The Power Of Woman

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.”  
— Sheila Murray Bethel

I am a firm believer in woman. Call me a modern day feminist, but women empowerment is one of sole reasons I want to work in fashion one day. Women are such intricate, unique beings and no matter who you are, you have the ability to do whatever you set your mind to.

Meet Dawn:

22 years old

Hometown: Prescott, AZ

Currently living in Washington DC going to school and working at GYMR Public Relations

Favorite article of clothing: At the moment, my Hunter wellies, they get me through all the rainy DC days!

What empowers you: Fabulous women empower me. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by the most incredible women from my mother, sisters, friends, to my colleagues. It’s truly humbling to see women become successes in whatever they choose to do.

I moved across the country at age 20 to start a career in Washington, DC and it has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. There are times I want to give up and run back to the comfort of the Arizona sun, but I don’t and I won’t. I want to be an example to other women that we can do whatever we want even if the world says no.

Favorite quote: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” ― Elizabeth Taylor

Dream job after college: I have my dream jobJ I would eventually like to own my own PR Firm. Confession: I secretly would like to move back to my hometown and open a clothing/home decor boutique downtown—maybe someday…

After years of growing up together, Dawn’s and my paths crossed when we collaborated on a project about Woman Empowerment. Dawn modeled, I styled and Rebecca DeVaney photographed!

 Confidence is the ultimate tool for succeeding in life. I’m most confident in a great outfit, a bold lipstick and curled hair, and I’m empowered by fashion, challenge, success and even fear. Dawn, a past model in Arizona, explained to me that her mentor, Rebecca DeVaney a photographer and writer located in Scottsdale, Arizona, always told her whenever she’s going through something difficult in her life, she should get back in front of the camera. Doing an empowering photoshoot has always encouraged her to continue and persevere.

Through adolescence, women are trained to hate their body, become dependent through relationships, and ultimately live up the expectation of being “woman”. I say forget the social conformity and be you. Express yourself through your passions and interests. Utilize those passions to build your confidence and, with confidence comes empowerment, with empowerment comes success.

In 2014 I challenge you to start loving yourself, you whole self. Become curious, start a hobby, and break some rules. It took a long time for me to accept myself. After an unsupportive ex telling me I was never going to be successful, never-ending discussions about potential career paths with my parents, and many hours mulling over Vogue, I realized that it would be crazy to walk away from something I was so passionate about. I have always loved fashion and it has helped me love myself. In 2012 I made a goal to immerse myself in something I have never done before, a fashion blog. Through the challenges, the opportunities and the hard lessons learned, I am before you with a little something I decided to call Simply Audree Kate.

The blog’s name changed numerous times before I realized that I didn’t want to hide behind a clique fashion title or embody something I didn’t believe in. After sleepless nights, it finally dawned on me. I was gifted a powerful name after two incredibly beautiful and talented women, Audrey and Katherine Hepburn. My blog was me, my name, my life. No filter or fluff, I’m just simply me. Take me or leave me, I’m just Simply Audree Katherine.

“The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it”
-Roseanne Barr

My passion is fashion, my confidence is the blog and my empowerment and personal success is the ability to work with women, such as Dawn, and help inspire each other through clothes, photos and self-expression. So my final question to you, what are you empowered by?

 

Photography by Rebecca DeVaney