Let’s face it, women are badass. From the moms that raised us to multi-millionaire mavens, there’s always been a woman that has inspired us to go after our dreams. Being a company made up of mostly women, Verb wanted to take time to reflect on what International Women’s Day meant to all of us. Here’s to our matriarchs, our mentors and best girlfriends who continuously raise the bar every day just by showing up and being their amazing selves. Happy IWD from Verb.
Claire
Founding Member
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
As I get older, my desire to celebrate every little thing has grown tremendously (cue politically correct baby gender reveal parties, half birthdays, monthly anniversaries, etc). So I am game for any moments taken to celebrate and promote women. I also think that as much progress as we make, we are always going to need daily (or yearly) reminders of how powerful the female voice can be.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
I’m going to cheat and pick more than one but my team: Jessica, Kayce, Julianne, Charlotte, Perri, Shanelle, Simran, Ana, Karina, Natasha, Christina, Nia, Ally and every woman that has been a part of creating Verb has taught me so much. The wit, passion, love and dedication that each of these women put into growing Verb is a daily inspiration and a reminder of how we are doing so much more than making shampoo.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
This is such a difficult question. Right now, I am just such a fangirl of Holly, the Founder of Supergoop. What she has managed to create is one of the more impressive things I think we have seen in the beauty industry over the past 10 years. She drives her mission of getting everyone to use sunscreen in a beautiful and impactful way with fantastic product, a powerful brand and curated distribution.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
I am not sure she would consider herself one of my mentors, but Brene Brown has had such an impact on my life. One of my favorite reminders from her is, "Quick and dirty wins the race. Perfection is the enemy of done. Good enough is really effin' good." As part of a business that is moving so quickly, it is important that we remember our goal and stay focused on the action items that need to be done quickly and efficiently.
How has working with women impacted your career?
I am so lucky to have been able to work consistently with women in my career but the biggest lesson I learn and continue to practice everyday (because it has to be practiced) is how important it is for women to champion women. We have to be each other's biggest cheerleaders in order to get seats at the table.
Natasha
Sales
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
To be honest, women are the backbone of society so I think it should be International Women’s Day every day *insert shrug emoji*
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My cousin Kathy has always played a pivotal role for me. Since she’s got about 20 years on me, she has always worn multiple hats — from being a second mom to mentor. Since I was young, and now even into early adulthood, I learn so much from the way that she leads her family with love, supports her community without question, and empathizes with absolute strangers with such grace. Also it doesn’t hurt that I’ve single-handedly seen the fruit of her daily efforts (she’s a social worker!)
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Blueland! Doesn’t hurt that their CEO is also a Korean-American woman
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
“When you’re called to growth, things don’t just get handed on a silver platter anymore, but you’re called to higher places, and higher places require a hike, a sacrifice, a desire.”
How has working with women impacted your career?
Growing up as a minority, I’ve always struggled with identity and how I can play a role in society. Working on a team surrounded by strong-willed, fierce women has given me the confidence and tools to speak my mind and execute my convictions.
Perri
Design
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
It's the official day to stick it to patriarchy.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My mother, duh.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
BAGGU.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Say yes and figure it out later.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Since moving to New York City, I've been in predominantly-women environments in school, internships and now my job. I am lucky that it feels like the norm.
Ally
Customer Service
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
International Women's Day is important to me because the strong energy and power that is in all women can really be appreciated and acknowledged on this day.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
Definitely my nana. She is resilient and has shown me how to love and care for myself along with the wonderful people in my life.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Glossier, of course.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
"It's important to not look at the competition around you but to challenge and compete with yourself. That is how you learn and grow."
How has working with women impacted your career?
Working with women has made me feel more confident in myself, with my work and ideas that I can bring to the table.
Ana
Social Media
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
It's important to me because it recognizes the hard work women around the world have had to go through in order to achieve social, political, economic and cultural equality.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
Luisa Capetillo, a Puerto Rican woman who stood up for women's and workers’ rights in Puerto Rico and who notoriously became the first woman on the island to wear pants in public which was considered a crime.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Ethel's Club, it's a co-working space in Brooklyn made by and for people of color to share a space and collaborate.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
"Speak up.” I was an intern at the time and didn't know how to get anyone to give me a project to work on. She said, "Speak up and tell someone.” Since then, whenever I find myself figuring out how to get something done, I think of that and find out how to do it.
How has working with women impacted your career?
It has given me the opportunity to reach career goals I never even thought were possible and were shut down by men.
Julianne
E-Commerce
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
We totally deserve it. It's been a long time coming, and there's still more work to do. We should get more than just one day, if you ask me...
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My mom. She always told me to make sure to get a job where I can take care of myself and not rely on anybody else (*ahem* — a partner). I didn't understand why this was such good advice when I was 10, but I totally get it now.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Kindred Black, Great Jones, Elizabeth Suzann, Of a Kind, Rent the Runway, Outdoor Voices. So many.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Always, always, always ask for more money. It might be a "no," but if you don't ask, you'll never know. Men never feel guilty asking for more money, so why should we?
How has working with women impacted your career?
I love working alongside women because not only do I get to constantly be inspired and challenged by them, but I also have formed some great friendships over the years.
Charlotte
E-Commerce
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
My life is surrounded by women I love and admire and I don't regularly appreciate them and the impact they've had on me as much as I should. Celebrating IWD is a reminder to let the lovely ladies in my life know how much they mean to me.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My older sister, Virginia. I don't know what I'd do or who I'd be without her.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
I'd have to say Supergoop! Not only do they have great products but they also have a very strong brand identity.
