Celebrating International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 we look to this years theme, #BreakTheBias. It honours our differences, the breakdown of stereotypes and reinforces that we are all valuable and deserve to be celebrated.

We sat down and spoke to Founder & Director of Esse Studios, Charlotte Hicks, Artist, Gabrielle Penfold and of course Founder & Director of Paloma Salon, Paloma Rose Garcia on what International Women’s Day and #BreakTheBias means to them.

CHARLOTTE HICKS, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, ESSE STUDIOS.

How do you show others around you that you value them?
I think it’s a combination of support and awareness especially in this crazy time we live it. Just being aware of everyone’s lives and what they are enduring or going through always. Thats how I try to show it and what I love it in return. It’s more the small things, just checking in might even be as small as how was that big meeting with their new boss went. Random acts of kindness.

How do you show up for yourself and how has this reinforced your sense of self?
To myself, I say just make it happen. No one else will. Simple as that. Sure you have to trust the process and life is not often going to light up the path for you. But trust the process and just keep on forging towards making it happen. As for my sense of self, I think it’s just made me pretty fierce and independent you are the only person who can make things happen for yourself. Sure I am extremely fortunate, daily gratitude for the opportunities I have had but its the old lemons and the lemonade.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Celebrating the community of feminine energy that is around you. And hoping that balance is sprinkled around the globe at a time when the world needs more feminine energy.

I feel most empowered when…
When I say no, and put up some boundaries to protect myself.

My proudest achievement has been…
Building ESSE by far the biggest achievement.

Best advice you ever received?
Ohh so much good advice…. Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are usually right!

Mantra you live by?
Probably the above another one of my favourites are: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes. I think that it just always encourages you to challenge your ’learnt’ perspective on things.

I can imagine a world where….
Everyone feels heard by someone that they want to be.

Your biggest life lesson to date?
Where focus goes, Energy flows.

Charlotte’s go-to Paloma products are Oribe Gold Lustre Range for her haircare needs, and The Beauty Chef for inner gut health.

GABRIELLE PENFOLD, ARTIST

How do you show up for yourself and how has this reinforced your sense of self?
Basically I ensure I make time for myself, To think my throughs and dream my dreams! Time spent exercising, reading and researching all contribute to my sense of self. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A celebration and homage of all those amazing women on whose shoulders we now stand. It also means being mindful of how much we owe them and need to continue working on attaining autonomy for all women 

I feel most empowered when…
Working away in my studio, painting and creating exactly what I want to.

My proudest achievement has been…
Having a solo show. The process of creating a body of work, then having the opportunity to exhibit is truely exciting. 

Best advice you ever received?
Stay true to yourself!

Mantra you live by?
Trust your intuition 

I can imagine a world where….
A women's ability, creativity and intelligence are truly acknowledged. Perhaps a world where women attain equality in wealth and opportunities. 

Your biggest life lesson to date?
Hard work and persistence will pay off.

Gabrielle loves R&Co Television Perfect Shampoo & Conditioner, and maintains her hair health with Aede supplements.

paloma rose garcia, founder & director of paloma salon

How do you show others around you that you value them? Through affirmations. I love giving thanks and acknowledgment to my beautiful two sons, ‘thank you for communicating so well, thank you for your gorgeous cuddles’. Also my friends, family + team in the salon.

How do you show up for yourself and how has this reinforced your sense of self?
This has been HUGE for me the past 6 months. I’ve shown up for myself more than ever. Through work with my Psycologist, kinesiology, awareness everyday around my needs, healthy boundaries with others so I can have space for solitude in my week. I have created non negotiable boundaries in my life that are so precious for me, how many times a week I get to Pilates, early nights at home etc.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means everything! I’m so passionate about being a strong woman in this world and I really lean into the role. I hope I lead in such a way that others are inspired to follow.

I feel most empowered when…
I am deeply connected within.

My proudest achievement has been…
My beautiful sons. My greatest gift. And me, how I show up, assist others and lead.

Best advice you ever received?
Comparison is a growth stopper.

Mantra you live by?
Everything is going to be ok.

I can imagine a world where….
Women are equal and there is no gender bias.

Your biggest life lesson to date?
I can’t say I have one. I love making mistakes, especially new ones. It’s where I grow.

Paloma swears by R&Co Blue De Luxe Shampoo & Conditioner and R&Co Dreamhouse Cold Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray. For the current humidity and wet weather she adds Oribe Anti Humidity Spray to her haircare routine.