GET TO KNOW THE WOMEN BEHIND EVOLVH | PART 02
We're honoring Women's History Month and International Women's Day by celebrating YOU - the women of EVOLVh, but we also wanted you all to get to know US - the women behind EVOLVh. Here's our second installment of taking you behind the scenes and introducing you to 3 more of the ladies on our team!
WHO ARE SOME OF THE WOMEN YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING?
Mary (Winston) Jackson - NASA's first African American Engineer (you might have seen the movie Hidden Figures). I have a few mathematicians on my list that inspire me, but Mary’s passion for the sciences and tenacity to reach for her dream goals via education, grace and a lot of hard work are inspirational. She dedicated her own life to lifting up women - quite amazing.
My threes sisters and my two daughters have to be on my list. Such a strong, smart, and sassy group of resilient women paving their way to their own individual goals of greatness. They inspire me with their intensity, positive attitudes, their lifelong appreciation of learning and teaching others, and their love and support for all.
WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU READ/WATCHED/LISTENED TO THAT MADE YOU FEEL EMPOWERED?
No doubt, listening to the recent EVOLVh "Self-Love Mixtape" playlist on Spotify - many strong confident women in the mix relaying their own paths to feeling empowered through song. Doesn’t hurt that you can do a power dance while being deep in thought.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR CONNECTING WITH LIKE-MINDED WOMEN AND LIFTING EACH OTHER UP?
New ways of connecting has become the norm - join a reading group with a focus on something that inspires you (I belong to one that reads only biographies), a social media plus this last year is the number of Facebook groups that have popped up with a focus on education, business and other interests - a great way to connect with those that can become your supporters and that you can support in return. Zoom or Google duo calls with family and friends can put a smile on your face and work wonders for your perspective on life during times of challenge and of great joy.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES/BRANDS TO RECHARGE SO THAT YOU CAN SHOW UP AS YOUR BEST SELF?
I’m ready to redefine self care this year - and try some new activities. A guilty pleasure during this last year has been my Peleton (I named it “Nicky” - I have no idea why!). They have recently added meditation and yoga flow classes - I somehow feel more balanced and have a better sense of self now that I’ve been adding these to my routine.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE EVOLVH PRODUCTS AND WHY?
I have a few can’t-live-withouts: the first is the UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque. My personal journey to white hair at my young age (LOL) after coloring since my 20s, and having dry curls - this is my elixir, and whether you have only 10 minutes or more time to use as a mask - silky smooth is the result.
By now, you’ve probably all heard me mention WonderBalm time and time again - it still ranks as the best of all time for styling my curls. It keeps my curls hydrated and smooth with brilliant shine, and gets me out the door to conquer the day.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE WOMEN YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING?
I am especially inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves. I’m inspired by gothic stylist Christine McConnell, British Comedian Sarah Millican, musician Cardi B, poet Maya Angelou, and of course Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU READ/WATCHED/LISTENED TO THAT MADE YOU FEEL EMPOWERED?
I just binged comedian Sarah Millican’s standup - she brings a rude humor to the realities of being a woman, and made me feel a little less alone.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR CONNECTING WITH LIKE-MINDED WOMEN AND LIFTING EACH OTHER UP?
Share humor in the realities of being a woman, and support when realities get rough.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES/BRANDS TO RECHARGE SO THAT YOU CAN SHOW UP AS YOUR BEST SELF?
I love any kind of massage or pampering. The Patchology lip and eye patches are favorites in a pinch.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE EVOLVH PRODUCTS AND WHY?
The SuperFinish Polishing Balm - I keep a travel in my purse and it has saved my hair when I’m running around.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE WOMEN YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING?
My friend, Sophia Wallace, who is a feminist artist and activist, for her brilliance and bravery.
My mom, who acts like a cynic, but is a total optimist deep down, and has taught me to be adaptable, to trust my gut, stay true to myself, and always find the humor in everything.
My "little" cousin, Irene, who is a New York City nurse and has lived through unimaginable circumstances during the pandemic and managed to maintain her grace, gratitude, and positivity.
All the frontline essential workers, and really ALL women - because we are the ultimate multitaskers and caregivers, and are so strong and resilient, especially when we support one another.
WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU READ/WATCHED/LISTENED TO THAT MADE YOU FEEL EMPOWERED?
Untamed by Glennon Doyle, the Dolly Parton documentary "Here I Am," and the RBG doc.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR CONNECTING WITH LIKE-MINDED WOMEN AND LIFTING EACH OTHER UP?
I'm such an IRL person, but social media has definitely helped me connect with some amazing ladies. Joining webinars, Zoom courses, and interesting Clubhouse rooms has been a great form of virtual networking and community building during COVID.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES/BRANDS TO RECHARGE SO THAT YOU CAN SHOW UP AS YOUR BEST SELF?
I could write a whole separate blog about all the products I love, so I'll keep those out hehe.
I've been trying to do Melissa Wood's workouts and/or meditations every day (ish) and it has made such a huge difference in how I show up for myself, my work, and the people around me. Even just 10-20 minutes of movement and 5-10 minutes of meditation helps clear my mind and ground me for the day.
I'm also trying to journal more and focus on my gratitude practice, which has been an awesome hack for staying positive during these challenging times.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE EVOLVH PRODUCTS AND WHY?
My current EVOLVh obsessions are the InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment (shampoo), Volumizing Elixir (leave-in conditioner), and the new InstaVolume Mousse. Just three steps and my hair is full of va va volume and looks great whether I air dry or heat style.
