March is Women’s History Month, the perfect time to celebrate strong women — from vision science closing the gender gap to those giving positive body image advice. And here’s the great thing: You can read about a lot of these women in their own words. More and more #girlbosses are entering into the publishing world lately, and we are thrilled. So bookworms, here’s your definitive reading list for Women’s History Month (or any time throughout the year when you want to feel empowered).
1. My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem ($28): What better way to kick off the celebration than reading a memoir by an iconic feminist. Gloria Steinem has done — and continues to do — so much for women everywhere that we couldn’t think of a more appropriate read for this month.
2. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ($9): This transcript of a TED Talk by an award-winning novelist is required reading for all 16-year-olds in Sweden. How amazing is that?!
3. What Will It Take to Make a Woman President? by Marianne Schnall ($17): Relevant right now for obvious, Hillary-related reasons, read up on why there hasn’t ever been a woman president, and why it’s time for that to change.
4. All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister ($27): A book that celebrates the single girl lifestyle in a way you’ve probably never thought of, this pick dives into the massive social and economic impact single women have always had on our society.
5. Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling ($25): Mindy’s always been an unapologetic, body-positive feminist, and her new book is chock-full of that energy — plus some really amazing life advice.
6. Rising Strong by Brené Brown ($27): Brené’s TED Talk is famous for diving into vulnerability, shame and courage in a completely new way. Now she’s written this guide to life, featuring a very important message: “Rising strong after a fall is how we cultivate wholeheartedness.”
7. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes ($25): Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t think Shonda Rhimes is a completely brilliant badass? If there is, we don’t want to meet them. Read about what happens when you say YES to life in this amazing memoir.
8. The Feminist Utopia Project: Fifty-Seven Versions of a Wildly Better Future edited by Alexandra Brodsky and Rachel Kauder Nalebuff ($20): Ever had the frustrating experience of having someone ask you, “Well, what’s the alternative?” when you point out sexism? This book is chock full of answers you can use.
Which of these is going on your Women’s History Month reading list? Tweet us about it @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.