9 quotes from inspiring women

"The most empowering thing we do is to give each other space to be our real selves. [Co-author Erica Cerulo and I] don’t feel like we have to cut some part of our personalities out of our working relationship. That’s what’s so wonderful about allowing friendship into the business and working space."

“I realized at a young age that [ballet] was a career path that I was destined for and in order to create that, I had to do all the proper cross-training, all the proper nutrition, I didn't want to go out at night, I didn't want to drink. It wasn't hard for me, it was just something that I knew. Seeing how successful it made me and how much easier it made my job, I wanted to continue with that.”

"When I started running, I was like, I’m only going to do this if I’m having fun. It’s way too much work if I don’t enjoy it and there are so many other things I can do. I really like competing. When that goes away I’ll hang up and I’ll be really content with my career."

"The lesson is to really not lose sight of your vision. At the beginning, there weren't a lot of people speaking our language on having a sustainability focus or styling wardrobes [in the way we wanted to]. It really feels like the world has shifted to echo the ethos we believe in. It was important not to be swept up in trends in the early days."

“People think cancer equals death, but it doesn’t anymore. I’ve been very open about my experiences...The less stigmatized the disease is, the more we can confront it with strength and knowledge instead of fear."

"Chefs are obsessive and want to control things, and when we can’t control things, we pick something to control. I’ve always been uber concerned with my health and my weight and, full disclosure, I had an eating disorder when I was in New York. I decided that I didn’t want to be obsessed with my body. Instead of thinking ‘How do I look?’ I’m now invested in ‘How can I be more healthy? How can I have more energy?’ For me, balance is important. That’s my biggest focus: How I can feel the healthiest all the time?"

"Once I was diagnosed [with cancer], I couldn’t sleep. I was angry and sad. After one week, I thought, I’m a martial artist. (I’m a black belt in karate.) I have to pull out my secret weapons and inner strength. I never wanted to walk into my safe place, the fitness studio, the place where I tell others to be strong, and break down. During the three weeks between diagnosis and surgery, I was like a gladiator walking into the coliseum every time I taught class."

"Shoes are typically designed by men not women, but it’s women who have to think practically about functioning in them. The ethos of [Marion Parke] is to empower women, so they can be their composed, confident selves without being distracted by an aching foot or an uncomfortable shoe."

"If you have good content, there’s no barrier online. It’s the great equalizer. Having a place where we can prove ourselves and share our insight allows us to get those traditional roles which were once reserved for men."