International Women's Day | 11 women share their thoughts on womanhood in 2020
Happy International Women’s Day to all!
In the wake of movements such as ‘Me Too’, recent years have led to advancements in gender equality, although the fight is far from over. The gender pay gap is still far from closed, there is still a lack of women in positions of power and sexual harassment still occurs on a daily basis.
This is why coming together to celebrate women is more important than ever. And not just celebrating women, but celebrating the empowerment of women. The fight must continue until we have achieved gender equality. True gender equality.
International Women’s Day is a great time to come together and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first International Women’s Day gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively across the world.
To honour this important day, we spoke to some of our favourite women doing amazing things to get their thoughts on womanhood and what it means to be a woman in 2020.
Annabelle Williams | Gold-winning Paralympic Swimmer
When I look at my 18-month-old daughter, Josie, I want to instil in her the language of equality, absolutely, but more than that – the language of power. I hope she is inspired and motivated by her grandmother and great-grandmother – both wonderful role models – and I hope she grows up believing her rights are truly equal to her male counterparts. I hope she lives in a society that agrees, wholeheartedly!
Favourite Boody style: I love all Boody products, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be the Crew Neck T-Shirt. So incredibly soft and comfy!
Follow Annabelle on Instagram. Read our interview with Annabelle.
Emmy Samtani | Founder of Parenting App, Kiindred
Being a woman, a mother and business owner, I have never felt more empowered going into this new decade. We are surrounded by fearless women and leaders (I'm looking at you, Jacinda Ardern!) and this gives me hope for our future. My daughter was playing the other day and announced her toy was a female pilot. I corrected her, no – she is just a pilot. Because both men and women can be anything.
Whilst we still have a while to go, I am excited to know the direct impact we can have on how our littles ones look at themselves. I hope that by showing my girls that their mama is a tech founder and businesswoman outside of those cuddles, I am proving that all of this is possible.
Favourite Boody style: I am slightly addicted to wearing my Cami Bodysuit under almost everything! Since having babies, I like the comfort of having something underneath – plus, it helps smooth any lumps and bumps!
Follow Kiindred on Instagram. Check out the Kiindred app in the App Store: the mobile app new parents will love.
Dara Hayes | DJ Tigerlily
I am a woman. I am strong, yet soft and sensual. I stand on the shoulders of the incredible women who came before me, and am a pioneer of change for those who tread behind. I trust my gut, and follow my intuition, for a woman always knows. I have slowly come to realise that my body is perfect. It doesn’t matter just how thick or how thin I am, for my body is my vessel, and I trust it to carry me through my days.
I speak up for my right to have an opinion, and I stand for the women whose views are different from my own. I show up each day to prove my skills and talents are just as worthy. I am a performer, though yes, I am a woman. I question what I’ve been told makes me beautiful. I question what I have been told are my limits. I have stopped trying to change myself to fit into that criteria of what a woman should be. Instead, I embrace myself for who I am. I am a woman.
Favourite Boody style: I love my Boody Nightdress. It's super comfy and the fact that it's made from organically-grown bamboo makes it extra soft and breathable.
Follow DJ Tigerlily on Instagram.
Nina Gbor | Ethical Fashion Speaker & Eco Stylist
Being a woman in 2020 is almost in itself a political statement. If you’re a woman in this era, it’s likely you may have experienced inequality, pay gaps or other injustices. And in this regard, hold the realisation that our systems urgently need to change for the sake of humankind, the environment and future generations.
Women make up half the world’s population and an epic portion of the global workforce and GDP. With innate intuitive abilities, the real power and high mission of women is to be the driving force behind a reimagined, harmonious world. We’re at the dawn of an era of positive changes and many women are at the frontlines, leading this new epoch.
Favourite Boody style: My favourite Boody product is the Everyday Slip. Really soft, super comfortable and perfect for wearing in multiple seasons.
