Dear Partners, Today is Women’s Equality Day, a holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. On this day, 101 years ago, women stood up for what they deserved and fought to establish equal rights. They won the battle, but the war is, by no means, over.
Dear Partners,
Today is Women’s Equality Day, a holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. On this day, 101 years ago, women stood up for what they deserved and fought to establish equal rights. They won the battle, but the war is, by no means, over.
As I thought about ways I could honor women on this holiday, I thought about how fortunate I am to be surrounded by a multitude of strong, trailblazing women, beginning first with my mother and Pure Romance founder, Patty Brisben. As a pioneering businesswoman working against the tide, she stayed the course when the road grew rocky time and time again and has always stood out as the very definition of determination and fortitude. Patty doesn’t believe in running from a fire. In challenging times, you don’t run away from the fire, you run into it.
I thought about my wife, Jessica. She is an amazing partner, mother to our kids, and CEO of our family. Without her love and support, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. She is one of the most selfless people I know, constantly giving love and support to everyone around her. She challenges me in the best ways, reminding me to appreciate everything we have achieved and to always practice gratitude.
L to R: with my wife, Jessica Cicchinelli; my mother, Patty Brisben, as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
And of course, I think about you. You are one of 40,000+ Partners I have the pleasure of working with every single day. We share our weekday mornings together on Rise & Grind and I am continually inspired by your stories of growth, determination, and entrepreneurship.
My words of praise are but a small gesture to show my appreciation and admiration for the women I am privileged to know.
And although there is still a lot of work to be done to gain gender equality, I hope you’ll agree that by being a Pure Romance Partner, you are paving the way for future female entrepreneurs. You are taking ownership of your life by being your own boss and leading by example.
When Patty started this business in 1993, she positioned us at the forefront of female empowerment. Partners were empowered to become entrepreneurs and achieve financial freedom. Customers were empowered to embrace their wellness needs in the bedroom and beyond. We’ve spent decades on a mission to build women up, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Today is not the only day we should celebrate women. I encourage you to celebrate the important women in your life each, and every day. Equality has not yet been met, but, if you take a lesson from Patty, with persistence and fortitude, we are more likely to achieve our goals.
If you’d like more inspiration on ways to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, check out my suggestions today. I will be taking the day to recognize some of the women in my life who have been sources of inspiration to me.
Sincerely,
1. Lead by Example! Become a mentor to someone who could benefit from your guidance and expertise.
As a successful entrepreneur there are many other women who can benefit from your knowledge. Own your role as a leader and make yourself available for those who are still seeking success and help them along their journey. Do you need advice and coaching? Reach out to someone you respect and admire and ask for mentorship. In the words of Patty, “you might be in business for yourself, but never by yourself.”
2. Celebrate your wins and the wins of the women around you.
Life is significantly more meaningful when you put time aside to celebrate your accomplishments and victories. It enhances your mental stability and makes achieving future goals much more satisfying. And when you recognize others, you are giving them a boost in self-confidence. Sometimes, a small gesture, like a shout out on social media, can go a long way for someone struggling. Today, remind a friend, relative, mentor how much they mean to you.
3. Be a part of the conversation, but don’t forget to listen.
Bring attention to Women’s Equality Day by talking about it in your conversations, social media posts, or other communications. Let’s extend this past just a day, it needs to be a constant conversation. Remind everyone what the day stands for and encourage others to share their stories. Do you know women who have struggled with feeling seen? Listen to their experiences and offer an empathetic ear.
4. Learn all you can about women’s issues and share your knowledge.
Becoming a student and staying a student is one of the most powerful tools in your kit. It’s also one of the best ways to stay relevant in timely conversations. Read books about women’s equality, women’s health, and other women’s issues. Learn about voter registration (and be sure you’re registered and actively participate in elections!). Listen to podcasts and ask others to share their knowledge. Gently teach and coach others on how they might be supportive.
Thank you Chris! So glad to be part of a Sisterhood that supports eachother. Thank you for being the leader that you are, for supporting each one of us, mentoring us & sharing the knowledge with us.
Thank You!!! I am so proud to be part of such a strong community of women and entrepreneurs 💜💜
Thank you Chris! And these are great examples of how we can celebrate ourselves and others today, and everyday.