Every single day I have the opportunity to talk to, email and meet with, and collaborate with incredible women. In a great, free country like ours, women have been able to make their place; and while the glass ceiling certainly still exists, they've become irreplaceable, impossible to brush away.
Especially in the wedding business, the artistic sensibilities of my female friends and colleagues, whom I have never viewed as anything but equals, help me progress, day after day, year after year. These women that I have an opportunity to work with as planners, florists, bakers, photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, venue managers, chefs, designers, editors, show organizers, and much more, they make things happen!
And then, of course, there are my brides, these incredible women, each unique and strong, inspiring. As brave architects, actuaries, engineers, designers, accountants, and entrepreneurs; as kind sisters, daughters, wives, and mothers; as amazing people, they inspire me. They trust me, and in return, I tell their stories, with all my heart.
Today, on International Women's Day, I want to tell every woman out there, especially the one that may be going through tough times, that she matters.
I also want to offer this suggestion, to men and women alike: the next time you talk to a little girl, don't tell her she's beautiful (even if she is). Instead, focus on her intelligence, her strengths. Ask her about the things she loves, about what she wants to become. By encouraging her to develop their minds instead of judging their beauty, you'll be helping her take a step in the right direction.
To my mother who always kept us together, to my sister who moved to a foreign country without fear, to my baby sister who's just embarking on her journey in Law, to my late aunt who I carry in my heart every day of my life, and to every other woman out there: never give up, inspire each other!
With love,
CP
A picture of a shoot with my friend Jasmine, a talented actress and sometimes-dancer who consistently inspires me with her thirst to create.