Portrait of a Donny
#Girlboss.
Frances Bibby How do you define a #GirlBoss? Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal and author of #GirlBoss, defines it as a woman “who is in charge of her own life”. I agree. But, just like success, I think defining a #GirlBoss is subjective. To me, a #GirlBoss is someone who is living her best life, whatever that is. She is expressing her talent in order to reach her full potential and give out positive vibes. Doncaster is the home of a lot of women who fit this definition: Sarah Smizz, an artist who ‘live draws’ events; Kully Thiarai, theatre director at Cast; Lindsey Kelk, a woman from Harworth who fell in love with New York and wrote about it (she lives there now); and Susan Forbes, the woman behind textile studio ArtFelt. These are women who have used their passion and talents to give something positive to their community. I asked some other #GirlBosses about success, passion and inspiration.
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Photography: “Lichtspinnerin” Christiane Pedros ©2010
They were: Charlotte Tasker – Artist, volunteer and vintage style advocate. Rebecca Martin – Travel writer and collaborator with fashion blogging giant Susie Bubble. Julie Buckley – The beating heart of Cask Corner Dive Bar. Claire Lyon – Creator of the Creation Station, Doncaster. Josie Bowerman – Donny girl studying in Cambridge and shouting about the joy of learning. Sam Cooper – Compassionate punk lover, graphic design wizard, aspiring teacher. Rachel Horne – Creative wild child and co-editor/creator of the Doncopolitan.
Josie – “Having the freedom to work out what truly makes you happy. It can be about the process and ongoing work. And of course, ‘success’ can mean something absolutely different.” Sam – “For me, it’s all about putting a smile on someone’s face.” Rachel – “I feel really privileged to wake up every day doing what I love.” Julie – “The satisfaction of knowing that you have tried your best, that you’ve touched at least one person’s life in a positive way.” [2] What is your favourite quote?
[1] How do you define success?
Claire – “You learn more by listening.”
Charlotte – “I don’t like to define success […] It should always be a challenge […] accumulating with inspiration and experience.”
Josie – “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious,” Albert Einstein.
Rebecca – “Success and contentment go hand in hand. If you’re going to bed at night feeling contentment in your work, I class that as success!”
Sam – “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Julie – “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is