Glass Artist Ona Magaro

In a time when men outnumber women in films 3 to 1 on screen, unequal pay based on gender still unfairly affects females on a day to day basis, and social media and advertising outlets are repeatedly beating women down with unrealistic and often times contradictory expectations about beauty, health, and happiness; it’s time we stand together and let out stories and experiences bring about an era of change. Let’s applaud the women who are out there defying stereotypes and pushing forward in careers and fields where they are outnumbered. From one woman’s triumph shared to another’s inspiration spurred, small changes will amount to larger ones that can eventually redefine what it means to be a working woman.

Ona Magaro’s glass creations and her life story are quite the achievements to admire. She has turned her passion into a thriving business. After years of fine-tuning her craft, her work is breathtaking and unlike any I’ve seen. Take a look at the glass sculpture Ona created for us, from start to finish. She envisions the body of a bird by utilizing the simplicity of a single color and an elongated curve, free flowing and elegant. But don’t let the airy nature of her art fool you. It’s hard work, requiring a tremendous amount of physical strength and a heaping load of creativity. Her advice to anyone hoping to follow in her footsteps is to study marketing, accounting, and writing to build a successful business around the artistic talent.

As Oscar Wilde would say, we live in a world where “life imitating art” is an everyday occurrence. May Ona’s art and experiences be something that young women can look up to and hope to emulate as they grow and discover what path they’ll pursue. When I asked Ona what she wanted to teach her children about the arts, and how she hoped her work will affect the way they interpret the world around them, her simple response is what I hope to share with you, “That anything is possible.”

Ona’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Long-Sleeve Signature T-Shirt, Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double-Front Dungaree, & C-Grip Knuckler Glove

last photo above taken by Jessie Moore

The Family That Fixes Cars Together

There has been a lot of talk lately concerning the typical gender codes for children’s toys. Boys usually play with water guns and model cars. Girls commonly play with dolls and tea sets. When kids deviate from the gender driven stereotypes, it can cause a bit of a stir. It’s about time we learn to let kids do what they love. Don’t stifle passions and interests. They can lead to great things.
For Diane Fallstone, that mentality rings true. She grew up tagging along with her brother: building forts, climbing trees, and playing with Hot Wheels. As time passed, her interests continued along the automotive path. She became the owner of her own mobile restoration company in the San Francisco area. Diane learned that in the automotive world, women have to work harder to prove they have what it takes. In the long run, that extra effort makes you more adept and skilled at your craft.
Now Diane and her family live in Portland. Her whole family is in love with the business and lends a hand. Her daughters Madi and Brooklyn are following in their mother’s footsteps. Working together draws them closer as a family and allows knowledge to pass down from one generation to the next. It’s encouraging to see the nurturing side of the mother-daughter relationship break down stereotypes.
Let those power tools roar!

Check out these featured looks:
Diane’s outfit: Carhartt Women’s El Paso Utility Vest, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Kenmare Henley, & Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double-Front Denim Dungaree. Madi’s Outfit: Carhartt Women’s Tucker Jean Jacket, Clarksburg Zip-Front Sweatshirt, Calumet V-Neck Shirt, & Relaxed-Fit Weathered Duck Straughn Pant. Brooklyn’s Outfit: Carhartt Women’s Force Equator Jacket, Minto Shirt, Denim Bib Overall, & Osmore Conductor Hat.

Victoria Shaheen of Pewabic Pottery

Passing down knowledge of the arts and creativity seems like the ultimate gift. As mothers, sisters, and friends we can help multiply ingenuity and imagination. Just ask Victoria. She molded her first lump of clay at the age of six. Her mom was an artist who wanted to share the passion she had for her favorite medium. Alongside her mother, Victoria saw several women who broke down barriers and set prime examples for the female art force, such as Mary Chase Perry Stratton, Maija Grotell, and Beatrice Wood.

Mary Chase Perry Stratton founded Pewabic Pottery in 1903, deviating so far from the path that patriarchal society laid before her. Instead of solely tending to matters of home and family, she broadened her mind with art and business. To Mary, pottery was more than a hobby. It was her life, her bread and butter, her ambition and aspiration. She left behind a legacy of distinct work and work ethics. If we all could be so lucky and determined to leave behind some goodness for those who follow in our footsteps, the world would be much better for it.

To Victoria, Mary Stratton “is watching over all the female artists in Detroit. If you’re walking down Woodward, feeling down on your luck, or tired form working twice as hard for half the pay merely because of your gender, look up! Chances are you will see a Pewabic facade or design somewhere on one of those buildings. Maybe she didn’t literally pave the road but she literally finished the buildings!”

Victoria aims to one day run a studio of her own with friends, hopefully traveling and doing workshops along the way. Her advice to aspiring artists is simple. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Art can still be fun to make, analyze, and critique. While Victoria sees Mary Stratton as the ceramics Rosie the Riveter of the Midwest, she hopes to be more like Shirley Temple. By integrating a bit of her background in New Jersey, she hopes to make viewers feel that playfulness of a child at the beach.

That being said let each day take you a step closer to fulfilling your dreams. Find your voice and don’t be afraid to make it heard. That’s the way to leave behind a legacy of triumph and create an appetite for achievement in generations to come.

See more of Victoria Shaheen’s work here. 
Also take a look at her work wear: Sandstone Sherpa Lined Vest, Clarksburg Sweatshirt, Jasper Jeans, Soft Hands Glove, & Carbondale Safety Glasses.