You are strong, bold and unapologetic. Smart, worthy and beautiful in your own way. Your voice is not one to be silenced and your power is a force to be reckoned with.
Never (ever!) doubt who you are and what you’re capable of. Don’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams, not even yourself.
By Marcela Monasterio
Embrace every single part of you, even those parts you struggle to love. Yes, I’m talking about cellulite, stretch marks, double chins, wrinkles and pimples – we all have them. Please see beyond that, there is no one type of (perfect) woman as we’re made to believe.
Comparing yourself to other sisters poisons your soul. We both know how it feels to see yourself in the mirror and not match the images that you see in magazines, movies and even social media. It’s almost soul crushing, isn’t it? Our own body complexities are deepened – what we see makes us feel like we don’t belong, that we need to change to be recognised. This is why representation in the media plays a huge role in our lives: it is not only about accepting and understanding different types of beauty, but also accepting ourselves for who we are.
As a photography studio, we know the importance of inspiring diversity in this industry – whether that is in front or behind the camera. We want all women to see other women that look the way they do. We want you to feel that you belong, your beauty should be acknowledged and appreciated. Pale skin, dark skin; latino, asian, mixed raced; tall, short, skinny, curvy; gay, transgender, straight – we see you!
Regardless of your body shape, skin colour and background, you shouldn’t have to put up with being portrayed in an overly simplistic and almost stereotypical way. That’s how we start changing preconceptions about other fellow sisters; instead of competing against each other, let’s thrive together.
Every sister has had a different path, faced different obstacles and taken different opportunities. Comparing ourselves to someone else’s success (without seeing all the hard work that went on behind the scenes) will only bring us down. Kindness and empathy lead to non-toxic power.
Shout out to all the strong, kind, independent and beautiful women that we are surrounded by. Mothers, sisters, aunties, cousins, friends and colleagues. But most importantly, shout out to YOU.
“A flower does not compete with the flower next to it. It just blooms”.
Co-written by: Samantha Beckwith and Phoebe O’Halloran
