We all deserve a hypewoman in our life to tell us we’re nailing it, that we’re doing enough, particularly when we don’t feel we are. 

But there’s nothing to say you can’t be your own.

We’re constantly bombarded with fear-inducing headlines and adversity, along with the pressure that comes with comparing ourselves to others, and it can be easy to forget how to have faith in yourself and what you’re doing.

So, in an effort to counteract that negativity and encourage everyone to take stock and value themselves more, we’ve taken pearls of wisdom from six great women - the kind of pearls that make you say ‘actually, yeah, I am pretty great and can absolutely do this’. 

“Be nice to yourself. Go to Nando’s alone. Take walks along the river on your own. Have super-long baths and blast your favourite playlist whilst you do so. Stop waiting for someone to give you that unconditional fairytale love and give it to yourself. Start right now. 

Unfollow people who give you weird energy. Mute and block people who make you feel uncomfortable for whatever reason. Protect your space and pay no mind to how people may perceive you doing this. 

You deserve greatness, so give it to yourself. We need to learn to stop feeling so guilty for being kind to ourselves. If you sit around waiting for someone to come and rescue you from yourself, life will pass you by − it ain’t gon’ happen.”

Chidera Eggerue, aka @theslumflower, is an award-winning South London blogger and the woman behind the #saggyboobsmatter movement. Her mission is to talk loud and clear about female empowerment, the power of self-confidence, self-love and self-exploration. 

Her debut book What A Time To Be Alone - a guide to how you’re already enough - is all about how to feel good in your own skin as a woman and is filled with quotes like the above to get you pumped for the day ahead. 

She is the ultimate reminder that the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. 

“Much like a ballet, life is a delicate dance requiring flexibility, patience and perseverance. 

As we continue to learn the choreography of compassion and kindness, we experience that living with grace gives us the quiet strength to move to our own rhythm.”

The founder of wellbeing beauty brand philosophy has a goal of encouraging women to live, look and feel their best. The skincare visionary also has a penchant for poetry, and each product is adorned with inspiring prose to nourish your soul as well as your skin. 

Philosophy is the brand where science meets inspiration and everything from their moisturisers to their fragrances is created to help you be kinder to yourself, on the inside and outside. 

“I think we are all just somebody who can see the beauty in everyone else but not ourselves. Never forget to save a little love for yourself.”

Olivia may be known an Instagram as @oliviabynature - an influencer known for her impeccable style and taste in portraiture - but her posts always have a deeper purpose. 

Behind the perfect rouse of social media, Olivia keeps it real by telling her followers that they are loved and worthy of loving themselves. She puts a positive spin on everything as a reminder to be our own cheerleaders, because we should all be our own biggest champions.

“A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretence and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself… 

My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”

The American activist, writer, actress and singer was a worldwide icon. Her words and I Know Why The Caged Birds Sings autobiography inspired everyone from Beyoncé to Nelson Mandela, who recited Still I Rise as his 1994 inauguration poem.

Still known today as one of the wisest women in the world, and one who overcame extreme adversity, her work is relevant no matter what you turn to it for. These two quotes remind us that in order to be a strong woman, we need to be completely ourselves and forgiving of that, and the impact of kindness on ourselves and others. 

“Stop worrying about your identity and concern yourself with the people you care about, ideas that matter to you, beliefs you can stand by, tickets you can run on. 

Intelligent humans make those choices with their brain and hearts and they make them alone. The world does not deliver meaning to you. You have to make it meaningful…and decide what you want and need and must do.”

Think of an influential British author and you’ll think of Zadie Smith. The way she portrays such diversity in her characters reminds us of her North London roots and the core subject of her literature tends to be about the various identity struggles we all face. 

This quote from the writer and lecturer’s 2005 novel On Beauty reminds us that the only person who dictates our identity, is ourselves. It’s a reminder to embrace that person, whoever they may be, and let yourself enjoy trends, but not be swayed by them. Put yourself and who you are first.

“Is social media having an impact on your wellbeing? For many of us, digital detoxing for more than a week or two isn’t possible. But exerting a level of mindfulness to our consumption is an option for everyone. Digital mindfulness is the first step to social media self-care. Start by curtailing your phone use last thing at night. Scrolling in the wee hours is proven to degrade sleep quality—fundamental to our physical and mental health.”

Fashion Editor and author of Why Social Media Is Ruining Your Life took to her own social media to ask women to share their experiences of the fake perfectionism on our Instagram. 

It was a debate many fashion bloggers and influencers got involved in, revealing the truths behind some of their most liked photos. 

Her honesty on social media serves as prompt for everyone that we never really know what someone else is going through, no matter how they portray themselves. Instead of comparing yourself to others, and looking for validation from others, give yourself a little TLC. 

philosophy is the wellbeing beauty brand inspiring you to look, live and feel your best and is the official partner of Stylist’s Remarkable Women Awards 2019. Shop the range now.