Meet The Women Who Inspire Us Every Day

International Women’s Day is a holiday that’s near and dear to us here at Madison Reed. Empowering women to feel their best is why we do what we do—every day of the year. To officially kick off this International Women’s Day (March 8th), we asked our coworkers about the women who’ve inspired them the most, who they look up to, and who, yes, make them feel like the very best versions of themselves. Here’s what they told us about the most inspiring women in their lives...

I'm inspired by the most amazing woman in the world, my aunt. She’s wise, benevolent and magnetic. My aunt sacrificed her adolescence and adult years to raise her six younger brothers and sisters. She confidently takes control of any room she enters. My aunt held her head high through all of life’s battles and continues to spread her love and wisdom to other women. 

-Nichelle, Colorist, Pembroke Pines Madison Reed Hair Color Bar, on her aunt, Kay

Candice doesn't aim to inspire, nor is she one to feel worthy of accolades such as these, but I feel like I won the best friend lottery. It's not often you find someone as selfless as Candice. She has lifted me up in times of need even through suffering incredible loss and challenges in her own life. I wish I had a fraction of the strength she does. She is proof that you don't have to be related to be family.

-Dana, Color Crew Operations Manager, on her best friend, Candice

My mom has been the backbone of my family and raised 3 successful daughters in the US Virgin Islands. She taught us that no dream or goal is big enough.We were raised with love, kindness and strength of a true woman. I strive to be as amazing as she is and live life knowing I received the greatest love I could ever ask for! 

-Shequilla, Shift Lead, Bethesda Madison Reed Hair Color Bar, on her mom

My best friend, Brooke is my inspiration. We met our freshman year of college. Through all of life's ups and downs, Brooke has always been positive, fearlesss, determined and has always persevered no matter what life throws at her. She's my therapist, my confidant and my biggest cheerleader. To see her now as a mother of two little girls brings me so much joy. There's no limit to what this amazing woman can do. She's the ultimate BADASS.

-Katie, Executive Assistant, on her best friend, Brooke

Jennifer and I met over ten years ago, and since then she’s inspired me to do better, be better, and continue to be open to possibilities. She’s my rock, my partner in crime, my cheerleader, my advocate, and often my teacher. I’m in awe of her eagerness to learn, her passion for true and honest connection, and by the way she’s always her most authentic self. I don’t have any siblings, but I consider her my sister.

—Lindsay, Director, Product Strategy & Merchandising, on her best friend Jennifer

One of the women I most admire is my 13 year old daughter, Zoey. I watch wide-eyed with pride as she navigates the perils of middle school with tenacious kindness and a strong sense of self. She is one of the only girls in her school that skateboards, but that doesn't stop her from dropping in at the ramp. She is a surfer, an artist, and funny as hell. I aspire to be more like Zoey. #proudmama

—Susannah, Editorial Director, on her daughter Zoey

The boys on the quad had Hunter Thompson and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but we had Slouching Towards Bethlehem and Joan Didion. She was Instagram chic decades before anyone imagined Instagram. For young women of a certain age who encountered her, she defined what it was to be cool and to turn a writerly appraising eye on everything.

—Mary, VP, Communications & Content, on writer Joan Didion 

For International Women's Day, it's only fitting that I highlight my mother. Not only is she a wonderful mother, but she's also an incredible businesswoman, selfless human being and the ultimate cheerleader! She has mentored many individuals, myself included, by reminding us of the importance of applying dedication, humility, and kindness to all you do. I am continually inspired by who she is and who she's becoming.

—Danielle, Graphic Designer, on her mom Donna 
 
My life inspiration was my mother. She arrived in NYC as a 24-year-old newlywed immigrant who didn't speak a word of English. Forty years later, she was an accomplished professional, but her biggest accomplishment was the legacy of people she helped (including me). Her biggest joy was seeing other people succeed.

—Heidi, Chief Marketing Officer, on her mom Vilma

Feeling inspired? Tell us about the women you look up to and love, in the comments. We’re all ears. And from everyone at Madison Reed, happy (almost) International Women’s Day.