Erika Lamour | Infant Sleep Specialist & Founder of The Sleep Dept.
Becoming a mother while trying to find that elusive balance of managing a home and a successful business has reinforced how dynamic we are as women. Having been raised by a strong single mother who worked three jobs to support us (without ever complaining!) has shown me that nothing comes easy and that we have to be the change we want to see. The only way we can predict the future is by creating it.
In our household, we are raising our son to work hard, to be kind AND we are breaking down those typical gender roles that were reserved for women. Seeing Mum AND Dad as equals. What our children see, they do and the change starts in our homes.
Favourite Boody style: My son can’t get enough of the long sleeve onesies that he wears to bed and now we’ve used the Baby Muslin Washcloths, there’s no going back to ever using anything else – hands down, the BEST!
Follow The Sleep Dept. on Instagram. Read our interview with Erika Lamour.
Molly Harris | Ethical/Eco Blogger & Founder of MFARAI
As a cultural concept, I find it really tricky to put my finger on exactly what womanhood really feels like to me. What I know is that it’s 2020 and I am a woman. When I turn towards the women before me, I learn that "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman" (Simone de Beauvoir). For me, being a woman is this feeling of becoming – a feeling of freedom of choice.
Importantly, for me, womanhood is unifying. It means another opportunity to fight for the rights and the freedoms of those like me, that I am so lucky to have in 2020.
Favourite Boody style: I love Boody's briefs in the new Light Grey Marl because all of Boody's undies are just so comfy and they keep their quality! I'm a high-waisted kind of gal so I feel like my true self when I'm lounging in the Full Briefs.
Follow Molly on Instagram. Read our interview with Molly Harris.
Ana Covarrubias | Fashion Designer, Stylist & Founder of Second Runway
Womanhood is much more than the state of being a woman. I believe womanhood is a constant growth of values, love, and dreams. It’s a commitment to social action. As we grow, we shape our personality and we act as a moral compass to our families and friends, and nowadays we can even have an impact on people from the other side of the world.
Standing up for others and for what is right is beautiful and powerful. Womanhood creates and drives social change. It’s the soul to our families, communities, and societies. It is simply empowering others no matter their sex, race or social condition.
Favourite Boody style: I love the Hipster Bikini. It’s the comfiest pair of undies I have ever worn.
Nadine Richardson | Doula & Founder of She Births®️
Being a woman in 2020 is a great privilege. On the back of so many extraordinary social movements, we now have an opportunity to emerge in a new way. It is time for us all to awaken, rise up and shine fully. Here in one of the lucky countries, Australia, us women have an abundance of resources, knowledge, wisdom and power at our fingertips to make a difference far and wide.
Over the last 20 years, I have been continually reminded that birth is one of the most transformational and intense times in our lives. I have also realised that everyone can benefit from a high quality, comprehensive, holistic, evidence-based and empowering education. I look forward to helping the whole world believe in better birth experiences.
Favourite Boody style: I love to lounge around the house and walk the dogs around the block in my Full Leggings. They’re just so comfy!
Follow She Births®️ on Instagram. Read our interview with Nadine Richardson.
Melissa Ambrosini | Bestselling Author & Host of the Melissa Ambrosini Show
I remember being a teenager (and even in my early twenties) and feeling so excited to be a woman. I was proud and honoured to step into womanhood. Women are strong and powerful. Women are the givers of life and I wanted to own that power. I almost couldn't wait to grow up so I could say I was a woman. I love being a woman and love embracing and embodying all the archetypes that she possesses.
Favourite Boody style: I can’t pick a favourite Boody style because I love them all! The material is so beautiful and feels amazing on my skin. I’m all about comfort when it comes to clothing, so it’s all about Boody tops and leggings as they’re super-comfy.
Follow Melissa on Instagram. Read our interview with Melissa Ambrosini.
