In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. It was the culmination of unrest and critical debate that had been occurring with the expansion caused by industrialization at the start of the 1900s. A year later, on the 28th day of February, the first National Woman’s Day (NWD) was observed across the United States. Since then, this day of recognition and celebration has gone global and is observed in developed and developing countries where it is often just as important as Mother’s Day. I think it’s fitting that I celebrate it with you since 70% of interior designers are women and a big goal for the work I do is empowering a new generation of creative, women leaders. I want to help you build thriving interior design brands and businesses that offer exceptional service, that will also allow you to enjoy a high quality of life. ROI is not just about profit and expenses; it’s about intangibles like confidence and joy because why bother being in business for yourself if you’re too busy to enjoy it?

Much of what I write takes into account a concept that research in the last two decades is proving: women do business differently. That is not to say better or worse, just different. We also invest differently. Our brains are wired differently. We network differently connecting on multiple levels not just for the sake of the transaction. We make decisions differently. We communicate differently. We make purchases differently. Not surprisingly, our styles of leadership can be different too. In my mind, this is an advantage.

How lucky are we to be women in the United States with the freedom to run our businesses and serve our families and communities in the way we choose? Especially when globally, women’s education health and the violence against them is not much improved. How lucky are we?

Consider taking a moment today to thank those women who came before you, who fought hard won battles so that you could lead. Then decide, what do you want to take a stand for in your life and business? Who do you want to be? #MakeItHappen #IWD2015 ‪