Wednesday, September 6, 2017

#WomanCrushWednesday Challenging the misconceptions of #Latina #Beauty moderated by @EmeraudeToubia #WeAreOrgullosa

THIS IS NOT A COMPENSATED POST


You know how every month has an official 'something' day?

September has a quite a few, notable ones including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self-Care Awareness + International Self-Awareness Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Improvement Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Healthy Aging Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - National Preparedness Month (ironic in the wake of Hurricane Harvey + Hurricane Irma)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shameless Promotion Month (I thought this was a joke!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Photos Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Koala Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - International Strategic Thinking Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Relationships Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Women's Friendship Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 - October 15th

Earlier this summer (well actually just a little before summer) I attended a launch event in New York City hosted by P&G's (Procter & Gamble) #WeAreOrgullosa Initiative where a frank panel discussion was hosted to challenge the misconceptions of Latina Beauty.


If the name sounds familiar it is because I have written about the program before in a post that was a writing challenge where bloggers/blogueras were asked to share their 'orgullosa' moments - moments we were most proud of. I look back on that post fondly as I still LOVE my list, if you missed that post, check it out HERE, but be sure to come back to this post!

The Orgullosa program is one of the largest platforms for Latinas by Latinas that provides tips and resources in the beauty, home and lifestyle categories.

In partnership with Crest, Herbal Essences, Olay, Pantene, Secret and Venus a panel conversation which was moderated by Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia (she portrays Isabelle Lightwood on the freeform fantasy series Shadowhunters) revealed a three step approach to breaking Latina Stereotypes that included:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Lookbook - featuring P&G brands and offering readers product savings, style tips and inspiration for feeling confident, beautiful and orgullosa.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photo Gallery - that offers free downloadable photos - anyone looking to represent Latinas will now have more diverse and inclusive options

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Docu-style Video - includes live interviews with Latinas capturing cultural stories aimed to inspire other women to embrace the beauty of their own identity

The Video:


Latinas are often stereotyped as sex symbols and boxed in as having one hair color, skin tone and body type, and are sorely under-represented and inaccurately portrayed by media. Challenging these misconceptions and showing that Latinas are multi-dimensional and certainly not 'one-size fits all' is what fueled Orgullosa to put the power of social media to work and partner with Latina Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Influencers to share tips from their daily beauty routines as well as more personal cultural testimonials.

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"I was honored to have the opportunity to moderate this inspiring panel; each story reignited passion to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Latinas" ~ Emeraude Toubia
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Above: Actress Emeraude Toubia unveils a docu-style video launched by P&G's Orgullosa to celebrate the diversity of Latina Beauty at the #WeAreOrgullosa Event in New York City

Above: Left to Right: Georgina Morillo, Hiliana Devila and Ada Rojas, Far Right Moderator Actress Emeraude Toubia

These ladies are the participants of the Docu-Style Video. I love seeing brands partner with people to tell real stories. 

Above: Had to nab this Product Shot as many of these items were in our gift boxes.


Above: Treat Table with make your own treat mason jars to take home, NICE!

Above: This was during the day so there were no cocktails, but oddly enough this event gets my beverage of the summer award for introducing me to these, there were assorted varieties available for attendees, but these were my favorites with the prickly pear and orange variety (left) being my absolute favorite. I seriously need to find out if they need an Ambassador because I have not been able to stop talking about these!

Above: I  never pass up a flowers shot. Nothing brings more beauty to a space than flowers in my opinion.


Above: You all know I much prefer being behind the camera, so enjoy this rare butterfly sighting of me on the pink carpet 'step and repeat'!

MY TAKE:

More of these frank conversations need to happen to shatter and bust the definition of 'Beauty' wide open, for Latinas and all women.

There are a myriad of ways we can all be part of the solution, whether it's on Social Media or offline, let's celebrate one another, not bash or bully, not criticize photos or videos of other women. It's super easy to use the anonymity of the internet to join the 'mean girls' society, but it is just as easy to say something kind and WAY more empowering.

Ascending Butterfly has always taken a mind, body and soul approach to overall wellbeing AND beauty. and since I'm always listening to music while I write I am going to quote Lauryn Hill:

"How you gon' win when you ain't right within' ~Lauryn Hill (Doo Wop (That Thing)

I have decided to put my usual #WineWednesday to the side for this month and focus on a #WomanCrushWednesday instead, this week I am making all the ladies including the moderator, Emeraude Toubia, my Women Crush Wednesday.

I am also going to focus on various Women Entrepreneurs in this series.