Alex Cuthill | Lifestyle Blogger
Womanhood to me is feeling empowered as a woman, having my own voice, being accountable for my actions in my work life, personal life and having a relationship with myself for my well-being. This also results in the happiness, love and support that I can extend to others, my family and my friends.
It’s also about working hard in what I do daily, being positive and empowering other women to be positive and know they can fulfil their dreams and desires. We can support each other and come together to make a difference, create awareness, make a change and be the change.
Favourite Boody style: It has to be the Active 5” Shorts and Racerback Sports Bra. I want to move and flow through the day in something wearable, sustainable, and comfortable. Boody isn’t just for lounging at home but mixing it into my everyday wardrobe, movement and the gym.
Follow Alex on Instagram. Read our interview with Alex.
Karen Azizi | Lead Product Designer at Boody
Being a woman for me is truly a blessing. I believe as women our lives are rich in so many ways. Through friendships, families, political beliefs and careers, we’re able to make our mark on the world. As women we need to shine from within and love who we are, not who we think we should be or who we are told to be.
I teach my children that we are all equal and as individuals we have the ability to change stereotypes and love ourselves for who we are and what we stand for, even if it is different to those around us.
Favourite Boody style: It has to be the Cami Top. Perfect for layering or just on its own, the Cami Top is so soft and comfortable to wear anytime!
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Interviews
An interview with Kea Leora Kenney, Founder of Live Your Love
Nestled away in the Byron Bay hinterland lives Boody fan Kea Leora Kenney. Kea is the founder of natural beauty and cleaning products business, Live Your Love, for which she also creates what she describes as ‘goddess’ jewellery alongside her partner using recycled metals. We talked with Kea about what inspired her to start her eco-friendly business, how motherhood has shaped her and why she loves our comfy everyday essentials. You create natural beauty and cleaning products for your business, Live Your Love. Tell us about this. We make natural beauty and cleaning products that are safe and healthy for your skin, and loving towards our mama earth. My partner and I also make ‘goddess’ jewellery out of recycled metals. We love to create and to be creative. What inspired you to initially start Live Your Love? I have a passion for living a chemical-free lifestyle and I taught myself how to make everything at home. Everyone loved my products so I started doing the markets and now I have an online shop and use social media to keep spreading the good vibes. In what ways do you try to live an eco-friendly lifestyle? We use all organic products especially body soap, dish soap, laundry soap, conditioner and shampoo etc. so that we reduce the number of chemicals being washed down the drain and ending in our beautiful creeks and stunning oceans. We shop mostly at the farmers’ market and at the bulk foods shop in town, so our produce doesn’t come wrapped in plastic and our bulk foods we take home in our reusable jars. You're Mumma to Anea. How has motherhood changed you? It has encouraged me to become a better and stronger version of myself. Even more conscious, wanting to give my daughter the most beautiful and healthy conscious upbringing. It has also inspired me to become even more earth-conscious so she can enjoy Mother Nature to her fullest potential. It has softened me, bringing me back to unconditional love daily. I suppose it has given me a greater sense of ‘purpose’ in this world. I definitely feel very complete. What was your pregnancy experience like? My pregnancy was easy, smooth, beautiful and natural. I felt completely empowered, sexy and beautiful, truly in the divine essence of real womanhood. I felt powerful. I birthed my daughter naturally at 21 years old, the most powerful and life-changing experience. I practised lots of hypo-birthing throughout my pregnancy, and I was inspired to have a natural birth considering I was born at home in the water. We know you're an advocate for loving your post-pregnancy body. What is your advice for someone who might not be feeling so confident? Love yourself, always. Own your new Mama bod! You are a warrior-ess woman! You have brought magical life into this world, and your scars and new body is proof of just how powerful you truly are. It actually did take me a little while to adjust and get used to my new body, but I continued loving it even through the uncertainty. Also, I find it so incredible how it just continues to change, through pregnancy, through breastfeeding, through stopping breastfeeding. It's a chance to enjoy yourself and discover your body in all ways. We know you're a big fan of Boody. What do you love most about our soft and sustainable everyday essentials? We LOVE Boody. The comfiest everyday essentials. They feel soft and silky on my skin, they fit all body types so perfectly. They make me feel sexy as a mama! I wear them around the house, in the garden, at the beach, and to dreamland. I am wearing my undies right now! What are your top picks from our ranges? My top picks from Boody are the Shaper Crop Bra, G-String and Brazilian Bikini bottoms. They are so comfortable and cheeky. Love them! Finally, what are your plans for the near future? Anything exciting on the horizon you'd like to share with us? We have just had some pretty huge travels and changes in our life. We spent three months in Canada at the start of the year, playing in the snow and seeing family. We then moved houses after living outside of Mullum for five years. We are now further deep into the rainforest. So I am really looking forward to having some grounding time. Especially with what’s going on right now in the world. I am excited about gardening, swimming in my creek, setting up my new house, spending time with my family. Just getting rooted in this earth and focusing on our health.
