Daniella Reyes
When planning this project, I set out to understand how I, as an artist, can balance representation and a famous artist's legacy. Inspired by my family, my mom and grandma, I wanted to highlight working women (specifically small business owners) that emulate the traits I see in my family. I decided to use Mucha and his style as a vehicle for expressing the traits of grace and flexibility I observed.
Abhinaya School: Gayatri
Kuchipudi is a classical Indian dance form from Andhra Pradesh that combines rhythmic footwork, graceful movement, and emotional storytelling to convey Hindu epics. Gayatri Saripalli has been teaching Kuchipudi for the past 15 years, sharing its traditions with students and encouraging appreciation for the art form.
Beauty Nails: Susan
Susan has always been a creative. From arts and crafts, the culinary arts, and nail art she has tried it all. Her nail salon, Beauty Nails invites other women to feel like their best selves through Susan's creativity. As a nail artist, she listens and creates a large community of New Jersey women.
Caribe Bakery:
Caribe Bakery is run by Mary, where they serve various Portuguese and Latino pastries. In my summer, I also spoke to the women working at the Bakery. I decided to shift the focus onto their experiences as waitresses, their poise and patience highlighted through art.
Mehk: Mehrin
Mehrin is currently a student. Studying and making her own marks on the school, Mehrin is working towards a bright future. When asking her about the role of representation in the arts she had the following to say:
"For me, representation and women’s leadership have always gone hand in hand. I was inspired to start my business as a teenager because I saw other women entrepreneurs channel their passions into something meaningful and that showed me I could do the same. In the beginning, though, I faced a lot of criticism, especially from my inner circle. Family and relatives mocked the idea of a girl starting a business, saying “if you do business then you are a ‘BusinessMAN’ cause it’s not for women” or questioning why I needed to work if my parents could not provide for me. But for me, it was never about need rather it was about hunger, passion, and changing the narrative. I wanted to prove that women could lead, create, and succeed on their own terms."
Sweet Style: Nataly & Mica
The owners of Sweet Style are a sister-duo committed to making cute treats and displays for parties. The two of them decided to start the business following the pandemic. They have played a large role in their family's gatherings and have since expanded. Through social media usage and connecting with their local community, they have made a name for themselves in their city.
