In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, we decided to look back on great women throughout history. There is so much to learn.
With so many (so many!) to choose from, this project wasn't a hardship. We narrowed our list down to M last names, and selected women who lived in a post-Seneca Falls world. Ranging from the first female astronomer to the first woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, each of these ladies exemplified qualities that we aim to emulate.
Inspired by these trailblazers, Lady M is proud to present the inaugural edition of Lady M Notecards. We created five terms of admiration and matched each one to a Lady M cake. A complimentary set of 5 cards will be included with all online shipping orders starting March 13th.
We hope that when sending these cards to the ladies in your lives (or sharing the most fitting slice with a loved one), you take a moment to think on what they mean to you. Each and every woman today could use a reminder that her passion is infectious, that her brilliance is motivating, and that her adventurousness inspires you to set off on adventures of your own.
The list below is, of course, just a taste of the women on our minds. In the coming weeks, we'll be sending surprise gifts to women of influence and female-led organizations around the country as a token of our gratitude for the work they do. It's a privilege to live in a time when women doing amazing work is a constant part of the national conversation. This is only the beginning; we look forward to expanding our partnerships as the year unfolds.
Without further ado, here are just a few ladies in history who inspire us.
Adventurous
Here's to the ladies who see a mountain and find ways to scale it; who see an expanse and choose not only to cross it, but go beyond.
Beryl Markham (1902-1986)
The first person to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic from east to west. Known for her independent thinking and daring spirit, Markham was lauded for the memoir that chronicled her adventures. Her career successfully spanned from horse trainer to pilot and writer.
Marie Marvingt (1875-1963)
The first woman to fly conflict missions as a pilot in WWI, and the first to climb many mountains in the French and Swiss alps. A famous French athlete, she competed in activities including (but not limited to) cycling, flying, ballooning, and fencing.
Delightful
Here’s to the ladies who engender joy through performance, charm us with their art, and share their talents with the next generation.
Mary Martin (1913-1990)
The Tony Award-winning originator of Broadway roles, Maria in The Sound of Music primary among them. An actress and singer, Mary Martin set her sights on Hollywood and Broadway early in life, and worked tirelessly to create her dream career, becoming known as "Audition Mary."
Dorothy Maynor (1910-1966)
The founder of the Harlem School of the Arts, a school created to offer quality music education for children in Harlem. Maynor faced considerable racial discrimination when growing her own career as a soprano and concert singer, and was determined to offer fair opportunity to all.
Brilliant
Here’s to the ladies who harness their intelligence and work tirelessly to break boundaries in all fields - especially math and science.
Maryam Mirzakhani (1977-2017)
The first woman and first Iranian to be awarded the Fields Medal, the world's top mathematics prize. Mirzakhani was professor at both Princeton University and Stanford University. Her work was elegant and innovative; she is beloved for inspiring countless women to pursue math and science.
Maria Mitchell (1818-1889)
The first woman to work as a professional astronomer, Mitchell discovered her eponymous comet in 1847, and was elected the first female Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mitchell was also a strong advocate of education for women, working as both a librarian and professor before opening her own school in 1835.
Ravishing
Here’s to the ladies who challenge the boundaries of culture, and though known as objects of desire, are first and foremost authors of their own stories.
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)
Does this icon even need an introduction? Monroe embodied glamour and old Hollywood in both life and beyond. She was raised in an orphanage, moving from one foster home to another, and was eventually discovered by a photographer while working in a radioplane factory. Less known is that she was one of the first women to found an independent production company. Her legend as a pop culture icon has only grown with time.
Carmen Miranda (1909-1955)
Do a Google image search for Carmen Miranda and you'll find her famous, super fabulous fruit hat outfit in nearly every image of this legendary Brazilian film celebrity. She was known by many as "The Brazilian Bombshell," and rightfully so. She danced, she sang, and she did it all with elegance and gusto. Fun fact: Miranda previously worked as a hat designer before making it big in film.
Passionate
Here’s to the ladies who discover what sets their souls on fire, and then express it to the world, unforgettably.
Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957)
The first Latin American poet awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Mistral wrote memorably of love and life, and her work was known for its profound emotional candor. Mistral was born with the birth name Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, but it was under her pen name that she became famous. The pen name is a formed combination between her two favorite poets, Gabriele D'Annunzio and Frédéric Mistral.
Wangari Maathai (1940–2011)
The first African woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Kenya, Wangari Maathai founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, and championed sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Her continued impact on society is evidenced by the work of her foundation.
We encourage you to click on the links above to learn more about these marvelous women.
Till then,
Lady M