Interviews
An interview with Laura Kelly, Yoga Teacher
If there’s ever been a time to get into yoga and meditation, it would be 2020. From the devastating bushfires at the start of the year to the on-going pandemic, it’s so important to stay present. One person who knows a thing or two about mindfulness is Laura Kelly, yoga and meditation teacher. From her spiritual journey to her favourite Boody picks, read on to get to know Laura Kelly in our interview. You're a trained yoga teacher. How did that come to be? Mine is quite a common tale, I think. I was working long hours in a successful but stressful corporate job and really felt like I needed to slow down. My yoga practice had become my biggest support in coping with stress and I initially started looking at yoga retreats but realised I needed more than a week off! I actually ended up leaving my job without a plan but found a teacher training in Bali that really focused on teaching yoga philosophy. I learnt a lot about myself over that month and came home feeling inspired to share some of the practices I’d found had helped me. You also teach meditation. Can you tell us a bit about this? I was first introduced to meditation in yoga classes as a student and then again later during my teacher training where I was introduced to a range of different meditation styles. I’d say I offer guided meditations over specifically teaching the techniques. They are accessible to everyone. My intention is to offer short guided meditations that can be done at any point during the day that are simple and easy to follow. The beauty of meditation for me is that it’s taught me how to slow down. It can help me find calm amongst frantic energy and invites me to slow my movements and consciously feel into my body and breath, to become more connected to ourselves and the world around me. Outside of your wellness practices, you provide creative content services. Talk to us about this. I have over a decade experience working as an Executive Assistant in the corporate world, so after my yoga teacher training, I made the move to fuse the two and specialise in supporting businesses and creatives in the health and wellness space. My clients are yoga and meditation teachers, spiritual healers, writers and artists. They are big thinkers and go-getters and I love assisting them in sharing their magic with the world. I work one-on-one to provide administrative support and create content that engages audiences and promotes products and services. We hear you're a big Boody fan. What is it about everyday basics you love? I’m a self-confessed extroverted introvert. While I love connecting with others and socialising, I always look forward to home alone time to recharge. I love everyday basics that are comfortable and easy to throw on but still make me feel good. Boody does exactly that. I also love your commitment to sustainability, organic fabrics and giving back to non-profits who help protect the environment. Any top picks and why? I have been living in my Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt, Full Length Active Tights and Padded Shaper Crop Bra. The fabrics are all so soft and snuggly; the tights hold me in in all the right places and the bra provides enough support for my yoga practice without feeling restrictive if I’m just sitting on the couch drinking a cup of tea! Eco-friendly living is crucial to us at Boody. In what ways do you try to live a sustainable life? At the start of 2020, I made a promise to myself to only buy second-hand clothes and to really cut down on my clothes shopping in general. I love rummaging through vintage stores and my local op-shops. It’s the best feeling when you find those hidden gems! If I’m buying something new I’m doing my best to stick to brands that strive to maintain sustainable and ethical standards, like Boody! 2020 has been a stressful year for people all over the globe. Pulling on your health and wellness expertise, in what ways can people remain calm during turbulent times? I wish I had the magic answer! I’m not a medical practitioner and would never claim to offer advice for everybody but what I can do is say what has worked for me. I’ve made an effort to move my body every day, getting outside has been a non-negotiable (even if it’s just to grab a quick coffee) and I’ve allowed myself to rest when I need to. I’ve tried to not spend too much time on my devices and stay away from mainstream media. I have found that simply taking a few deep breaths when things start to feel overwhelming helps lower my stress levels and bring me back to the present