Here in the heart of Wyoming, women have always been recognized for thick skin, a sharp mind and a stop at nothing attitude. And we believe today is no different.
On International Women's Day in the 5150', we celebrate not only the women who led the way, but the women we are becoming. We are so many things to this community: fearless, divine, compassionate, kind and thoughtful. Yet, the best part is, this is just the beginning for the legacy of women in Wyoming.
With so much ahead (and even more to be grateful for right in front of us), we wanted to slow down with some of our favorite local, leading ladies and share their insight on living an empowered and intentional life while bringing others along. Get inspired and meet the women below:
Q: If you could share only one piece of advice with the world, what would it be and why?
MEET MADDY MILLER
owner SHE
"The best life advice I could give someone is to stop trying to make everyone happy. As cliche as it may sound, it truly is extremely important. When you spend your entire life worrying about being judged, or embarrassed, or frowned upon, you miss out on some of the most beautiful parts of it. The ones where you hold the power of choice, authenticity, and strength. Once you learn that it’s okay to say no, you will realize your life is in your hands completely. The only important happiness is that within."
MEET CLAIRE MARLOW
owner Scarlows Art & Coffee | Goedicke's
"Work hard and love hard. Life is short. Dig in, and do all the things that pique your interest. Experiment, take risks, ask questions and LISTEN. Then focus in and put in the time to see things through - no matter how hard or impossible they may seem. Anything is possible, we just have to work at it. And put that same amount of effort into love: loving life, loving yourself, loving others, loving the world around you. There is enough hardship in life. There will always be grief and heartbreak, but I truly believe really focusing on being grateful for and giving love, to others, to yourself, to your community, to the universe, creates a depth within ourselves that allows us to not only keep going, but help others keep going too. Take care and support each other, it’s so important!"
MEET SARAH CARPER
owner Sarah Carper Music
“Do it scared. I feel like so many passions, experiences, and interactions are missed out on, because we second guess ourselves or shrink away from what others will think (or because we’re just flat scared of what’s going to happen). I can tell you that doing it anyway, if it’s something you really care about, is more rewarding, fulfilling, and encouraging than it is scary after all. As long as it fills your cup, and doesn’t hurt anyone else, be true to you and do it even if it feels intimidating or 'scary'."
MEET TESS MITTELSTADT
executive director Habitat for Humanity
“Spend more time telling other people what they are good at, especially the things they may not know. This is the kindest thing we can do for each other."
MEET SABRINA SPEARS
owner Sabrina Spears Events
“If you want to change the trajectory of your own life, begin with healing your wounded inner child. Most of life was lived in survival mode and I didn’t recognize that, until I began my own healing journey. But when you know better you do better. My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive, and to do so with purpose, passion, compassion, a little humor and lots of style."
MEET LINDSEY GRANT
owner grant st. grocery | executive director The Lyric
“These days it's very easy to overthink and overanalyze to the point we talk ourselves out of taking action. It's important to live in the energy of the present and not give our energy to potential negativity in the future. It hasn't happened and may never happen. Still plan appropriately but use your energy wisely. Believe in yourself enough to know that no matter what happens, you'll learn something and you'll be okay."
Happy International Women's Day to all of the spirited females that make up our community. We simply wouldn't shine as bright without you! If these ladies inspired you please share this post on social media - tag them and us @5150local.