Find the creative in you and unleash her.
“WOMEN ARE too catty, and they never support each other. They are the total opposites of how men support each other.”
We’re almost sure you have heard this statement ad nauseam, but is it truly representative of the relationship women have with each other? Maybe not. Some women in Manchester are rewriting the way they think, and be, through various initiatives geared towards women’s empowerment.
For the next few weeks, we will share with you stories of women who have been successful in managing their lives and spaces and were presenters at the recent Made in Manchester Women’s Summit, hosted by the founder of 20Twenty Strategies, Annette Salmon, at the Mandeville Hotel.
“It is important for you to have someone that believes in you, because when someone believes in you, that is priceless,” Kerry-Ann Clarke stated as she addressed the group of like-minded women last Friday for International Women’s Day. “People will always have opinions about what they like about you and what they dislike about you, but it is important to form your own opinion of yourself. Focus less on what people are saying, especially if it’s negative, and focus on what you want to do, what you want to achieve,” Clarke said.
The environmentalist, fashion marketer and owner of KERRY manwomanhome said in the initial stages, insecurities may cripple us from making a decision that serves us because it might not be traditional, but she said, “Do it anyway.” “Take action and believe in yourself. The fastest way to turn your gift into something remarkable is to inject emotion. Give it everything; put your heart and soul into it. If you want your gift to stand out, you really have to just do it,” she continued. Clarke, who said she is motivated by several women, revealed that Shalom Blac is an inspiration to her. Blac, who, as a child, was burnt with hot oil, went through several surgeries and years of ridicule and being scorned to become an inspiration to the world through her YouTube channels.
“She was able to find her gift and her passion out of something people considered to be so ugly. Success, in my opinion, is living a life with the choices that guide us towards the goals that encourage us to be our very best, and the key is to take these goals that you are really passionate about,” said Clarke.
As nurturers, chefs, mothers, wives, and even breadwinners in some homes, women do take on a lot, but Clarke reminded those present that neglecting health is a recipe for disaster.
“If you struggle with depression and anxiety, and you need therapy, you need to make the time for that therapy. Schedule it in because it can help you become the better person. If your job is draining you and you are finding it difficult to do things outside of work, find a new job.”
She said that above all things, you should embrace self-care and love everything for which it stands. “Do the things that make you happy. Don’t always focus on work. The world will continue. Find your interests and truly live; don’t make life a ritual. Be present, and find pleasure in the little things in life,” she also said.
Join us next week for a dose of motivation from yet another superwoman.