moment. For me, I’ve really tried to be kind to myself and take each day as it comes as much as possible. I read somewhere recently that although we are all caught in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. Everyone is experiencing this strange time in their own way. So, I am endeavouring to take care for those around me more than ever and provide support where I can. We hear you moved from London to Sydney six years ago. What have been the main changes to your life following the move? So much has changed in the last six years! It’s definitely had its challenges; being away from friends and family has been tough but the friends I’ve made here have turned into family in a lot of ways. I wake up and go to bed a lot earlier than I did when I was living in London, I’ve trained to be a yoga teacher, I now work for myself and I’ve actually just experienced a huge milestone in becoming an Australian citizen this month which is very exciting! If people want to pursue a similar career in yoga and meditation, what advice can you offer them? Yoga teacher training has become as much about my own personal development as it has been about learning the practice, if not more. Meditation is inextricably linked to my yoga practice, in many ways, yoga IS my meditation. I think the most important thing you can do is make a commitment to your practice. Yoga is not just about what happens on the mat. The biggest changes for me have been in the way I live my life; the way I interact with people, especially my friends, family and my partner and the way I understand the inner workings of my mind. If you want to teach, I’d recommend connecting with and offering to help out at your local studio; there’s often opportunities for trained teachers when they are already part of the community. I would recommend to make your own practice the priority and to forever remain a curious student. As it is written in the Bhagavad Gita; “"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." Anything exciting in the pipeline you'd like to mention? I’m working with some really exciting clients at the moment and I’ve launched my new website where new clients can reach me to discuss how we might be able to work together. I’ve also recently collaborated with the Bondi-based infrared sauna studio, Nimbus Co, on a new online offering which will include meditation recordings, a Yin yoga sequence and a reflection journal. They will be launching this soon so keep an eye on their socials and website for more details!
Interviews
An interview with Seyi Rania, Natural Beauty & Wellness
Been meaning to give your beauty products an organic and eco-friendly overhaul? Seyi Rania has got you covered. With a deep knowledge of natural beauty that doesn’t compromise your health and wellness, Seyi knows which products are good not only for your skin – but for the planet, too. But that’s not all Seyi is about. She’s also a talented mental health counsellor, a gorgeous model and a dedicated Boody fan. We can’t get enough of her! We caught up with Seyi to talk everything from natural beauty to her fave Boody styles. Hey Seyi! How did your love for natural beauty, health and wellness come about? My wellness journey began in 2011 when my beautiful mother passed away from breast cancer. I was only 19 at the time. Following her death, I began questioning why and how my mother developed such a horrible disease… so I did my research and came across many articles detailing potential links between environmental toxins and cancer. I also began attending workshops and lectures to learn more about organic health. Since researching, I am shocked to learn the nasties/chemicals that are found in everyday conventional products and the impact it's potentially having on our health. Now that I know what I know, I have completely turned my back from conventional toxic products and use products (when possible) which are safe to use on my skin and safe for the environment. Did you know the body absorbs up to 60% from what's put onto the skin? Very scary! Tell us about your favourite organic beauty products. Goodness me, this is a tough question! However here are my all-time favourite beauty products I use weekly and can’t live without: Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask + their Noni Glow Face Oil Lavera Sensitive Facial Moisturiser BODILAB Green Tea + Chamomile Face Mask Vayda Organics Facial Cleansing Oil What is your morning and evening beauty routines? I like to keep my skincare routine simple. I suffer from acne oily prone skin so I have a routine that targets this skin