Not Just Lip Service
don’t just talk the talk…
Women helping women. Like, genuinely helping each other. Not just lip service.
It’s real easy these days with all of the social media platforms to talk about how one is pro boosting women. Women who’ve ‘made it’ in particular talking about how as a woman they’ve struggled and how they don’t want the next crew under them to struggle in the same toxic environment. Here at Breaker, we call this the ‘stiletto in the face’. When we’re climbing the ladder (why do we even use this phrase?!) are the women above us reaching out a hand to pull us up or pushing down red heel of their newly polished Louboutin to keep us in our place?
Through our journey here at Breaker. Gemma and I have experienced our fair share of stilettos in our face. Look, we get it, we’re not everyone’s cup of tea or should I say, brand of shoe. I’m personally much more of a Valentino or Jimmy Choo gal. Who are we kidding, I’m more like a Birks, Nikes or bare feet sort of girl. But, one of the things that I’ve noticed, and want to try and emulate when we’ve ‘made it’, whatever that means, is those women who graciously say ‘very best to you both, love the idea, it’s not for me but best of luck and keep me updated!’. Verses, those who give us the snub or say ‘don’t waste your time’. We’ve even had a woman whose entire brand is about women’s initiatives say, ‘DEI is dead, don’t bother’. Ouch. I’ll admit, that particular stiletto stung. Surely, if DEI is dead (which we disagree wholeheartedly) now is the time more than ever to speak up and support each other.
Supporting each other is at the core of who Gems and I are as individuals and as a collective. We want to surround ourselves with others who lift other women up when no one is watching, not just as a tick to get likes on social media. These are the women Gemma and I are both so privileged, honoured to know. These gals are the real deal. We wholeheartedly believe at Breaker that we can do things differently, that we don’t have to be in a competitive, toxic environment. One of our shining stars, Emma Powell with Foundrise writes about this often, and she’s one of those rare breeds that can effortlessly slip between her Valentinos and Birks, making both seem uber glam. Check her out.
Breaker meets NOON.
The most encouragingly, we had the opportunity to meet the Queen of Queenagers herself, Eleanor Mills, bad ass boss babe in the media and journo world turned bad ass boss babe through founding NOON. She oozes sincerity, realness and authenticity, passionate about supporting other women, fighting for all of us to have our place at the table, have our voices heard. Gemma and I got to hang with Eleanor at a book launch a few weeks ago and have subsequently joined the Winchester NOON circle. The NOON ladies, have embraced us with open arms, enthusiasm and support and we couldn’t be more grateful. THEY are who we want to emulate. These are the trailblazers and we’re grateful for them.
Let’s all try this week to back each other. Encourage. Make a point to look out for those women who climbing the ladder you’ve already conquered. Help them. Smile. We’re in this together.
In the meantime, watch this space. There are exciting things afoot…
