Photo credit: Maison Ito
One of our favourite ways to try to be a better version of ourselves is reading about people who inspire us. Maison Ito was founded and is run by a woman —Emilie Celine— who believes self-care is a way of life. This got us thinking about women with unique stories who also give the same importance to self-care. How inspiring would it be to learn more about them — and from them?
Because we believe sharing is caring, we’ve compiled the portraits of 8 women whose self-care approach we admire and believe it’s part of their success. If you’re ready for a good dose of female empowerment, read on and meet them!
Photo: Xuan Lan, on the cover of Forbes Spain (February 2021)
Who is she? The queen of online yoga and healthy lifestyle
Why she is inspiring: Followed by over half million people on Instagram, Xuan’s is one of the best-known faces in the world of yoga amongst Spanish-speaking communities. Her simple but effective views on a healthy lifestyle and her charm have made her the go-to instructor for anybody interested in practicing yoga from home. This Vietnamese born, Paris-raised, Barcelona-based yogi has been practicing yoga for almost 20 years and claims her mission is to share her knowledge with as many people as possible.
Her self-care tips we love: Xuan understands the importance of combining yoga with other self-care practices such as sleeping well or eating healthy. Xuan’s daily routine includes drinking two glasses of warm water with lemon before morning meditation - which aids with digestion and helps stay hydrated, among other benefits. She also avoids any screen time right before bed and encourages everyone to drink calming infusions to get a good night’s rest. Her favourite? Lemon verbena! Let’s try it!
Photo courtesy of Rachel Hollis
Who is she? The wellness author and podcaster you should listen to
Why she is inspiring: We think all working moms are superwomen, but Rachel takes the whole concept to the next level. Juggling several professional projects with being the mom of 4 children, this wellness podcaster is also the author of “Girl, Wash Your Face”, hit #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. If that was not enough, she’s the CEO of the Hollis Co., a lifestyle brand that provides people with the tools to make positive and lasting change.
Her self-care tips we love: Rachel combines work and childcare brilliantly. She even makes it all look simple! Her secret? Lists! Being a mother to 4 kids requires lots of planning ahead, which she claims it’s how she makes everything work! So what about self-care? She also plans it! Rachel’s morning is the time that she dedicates to taking care of herself: she wakes up before the kids; writes in her journal; sets her intentions and works out! And she really seems to put all her advice into practice! A true inspirational girlboss that we can’t help but love.
Follow Rachel on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, or listen to her podcasts.
Photo credit: instyle
Who is she? A fashion expert who embraces everyday wellness
Why she is inspiring: Nieves was chosen by Harper's Bazaar Spain as one of the most influential women in Fashion. A former supermodel, Nieves worked with big names in the haute-couture world such as Christian Lacroix, Giorgio Armani, or Oscar De La Renta, to name a few. After retiring from catwalk modeling, she’s consolidated as a TV presenter and a recognised children’s fashion designer, a job she combines with being a mom to 3 children.
Her self-care tips we love: Nieves affirms she tries to dedicate time to self-care every single day. Aware of the stress her work involves, she claims switching off her phone and all devices are the best way to disconnect and escape from everyday life. She believes wellness is all about feeling happy with yourself and spending time with family and friends. To top it off, she relies on cold therapy (splashing lots of cold water on her face is a self-care routine she inherited from her mom!) and natural, non-invasive facials. She’s our absolute soul mate!
Photo credit: Vanesa Lorenzo
Who is she? A wellness guru with a mission to pass her legacy to children
Why she is inspiring: This multi-talented woman is a model, influencer, and lifestyle guru who has recently published her second book “Crecer Juntos” (Growing Up Together), a publication she’s worked on with the help of Children’s yoga specialist Catherine Esteve. A vivid yoga practitioner herself, Vanesa was inspired by her two daughters to write this book. She opens up to readers about her search for resources to cope with parenting challenges and explains the connection of these struggles with kids' yoga.
