At DESIGNME, we are grateful to be fueled by a team of more than 75% female-identifying employees and leaders. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we wanted to highlight just some of these #badass women with a Q&A on their accomplishments, and the advice they'd give to other women. Here's to strong women, today & everyday.
amy stollmeyer
CO-OWNER & LEAD HAIRSTYLIST
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
In the moment we don’t often stop to appreciate or feel proud, but I can look back on the last 15 years and think "whoa I never thought any of it was possible when I first became a hairdresser in 2006".
I kept pursuing and jumping at opportunities that ended up putting me on an incredible path. Relocating to Canada, travelling, learning, teaching, styling at major fashion shows in NYFW, working with industry icons and incredible creatives, building our own brand with my Husband, more recently; cutting, prepping and styling 19 models for our brand photoshoots! I am proud, and immensely grateful.
What advice would you give to girls considering their careers?
• Don’t loose sight of your own personal values, learn yourself, remain open to new exciting opportunities, explore your own passions, also hold space to have compassion for yourself when you make mistakes.
• When you feel unsure and have self doubt; read or listen to empowering stories of women before you or around you.
• Find and keep your circle as positive and supportive as possible. What fills your thoughts, self-talk and where you get your energy from matters.
If you could have dinner with any 3 inspirational woman, past or present, who would you choose?
There are so many greats to choose from! Today the first 3 that popped into my mind are Maya Angelou, Princess Diana , and my childhood friend Rebecca.
MAYA ASCAÑO
DIRECTOR OF SALES
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the hard work I’ve put into my personal and professional growth. It’s not easy, and they’re accomplishments that are never completely checked off, but digging deep and identifying areas I can grow, and putting in the work is something I’m so proud of.
What advice would you give to girls considering their careers?
As women, we have to be stronger, fight harder, and push further to achieve our goals. Follow your instincts, prioritize balance, and don’t give in to the self doubt.
If you could have dinner with any 3 inspirational woman, past or present, who would you choose?
Rihanna, she changed the game and has single handedly made women of color feel included in spaces we haven’t always been.
Hermione Granger, she’s the pinnacle of courage, bravery and quick thinking.
My grandma, she had six children, then decided to become a Doctor during a time where women could barely vote
rime andraos
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGER
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
In my role - I'm always multi-tasking. I am the liaison between our customers (both B2B and B2C) and our supply team and my goal is to make sure that customers are happy with the service & product they've received. I'm proud to be able to manage it all with poise, and patience.
What advice would you give to girls considering their careers?
Be confident, ask for help and don’t let speedbumps from the past stop you from going after what you want!
If you could have dinner with any 3 inspirational woman, past or present, who would you choose?
Princess Diana, Zaha Hadid and Marilyn Monroe
