To be a tastemaker in 2017 requires more than mere mastery of an Instagram shot. The women we look to for inspiration these days think outside the box, look to make the world better and more interesting and set their own metaphorical table rather than demanding a seat at someone else’s. Alongside Keds, we’ve identified the following four female entrepreneurs at the forefront of what’s next, inspiring us to create, innovate and hone our personal style. We find each one of these ladies to be an empowering example of what can happen when you have the guts and gusto to follow your dreams, no matter how risky. Here, our women to watch for 2017.
Model, DJ, Stylist @pamelakatz
Pamela Katz has style for days, an artful eye and an enviable gig DJing exclusive events all over the world. In other words, she's everything we want to be and the ultimate in empowering examples of how to become all that she is and more.
What does empowerment mean to you?
"It means the world is yours. It means you recognize all of your individual talents and you embrace them. Knowing that I have an influence on others makes me feel empowered."
What career advice has helped you most?
"Be kind, work hard and meet a new person every day. Especially in New York City."
Who is your go-to style icon?
"90s Kate Moss."
Founder, MartaPozzan.com @martapozzan
Italian bombshell (and LA It girl) Marta Pozzan transformed her personal blog into an expansive business that now bears her name. No outsider to the fashion world, Marta sits front row at some of the industry's top shows and has appeared in campaigns for the biggest beauty and fashion brands in the world.
What inspired you to create your brand?
"In 2013, after working for fashion editor Silvia Paoli at Vanity Fair Italy and for my friend Jaime King’s blog for The Huffington Post ( Jaime's Picks ), I decided it was time to start writing my own blog. I named it ItsSuperFashion.com because when I see the perfect look put together, it's more than fashion, it's super fashion. It's that feeling when you see something and you just know it's right."
Whose career do you most admire?
"Jared Leto. He's my forever hero because he's able—in his unique and at times controversial ways—to stand out and really succeed at more than one art: acting, singing and directing. That's my goal."
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an influencer?
"Have a vision of who you want to become before anybody can put a label on you."
Bloggers for How Two Live, Designers, Creative Directors @howtwolive
These two sisters from Australia are anything but shrinking violets—we love their bold aesthetic and carefree vibes. They started their blog as a way to stay in touch with each other, and they're now influencing hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurial women across the globe.
What inspired you to create your brand?
"We wanted to add a positive force to the blogging scene that brings the fun back into fashion and encourages women to enjoy themselves and not take it all too seriously. How Two Live is all about being yourself and letting your sparkly freak flag fly."
How do you best describe your brand?
"Girl power!"
What three things do you do every morning?
"Check our e-mails, cuddle our dogs and eat acai bowls. We're obsessed with acai!"
