. I taught for 25 years and then quit my job in education and moved. When I couldn’t find a job that I truly was passionate about, I decided to do my business full time. I have been making quilts and doing alterations for people as a full-time job, along with my Etsy shop, where I have a quilt pattern for sale and I sometimes list quilts for sale.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up with one sibling. My mom was a nurse, and my dad a coal miner. We were a fairly frugal family, and I would make my clothes and prom dresses to get exactly what I wanted rather than buy what everyone else would have at the school. I learned how to do tile and carpet/flooring work from my dad because he also did that as a part-time job. It was helpful when I moved as I started a job in that field and was a top producer for the company but hated what I was doing after while, so I came back to what I love.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I was always taught that hard work and doing your best built good character. I never take on a job that I know I’m not able to do just to make some money. Honesty goes a long way when dealing with clients, and honesty will get you more business because you build relationships and trust.

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism to me is having equality of the sexes. Feminism is a dynamic concept that is constantly adjusting to things in the world. I am able to many things men can do (carpeting a home, installing LVP/laminate, installing tile, changing a tire and oil, etc.). And sewing isn’t women’s work; many men make beautiful quilts and clothing, and people don’t always see that. I feel, if you really want to know how to do something, even if it considered a job not for your gender, you can learn it and be good at it and maybe even better than those who came before you. Work hard to be your best!

MORE ABOUT JENNIFER: I am a mother of three, and a wife of 27 years. I love the flexibility my career has given me to travel and visit my kids. I worked hard to get myself to where I am now, and I want others to know they can do the same.

Thank you for reading!

Let’s connect:

Facebook

Etsy

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Nadine

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Q and A with Nadine from the beautiful island nation of Niue

“There is power in knowing who you are.”


Q: Tell us about yourself. What are you passionate about? 

A: I’m passionate about empowering women and preserving my Niuean culture, both locally and globally. As Director of Miss Niue Australia, I strive to inspire young women and share Niue’s beauty with the world.

We’ve launched the Miss Niue Australia Pageant, which has paved the way for additional initiatives that promote cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. These include “Who Is She,” a platform that highlights the qualities of a strong Niuean ambassador; “Celebrate Her Story,” a series that honors Niuean women of excellence from all generations, sharing their achievements and stories; and the “Niue Walk-About Series,” which showcases our 13 villages in Niue.

These initiatives align with our vision of women empowerment, and I’m excited to continue growing and developing programs that uplift and inspire our community. Through these efforts, I’m also committed to personal growth, continually learning, and adapting to best serve my community and preserve our rich cultural heritage.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up in Hawaii and New Zealand, I was immersed in diverse cultures and experiences that broadened my perspective. My parents, Roger and Fuatino Jackson, founders of Miss Niue NZ, nurtured my love for culture and community engagement.

From a young age, I was involved in stage and pageantry, modeling for Pasifika Arts Fashion and participating in pageants like Miss Dream Girl NZ. I also gained valuable experience as a tutor and choreographer for various pageants, including Miss Pacific Islands NZ and Miss India/Asia NZ. Performing with groups like Echoes of the South Seas and Te Are Kari Oi further enriched my cultural understanding and self-confidence. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: I’ve learned that cultural pride and community engagement are essential for personal growth and empowerment. Through Miss Niue Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how preserving and promoting cultural heritage can positively impact young women and the community.

I’d like to encourage others to explore and celebrate their own cultural roots. I also value one’s voice– speaking your truth and holding yourself accountable to what matters to you, regardless of what others think, is crucial.

If you believe in yourself, nothing can change your mind, if it’s for the greater good. In this world where we self-sabotage and compare, it can be challenging to block out the negativity and stay true to who you are. There is power in knowing who you are. Seeking out what’s already yours, what is meant to be will find you, with the right conviction. Knowing self is knowing God.

On a personal level, being a role model for my children and being their number one fan in all they do and achieve is paramount. They are my greatest achievements, and I’m committed to supporting and inspiring them every step of the way.

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: To me, feminism means empowering women to lead independently, cultivate confidence, and build strong relationships.

As a leader and role model, I aim to promote these values and support young women in their personal and professional growth, helping them unlock their full potential. Through initiatives like Miss Niue Australia, I strive to create opportunities for women to shine, share their stories, and celebrate their achievements.

I believe in the importance of integrity, dignity, and excellence, and I strive to embody these values in my own life and work, inspiring others to do the same. By empowering women, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone.

MORE ABOUT NADINE: Born in the beautiful island nation of Niue, I was raised in the vibrant culture of Hawaii, where I first discovered my love for dance and performance.

At the age of 12, I had the courage to take the stage and perform in front of my first audience on my own–an experience that sparked a lifelong passion. I continued to nurture this passion through the years, and it remains a significant part of my life today.

I’ve also had the joy of sharing this passion with others, teaching dance and performance to those looking to express themselves and build confidence.

Later, I called New Zealand home and started my family, before settling in Australia, where I currently reside. My diverse upbringing has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for cultural preservation and community engagement.

Thank you for reading!

Thoughts, questions, or comments? Comment below!