Testimony

NASHVILLE WOMEN CREATIVES DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Women carry powerful energy at all times. How we choose to exemplify it is up to us.   This group of women is showing what courage and leadership look like through their efforts to collaborate with each other.  That in and of itself is a choice.  Most of us have known each other for years.  Some of us met the day of this photoshoot.  Others of us had simply crossed paths at various community events.   No matter how we’d met, the premise is that we’re women and we share many of the same trials and triumphs.  As we gathered into an all-white background East Nashville studio in our vibrant colors, a tone of comradery was immediately set.  It was like Easter eggs in a beautifully colored basket waiting to be opened and enjoyed by the masses!  Each of these women has so much depth in creating in their respective crafts, but not forgetting to reach across the aisle to the next woman in this sisterhood.  We shared boasting laughs and began connections with each other that are sure to carry further into conversations and thought pieces.

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This group of women is mighty in various fields including the floral industry, the creative industry, blogging industry, clean beauty industry, baking industry, modeling industry, makeup industry and more.  Imagine the shared knowledge and resources amongst such a talented group of women.  We have to have an open dialogue in safe settings to inform each other of bias, truths, and barriers that we’re facing so that we can push past them.

In all honestly, I get beyond excited about the opportunities that can be elicited with a diverse group of women come together and share.  We Nashville girls are setting a new precedent of collaboration and inclusion because we understand our power to help each other.  This is just the start.  It’s understood that there is work to be done, and we’re standing in our own right’s to be torchbearers in our industries, our communities and thereof, show unity.  I asked each lady to share a women’s initiative that they are most passionate about and how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  Take your pick of this special Easter Egg Basket.  Reach out and ask more questions.  Foster the conversations that need to be had.  That’s what this blog post is about.  Get out of your shell because they’ve gotten out of theirs to make a difference.

Nathalie Cram: Blogger, Owner of Petals and Pop

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

The women’s initiative that I am most passionate about and excited about is entrepreneurship. I’m grateful to live in a time where women can grow businesses of their own, of so many different types, from literally anywhere in the world. As a small business owner and online marketer myself, I’m passionate about achieving my own personal growth just as much as seeing it happen for those around me.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

This country has never been more diverse and accepting of people from all backgrounds as it is today. While there is still work to do, I’m grateful for the support and inclusion I feel as a woman when I step out the door each day.

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Chloe Wen: Blogger, Youtuber, Content Creator

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

I grew up in a family who always pushed me to pursue what I’m passionate about, and watched my aunt run a very successful business from a young age. I was always so interested in entrepreneurship and the idea of making something on my own. I never thought I’d be running my own business at 24, but I can’t imagine my life any other way. One of my favorite things is helping other women step into entrepreneurship and business and encouraging them to push further than they think they are capable of. I’ve felt so much freedom of owning my own business and I know others deserve to feel that freedom too.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

Everyone has something really valuable to bring to the table. They have unique stories to tell and culture to share. By embracing diversity and inclusion we are opening our circles to others who have a lot to contribute. It’s the only way to move forward as women.

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Olivia Dixon: Blogger, Content Creator

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

The women’s initiative that I am most passionate about is women in art, specifically music. As a woman who holds a degree is music, I am excited to experience a new wave of inclusivity of women musicians in Music City!

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

Where diversity is welcomed, opportunities multiply for all people. Being inclusive of all groups naturally benefits humanity as a whole.

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Hunter Premo: Blogger, Content Creator

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

Growing up with a mom who is a successful entrepreneur and business owner shaped me in more ways than I ever imagined. I’m passionate about young girls seeing successful women in all fields and will always be an advocate for women who want to pursue their dreams. Every woman’s story and dreams are important and could help pave the way for someone down the line.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

I’m so thankful I grew up in a family that always taught me to love people for who they are and not how they look. Growing up my two best friends were African American and Kurdish and they truly helped shape me into a more understanding and well-rounded person. Diversity is what makes our world interesting. I hope to always continue to learn from and be inspired by women who are different from me.

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Linda Hope:  Blogger, Entrepreneur, Managing Director – Beauty Counter

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate and inspired by the #CleanBeauty movement started by Gregg Renfrew, CEO + Founder of Beautycounter. It is a movement that’s exposing the ugly truth behind the beauty industry while empowering people to engage in social and capital activism in demanding healthier personal care products. I fell in love with the beauty industry at a very young age, and it gives me great pride to know that as a Beautycounter Consultant I am now using my voice to change this industry for the better.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.

Diversity is vital for the progression of all humankind. It nurtures creativity and cultivates expansion, while inclusion provides the space for individuals to feel seen and valued. Representation matters. There’s something about seeing ourselves that gives us hope and determination. It is important not only for our continual development but overall studies show that companies that embrace diversity and inclusion are more likely to perform better as well.

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Camill Morgan: Owner of Cake My Day

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?  

I would say one women’s initiative that I am passionate about is entrepreneurship. For so long women were not accepted in the workplace, and still to this day we fight for equal pay and fair promotions. When I started baking, it was just for fun. After realizing that I can make money from a hobby that I’m passionate about it turned into a business. By doing so I was able to create a space were the odds in the workplace were no longer against me. Not only did I create a business, but I also created a resource that has connected me with likeminded women, something that has empowered me, and something I can call my own!

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.   

Diversity and inclusion provide the opportunity for women to realize the professional and personal achievements that we deserve.  Diversity and inclusion provide more than just equality. It provides insight into human equity that is women. It forces people and organizations to expose themselves to better understand how women contribute

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Kya and Kia Brown: Bloggers, Content Creators

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

The Women’s initiative we’re most passionate about is entrepreneurship! We love seeing, supporting and encouraging women in all of their business endeavors! It’s time for women to have thriving businesses and to be top influencers in the business world!

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

Diversity and inclusion have greatly impacted women of all ages, races and economic classes. It has opened doors for more women to take the leap and thrive as entrepreneurs and this is just the beginning! We’re so excited to be a part of it!

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Cookie Kendall Koch: Makeup Artist, Model, Content Creator

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about the advancements and innovations surrounding women’s entrepreneurship. I love to see strong women following their dreams & ideas until they are a reality. When they climb to the top of their business venture they are not only proving that women are strong enough but also paving the way and inspiring other women to believe that they can do it too.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

Embracing diversity and inclusion is extremely important as women. When we connect with women who don’t look or act like we do it can unlock so much more potential. We are strong as individuals but nothing can beat our strength when we team up and support one another despite what we look like. When one woman wins, we all win!

 

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Jasmine Sweet: Blogger, Content Creator, Marketing Manager

What women’s initiative are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about women entrepreneurs and women in technology.  Through my social media masterclass, I’ve been able to empower women through the usage of technology.  There is so much reach, collaboration and monetary gain by utilizing online tools.  I think it’s important and definitely my calling to teach people how to grow their brands online in order to empower their families and communities.  It is necessary that we show up at this forefront as it continues to manifest.  I tell women all the time, “We all have an audience.”  The size doesn’t matter.  Learn how to serve 1, 2 or 1,000.

Describe how diversity and inclusion impact women worldwide.  

When I have in-depth conversations about my heritage and how it correlates to my current state of being with my other ethnic friends, I feel a sense of relief.  I know there is power in learning about our counterpart’s experiences.  I’ve felt it when I’ve been able to have successful conversations amongst diverse groups of people and feel heard and understood.  This sentiment is something that I want many people to experience.  We don’t have to live in opposition in every capacity if we’re brave enough to get real with each other.  As women, I know we can lead the way for everybody else.  It’s an innate behavior.

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Photography By: Jennifer Cody Photo

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