Renowned interior designer Charlotte Moss has an office that is truly inspiring. She has artfully devoted an entire wall to pictures of women that have inspired her. When I first saw this wall in a magazine, I fell in love. And I decided to start my own gallery.
We are all inspired by different people, men and women. But AS a woman, I’m particularly inspired by other women who have had an impact in changing their world…and in the process, changing the lives of others.
I share with you some of the women whom I have admired most of my life. These are not in order, nor are they the ONLY women I admire, but all have definitely played their part in shaping my ideas…
Coco Chanel was an influential French fashion designer and founder of the famous brand Chanel. Her biography is certainly colorful and controversial, but there’s no denying that she led an amazing life whose work is still impacting the world today.
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Catherine The Great was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia. Under her reign, Russia was revitalized, growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognized as one of the great powers of Europe…and the woman wasn’t even BORN there!!
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Eva Peron…As far as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the story of Eva Peron. Partly because of the rags to riches element, but mostly because I so admire her determination to seize life.
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Queen Victoria…became queen at the age of 18… ruled for 64 years in what is considered Britain’s great age of industrial expansion and economic progress….had 9 children in the process…enjoyed a loving and lasting relationship with her husband…and was SO influential that an entire era is referred to her!! Need I say more?!!
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Gloria Estefan. I love Gloria. Like me, she was born in Cuba and migrated here with her parents. We both share being raised in a Cuban household. I LOVE her music… and I love her dedication to family. The American Music Awards presented Gloria with the Lifetime Achievement Award. They told her that children were not allowed to the ceremony. She objected and brought them anyway, even bringing them up on the stage to accept her award. She said that she and Emilio both felt that their greatest achievement was their children…that’s why they had brought them. You gotta love that!
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Mary Kay Ash…did you know that she didn’t start her cosmetic empire until she was 45 years of age?!! That in itself is inspiring, but in the process she also created countless opportunities for women around the world. I’m inspired by her commitment to her values and her unwavering belief in the power and potential of women.
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Audrey Hepburn…the epitome of style and class, and one of the world’s most famous actresses of all times. She remains one of few entertainers to have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards, yet always remaining modest about her acting abilities. She was hugely influential in the fashion industry redefining glamor itself, yet devoted her later years to UNICEF, working in some of the most profoundly disadvantaged communities of Africa, South America and Asia. I am inspired by her beauty, inside and out, and her kindness.
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My Mom…the most inspiring woman of ALL. A woman who came to this country with nothing and worked hard to create a safe, nurturing and loving home for her family…the kindest woman I’ve ever known.
I am inspired by her in ways too countless to tell!
Who inspires YOU?
