As March ends, I wanted to take time to acknowledge some special, sophisticated, and ambitious women for Women’s History Month. As a photographer, I work with a lot of women who have inspired and challenged me through all aspects of life.
One of the nominee’s being honored, Shanyse Waugh.
“Shanyse works tirelessly to uplift the lives of women every day not only in the physical work that goes in to her line of work, but also in the mental work that it requires as well. She is big on seeing beyond how a hairstyle looks, imparting crucial hair care knowledge on her clients in order to ensure that healthy hair is at the root of it all. In a world where many stylists are focused solely on profitting from their clients, Shanyse wants the best for all of the women she encounters. All of this is in addition to using what she has left to give back to her community, whether it be through a holiday brunch or by taking time to come speak to middle school students.” -K.C
Shanyse and myself had a conversation about the importance of Women’s History. Here are her responses to the questions I asked.
What does International Women's Day mean to you personally?
International women’s day to me is an open celebration of every woman, young woman and girl showing up and taking up space in a world ran by men.
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges that women face globally today?
Sexism has been the one of biggest challenges women face when navigating their day to day. Knowing that we are overlooked and our ideas get dismissed just because we are women is an obstacle that we have collectively tried to dismantle for centuries. Because we face this from our counterparts it sometimes creates a divide between us as women and initiates a competition amongst us which only delays our progression in the long run.
How do you think we can empower more women to pursue leadership positions in various fields?
Empowering women in my opinion should first begin with finding their strengths and what they are passionate in. I believe to be an effective leader, passion is a requirement to ensure the necessary work gets done. With passion as the driving force, utitilizing the strengths a woman has creates an undeniable effectiveness. While also encouraging the current leaders to reach back and pave the way for future generations of women to not only lead but take things further than the previous generation.
Can you share an example of a woman who has inspired or influenced you in your life or career?
There are a handful of women who have vastly impacted my life and career. First and foremost my mothers, because I am blessed to have 3 in total my biological mother, step mother and mother in law, all have set an amazing example of how to balance my strength and femininity. While I have so much homage to pay to Shay Lampkin who poured into me career wise and continues to be a source of inspiration as I grow as a businesswoman. These 4 women have directly impacted my life and created strong foundations for me to build my own legacy on.
What role do you believe men should play in advancing gender equality and supporting women's rights?
Men have a responsibility to ensure that space is held for a woman’s touch. I believe there is a delicate balance between men and women and while men normally operate from a space of logic it’s imperative to allow a woman’s compassion to level out the logic. In history men have pioneered women’s rights without taking into consideration the grand differences between the two. A level of self reflection and awareness is necessary amongst men to understand when they are underqualified to speak on certain rights and issues.
How can organizations create more inclusive and supportive environments for women in the workplace?
Most women have rallied for the same efforts to be heard just like men in the workplace. Listen to those women because what I may believe is necessary in my workplace may look different to the next woman in hers. Overall support starts with having conversations and listening to understand what voids are present and how they can be adequately filled.
What strategies have you found effective in balancing career and family responsibilities as a woman?
As a teen mother I have had someone depending on me my entire adult life so I’ve had to accept that as time passes strategies will continuously change to accommodate the chapter I’m in. Currently with balancing being a salon owner, a wife, and a mother of two equally involved daughters, creating a flexible schedule and prioritizing organization and rest is my foundation for a healthy balance. Each title I carry holds a heavy responsibility and the balance may not always be even given one responsibility may require more from me periodically but giving myself grace to know that it doesn’t break me if things don’t go according to schedule all the time makes a rigid schedule more forgiving
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to pursue leadership roles or creative/professional careers
Any young women looking to pursue a leadership role I want them to know they are already leaders. Everyone leads in a different way and as long as you’re staying true to yourself and offering up the best version of yourself leadership will be a breeze. Be authentic to yourself, your morals, and hold your integrity. Use your discernment and know what’s an opportunity that can elevate and make progress. Create healthy boundaries to ensure you’re not offering up too much of yourself. And most importantly keep your faith, whatever that looks like to you whether it be religion or spiritually hold onto whatever keeps your spirit pure.
Stay tuned for the next individuals being nominated!