#FearlessWoman Feature | Glenda Harrison of So What to Twenty

It’s time to meet another #FearlessWoman! As always, I’m very excited to introduce you to today’s feature. However I’m particularly thrilled about today’s #FearlessWoman, Glenda Harrison. I’ve been a So What to Twenty blog reader for months and I always leave Glenda’s blog with style and life inspiration. She is the true definition of a style blogger being more than “just clothes”.

Glenda, a mother, wife and entrepreneur living in California, does a great job of seamlessly intertwining real life inspiration into her stylish posts. Her style is feminine, fun and refreshing. She enjoys being a lady and loves to dress like one; I LOVE that! Enjoy her thought provoking and colorful interview below and don’t forget to visit her blog. Be inspired! 

What’s a typical day for Glenda?

I wake-up about 6 a.m. and I lay in bed listening to quiet mediation music for about 30 minutes. This is my way of ushering the day in gently. Then I rise to have a tall drink of water and a nutritious snack to give me fuel for my workout with Fitness Blender. I believe there is a definite connection between the mind and body, so after I workout, my mind is completely clear. I use this time to journal and write my goals for the day. Once I’m done with this, I shower and have a healthy meal. If I’m not posting on the blog and promoting the post for the day, I’m working on my upcoming book called, A Place Called Peace. I typically dedicate the entire morning and early afternoon to writing, whether it be for the book or the blog. On some days I use this time to also respond to email request from marketing and PR that represent clothing stores and designers. By mid-afternoon, it’s time to be Mom, so I commit the rest of the day tending to my son’s school activities; one son is a senior in high school and is involved heavily in music, and my youngest is an athlete. Then there’s the cooking of dinner, the nagging to get homework done, etc. After a full day, I look forward to a long, hot candle-lit bath, and then crawling into bed with a good book.

Since I have to switch gears during each day from entrepreneur to writer to mom and wife, it is important for me to have times to myself throughout the day. Sometimes I’ll treat myself to lunch out with a girlfriend or alone. I enjoy my time alone. I like to sit and people watch or just spend the time in my own thoughts without the interruption of social media.

This is a typical day, however during Southern California’s many fashion weeks it’s an entirely different ball game. Then I have several shows to attend – some in Orange County, others in Palm Springs and then of course, Los Angeles.And, on occasion, I attend and report on events which take place at or in conjunction with my college Alma mater – the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

What inspired you to create So What to Twenty?

I had just been through a very difficult experience in my life with an illness, while simultaneously working for a place that I loathed. I don’t want to give too much away because it’s in A Place Called Peace, but after praying, God answered my prayer and I was freed from bondage. I decided it was time to re-entered the fashion world as a writer. I use to write for a local So Cal newspaper as a fashion and lifestyle columnist and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of writing, but I gave it up to start a non profit organization to support women fighting cancer. To make a long story short, I started So What to Twenty because it was an outlet for me to write again and to write about the field I have always loved.

Who are your top 3 women inspirations, famous or non-famous, and why?

#1: My mother. She spent the last 6 months of her life fighting pancreatic cancer. She had such a gentle and quiet spirit. She was so very brave. She is my hero.

#2: Esther in the Bible. I think about what her uncle Mordecai spoke to her during her time as queen…“Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.” That is such a profound statement. It makes me stop and wonder about my position in life and what more I can do to help any given situation. I love how Esther used her lot in life, and the favor with the king to save her people. Her story of making an unwanted life circumstance work in her favor resonates with me in a very deep way.

#3: The new Glenda. I know that sounds extremely conceited, but let me explain. The Glenda prior to 2014 wasn’t fully developed into the woman she needed to become. It wasn’t until recently, I discovered my value and worth as a woman. I found this out by delving deep within into a place where many of us don’t want to venture. Yes, there was a great deal of hurt and pain, but when it was all said and done…once I removed all the gunk, I found out I am one heck of a woman. I can say it proudly. Before I discovered my value, I allowed others to place their determined sum on me, and often that sum was worthless. Unfortunately, prior to 2014, I believed I was worthless. I don’t any longer. Now I know I am BLESSED, A TRAILBLAZER, PROMISING, BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING AND UNIQUE.

One piece of advice you have for women entrepreneurs? 

To thy own self be true. I can truly say I’m operating in my gift in writing and fashion. Both have been passions of mine since I can remember. Though I began strictly as a fashion writer, my life experiences have allowed me to take So What to Twenty in a deeper direction. I often speak of life situations but I use fashion as a visual. That is why my tag-line is, Where Life and Fashion Intersect. Fashion is so much more than clothing, it is a true life experience. Fashion is a part of your overall style. In my opinion, you can’t talk about fashion without intertwining life experiences.  In essence, your endeavors should be in alignment with your own gifts and passions. If you’re doing what you are truly passionate about, people will know it immediately because your verve will spill over into everything you do.

What is your definition of a #FearlessWoman?

A #FearlessWoman / brave woman is one who isn’t afraid of being vulnerable. We all hurt, cry, laugh, need support, need companionship, guidance, etc. It is good to voice these things. This society constantly tells us otherwise. Fearless to the world is acting like you are always on your A-game…that your stuff doesn’t stink. Right? Well guess what, I’m not to proud to ask for help and I’m not to proud to say that sometimes things are fairly middling. There is amazing and uncompromising strength in being real. I totally dig being around people who are just being themselves without that iron curtain being drawn around them. Dig?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself sitting at my desk, which over-looks a garden, in my beautifully decorated home, while cranking out my next book. It is my desire to be a successful, full time book author/writer.  The End.

How can we keep up with you?

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