Women With Motion!
- Sey
- Mar 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Happy Women's History month Movers! If you haven't guessed it, #TheMove this month is going to be celebrating women. Whether it's your mom, a nice coworker, your bestie, your doctor, even your mailwoman, there's plenty of great women to salute and thank for being awesome.
For women (well everyone really), being successful comes in varying looks and some pretty harsh challenges. This week in the spirit of celebrating women, I'm here to spotlight those that do both! Get ready for some young, millennial women that are killing it in their industries, and looking fly while doing it. They've got their own wave...They got their own motion.
Meet Syndi Mottley.
Sydni is a Sample Coordinator as well as a Freelance Costumer/Stylist. Growing up she was really into dance and thought about doing Broadway or starting a career as a background dancer.
"As I got older, I lost my love for dance and wanted to be a designer and stylist."
She has been fortunate enough to break in the fashion industry by using her connections, like her professors, from her alma mater-North Carolina Central University (NCCU). It's one thing to be talented and a boss at your craft, it's a whole other feat to look good doing it. Sydni is a perfect example! Although a good fit may not determine her productivity, it definitely plays a role in Syndi's confidence in the cutthroat world of fashion in Los Angeles, CA.
"I truly feel my best when I look my best. It's fun...to play around in my closet. When I create a new outfit it makes me excited!"
Sydni is in the big leagues for real! Although she couldn't disclose all of her work (NDAs), she reflects that her biggest accomplishment was "working on a album shoot for a female rapper." Working as a woman isn't all smiles and rainbows though. Sydni remarked that the fashion world is surprisingly male dominant. The pay and estimations compared to her male colleagues are less than ideal. Not only that, but Sydni also has to deal with unwanted an unprofessional attention in the workplace. Despite these challenges, Sydni still manages to slay herself and her clients.
Meet Autumn Parrish.
Autumn is a Registered Nurse in the RDU area. Growing up, she wanted to be a news anchor on tv regardless of her dislike for public speaking. She quickly took a pivot in career aspirations after a scholarship ceremony and important phone call. She recalls that, "deciding to study nursing was the best decision I've ever made." After completing her nursing program at NCCU, she found it'd be most rewarding to work in emergency nursing.
"I completed my final preceptorship at a local emergency department and I instantly fell in love with the variety of cases, the hustle and bustle, and the vibes...hahaha!"
Autumn's mantra in life is that you have to look your best to do your best and be the best. She takes pride in rocking fly scrubs, a nice scrub cap, and of course nice shoes to match. Autumn has found much success in her two years of experience. She's climbed the ladder to become a Clinical Nurse lll. This required leading a unit, multiple certificates, and precepting new graduated nurses. Unfortunately, Autumn too faces discrimination not only as a woman, but a Black woman.
"I continue to keep my composure, my chin up, and remain the healthcare professional that I am. It's impossible to work and not face any challenges."
Meet Arvanna Smart.
Arvanna is a Social Strategist in digital marketing. She claims that from a very young age she aspired to be an Entertainment Lawyer, but soon pivoted in her adult life. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Arvanna was introduced to media by a professor who highlighted Elon University's media program. This was the start of her time in digital marketing. Like Autumn and Syndi, Arvanna definitely feels her outfit impacts her work.
"My outfit just makes me feel good. I usually take a while to pick an outfit. When I'm out and someone mentions how they like something I have on, it makes me feel good to know they paid attention to the effort I put into expressing myself. When, I feel good, I work better."
Like a true fashionista, Arvanna has a passion for shoes, but not just any kind. She loves sneakers! Arvanna was able to work on the marketing strategy for the A Ma Maniere 3's. She mentioned how this particular project meant a lot to her because it was all about supporting women. She remarks on the design for the shoe being fantastically done which isn't always common for women sizing only. Although Arvanna is super talented, she isn't absolved from facing discrimination in the workplace either. Arvanna mentions that being heard isn't always easy and in the same breath you don't want to complain too much and become the, "angry black woman."
"You...have to know when to really advocate for yourself and what you want. Trust me, these men are for sure speaking up about what they deserve."
Meet Betsy Appling.
Betsy is an Associate Creative Art Director. She originally considered being an Astrophysicist, but the arts always had her heart. Betsy was introduced to advertising while studying at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She fell in love after taking a course at SCAD because it allowed her to show off the depth of her creativity. Betsy's motto "look good feel good is bible", to her. She disclosed that being stylish is just apart of her brand (which I can totally confirm). Like most of the other women, Betsy's field is also male dominant. However, that doesn't stop her from letting her light shine. In fact, she has gotten to a point where she can amplify others.
"For me, [my biggest accomplishment has] been getting to a point in my career where I can lift other voices, get people in the room, and help younger creatives be successful. Making the industry what we want is a team sport and needs more diverse voices. I’m happiest when I can be that person creating space for that."
Betsy doesn't let the male dominant environment scare her. At times, she doesn't always feel heard or represented, but is actively working to change the narrative.
I know what you're thinking. These women have real MOTION! You're not wrong. #TheMove will always be badass women creating their own lanes. But, don't forget every woman has had to grow from being a girl first. For any Movers that may feel a bit behind, out of place, or just downright lost, these women have some advice that they wished they knew in the past. What advice would you tell your younger self?
Sydni: "Take more risks. Let loose, have fun and don’t let other people's perceptions of you control the perception you have of yourself."
Autumn: Stick to your choices and make it work for you. "Put your all in to you."
Arvanna: Stick to your plan and it'll work out. Manifest the life you want.
Betsy: Take your time. It's precious so enjoy it.
I hope you enjoyed learning about these women as much as I did. If you have had a woman impact or inspire you in any way, shout them out in the comments. Happy Women's History month!
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