There has never been a time in pop culture when women’s power, intellect, and ownership of their own sexuality has been more important.
Spurred by powerful movements such as #MeToo and a growing calling for egalitarianism, women have been encouraged to become bolder than ever about desire, obtaining success, and uniting with one another to advance progress.
Women’s empowerment leaders are now much more sought after than just models for campaigns, as brands know that today’s informed consumers see those which align with their values.
From powerhouse brands such as Pink Lotus Elements (functional Breast Cancer Recovery) to Boutine LA (swimsuits) and Ignite International (lifestyle), the faces of these industry leaders are increasingly independent and inspiring young women who are boldly shattering traditional values and pushing progress for all women.
When asked how she manifests her goals, Pani Banet, who was born and raised in Iran, says that her background helped her develop strong values and a solid foundation. “I try to get as clear as possible on what I want first and then keep a journal to document my dreams, goals and inspirations in it,” she says.
Banet is focused on building an audience through her modeling and acting that she can influence through her actions. Stay tuned as she lights the way for young girls around the world and follow her on Instagram.
Ashley Liz Cooper
Perhaps no influencer takes self ownership in the way Ashley Liz Cooper does. This hugely popular Instagram star, who boasts a following of over 500,000 fans, celebrates her independence by posting lifestyle stories from exotic locations around the world. Her posts feature eye-popping content, accentuating her devil-may-care attitude. It’s almost as though Ashley is channeling the message of the iconic Cyndi Lauper song, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
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“I am extremely authentic with my audience, especially via my Instagram stories,” she says. “I like to post videos of my friends and I doing different things and having fun.”
Although lighthearted by nature, Ashley has also chosen to take on some important social issues. One she is particularly passionate about is spreading the word about the Pink Lotus Breast Care Center, an internet platform dedicated to helping women sort through the challenges of recovering from breast cancer.
Any woman who has ever received a diagnosis of breast cancer can remember the exact moment in which the delivery of that news upended life. The heartening fact is that these patients do not have to feel alone. This is where the Pink Lotus Center steps in, at the intersection between treatment and recovery, to provide crucial guidance for millions of women. The Center’s online store Pink Lotus Elements provides a one-stop marketplace where women can feel safe and confident in finding a wide-ranging offering of functional health products that positively advance recovery.
Let us all celebrate the achievement of the brave women who lived and died at a time when Women’s History Month was just a dream. For as girls and women expand on what it means to assert feminine power, the future itself opens up exponentially, and benefits us all.