Today is your day, girl! International Women’s Day 2020 is the day to celebrate everything powerful, unstoppable, passionate and wild about being a woman—but it doesn’t mean you’re not out there kicking butt every single day of the year (and we know that!). In honor of all women across the world who don’t just survive, but thrive when their voices are silenced, we wanted to highlight a few amazing women of the rue21 team.
We sat down with these unique ladies to ask a few questions about their experiences and identities. Their answers provided insight into their individual outlooks on life, and we think you will all be truly inspired by their words. Always remember, you’re never alone as long as girls out there are empowering each other!
Nicole Neghiu
Nicole is a Merchandise Manager at rue21 and she’s been working here for 14 years. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, pictured above, and shopping till she drops! (We can all relate).
What does being a strong woman mean to you?
To me, being a strong woman means being confident in yourself, staying true to yourself and paving your own path in life.
Who in your life empowers you as a woman?
I’m surrounded by so many amazing women, but my number one is my husband. He continues to support my dreams and goals, and encourages me every single day.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t worry so much! Stay positive, work hard and it will all be worth it.
Abbie Straughn Herbert
Abbie is a model who has worked with rue21 since she was just 15! In her free time, she loves watching Bravo TV and playing with her puppy, Nathan.
What does being a strong woman mean to you?
Being a strong woman to me, especially in this industry, means being confident, staying true to yourself and not letting others tear you down, while also lifting others up. This industry can be tough, especially with social media, so we have to stick together and be supportive of one another.
Who in your life empowers you as a woman?
The people that empower me the most include my mom, she’s always been supportive of my career and has pushed me to reach my goals. Also, my husband who’s my number one fan and the best puppy dad while I’m away at work.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Some advice I would give to my younger self would be that high school is not that serious and you will get through it. Also, I started my career young and it was very intimidating, so I wish I could just say “stay true to yourself and it will all work out.”
Sydney Bell
Sydney, aka @sydneylbell, is a plus-size model and influencer currently living in New York City. She was recently featured in rue21’s spring break campaign!
What does being a strong woman mean to you?
A strong woman to me is someone who knows who they are, knows their worth and is a go-getter. Someone who’s not afraid to face their fears and to just genuinely be themselves.
Who in your life empowers you as a woman?
Someone in my life who makes me feel empowered as a woman is definitely my mom. She is the OG boss babe and someone who has instilled within me kindess to others, kindness to yourself and love in general. I feel like I cannot thank her enough because she has made me the woman I am today.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Some advice I would give my younger self is that the world is larger than you think it is, and the worries you have are really not important as you think they are. Just love yourself and love your thunder thighs and tummy, Syndey! Because one day they’ll be something that really inspires young girls around the world.
This International Women’s Day, we want you to go out into the world remembering to be kind to others and to yourself. Express your individuality, use your voice, show your emotions and stand up for your beliefs. We know that it’s not always easy, but change happens in small steps. There are no struggles too big or too small when it comes to gender equality—and rue21 supports you, in everything, from finding the right outfit to express your true self, to finding a safe space in our stores if you need somewhere to be.
If you’re feeling inspired by the women in this post, visit the official website of International Women’s Day 2020 to learn more about how #IWD2020 is fighting for #EqualforEqual rights or reach out to your local community center to see if there’s an impact you can make for those in need locally. Also, you can read our blog from last year’s International Women’s Day to hear from more amazing ladies. Most of all, never forget that you’re amazing.
Show us the rue21 look that makes you feel empowered with #YOUinrue and @rue21!
