In celebration of International Women’s Day, we speak to 3 strong, beautiful women on what the 2022 theme of "Break the Bias" means to them. Read more about their personal style, breaking bias mindsets, unlocking self-limiting beliefs and their hopes for the future in our blogpost.
At Oleah, we believe that the empowered woman empower others. As a collective community, we can work towards a more inclusive world by sharing our thoughts and inspiring others to make a change. Every woman has a voice and every woman has a story.
Meet Chandani
Chandani relocated from India to Singapore in 2017. Her motivation, perseverance and grit to do better for herself and her family is really admirable. Always ready with colourful story to share, this ever-stylish community sales manager is not afraid to make bold choices in life and in fashion.
Chandani is wearing the Eden
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as strong yet playful. Working in Spaces with many different, sometimes challenging clients, i think it's important for me to feel empowered and strong to tackle difficulties. I like changing things up from day to day and i think my personal style has evolved over time as i myself have grown. I don't mind being different from everyone else because I enjoy standing out from people.
Q: Growing up as a girl in a traditional Indian society, did you experience any gender stereotypes? How has that experience influenced your mindset and who you are today?
Growing up female in a rural village in India, I faced a certain set of expectations - as a child, to help my mother with the household work and later on to marry and produce children (preferably sons) for my new family.
Education for a girl in this worldview was seen as wasteful - what use would it be to read or do sums in housework? - and my father faced ridicule for keeping me in school beyond the age of 12, at my insistence. I had seen what became of my grandmother, my mother, my aunts, and i was determined not to follow the same path. I saw education as a way to break stereotypes and tradition and I was proud of myself when I became the first female in my family to graduate college.
Q: What is one gender stereotype you wish were broken?
As a woman, I would like if every woman who dreams of a career should have the chance to pursue it and receive the support she deserves from her family and community. There are still many women all over the world who are forced to stay home and look after the household and kids and are denied the chance at a successful career. I think they should have the choice to make that decision on their own and should be encouraged to pursue their dreams instead of being forced to give them up.
Meet Karyn
IG:@iamnotagirl
In addition to working full-time, this multi-talented woman is a singer-songwriter, events emcee, part-time radio DJ, mermaid and now, add actor to that list too. Her bubbly and vivacious personality instantly lights up any room.
Karyn is wearing the Oleah Classic 90 in Black
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
Simple and basic is me! I like to have basic pieces in my wardrobe for versatility! For a more casual look, I'd complete the look with a pair of white sneakers (it never goes wrong). For a more classy look, I would put on a pair of pretty heels, and that helps me feel more confident too!
Q: As an artist, do you ever have moments of self-doubt? How do you manage that and build confidence in your craft?
Meet Jessica
Originally from the US, Jessica moved to our little red dot 4 years back to take on a position as regional claims manager at an insurance company. She is a big advocate of female empowerment and believes in the importance of solidarity for gender equality. Energetic and vivacious, she is one who is never afraid to always speak her mind.