type. I do not believe in undertaking a 10 step routine to achieve glowing healthy skin! In the morning: I use the Lavera Gel cleanser + Sensitive facial moisturiser If I feel like I need it e.g. haven’t had enough sleep or my face is looking a bit puffy, 1-2 times a week, I apply a few drops of facial oil to my face then use a jade roller/Gua Sha to bring circulation back into my face. I find that I look less tired and more bright-eyed when using this technique! In the evening: Again I cleanse and moisturise, however, my evening routine can vary depending on what my skin needs. Twice a week I like to use an exfoliation mask (like the Kora Organics product I mentioned earlier) followed by a facial oil Once a week or every two weeks I like to use a clay mask followed by a facial oil If I am wearing makeup on the day then I ensure to double cleanser to remove all makeup, dirt and grime then moisturise. Without a proper clean, it will only lead to breakouts. In what ways can everyone live a more healthy lifestyle? I live by a few simple rules: Drink more water Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day Everything in moderation Practice gratitude and speak kindly to oneself How can we all live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? I think it’s good to question yourself on what you buy/use on a day-to-day basis and be mindful that whatever you buy will eventually end up in a landfill. If what you buy can be more sustainable, recyclable or biodegradable, then this will benefit our planet greatly. To implement more eco-friendly habits, I do the following: Use a KeepCup. I am so strict with myself that if I forget my keep cup then I won’t buy a coffee! Use beeswax wraps instead of glad wrap and reusable ziplock bags as opposed to one use zip lock bags Walk instead of drive if possible Eco-friendly washing liquid In terms of food, buy more fruit/vegetables. Less likely to be wrapped up in plastics and good for you! We hear you're a big Boody fan! What is it about our comfy and sustainable essentials you love? I love the versatility of the essentials in that it is comfortable to wear around the home but also lovely to dress up and wear out during the day. The comfort and durability is also what I love about Boody. When I purchased my first pair of undies and leggings a year or two ago, I was immediately hooked. My essentials/underwear wardrobe is about 60% Boody, however, I am aiming for 90%! I had even reached out to one of the customer representatives to submit a review and I admitted that when I wore the Boody sleepwear for the first time, it was the best night’s sleep I have had. That is comfort guaranteed! Any favourite styles? So many styles I can add here but I really love the Everyday Slip Dress in Black. Perfect for home and to wear out on a warm day. I also really like wearing ¾ sleeve tops with a pair of Boody leggings. My favourite work-from-home attire! And of course, in between meetings and calls with my clients, I like to get out and go for a run. The Boody Active range is really lovely to wear and is durable. Comfort, durability and sustainability are all very important to me. Outside of health and wellness, you are a mental health counsellor. That must be both rewarding and challenging? Absolutely! So I have completed a degree in psychology and a masters in clinical counselling. My experience varies from homeless intake worker, behavioural therapist, NDIS support coordinator and support worker and school counsellor. Right now I am working in the education industry to provide support to students. I love what I do and I love that I can make such a difference. You also do freelance modelling. Is that something you enjoy? I love it so, so much. I have been a model for nine years and it has always been a passion of mine. In the last three years, I was discovered then signed by an agency and now I am represented by JR Management. I have never thought to do it as a full-time occupation but I love that I get a great balance of passions between working in mental health, blogging about all things natural and beauty and doing awesome modelling gigs. Definitely can’t complain! Any plans on the horizon or anything else you'd like to mention? I am always thinking of ways of how I can do more with my beauty blog and spread the importance of natural beauty to all, however, right now I think I am happy where I am. I love that I can make a difference where possible. Though if someone asked me what is my ultimate dream, it would be to have my very own natural organic skincare range! Follow Seyi on Instagram.
