Cheers to Strong Women 2019: 

Week 1

We are kicking off the second year of our Cheers to Strong Women campaign and couldn’t be more excited. During the month of February, we will be donating a portion of proceeds to different charities and organizations that support female empowerment. And the fun part? YOU get to choose the organization that you’d like proceeds to go to. Just leave us a note when you check out!

We reached out to some badass babes throughout the country to help support this campaign. We will feature our interviews with these inspirational women each week of February. We are so thankful for the awesome group of women for participating and for being movers and shakers for women everywhere.

Heidi Gardner

1. Who are you and what do you do? 

My name is Heidi Gardner and I’m a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

2. What does being a strong woman mean to you? 

 Being a strong woman means using your voice to say what you think, want, and need. I think women who can express their feelings no matter what others may think are really inspiring. I also think being strong means having empathy for yourself and others. And above all else, following your bliss and not being ashamed of what you like and who you are. 

3. What advice would you give to the teenage version of yourself?

I would tell my teenage self not to hide so much and try to be what I think others wanted me to be. I would encourage myself to not keep the “weirder” parts of my personality a secret. And to not be afraid to get curious and ask questions. Oh and that people aren’t as scary as you think. And to floss!! It’s like more important than brushing. 

4. Name a woman in your life that has inspired you to be the woman you are today. 

This question is hard because there so many women who have inspired me. There’s a woman I know who has made many mistakes in her life and been through many traumas as well. When she came to a crossroads in her life and needed help she asked for it and began an emotional and spiritual journey towards healing and change. In fact, I know many women who have chosen this same path and I am forever inspired by their bravery. It takes a lot of work to change and to pass along what they’ve learned. I’m grateful to each and every one of those ladies. 

5. Tell me a fact, secret, or something weird you do. 

Hmmmm, something weird that I do. I love to walk around grocery stores and look at the cereal boxes and chips and fruit snacks and cookies. It’s like seeing the pantry of your dreams. I don’t know, I find comfort in all the flavors and designs of the boxes and bags. And I love looking at clothes from the 90’s on Etsy. And like random old toys and Pizza Hut merch and sports memorabilia, and old Roger Rabbit shirts.

Sadie Lincoln

1. Who are you and what do you do? 

I'm Sadie Lincoln, parent to two beautiful teens, wife to one beautiful man, co-founder and CEO to barre3 --a growing community of beautiful people seeking to redefine what success in fitness means. 

2. What does being a strong woman mean to you? 

The power to look inside for answer and trust her inherent strength.

3. What advice would you give to the teenage version of yourself? 

Fitness is broken. You are whole. Societal messages to be an ideal as a measure of worth is unhealthy. You are healthy. Gurus don't have the answers. You are your own best teacher. Also, date like crazy. You aren't going to marry him anyways. 

4. Name a woman in your life that has inspired you to be the woman you are today. 

Sonja Snyder--My mama. 

5. Tell me a fact, secret, or something weird you do. 

Fact: Didn't play any sports growing up and I don't have a competitive bone in my body. 

6. What is your favorite piece from Sierra Winter Jewelry? 

The gold Evil Eye Necklace caught my eye.

7. What is one of your favorite organizations that supports and encourages strong women?

Peace In Schools based here in Portland, Oregon. It's the first and only for-credit mindfulness program for high school kids in our nation. I would also tell my teen self to meditate!