March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day that we’re proud to celebrate every year.
The reason? Empowering women is at the heart of everything we do, inspired by our Co-Founder Gayle Brinkenhoff’s vision to help women feel beautiful during the most difficult time of their lives—undergoing cancer treatment.
And International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to recognize all women and their successes. First celebrated in 1911, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration honoring the economic, political, and cultural achievements of women everywhere. The theme for 2023’s holiday is #EmbraceEquity, with the organizers urging us all to “challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.”
For us at RevitaLash® Cosmetics, the day is a time to reflect on our Co-Founder Gayle’s inspiring strength in the face of adversity. Today, a new generation of strong, talented women continues this legacy, and we’re proud to honor their accomplishments here.
Meet Janeen, Andrea, Phaedra, Vanessa, and Carol, five extraordinary women who are helping to build a culture where all women can break boundaries, at home, in the workplace, here at our company, and beyond.
The Interview
Meet the team:
- Janeen Spaulding, Regional Territory Manager
- Andrea Haley, Global Production Artist & Digital Asset Manager
- Phaedra Panutsos, Manager of Consumer Care
- Vanessa Meraz, Global Marketing Coordinator
- Carol Wertz, Senior Director, Domestic Sales
How do you celebrate being a woman in your daily life?
Janeen: I start and end my day with meditation. This allows me to stay focused on daily goals but also gives me time to celebrate me in a personal way by practicing kindness and gratitude. Embracing my femininity with self-care and taking care of myself sets me up for success in many aspects of my life as a woman, as a wife, a mom, a daughter, and a businesswoman. There is only one “me.” I have to be kind to her above all things.
Andrea: I celebrate being a woman by being the best mother I can be to my young son. I show him daily that I am a strong, goal-oriented, and successful woman, all while being uniquely me. I want him to learn how to navigate this ever-changing world with an open mind and a kind heart. I want to teach him compassion, understanding, and respect for everyone’s individual differences.
Phaedra: I celebrate being a woman in my daily life by providing love and support to my children, and by being a loving sister, daughter, and friend who listens with compassion.
Vanessa: I celebrate being a woman by being the best version of myself, working hard, being confident, and taking care of myself in hopes to be a great role model to my younger cousins and nieces.
Carol: The best way that I can celebrate being a woman is to celebrate what makes me the most proud of who I am: a mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, sister, mentor, coach, and friend. I am honored to share my life with each one; the impact they have made on me and that I have made on them.
What is one way you’ve broken down stereotypes or gender barriers in your life?
Vanessa: I believe I’ve broken down stereotypes or gender barriers by trying my hardest to become as successful as I can be. When I went to college, I decided I wanted to study business. I knew it was a male-dominated field, and although I was a first-generation student and didn’t have a roadmap, I was not intimidated or afraid of making my own path because it was something I wanted to do.
Phaedra: The ways I have broken down stereotypes or gender barriers in my life are with my children. Being a single mom has shown me I have the capacity and endurance to fulfill both roles of a mother and a father in a single-parent home.
Janeen: Who says you can’t be successful if you don’t go to a university? School was not for me so instead, I went to a trade school which eventually led me into a sales role in the beauty industry. I have been in sales for over 25 years. I have worked for some amazing companies in my life and because I am driven, determined and I surrounded myself with great mentors, I have succeeded in my career. More importantly, I am in the best role of my career with RevitaLash® Cosmetics!
Who inspired you to be the woman you are today?
Andrea: My grandmothers and mother. Both grandmothers were stay-at-home moms, as was tradition during their time. They were excellent cooks and amazing caregivers. They worked hard every day to give their families the best in life. They were strong through good times and tough times. Their love was endless…their home was your home, and they always made sure you wouldn’t go hungry when you stopped by. As they have now both passed, their legacy of love, care, and their values of a close, bonded family lives on within the rest of us. This was passed on to my mom; she worked hard at home and had a successful 40+ year career. She now enjoys helping me to take care of my son while I work and build my career. I saw how hard these amazing women worked and hope I can continue to pass this down to the next generations.
Carol: My parents, my husband and 2 children. My parents taught me at a very young age to be strong and determined, and to have ethics and integrity. My mother was a stay-at-home mom who was both determined and strong willed and taught me these strengths. My husband has always encouraged and supported me to be the very best that I can and is a true partner. We have a daughter who has her own career now, and watching her succeed has been the most amazing thing for me as she shares the same attributes as me. And our son who is just starting out in his professional career doesn’t think twice about who is superior between men and women!
How do you celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8)?
Phaedra: I will celebrate this year by purchasing from women-owned businesses and practicing self-care.
Vanessa: When I went to college, the school would organize individuals to give every woman on campus flowers with encouraging notes for International Women’s Day. That was such a beautiful surprise that I got to receive, and I continue that tradition and surprise a few women in my life with flowers as well.
Carol: I will celebrate by reflecting on how lucky I am to be a woman and by celebrating all of the special women in my life. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many!
