IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN
We celebrate women every day of the year. We celebrate their resilience, their power and their will to stand tall with every step they take. This March for Women's History Month, we’re taking the time to highlight some of the brilliant FRĒDA Women who make up our community and inspire us daily. Be on the look out for more FRĒDA Women features this month and throughout the year.
MEET OUR MAKERS IN EL SALVADOR
CELEBRATING THE WOMEN IN OUR FAMILY FACTORY. Our hand sewn factory in El Salvador was founded by Cristina's father, so truly a family business. We are thrilled to give you a peek inside what (and who) makes our factory so special, starting with some of the women that make your shoes.
INTRODUCING BETSY SIMON
Founder of MARSHELL- a strategic marketing company elevating brands that positively impact humans and the environment. "To me, the community is a feeling- a feeling that you belong. I think the best communities grow from the genuine desire to connect, support, share, and laugh. No strings attached. No hidden agendas. If you’re focused solely on social sharing and driving sales, you’re missing the point. We all need community in some way and, when done correctly, it will lead to brand loyalty and drive customer retention."
INTRODUCING AMBER LEWIS
Founder of Amber Interior Design, Shoppe Amber Interiors, All Sorts Of and author of Made For Living. "This community has turned into my family in a way that I never could have dreamed of. It’s a support system that keeps me going every single day. I’ve always been very open and upfront about my life and my businesses from day one, and it’s so incredibly special to build a connection by doing it so openly."
INTRODUCING SHERRI MCMULLEN
Founder of McMullen Boutique in Oakland, CA. "I wanted to create something for myself and my family that was about empowering women through fashion and storytelling."
INTRODUCING AISHWARYA IYER
Founder and CEO of Brightland. "I hope that other South Asian women who want to break molds and do something outside of the box that has been prescribed for them feel inspired and energized by my story."
INTRODUCING SHANEL ESALOO
Assistant Buyer at 11 Honore. "I am so proud of being a part of this community whose voices are being heard and where there is progress in inclusivity on all sorts of platforms in fashion. From social media to fashion week, we are seeing a shift in inclusivity that makes me so excited to be a part."
INTRODUCING JESSICA MALATY RIVERA
MICROBIOLOGIST + INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGIST. "The silver lining during the pandemic has been the friendships that have emerged from my infectious disease research community, particularly among fellow women in science. We collaborate. We ask for help from each other. We amplify each other’s work. It’s been so great to have these genuine relationships emerge out of a public health crisis."
INTRODUCING MIRIAM A. HYMAN
Actress + Lyricist aka Robyn Hood. "My intention for my music and acting has always been to uplift, inspire, and motivate. To be associated with projects that show diversity and balance. Representation matters and I believe in exhibiting that principle through my art. With that, I’m able to be an example for multiple communities locally and globally and to give back where it matters. Access was provided to me, and my goal is to continue to pay it forward."
INTRODUCING ELIZABETH GRULLON
Actor and Mindfulness Facilitator. "A smile. Really seeing people, without concept, is a blessing. Also, these practices I am mentioning are an offering to those around you. They are a gift to the world. People are hungry for someone who can see them, listen without judging or trying to solve, be compassionate in a grounded way, so be that person."
INTRODUCING BUFFY MAGUIRE
Founder of Lady Falcon Coffee Club. "Lady Falcon has always been about sharing our craft and empowering people to drink it at home. I have always said our coffee truck is a vehicle to share our story. The NY Times came out a few days ago and called this a “She-cession” because women are disproportionately unemployed during this time. I could go on about what this means, but for me, the takeaway right now for Lady Falcon is that we have a healthy, vibrant team of women thriving in some extraordinary circumstances and I am so proud to lead this stellar group of women."