Best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Stop worrying so much. Take a breath, evaluate your current situation and figure out what you can do to move forward now. Let all of the stuff in the past that you can't change, go.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Every professional opportunity I've been given thus far has been because a woman in power said I was worthy of taking on more responsibilities. Working with women has not only impacted my career but it has given me the opportunity to have a career, period.
Jessica
Design
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
To be honest, I just had to Google this day to ensure I answer this correctly. I think that in itself means this day needs more awareness. It's important to recognize the journey we have been through as women and the amount of fighting we still have to do to make it easier for the future generations of women to come. A vast amount of fight happened before my time while I was becoming the woman I am today and for that, I appreciate all the battles that were fought for me. Looking forward to paving the way for future females.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
I think the woman who had the impact of making me a living thing and existing in this world definitely takes this place. Being a first-generation Mexican-American, the fight and struggle was very transparent. My mother always reminded me to work hard and be the primary and sole dependence on achieving my goals.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
The best advice given to me by a female mentor was from Claire Moses who would repeatedly encourage me to speak up and take up space to be heard.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Working with primarily women these past four years has definitely proved to me (not that there was any doubt, but definitely solidified it) that we are really fucking smart, brave, honest and empathetic towards others. I come to work every day thankful to be surrounded by such hardworking, courageous, smart women in constant personal and career evolution.
Kayce
Marketing
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
We all know badass women in our lives from our moms to the women we look up to in our respective industries and I love that there's a day to recognize and remind the women in your life why they're important.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
Of course, my mother and that's why I try to show her my appreciation as much as I can. My best friends are also so independent and doing such different amazing things like opening their own restaurants (Nixta in Austin, everyone should go eat their tacos!), teaching and mentoring young minds.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
I love Man Repeller and how Leandra has led and built her team. I've had the chance to meet her at one of their events and she was so genuine and gave thoughtful advice. I'm also a fan of the GlowRecipe founders and how they've managed to explode in the beauty sector with a clear vision. The list really does go on.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Stick to it. Not said in those exact words but I was really thankful to a powerful female mentor in my life that heard my concerns about a career move and mentored me through all of the possible outcomes. She taught me to push through and not make easy choices simply to keep moving forward.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Being fortunate enough to have had mostly female leadership throughout my career has really helped my growth. I've been able to feel comfortable opening up to them, asking for help and following their guidance knowing that they're speaking from personal experience.
Christina
Product Development
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
It is so important that women everywhere are recognized for their hard work and dedication and women deserve that time to celebrate their own contributions and themselves.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My grandmother was hugely impactful on my life as she was never afraid to go against the grain, stand up for herself and work hard to support her entire family. Plus, she was the first of now three generations of my family to work in beauty so she was a huge inspiration.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
There are so many female-founded brands I love, but a few that come to mind are Miakoda, a NY-based fashion brand that uses vegan and upcycled products to make their clothing and Catbird, another NY-based jewelry brand that uses recycled materials and is very Brooklyn inspired.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Always listen to yourself — it’s usually right.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Working with women has been incredible as I've seen the true success that women can achieve when we encourage one another and work towards a common goal.
Nia
E-Commerce
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
Women make the world go ‘round with our social, cultural, economic and political achievements. Without women, there would be no men.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My mommy. She's the strongest woman I know. She is the reason I grind as hard as I do today.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Brother Vellies! I love Aurora James and the mission of her company.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
To never give up. When I have down moments, keep in mind they are only temporary. Good will always be around the corner.
Lucie
Design
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
I think it's really important because it offers us women a time to celebrate, uplift and be there for each other. I feel like knowing you're not alone in what you're experiencing really helps you to heal as does the process of bringing other women up and supporting them unconditionally.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My mom has been the most important woman in my life. We have a really close relationship and she's the strongest person I know. Regardless of what could be going on, she has always been so selfless, kind and giving.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Glossier and Mejuri —both are faves.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Self care and taking breaks are just as important as the actual work. We can't be superheroes all the time.
How has working with women impacted your career?
I noticed a huge difference in the work environment when I work with women-founded or primarily women-employed companies. It is really meaningful to have women that you can look up to who have careers that you want to emulate or that have shared experiences with you.
Shanelle
Copywriter
Why is International Women's Day important to you?
To be honest, IWD isn’t really that important to me and it won’t be until everyone’s “feminism” becomes intersectional and all women are accounted for and represented.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
My mother. She’s the reason I’m so unapologetically Black, strong-willed and unafraid.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Base Butter. They have one of the best moisturizers out there.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
Always ask for more.
How has working with women impacted your career?
Women in positions of power have opened doors for me in life-changing ways. All of my managers and directors have been women and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. We as women have a lot more in common than we think.
Cara
Design
Why is IWD important to you?
It's important to me because women need a day to celebrate being who we are and what we've done. Women are amazing.
Which woman has made a lasting impact on your life?
One of my professors that I worked closely with from school. Whenever I've felt unsure, she would always be able to help me gain more confidence and excitement about what I do. Also, my mom, because obviously she gave birth to me and that's had a super lasting impact on my life.
What is your favorite female-founded brand?
Maison Cleo. It's a made-to-order clothing line made in France and it started with Marie and her mother, Cleo. Marie sources deadstock fabrics so each piece is limited to how much fabric there is. Her mother sews each piece together.
What’s the best advice you've received from a female mentor?
There's nothing vanilla ice cream can't fix.
How has working with women impacted your career?
It's incredible. I feel like it empowers me because I see women in positions where I want to be.
How are you celebrating IWD? Slide into our DMs on Instagram @verbproducts and let us know.
