STRENGTH PERSONIFIED

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger, Women are already strong. It's about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” Here at AQ/AQ we believe in the strength of womankind. From our powerful female team to our fierce ethics translated into the core of our designs.

We believe in the strength, focus, balance, drive and unrelenting flexibility to adapt to all we have faced and for all that is yet to come in the movement towards true equality.  

In honour of International women's day we have been moved and inspired by 5 incredible women who share our vision of uniting strong women in the art of style. These women not only have discipline of their body’s, but are spreading consciousness and positivity through their work and outlook, truly embodying our definition of a strong female role model. From poignant insights to the genesis of their inspiration, to sage flecks of wisdom, read below to be inspired.

This International Women's Day, we are dedicated to support the growth of the women of tomorrow, to ensure we are contributing to the overall balance for better. We have a responsibility to nurture the ambition and set examples for this generation of girls. That is why with every purchase from the 8th-12th of March 2019 on the items featured in this editorial, 10% of the proceeds will be going to The Girl's Network, whose mission is to support and empower girls from disadvantaged communities by connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional female role models.

Photography by Caroline Towning
www.townandtowning.com

How will you celebrate women's achievements on Friday March 8th?
I think women’s achievements should be celebrated every day, but it is great there is a recognised day dedicated to women's achievements also. I will be travelling back from France on Friday after a presentation for my Interior design Company, Q London Ltd. Then I will probably hit the yoga mat, where I am always surrounded by the strongest women I know both mentally, spiritually and physically.

What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power to me, means being able to have control over my own destiny.

Why is international women's day important to you?
Because it reminds me of all the remarkable women throughout the world currently and historically that have helped and are continuing to help secure woman’s rights and build more equitable societies.

How do you feel you are contributing to a gender balanced future?
This is a big question and I most definitely could concentrate more of my efforts on contributing to this. But where I can and particularly within my company Q London Ltd, I have with my two partners. We ensure there is a complete balance between all men and women within our company. For us we do not mind, what gender, background or ethnicity you are, if you are an amazing designer then we want you part of our team!

You can follow @nickiratcliffe here.

If you had unlimited resources how would you better the balance, better the world?
Access to good education for all.

What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power can mean many things. For me, to have been lucky enough to have the education to articulate and form my own opinions is the most powerful tool I think I could have right now.

Why is International women's day important to you?
 I’m a feminist. I believe in equality of both sexes. But throughout history, the world has not been kind to women and we have overcome so much. It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge this and inspire future generations.

Who is the most inspirational woman in your life and why?
At risk of sounding predictable, I would have to say my mum. Without going into detail, she’s not had the easiest life. Her scars are visible, but only in a way that she carries this beautiful, genuine love and warmth with her. Because one cannot be found without having fully experienced the other. And we find happiness from overcoming our obstacles. She is constantly grateful and has the purest of hearts.

You can [email protected] here.

If you had unlimited resources how would you better the balance, better the world?
Ending the wars, fear and fight. Focusing on nature and sustainable habits.

How do you feel you are contributing to a gender balanced future?
 By following inspiring women and learning from them, enabling me to becoming a better person everyday.

Who is the most inspirational woman in your life and why?
 My Mother, she always taught me that I can do and become what I want by following my calling and passion.

You can follow @annahenrika here.

How will you celebrate women's achievements on Friday March 8th?
I will be enjoying a healthy brunch with some other fantastic ladies who work in the health and wellness industry, I'm really looking forward to it!! I get together with this group of inspiring women once every few months, we have the most amazing chats! Although we have different specialties in health and wellness, we always have loads to talk about, it's so nice to spend time with other independent, strong, and intelligent women. They inspire me to keep working hard and to keep progressing in my career.

What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power is the ability to positively influence people's lives. If you have the resources, share your success with others, as you never know how this could encourage or influence the lives of others.

Why is International women's day important to you?
It's important to shine a light on women's issues. Until people know about inequality due to gender and all other intersectional issues, they are largely oblivious to it. All genders deserve equal rights, treatment, and respect.

How do you feel you are contributing to a gender balanced future?
I mostly deal with this in my yoga classes I teach. I try very hard to provide a place for everyone to feel welcome, supported, safe and free from judgement within my classes.

You can follow @ashleyahrens.yoga here.

How will you celebrate women's achievements on Friday March 8th?
This year I’ll be making a donation to Unatti foundation in Nepal, as I am visiting them in a few months. I will also celebrate all the ladies who attend my classes, every friend and important woman in my life will know how important this day is especially as there are so many countries where women do not have a voice or are able to celebrate International women's day. We must utilise our privilege to create a voice for those women are not permitted by law and constraints to have a voice for themselves.

If you had unlimited resources how would you better the balance, better the world?
We all want to change the world, the only way to do this is to begin to change ourselves. I believe we need to invest in education globally, I also believe meditation and yoga should be a part of the curriculum, compassion should be unlimited. Spreading understanding that love and support will be one of the only ways to truly evoke change for a better world.

What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power is courage, there are many types of power. It is a good resource of energy to empower others especially women.

Who is the most inspirational woman in your life and why?
I'll have to choose my grandmother she passed away 3 weeks ago. She was 99 years old and passed due to breast cancer. I am inspired by her as she didn't have the right to an education yet she mastered literacy, to support and work for her family to ensure that my mother would have an education regardless of my grandfather and society being against it.

You can follow @melissazelayayoga here.