I was thinking about all the unapologetic women I’ve admired over the years and decided this is a great way to introduce my Women Who Hustle Blog. I believe in supporting women in business and women entrepreneurs so I will also feature anyone who would like to talk about their venture, business, project, or fundraiser in this section of my website as well. A link to a Google form is attached and you can fill this out if you want a feature.

Spotlight Questionnaire - Google Forms

The characters I write are independent women entrepreneurs and that's because I think that self-employment is an option many will have to consider (though we're being pushed into a gig economy, that's a different topic). In this section of my website, I will share information on how to manage your side gig, home-based business, project, fundraiser or store. These tips are for creative, service based or sales ventures but will also document things I've learned about specific services I've used to write, publish and blog.

To kick this blog off, I'm writing about Iconic Women because these women inspire me when I’m creating a strong female character. Their struggles and success may be over the top but there is plenty to learn from them while we work on our businesses and creative ideas. Instead of ranking them, I am listing them in the order of when they first resonated with me or left a lasting impression. Check out these warrior women - they might inspire you.

1.Bette Midler 

From a young age, her Divine Miss M persona captivated me. She is the first woman who caught my attention and made me think, ‘I want to be like her when I grow up’. She epitomizes effervescent beauty. Although I am not like The Divine Miss M, I often think of her when I write Grace. I adore how she radiates, always sporting a dazzling smile that could warm even the coldest hearts, her stunning pinup poses, and her commanding presence on stage. Bette Midler has brought an abundance of talent to the stage, the silver screen, and the music industry, cementing her status as an iconic and remarkable woman. 

2. Cher 

An interview with Cher caught my attention, not just because of her flamboyant performances and successful acting career. What I love is how she masterfully makes interviewers uncomfortable. Whenever they bring up her looks, there’s this intense glint in her eyes that screams, “Watch out!” And just like that, they know they’re on thin ice. I believe Cher is setting boundaries in these moments, redirecting the conversation towards her latest project, which is what she truly wants to talk about. She doesn’t hold back, still, always maintains her strong, yet feminine beauty. Her enigmatic personality shines through in every public interaction. When I think of Jasmin, I imagine Cher. However, unlike Jasmin, Cher has the freedom to wear whatever she pleases. From elaborate costumes to sexy lingerie paired with leather jackets or high-end couture, she boldly expresses herself. Cher is another unapologetic woman who has paved the way for women to speak their minds and embrace their feminine side. 

3.Tina Turner  

Who doesn’t adore this extraordinary woman? She possessed incredible talent, independence, strength, and undeniable sex appeal. I haven’t yet figured out which character I can draw inspiration from her, but I absolutely will. Perhaps all the characters that Grace and Jasmin help achieve freedom embody the struggles Tina Turner endured to reach the pinnacle of success. Despite fighting for her survival and success, what truly overshadowed all the negative energy others attempted to impose on her was her remarkable high spirit, energy, positivity, and strength. She personifies how one can acknowledge their hardships without allowing them to overshadow their accomplishments or their life. She refused to let anyone steal any more of her energy than they already had, and she built an incredible career spanning multiple generations. Tina Turner remains a timeless hero. 

4.Madonna  

Madonna unabashedly pushed boundaries when she arrived on the scene. In my eyes, she epitomizes unapologetic womanhood. By delving into her sexuality, asserting her demands, and sparking a fresh dialogue on female behaviour, she paved the way for countless women to freely express their unique style and creativity. Regardless of the progress we’ve made, enduring figures like Madonna serve as a reminder to society that We Are Women, Hear Us Roar!  

5.Pink 

I deeply admire her strong, yet down-to-earth comments on sisterhood and the importance of women supporting one another. She refuses to engage in any form of competition with other women and steadfastly calls out such behaviour from the media. Not only is she immensely talented and full of energy, but she also possesses deep insight and actively advocates for women’s healing. Her song ‘So What’ should serve as every woman’s mantra when they find themselves in a toxic relationship. Growing up, I witnessed female characters on soap operas repeatedly lose themselves to their partners, and I’ve seen women close to me experience this self-loss as well. In those moments, I think of this song and wish I could share its empowering message to women everywhere. It’s the very reason I write primarily erotica instead of romance. Pink’s feminism is something we should all strive for and aspire to. 

6. Taylor Swift 

Women of all ages and backgrounds admire Taylor Swift. Taking on bullies and sticking up for herself encourages young girls and women to worry less about their manners and call out predators for what they are. All while building an incredible catalogue of music. She let no one slow her down or dictate what her life should look like, but most of all, she never apologizes for calling a spade a spade. Society often prioritizes conforming to expectations of being a genteel species, downplaying or outright neglecting what is good for us. We become victims because we are expected to mind our manners and keep the peace. And Taylor Swift firmly said, F-that and I love that it caught everyone by surprise and brought forth a new movement. Add to that her efforts to meet her fans on a personal level is a perfect way to encourage young women to build and believe in a sisterhood with other women. Taylor Swift’s talent and Moxy will be a source of inspiration for women for years to come. 

7. Gillian Anderson 

After I came across an article about Gillian Anderson wearing a designer dress adorned with vulvas, she piqued my interest. She mentioned that the dress aligned with her brand, which sparked my curiosity even more. As I delved into learning more about her, I discovered she is not just an actress but also an author. The ebook she co-authored with Jennifer Nadel, titled “We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere,” is something I downloaded and highly recommend. I found out that she has a new book called “Want” coming out in September. I suggest looking it up, but I will purchase a copy once they release it. For me, Gillian Anderson’s feminism endeavors are truly impressive. Her fearlessness and wit serve as a powerful reminder for women to embrace their true selves without apology. 

And there you have it. Seven iconic women that have inspired me in life and on this journey. Find inspiration in the extraordinary women around you and remember to get what you want. 

Leave a comment if you would like to add to the list. You can give a shout out to anyone who inspires you, they don't have to be famous.