To mark Fashion Quarterly’s very first empowerment issue, we asked some of our incredible contributors to share what the word empowerment means to them, and what it means to truly be—and feel—empowered.
Gabrielle Henderson L’ORÉAL PARIS SENIOR MAKE-UP ARTIST
“I feel most empowered when I say ‘no’ and ‘yes’. Having the inner resources and privilege to be able to say those two tiny but weighty words means a lot to me. There are many people in this world who cannot make choices in so many areas of their lives—be that lack of confidence or environmental and societal pressures.
As a make-up artist, empowerment is also a gift I can give on a more micro level. I love to see people feeling great about themselves after a makeover —people who may never have had anyone make them feel special or a little bit glam. It is a great honour to be able to work so intimately with others and see a joy emanate from them when they feel seen.”
Karen Ishiguro PHOTOGRAPHER
“Empowerment means the ability to realise that you can do anything and survive anything on your own. Of course you need friends, family, and colleagues to help guide and assist you at times, but ultimately knowing that you can do anything and achieve anything you want in life. Coming to the realisation that you are so capable at adapting to any situation. Knowing that you will always have the capacity to learn and grow. Yes, there will be hard times, but to give yourself credit for all that you have already overcome, and that you have everything you need to continue moving forwards.”
Maia Cotton MODEL
“To me empowerment means both receiving and giving support to others, and to speak and act freely without fear of judgment. In my work I try to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and work with people who are uplifting. As a woman, to be truly empowered comes from the ability to conduct our lives the way we choose to, without hesitation. I like to challenge myself and to achieve the goals I set. I feel truly empowered when I feel strong, when I trust my instincts and know whatever life throws at me, I always have a choice.”
Olivia Kirkpatrick PHOTOGRAPHER
“The feeling of empowerment can come in many forms, and I don’t think it can come down to one simple definition. I felt empowered after delivering each of my three children safely. I feel empowered when I collaborate with other creatives and they trust in me to deliver images that we are all proud of. Empowerment is a feeling of being safe and secure in who I am and what I know is true for me. It also aligns with self-acceptance and not comparing oneself. I feel empowered being a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants.”