What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than to reflect on the women who inspire us every day?

To commemorate this powerful month and celebrate with Women Entrepreneurs of Los Altos, we asked our Kua Body Team to share their personal stories of a female role model. Enjoy these stories of women from all generations and walks of life whose legacies continue to inspire our journeys as entrepreneurs and as women. We have admired and named these women for their wisdom, for their passion and because in some way or another, they have inspired us to become better versions of ourselves. These are the women who rally us to advocate for ourselves, for our community and a better world.

UPUIA

I dedicate this post to Deborah Dooley, my life mentor. I have worked with many counselors, therapists and mentors since I was in high school, but there is no one who can match Deborah’s skills, insights and experience. Someone asked me “How is she different from others?” and my response “She’s Advanced.” Deborah is concise, direct, knowledgeable, compassionate and can get to the root of most issues with ease and inquiry. You can’t hide with her, you can’t run away with her, you will only find your LIFE and your authentic self with her. I did.

Many do not know my story of personal Rebirth (not in the religious manner) – to be spiritually and emotionally revived; given a second chance and New Life. In the summer of 2001, before September 11 was ever a historical date, I was living in a place of deep darkness for decades.  Even in the midst of hardship I learned one can still overcome and triumph their greatest obstacles or difficulties. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient and committed leader of my personal and professional life.

A special quote from Deborah I look at every week for the last 8 years is the following and it applies to oneself or others:  “The word LOVE is a state that is cultivated, not projections or attachments”.

 JENNIFER

One of the many influential women in my life is Janet Oliver. She not only introduced me to bodywork (Acupressure), but was and continues to be such a supportive and encouraging teacher. She opened my eyes to how bodywork should be which is an ever changing and evolving healing process for the giver and receiver based on respect and trust. I try to incorporate all that I have learned from her not only in my business but in my life as well. I am truly grateful to have had the experiences I have had with such a remarkable woman, teacher, and friend.

ANNETTE

This women’s history month I want to acknowledge the inspiring influence that my dear friends Amy Lewis and Sandra Sweet had on my professional “reincarnation” as a massage therapist. After careers in accounting, administrative management and marketing communications, we met in massage school. Amy went on to study Ayurvedic medicine and is now dean of the Spiritual Studies program at an Ayurveda school. Sandra is a massage therapist as well as a Pilates and Franklin Method movement instructor today, and she owns her studio. Drastically changing course takes courage. Sandra’s and Amy’s example and unwavering support kept encouraging me to listen to my heart and follow my own calling.

 ASHA

Several strong women, especially my mother, deserve credit for helping foster my creativity and become the artist I am today. But Deborah Trilling, an innovative art teacher, had a huge influence on me from the moment I met her in 6th grade at Castilleja School to AP Art Senior year to the present.  As a shy 11 year old entering a new school she took me under her wing and helped make it okay for me to be a unique, expressive girl who always colored outside the lines and whose curiosity drove most of her sometimes rebellious decision making.  She was my safe haven during the formative years of being a teenage girl, and gave me a non-judgmental form of guidance whenever I needed it.  She was the teacher who empowered me find my strengths in an educational environment dominated by STEM focused adults, and made me believe that a creative career was possible.  Today she is one of my greatest friends and is the first person I call whenever a new artistic project comes my way – never failing to deliver the best insights accompanied by a wicked sense of humor.  It is remarkable how much power one person can have in shaping the life of a young woman.