Many will be the amazing women I met at the NYNOW tradeshow this summer. So be on the lookout for upcoming Women Entrepreneurs in my #WomenCrushWednesday series.

Remember Orgullosa is a COMMUNITY, so please head over and join to keep track of future campaigns and to nab great discounts on those Procter & Gamble household and beauty favorites!

READERS SOUND OFF: How do YOU define Beauty? What makes YOU feel most beautiful? Who is your #WomenCrushWednesday this week? Leave a comment here or tag us on social using the hashtag. And for my Latina Beauties also include #WeAreOrgullosa in your social posts so we all can participate in the ongoing conversation.

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This was a private event for Media, Editors and Influencers, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. There were gift bags. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

27 comments:

  1. This sounds like an amazing experience. It's so exciting to share your passions.

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    1. @Meagan As a Latina who has worked in Mass Media Communications over two decades now, it is important to me to see those Latina stereotypes stop. In my opinion having P&G - which are pretty much household brands in most homes take a stand and shatter stereotypes and try to do something positive to explore Latina Beauty in a more expansive way than the obvious is just something I feel strongly about supporting.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  2. What an amazing opportunity. I think breaking stereotypes for women of all races is amazing! We are powerful. We are total bad @$$#$, and I think that needs to be recognized.

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    1. @Stacie - Indeed! I think what the Media sells to women as 'beauty' is often a ton of Photo Shop and trickery, and the inner women of all beauty and yes our general 'bad@ssery' often times gets lost in the shuffle. I hope this series on Women Entrepreneurs helps to inspire and empower ALL women to follow their dreams.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  3. That is so amazing! I think the success of women needs to be celebrated. We are awesome!

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    1. I agree Colleen, women really are awesome and should be celebrated for more than the superficial.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  4. Love this event! I think it's really nice that you got to share with us how your day went. It's amazing to be part of such a celebration.

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    1. It really was energizing and also awesome that the Editors/Bloggers/Influencers in attendance were women of all races coming together to help spread the word and celebrate the influencers that were featured in the campaign.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  5. It's so nice to celebrate women especially their beauty, not just physical beauty but inner beauty as well. This was such an awesome event!

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  6. This sounds like such a beneficial event! I love to see women being honored and celebrated!

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  7. What a great way for Latina women to get some recognition! I agree, I truly hate how underrepresented they are!

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    1. Sadly we are both Under and MIS-represented. I am happy to celebrate a brand doing something to remedy that.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  8. I am all for women empowerment. Gone are the days when women are "expected" to get married and be housewives for the rest of their lives. We have our lives to live and it is awesome that society is now putting out efforts to recognize the success of women.

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    1. I hope these strides we have already made are stepping stones that the new generations will use to power things forward and advance women even farther!

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  9. I love the entire article but my fave is the picture of you! You are gorgeous and need to take more pictures! When I tell people I'm Italian, they look at me funny because the stereo type is dark hair, olive skin, and plump- so a petite blonde throws them off LOL- of course until I start talking haha

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    1. @Rachel - None of my Italian friends are particularly plump so I had no idea on that stereotype! As for me and photos - I am trying but I still prefer to be behind the camera and not in front of it.

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  10. Shameless Promotion Month?!?! Who comes up with these? I love supporting women and women-led businesses, so I'll spend the month focusing on supporting all the other ladies out there hustling.

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    1. @Crystal - That one had me cracking up, google it, there is a VERY long list of 'national days' for September. And hopefully with this series, they won't have to worry, I will do the shameless self promotion FOR them! :-)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  11. Thank you for sharing this post. I look up to women who carve their niche in their chosen careers. It is just amazing what women can do!

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    1. @Annemarie - As a longtime Life and Career Coach I inspire people to reach for the stars and their dreams on a daily basis, I love interviewing and profiling Women Entrepreneurs. (I was a Human Interest Reporter and Television News Writer early on in my career - I like to think I have made a career out of finding the GOOD in this world and the people that make that good happen!)

      ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

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  12. looks like fun and women should do more activities like this supporting each other! www.crayonized.com

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  13. This event is amazing! I totally agree that every women is beautiful.We have to be confident and stand up for ourselves. Hope that someday I'll have chance to attend to an event like this.

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  14. I LOVE the video about Latinas. I'm a Latina who does not fit the "stereotypical mold," and it's totally true that we are often slated as sex symbols and expected to look and behave a certain way.

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  15. This sounds like a very memorable experience always a good thing to celebrate one's success. Great stuff.

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