With the arrival of March, we’re proud to celebrate International Women’s Day all month long, and to extend our support, we sat down and spoke with eight creative women to highlight their work in practice.The theme of this year’s IWD is “Break The Bias” — seeking a world free of stereotypes and discrimination where difference is valued and celebrated to create a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
We were fortunate enough to talk with women from Toronto and Vancouver, discussing their careers, achievements, and upbringings while focusing on their artistry and individuality. They welcomed us into their homes, studios, and workspaces to get a feel about who they are, what they do, and why International Women’s Day is important to them.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do?
My name is Jasmine Kiara and I am an R&B recording artist based in Toronto, Ontario.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is important to me because it's a celebration of the liberty and freedom that women deserve, and the unique strength and value that we hold. As a society, we must continue to foster a sense of agency and autonomy in women and girls, encourage gender equity, and International Women’s Day is a great reminder of that.
In your experience, what skills have been essential to succeed in your field?
Communication is a skill that has been essential to success in my field because it is the key to building and maintaining relationships, which is one of the most important parts of establishing a career in the entertainment industry.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurial roles/creative careers?
We can encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurial roles/creative careers by actively and intentionally providing them access to meaningful opportunities in spaces that have been typically dominated by men, such as directing, producing, designing, etc.
Which women inspired you growing up and why?
Michelle Obama is one of my biggest inspirations, not only because she is so intelligent, driven, and ambitious, but also because she has remained humble and intentional about her career choices throughout her life.
Knowing where you are now, what advice would you give to your younger self that's just starting out?
I would tell the younger version of myself that sometimes the path that you need to take doesn't exist yet, so just embrace the unknown
Which aspects of your career are you most proud of?
I'm very proud of my musical and lyrical growth that I've been privileged enough to explore over the last ten years, and I'm proud of myself for representing what a multi-faceted female artist looks like today.
What’s your favourite Nike shoe and why?
My favourite Nike shoe is the Nike Women's Air Force 1 Shadow, because it's such a unique and modern take on the classic and timeless style.
For more from Jasmine Kiara, you can check her out at @itsjasminekiara on Instagram.
