Let’s recognize the power of women! In honor of International Women’s Day 2021, we’re launching Just Dropped: Women Who Rock—an expansive line of graphic tees featuring a group of talented and iconic female musicians from Selena to TLC and many more beloved ladies. To kick off this month of celebrating female empowerment, we had a few of our rue21 team members discuss their experiences of womanhood. Read on to learn more!
Women Who Rock Collection
This collection features some of the most influential female artists of the music industry from several eras and multiple genres. These ladies have made their marks on scenes like R&B, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, Tejano and more. From pop-lovin’ Britney girls to edgy Blondie fans, we have the tee for everyone to express their appreciation for iconic women. What can we say, we’re suckers for women who use their voice to bring upon change.
Speaking of iconic women, let’s get into our interviews with the rue21 team!
Bella Walstrom
What is your title and how long have you been working at rue21?
I’m Bella and I am on the creative team here at rue! I am a graphic designer and I have been working here for about a year and a half. I love what I do, it’s a new adventure every single day in the ever-changing retail business. I also love being able to create things that will be seen by so many people and could possibly have an impact on even just one person.
Which tee from our Women Who Rock collection is your favorite?
My favorite tee from the collection would have to be the Shania tee. I grew up listening to her and she will always be an icon. Who doesn’t sing their heart out to “Man, I Feel Like A Woman”?
Name a female musician you listen to in order to feel empowered.
A female musician I listen to in order to feel empowered is definitely Lizzo. She has such an incredible voice and every song embodies her whole message, that “I am here, I am me, and I love me exactly the way that I am”.
Who is your favorite female protagonist from a book, movie or show and why?
I have a ton of female characters that I love from various movies, books, and tv shows, but I would have to say that Diana from Wonder Woman is definitely at the top of the list. She is the goddess of Amazons and stopped the first world war, doesn’t get much cooler than that. I love how when she isn’t being Wonder Woman, she is this super stylish feminine woman but then she transforms into this totally fierce warrior.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
I think my favorite thing about being a woman is ALL OF THE CLOTHES. I love fashion and shopping and the options are absolutely endless when it comes to women.
If you could meet any prominent woman from history or the present, who would it be and why?
If I could meet any prominent woman from history or the present, it would be Amelia Earhart. She was the definition of a rule breaker and fearless. She didn’t let the gender “roles” stop her from doing what she wanted. I am also very, very, interested in the mystery of her disappearance so I would love to know what actually happened to her.
Kacey Abbott
What is your title and how long have you been working at rue21?
Senior Manager of Customer Service. I’ve been with rue21 for about 12 years!
Which tee from our Women Who Rock collection is your favorite?
The Britney Spears tee, hands down. She was at the top of my playlist when I was younger and one of the first concerts I attended. Love me some Britney.
Name a female musician you listen to in order to feel empowered.
Anything Beyonce touches is an empowering anthem. Who doesn’t get fired up when you hear “Who run the world? GIRLS!” Ariana Grande’s recent music has been on repeat too.
Who is your favorite female protagonist from a book, movie or show and why?
I caught Hidden Figures on TV the other day so that immediately came to mind. I love Taraji P. Henson in general, but her portrayal of Katherine Johnson was incredibly inspiring. Such a feel-good movie depicting the struggles women had to deal with not too long ago. Also, I feel like I can’t mention Taraji P. Henson without mentioning Cookie in Empire – ultimate queen.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
It is so hard to pick just one thing, but if I had to summarize I’d say our emotional maturity and complexity. Women are both strong and empathetic; our relationships are complex, especially with each other; and our instincts are killer. Personally, my inner feminist is one of my favorite qualities.
If you could meet any prominent woman from history or the present, who would it be and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg definitely. Her accomplishments are impressive in themselves, but the fact that she did it while women’s rights were evolving throughout the 20th century and made it to the Supreme Court is even more impressive. She’s one of the faces of feminism and was a force to be reckoned with, especially when she was on the bench with a dissent collar on.
Bri Bowman
What is your title and how long have you been working at rue21?
Loyalty Program Coordinator and a little over a year!
Which tee from our Women Who Rock collection is your favorite?
I love the TLC shirt! They are one of my favorite artists from the 90s!
Name a female musician you listen to in order to feel empowered.
I listen to Beyonce a lot to feel empowered! But I love a good mix of Meg the Stallion and Lizzo for workouts.
Who is your favorite female protagonist from a book, movie or show and why?
If we’re talking drama I love Annalise Keating in How to Get Away from Murder. She is independent and resourceful but is also willing to show her vulnerable side. But for a comedy, it would be Issa Rae in Insecure. Even when things get tough for her she always finds a way to make light of the situation and have a good time with her best friends.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
I love how supportive other women can be to each other! Even strangers are open to offer compliments and give advice! Also, the clothes!
If you could meet any prominent woman from history or the present, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet Issa Rae. She does amazing things on and off the screen and is a good example for black women to pursue your dreams no matter what you have to do to make them happen.
Laynie Chappell
What is your title and how long have you been working at rue21?
Assistant Buyer for Juniors and rue+ Dresses. I’ve been with rue21 for about 2.5 years.
Which tee from our Women Who Rock collection is your favorite?
I love the white Shania Twain tee, “Let’s Go Girls”!
Name a female musician you listen to in order to feel empowered.
I love Lizzo! She’s so unapologetically herself. She’s beautiful, beyond talented (with her voice and her ability to play instruments), and I love her messages about being a woman. She’s all about loving yourself first and I think that’s so important!
Who is your favorite female protagonist from a book, movie or show and why?
I would say Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. She stands for justice for the victims in these awful crimes, even after experiencing her own traumas. Both on the screen and off, Mariska Hargitay is a true advocate for women of all backgrounds and stories and I find that incredibly admirable.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
Our strength! Obviously, there’s the physical strength we have to endure for all of the beautiful things our bodies are able to do. But then there’s emotional strength, as well. Many women lead successful lives with successful careers, all while being incredible mothers. Our ability to multitask with multiple things and still give everything our 200% best is amazing to me. Going back to Olivia Benson’s character- the emotional and mental strength she portrayed for other victims and still working within her industry after experiencing her own traumas is something, I feel, only a woman could do.
If you could meet any prominent woman from history or the present, who would it be and why?
I think Princess Diana or Meghan Markle. Meghan has done a great job standing for what she believes in, even if the Royal family (and the world, really) doesn’t always approve. But I feel that Princess Diana paved the way for her. Not only was she known for her charitable work for sick children, but also for raising awareness about mental health. It wasn’t so much talked about during the 80s/90s, so I think her taking that risk makes her stand out!
Shout out to all our ladies in the rue21 family! For International Women’s Day 2021, celebrate all the special women in your life throughout the whole month of March. Tell them how much of a positive impact they have made on your life and try to inspire others through your own support—we love to see women uplifting women! Leave a comment below with your answers to the questions above!
Be sure to share your rue21 style on Instagram using #YOUinrue and tag @rue21!
