Its a new year and it brings with it, for me, a new outlook on my work and relationships. And a plan to regularly acknowledge and celebrate awesome women who I think are the BOMB!
“Sister Code” is a phrase my daughters blurt out at random times when one or the other realizes that they are innately linked. Whether they say the same thing at the same time, or one has a sense what is about to happen to the other before it happens, or that they show up wearing an almost identical outfit by pure chance… “sister code” to me represents the unique understanding and connection of our fellow sisters ( girlfriends, mother’s, daughters..) – and the similar struggles and unique traits that bind us. I want to bow down and celebrate the Women I am lucky enough to be surrounded by, and tap into the power of the “sister code” that we all have access to as sisters on this planet.
I want to start by celebrating these three women who are all BAD ASSES because of their unwavering determination to be true to themselves and not conform to public opinion or trends…
Bea Johnson, founder of Zero Waste Home and good friend and fellow shit stirrer for years. If you don’t know who Bea is then do a quick google search and you will understand the magnitude of her contribution to this generation. Leader in the “Green Movement”, eloquent speaker to large crowds all over the world, and author of books about living a waste free lifestyle; Bea is on fire. What I want to acknowledge is that without judgment or preaching, Bea has been able to educate, inspire and convert hundreds of thousands of people with her authenticity – proving, by way of her own family model, how to live a very dynamic life without raping the planet in the process. Bea’s mission drives every detail in her life, and believe me, I have spent many hours in her home or on vacation with her family and not once does she veer from her lifestyle. On the contrary – she is fearlessly determined to make less of an impact on the planet, while simultaneously showing her children that its the experiences that feed us, not the stuff. What I most admire is that while her path is often fraught with criticism (why???), her faith in her mission and strong support system at home keeps her moving forward, head high and ankle boots a walking’.
My Mother, artist Jean Jack. Its pretty safe to say that I wouldn’t be an Interior Designer if I hadn’t grown up in a home that was filled with art, color, well curated rooms and a mother who didn’t give a f*** about what people thought about her choices and the style in which she lead her life. I learned at a very early age to forge my own path and not to follow trends, and to also not give a f*** what other people are saying about you – the only person you are accountable to is yourself. My mom came from a small town in Cape Cod with 10 siblings, and no real opportunities to explore her creative side. She was able to save enough to move to NYC and put herself through art school, and start the life she was meant to live. Years later, as she was raising her family in upscale Greenwich, Connecticut, she continued to hang on to the rebel nature that got her out of her small town, and never tried to conform to what was expected of a housewife in Greenwich. She painted in her studio instead of hanging at the Country Club, she spent the day in NYC going to art galleries or museums instead of playing tennis or getting her nails done. She painted half the day and cooked the other half, making gourmet dinners for us every night from French recipe books, and pretty quickly, her own concoctions..I used to wish I had a mother who volunteered at school and watched my sporting events, but that’s not what I got, and I kinda think I turned out Ok…thanks MOM for your gumption and your creative soul.
My Daughter, fashion stylist Natasha Zoe Garrett. Where do I start…this girl continues to make me proud. Way wiser and more introspective than her mother, I am not really sure how she came to be this amazing person, but it’s so thrilling to watch. I remember when she was in 2nd grade and there was a small reading group for kids that were struggling in her class, and although neither the teacher nor I thought she needed the extra help, Natasha signed herself up for the group because she thought she could do better… and that about sums up the way Natasha tackles her goals and her own personal demons – she dives right in, does the work and discovers a new strength along the way. Natasha could have easily continued a career as a fashion model after high school, but after moving to NYC she soon realized that she had more to offer the world then just her gorgeousness . She went to fashion school, graduated at the top of her class, and started working for anyone and everyone who would let her learn her craft. She is now rocking looks for brands like Brixton, AJ Jeans, and Apple while also curating her own Vintage Clothing virtual boutique, Roam Vintage. I am one proud Mama..
