Ask any woman how she got to where she is today, and you’ll probably be in for an interesting story. The truth is, from getting their foot in the door to deciding on their next step, the road to realising one’s dreams isn’t always smooth sailing.
With this in mind, we spoke to five successful and inspiring women who are behind the leading brands and movements shaping the way you approach beauty, fitness, entertainment and art. They’ve revealed the many challenges they’ve faced, their successes, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learnt along the way. And, with each wearing the all new Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit, which has been designed for all types of creative people who are constantly on-the-go and reimagines new avenues of design and creativity, they not only have talent but also style on their side.
Meet the 5 inspiring women and their Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit
Meet the yogi: Kate Kendall
Co-Founder & Director of Yoga at Flow Athletic
Kate wears the Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit in road trip blue, $130
A typical day involves… movement and meditation in the morning to keep my body and mind active and motivated; hang times with the team, blog posts and event co-ordination, meetings with my publicist and, of course, teaching classes, which is always the highlight of my day.
I’ve learnt to…always speak the truth. In business, play, love and live. Be yourself. Unashamedly. And break past the fear of hurting others or having them disapprove of you. If there was something I’d tell myself on the beginning of this journey, it’s that you can’t please everyone. You’re never going to live the life you want to live if you try. If something doesn’t feel right, enquire as to why or simply don’t sign it, don’t back it, don’t do it. Simple.
The best part about my job is… watching people ‘change state’ through the practice of yoga. Their energy before class can change so dramatically by the end of the class. This makes the early mornings totally worth it.
Meet the writer: Elle Halliwell
Fashion editor at The Daily Telegraph, and entertainment reporter
Elle wears the Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit in road trip blue, $130
My day usually involves… filing stories for online and the daily papers, interviewing designers and celebrities, overseeing photo shoots and attending/reporting on lunchtime and evening fashion, film or beauty events. I also do an afternoon entertainment cross for Channel Nine, which I do from the News Corp studio. My day can start and finish anytime between 7am and 11pm – no day is ever the same!
The older I get… the more philosophical I am about setbacks. Things that would make me want to lock myself in my room and sob for a week when I started my career don’t have the same effect anymore. You become more resilient. One of my favourite mantras is “do one thing every day that scares you”. Say yes to opportunities that might seem daunting, and make your own luck. Even lottery winners have to first buy a ticket.
Meet the entrepreneur: Bianca Cheah
Founder and Managing Director of Amodrn
Bianca wears the Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit in white, $130
A typical day involves… overseeing the strategy, creative content and direction of the Amodrn brand, this might mean going to events, preparing pitches, content direction, liaising with clients, photographing products or running to meetings. Usually of a night I’ll come home to practice my yoga. This is a big part of my life as it grounds me after my busy days.
I’ve learnt to…. never give up. There have been so many times when I’ve failed, but it’s these times that have made me stronger as a person. We’re all human and its normal to make mistakes. You only get better by learning from your mistakes.
The best part of my job is… knowing that we are creating content that inspires people to lead a healthier and happier life. This is incredibly rewarding.
Meet the beauty vlogger: Chloe Morello
Beauty expert and influencer
Chloe wears the Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit in red, $130
A typical day involves… checking social media and emails first thing in the morning. I’ll then tidy up my makeup space and film a tutorial or attend a beauty event or a meeting with my manager. Then after dinner I’ll spend more time editing. I work seven days a week so having some time off every now and then is super important.
I’m inspired by…my followers. I love reading their comments and respond to as many as possible. When I film, I try to just be myself so my followers have fun whilst watching.
Meet the photographer: Emily Abay
Fashion photographer
Emily wears the Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit in white, $130
My day starts… with a workout, a big breakfast and then work begins. Whether we’re on an amazing location or in a studio, the day is revolved around models, fashion and just genuinely having a great time.
There are definite setbacks in this job… it’s like having a needy child. There is constantly something to do, quotes to draft, models to cast, production meetings, it’s never ending, and it’s easy to find yourself on holidays sitting by the hotel pool sending non stop emails. I’ve definitely seen the value now in just turning your phone off and just enjoying the life in front of you.
Being your own boss is… the most amazing feeling, but it’s also the worst part of my job because no one is going to do the work for you, so you have to work around the clock sometimes. Bittersweet.
The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit Collection will launch in Volt Green, Black, Roadtrip Blue, Red, White, and Spray Paint Blue starting April 1 for RRP $130 available exclusively from www.converse.com.au, the Converse Melbourne Central Flagship Store and selected Hype DC, Platypus Shoes and Foot Locker stores around the country.
