Isn’t the best part of life, the people we meet along the way? With today’s launch of Bridging the Gap, my heart is filled with gratitude for the 200 Influencers who have stepped up to take part in an unprecedented campaign for social change. As women from multiple and disparate demographics, we have much to offer one another. We are stronger together! This fall’s campaign unites the Millennial and Midlife Demographics to blur artificial boundaries while encouraging Reciprocal Mentorship.
What exactly is Reciprocal Mentorship? It’s a new and empowered way of bringing the generations together by each sharing their unique gifts with the other. After launching Forever Fierce: The Midlife Revolution, what better partner could I have than a young, sassy blogger loaded with foreign, fresh and fierce style?! Cindy, the creative behind the Foreign, Fresh & Fierce Blog is a gorgeous African American beauty, born in Dallas and whose parents hail from the Congo. With the longest legs, stunning long locks and vibrant, eye-catching style, she’s one to follow along. Married to her Italian husband who’s the eye behind the lens, the pair love to travel to exotic locations allowing you to live vicariously through their experiences. Having recently traveled to Santorini with the most magical backdrop, Cindy has a unique way of combining stunning locations with gorgeous designer fashion.
Dialing it back to the very beginning of her blogging journey, Cindy started on a road trip with fellow friend and blogger, Jennifer, the beauty behind Sassy Teacher Chic. Jennifer observed Cindy’s passion for combining fashion with travel inspiring Cindy to begin researching the beginnings of a blog. Before she knew it, Cindy was dreaming, scheming and developing Foreign, Fresh & Fierce. Her personal style is one of vibrant color while daring to mix unexpected colorful hues. She loves experimenting by mixing colors and creating an unusual color palette.
Relocating to Dallas with her husband, she’s an active part of the local blogging community. Cindy just returned from NYFW and shared fabulous images to document her experience. What’s it like to surf Cosmopolitan Magazine’s website and see yourself in their top NYFW Streetstyle looks? I wouldn’t know, but Cindy definitely does having been prominently featured in a fabulous pink dress and white sunnies! Her style is classic yet always incorporating the latest trends such as ruffles and vibrant, wide leg pants. Although her first language is English, her family spoke French in the home and she is also fluent in Italian. Now, that’s a fierce young lady. And, yes, I asked her to try some Italiano with me and she didn’t hesitate for a moment! All I can swing is, “Ciao Bella,” while Cindy sounded like she was born in a vat of gelato.
Growing up in a close family, she has a younger brother and sister who were born in Africa. They’re a close-knit, protective family with a strong bond. Although her parents are now divorced, it’s clear Cindy’s family had a huge impact on her character which is one of kindness. She talks fondly about her siblings as it’s clear they care deeply for one another. She regularly receives feedback from the brands she partners with letting her know how they appreciate her humble nature. To Cindy, humility is a quality she’s embodied. She’s a small town girl in a big city and hasn’t allowed it to change her. I was fascinated by the cultural differences between Cindy and her husband. Moving to the states was a bit of a shock for him. As our values in the US are very different from those in Europe, it was hard to adjust to the American way of working around the clock. In Europe, they value balance, home and family life along with work. She described a world where people languish over meals, deeply connecting with one another, while phones are put away. A world where time moves a little more slowly and people find themselves more present to enjoy life. A very different, slower pace, than the hectic way we tend to live in the States. Travel is a huge part of their relationship, and they love returning to Europe to disconnect and rejuvenate.
If you take a tour of Cindy’s gallery or blog, you’ll be immersed in a world of eclectic places and fashion that’s out of this world. You’ll also be treated to a dose of authenticity as this blogger believes in sharing from her heart. Treating people with kindness and living in a space of humility are qualities that define her. She’s lighting her own way in the blogging world and helping others by sharing what she’s learned. A pet peeve of hers and mine are bloggers that don’t openly share their secrets to help others. I asked Cindy what inspired her to join “Bridging the Gap” and be a part of a life-changing campaign. Cindy is a young woman who knows her mind. She dislikes cliques of any kind and felt that she wanted to get to know and share with bloggers in older demographics. She’s game for changing the world and eliminating labels that no longer serve us. As a young woman with a full-time job and a full-time side gig as a blogger, this darling Millennial is proving to the world what a #BossBabe she is. I’m grateful to bridge the gap together and to develop an ongoing relationship where we help one another.
Isn’t it time we came together to bridge every single gap that’s out there? As a society, we’ve made substantial progress in letting go of many labels and divisions, yet when it comes to ageism, it doesn’t get talked about. We intend to change that together. There is energy and innovation in youth and wisdom and experience in midlife. Let’s share with one another and embrace both for the greater good. Deep inside of every Midlife Woman, a Millennial exists and within every Millennial lies a future Midlifer to be. We invite you to join us as we show you that age is just a number while it’s your attitude about life that keeps you young or makes you old. With the concept of Reciprocal Mentorship, we encourage these demographics to embrace one another and share their unique wisdom. Thanks, Beauty, for bridging the gap with me as we are definitely #StrongerTogether.