Her self-care tips we love: Vanesa’s website and blog not only focuses on yoga and healthy lifestyle, but also on the joys and adventures of motherhood and how to inculcate self-care values to kids. Some of them include respecting the time we invest in resting, gentle stretching, and breath work every day. Ready to put into practice Vanesa’s vision on positive discipline with your children? Watch the below video with 8 essential tips from mum of 2 Ysis Lorenna, and feel inspired!
Photo credit: Julia Navaro
Who is she? A best-selling novelist who trusts in the power of meditation
Why she is inspiring: Just three words: ‘Dime quién soy’ (Tell Me Who I Am). Julia’s best-selling novel kept us on the edge of our seat for several weeks, and we really didn’t want to finish it! Her extraordinary talent and capacity to take our imagination back to the 1930’s has made us want to know more and more not only about her work, but also about herself.
Her self-care tips we love: Julia claims practicing yoga and meditating help her reconnect with herself and manage the stress of book writing and promotion. Her interest in self-care comes from long ago, as she was awarded by ‘Premios Salud y Bienestar’ (Health and Wellness Awards) in 2010 for her advocacy for Pilates. A true inspiration both professionally and personally!
Follow Julia's news on her website or on Facebook.
Photo: Malala Yousafzai, pakistani's activist
Who is she? The Nobel-prize winner with a message about mental health
Why she is inspiring: In 2014, Malala became the youngest person to be awarded a Nobel prize at age 17. A courageous advocate for universal education and girls' rights, this Pakistani woman is one of the most famous female role models of our time.
Her self-care tips we love: As if being a global female icon was not enough, Malala has also raised her voice to talk about mental health. She has openly explained her struggles with mental health. The Nobel laureate takes self-care very seriously and urges people to seek advice or treatment when facing mental health issues, as she’s done in the past. “I have always asked for help. What really helped me in my healing and recovery, both physically and mentally, was the support of people”. Just another of the many reasons why we think she’s the true definition of inspiration. Go Malala!
Photo: Sophia Amoruso
Who is she? A true #girlboss who enjoys J-wellness and mindfulness
Why she is inspiring: this incredible American businesswoman is original #girlboss! The founder and former CEO of Nasty Gal is also the brain behind Girlboss media, a platform that encourages women to achieve their goals by “providing the tools and connections they need to own their futures”.
Her self-care tips we love: Once named one of the richest self-made women in the world by Forbes, Sophia has admitted she makes a conscious effort every day to practice mindfulness. She also looks after herself with simple things such as enjoying a cup of Japanese green tea, practicing breathing, or putting her phone away at night. On top of that, she’s created a holistic environment for her team, allowing everybody to be themselves and giving them the flexibility to work from home when needed. Undoubtedly, a woman we look up to!
Photo credit: Curly Azahara's instagram
Who is she? the mom influencer who will convince you to adopt eco-living
Why she is inspiring: Azahara is passionate about nature, sports, and healthy lifestyle — so much so to name her daughter Natura! Her digital content is fully dedicated to raising awareness about conscious living and sharing tips and advice on healthy recipes, natural cosmetics, and eco-friendly home decor.
Her self-care tips we love: A proud mom of two, Azahara’s digital content is all about looking after both the planet and ourselves. Her followers can normally see her buying organic fruits and veggies, posting a vegan recipe, or enjoying time in the sea or nature with her partner and two kids. If you’re ready to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle that includes organic beauty products and seasonal cooking, then Azahara is the woman who will inspire you to achieve your goals!
From working moms to Nobel-prize winners, the above is just a selection of the many women who have inspired us with their stories and the way they put self-care into practice. Would you add anybody else to this list? We’d love to know them! Make sure you pay us a visit on Instagram and tag that inspiring woman that comes to mind on our post about Women’s Day. We look forward to meeting them!
BY JULIANA R. & EMILIE CELINE
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