Dolls everywhere need to celebrate one another today and everyday. In honor of International Women’s Day, the Dolls have decided to try something new and interview each other. Keep reading for the answers to some personal questions and learn what has inspired Caitlin and Danielle most.
Caitlin and Danielle are wearing pieces from the new adidas collection. We love that the VP of design at adidas is another powerful Doll, Josefine Aberg.
A special thank you to our glam squad at Paul Rehder Salon for Dolling us UP. Thank you to the supremely talented Ben Ramos – who knows how to capture the strength + beauty of women – for taking these photos.
Shop Our Looks:
- Spaghetti Strap Dress (click here)
- Firebird Track Jacket (click here)
- Two Toned Ankle Boots (click here)
Q. Who are the top inspirational women in your lives and why?
Caitlin:
From the time I was a little girl, I can remember being surrounding by women who were intelligent, hardworking and vivacious. Both my grandmothers were incredibly stylish and social. My mother was a trailblazer in the workforce for women – she was a part of the Mad Men era of advertising. In my twenties, I became especially close to my godmother, Margaret Harris, who introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship.
It’s these women who have shaped me into the person I am today – and I won’t stop being inspired.
I find myself inspired by the women around me every day, whether it’s the Doll by my side or another female business owner we are working with through Dollhouse Social.
Dani:
I’ve compartmentalized the women that inspire me in life based on examples to follow and not follow, I’ve done my best to highlight the hardships and the easyships (is that a thing lol), so that nothing is in vain and I learn from all situations good and bad. In my adult life my Grandmothers, who are still alive and well into their 90’s have guided me to understand moderation and everything has it’s time and place.
Q. What does being a women represent to you?
Caitlin: To be 100% honest, I truly believe that being a woman means that you can do and be anything that you want. Granted, we still have some things to work on… cough cough gender gap. Awareness is growing and women are speaking up. Have you seen the new viral video of Cynthia Nixon unpacking the nuances of being a lady? I see a bright future that celebrates women – and I intend to embrace it.
Dani: For some reason when I think of the answer to this question, I’ve got a loop of Meredith Brooks, “Bitch” playing in my head… I’m a bitch, I’m a lover, I’m a child, I’m a mother, I’m a sinner, I’m a saint… I do not feel ashamed. So, in a nutshell and not taking up over a page of your time – Being a woman means feeling comfortable in my own skin while going through all the motions and emotions – The good, the bad, the pretty and the ugly. It’s about feeling strong, sexy, girly, vulnerable, weak, sad, happy and owning every moment of it and probably doing most of it Dolled up!
Q. Can you recall a time when you were treated “differently” for being a women in business and how did you handle it?
Caitlin: I swear I didn’t read ahead. Yes! I think gender gap is an issue. It was for me working in the agency world and I still see it today. I’m thankful for all the women who stand up for our worth.
Dani: OooOOOoOOO Yes, Caitlin hits the nail on the head here with the gender issues. Gender inequality hits home for me. We love working with men, some of our favorite clients are men but some of our least favorite clients are also been men. Let’s just say, you can get extremely Dolled up and still be intelligent AF and worth every damn dollar that you charge for your business services.
Q. What piece of advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Caitlin: To be honest, I really believe in fate and am happy that I am where I am today. I wouldn’t tell myself anything that would deter me from this path. The one thing that I still remind myself today is – if it’s worth it, the path getting there is going to be difficult. I had to learn this lesson.
Dani: I’ve always had a pretty solid moral compass, even in the face of some unfavorable life situations as a kid. I’ve never lost hope for finding excitement in each moment. Especially the ones you don’t have control over. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become today and the life I’ve worked so hard to create. I’ve always known what I “want to be” and “what I want to do” but the journey has been a little different then I could’ve anticipated, but then again I’m a little different so it’s not surprising. So I’d probably tell that to my younger self. Something like this, you’re going to get to the places you plan on going but the route is going to be a little different.
Q. What guidance would you give Dolls who are thinking about starting their own business?
Caitlin: Believe in yourself. Push forward when you think about quitting. Know your worth and then add a service fee + tax!
Dani: Incorporate your company, make it official! Find yourself a business partner you trust with 1/2 of your life, what’s the point of doing it alone?! Learn how to keep track of your finances monthly. Learn everything you can about taxes. Even when you are looking for the next big accomplishment to celebrate – Always give attention and gratitude to the small deals as well.
Women come in all different shapes and sizes. We come from different backgrounds, and we have walked down different paths in life. Together, we have accomplished so much in the past years. For example, more women are employed at this point time than ever before in history, and we’re [deservingly] snagging top roles at companies. We are getting so many tasks accomplished in the work place and in our home place. We are living longer, getting stronger and loving smarter.
Let’s commend ourselves for learning to always adapt to our surroundings with grace, love and the utmost understanding and respect… All while navigating our ever-evolving roles in society.
Thank you to adidas for sponsoring this post. As always, all doll-pinions are our own.