The Power of Sisterhood

A global sisterhood? I have to admit. I didn’t get it at first. When my cousin launched the Women for One community, I had a difficult time recognizing the importance of creating a network of women for women. I was completely unaware of the gift I had received by being raised within one – a powerful one at that. The thought that this type of community doesn’t exist for every single young girl humbles me and makes me proud of the Women for One mission to create just that.

The realization that Women for One was creating for others what I had been too blind to see or unaware of to appreciate forced me to acknowledge the network of women that is woven into every fiber of my being.

First and foremost, I have been blessed with a mother who is my rock. Her cheerful spirit, enthusiasm and open door – “open arms to all” policy – are qualities I have always tried to emulate. And the younger sisters she gave me created first, playmates, and eventually soulmates, confidantes, and sounding boards I rely upon tremendously.

My teenage and college years were guided by a handful of amazing female friends who remain near and dear to my heart to this day. When I started my career on Wall Street, I spent the next eight years on a trading desk that was unexpectedly comprised predominantly of women. Somehow I was sent not one, but two amazing female mentors who guided me through all aspects of my life; from corporate finance, to relationships, to pregnancy. These two special women remain constants in my life long after my days of stock offerings.

“You cannot see sisterhood, neither can you hear it or taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It’s a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It’s someone to share with, someone to celebrate your achievements.” – Anonymous

Without even realizing it, I created for myself another sisterhood when I launched a children’s clothing line in 2012. At Pennymeade, I find that I am again influenced and inspired by a team of strong women – the core of Pennymeade operations. Our Director of Marketing is a mother of three whose creative abilities impress me more and more each day. We work with not one, but two amazing photographers who are both talented, multi-faceted women. Additionally, communities of women from overseas beautifully and carefully craft our hand smocking and fabrics. Their languages and cultural traditions differ from ours, but their nurturing spirit and strong work ethic mirror the qualities I admire in my sisters on this side of the pond. Women make Pennymeade possible.

Once I spent some time reflecting on what my life would be like if I didn’t have this constant stream of female confidantes, devotees, advocates, caretakers, and comrades, I began to recognize not only the importance of Women for One, but the sheer awesomeness, power, and force that women are when they come together.

And let’s not forget that…

“Behind every great woman, stands a great man (or two).”

I would be remiss to elude that my network is comprised of just females. My husband has been my rock throughout this wild ride. I couldn’t have done it without his love and support. He has hauled boxes, made constant trips to the warehouse, counted clothing, steamed girls dresses and done overtime daddy duty in complete support of my launch of Pennymeade. My father, however, is my business partner and more importantly, the most generous person I know. His unwavering faith in my vision is beyond my comprehension.