16 Apr 2012 1 Comment

Women who Inspire

As seen often on the blog, we find a lot of inspiration in nature.  Botanicals, colours, textures…  This week we’re shifting focus to another arena – inspiring women.  The 7 women listed vary in their fields, ages,  and sizes, but all have this in common: they are strong, they are successful, and they are all beautiful role models in their own right.

1. Octavia Spencer

As confirmed by both her Oscar and Golden Globe wins for Best Supporting Actress in The Help, Octavia Spencer is a rising star, and she plans to use her fame to help showcase the talent of others who just need a shot.  The actress has future plans to become a producer and an activist—we think she is sure to be an important influencer, and is one powerful, talented woman to watch!

2. Emme Aronson

Emme Aronson is a superwoman, by no stretch of the imagination. As the first plus-size model to reach supermodel status and become a spokesperson for Revlon, she has extended her resume to include fashion design entrepreneur, author, and television host, among other successful endeavors. Also a cancer survivor, Emme is the epitome of strength and a shining inspiration for women everywhere. 

3. Gail Vaz-Oxlade

As Canada’s very own personal finance guru, Gail Vaz-Oxlade has been whipping us all into shape with her debt-busting, tough-love methods. The author of a myriad of bestselling financial books and regular contributor to major publications like the Globe and Mail and Chatelaine, Gail is also has several TV series under her belt. You’re likely to find her sporting Diane Kennedy pieces on the hit show “Til Debt Do Us Part.”

4. Oprah Winfrey

We couldn’t have an inspirational women list without including ‘Queen’ Oprah now could we! A woman that needs no last name, Oprah is by many standards an icon of our generation. Her generosity, activism, and business acumen have propelled her to a well-deserved status of media magnate. If you’d like to build your own empire, Oprah is one of your best examples!

5. Sara Ramirez

An actress recognized most notably for her role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Sara is also a Tony award-winning broadway actress and has starred in musicals The Capeman, Dreamgirls, and Monty Python’s Spamalot. AJulliardSchoolgraduate, Sara also has also released several EP’s, and often sings in concerts.

6. Nigella Lawson

This culinary goddess from across the pond has authored countless best-selling cookbooks, has hosted many a cooking show and TV special, and has her own cookware range.  Not bad for a self-taught cook! Nigella has a background in journalism; this wordsmith experience combined with her relatable personality has us all enchanted.

7. Ina Garten

Known to all as the “Barefoot Contessa,” Ina Garten is the woman behind the celebrated specialty food store.  Jumping into the culinary world with no experience in 1978, she has since created a globally recognized brand that encompasses many a cookbook, television shows, and even a line of baking mixes. What a delicious way to build a career!

We’ve got a growing list of beautiful, successful women on our Pinterest board, click here to check them out!

by Diane Kennedy in Beauty, Inspiration Tags: inspirational curvy women, plus size women