Over the past year, or so, the trend of the word feminism and all it encompasses has grown exponentially. A fight for the equality of women, both in other cultures and in modern day America has, once again, become a necessity. This time, it's the millennials who are stepping up and confronting these issues for generations of people to come.
Seventeen-year-old actress, Amandla Stenberg, known by many as Rue from "The Hunger Games," has made a name of herself this past year with her acting and her ideas of feminism and being a woman of color in the public eye. She was on the cover of Teen Vogue for the February 2016 issue discussing what it means to be black, what girl power is all about and having a voice. In this interview, Amandla still talks about typical things you might find in a Teen Vogue interview (hair, social media, and friendship), however, she looks at all of these things with a lens of culture, a lens of power, and a lens of desire - for change, equality and honesty.
Rowan Blanchard, a 14-year-old actress, who stars on Disney Channel in "Girl Meets World," stands beside Amandla as the two were named "Feminist Celebrities of the Year" for 2015 by the Ms. Foundation for Women. Her accessibility on social media is helpful for people of all ages who have questions on what it means to be a feminist, and she'll often respond to such questions on Tumblr or other platforms. Rowan's response to a question on "white feminism" went viral and gave her more of a voice to go in depth into real world issues such as these.
In addition to these ultra-famous actresses, there are other women who are putting themselves out into the world and working hard to create and express themselves in ways they take pride in. Many new creators are striving to make a change in their industries, in the same way, Amandla and Rowan are pushing for equality.
I spoke to the future generation's artists, musicians, actors, journalists and fashion icons and heard them share, in their own words, their ideas of success, inspiration, and hope for their own futures in addition to their dreams and concerns for the big picture.
Lauren Tepfer
Lauren Tepfer, a 16-year-old photographer who is both wise and creative beyond her years is making her mark in an industry of which she is taking charge. Her style shines through in everything that she shoots -- she effortlessly captures nature with reverence and awe, she photographs individuals and is able to reproduce the very essence of their souls. Her viewers are consistently captivated by her work, and through the images she creates, they are able to exist in a moment of time with her, feel what she felt, see what she saw. Because of this talent, her work has been showcased in art shows, she has been featured in Rookie Mag and has done multiple interviews for blogs and the like. The magic she makes behind the camera is unparalleled and refuses to go unnoticed.
What made you choose photography?
As cheesy and cliche as [it] sounds, I really have always been enamored with cameras and the idea of capturing moments. Photography is something I practice in efforts to capture the way I'm feeling at a specific moment in time. I love being able to take a photo and then look back on it days, weeks or even months later and feel the same way I felt at that exact moment.
Who has inspired you?
So many people! The internet is absolutely the best place in the world, right now, for artists so I am constantly finding new people who provide me with loads of inspiration. I think my main inspirations in art and life, in general, have got to be Tavi Gevinson (Rookie Mag) and Isabella Bustamante (Teen Art Salon). Both of them are amazingly talented, brilliant people who have really believed in me and have inspired me to be my truest self.
What has been the proudest moment in your journey thus far?
My first show in NYC and the first time I was published on Rookie Mag have been my proudest moments. Having my work shown in an all teen-artist exhibition in NYC was absolutely unreal. Being published in Rookie was also amazing because I've been super obsessed with them since I was 13, and having Tavi and the whole team at Rookie genuinely enjoy my photos and want to publish them was and still is so surreal!
What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope that one day I will be able to provide inspiration to others and truly be happy with myself. Growing up so far, I've struggled with on and off feelings of uneasiness and unhappiness with myself and I really hope that one day I can be truly comfortable and confident with myself. I also really hope to be able to be a source of inspiration for others!
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring photographers, what would you tell them?
Don't be afraid of failure or embarrassment. If you forget about the possibility of failure, you eliminate all negative feelings and nervousness associated with your art. Don't be embarrassed about what people may think of your work. If you like it and connect with it, that is absolutely all that maters. Continue to follow your passion, capture the things you believe in, tell stories that are special to you and always be proud of yourself. It is so important to have self-validation.
Find Lauren
Rookie spread: Lauren Tepfer
Instagram: @s.ilver
Talin Hakopyan
Known to her friends as Tal, this 20-year-old writer is making a mark on the world with her words. As the editor-in-chief for SAC Media, her school's digital newspaper, Talin consistently speaks at conferences around the country about the shift in the way media is presented. In addition to being on-call at all times with SAC Media, she also writes her own pieces and contributes to two other online platforms. Her written voice perfectly represents her: she comes across as strong and confident and writes with pride and genuine interest about media, global issues, and individuals (especially Harry Styles). Her published work is an exhibition exploring the voice and life of a true millennial. She discusses current events, getting older, Kanye West and what it means to be a woman in today's world.
What made you choose journalism?
When I first started community college, I was 17 years old. I had just dropped all of my four-year plans and was afraid of what the future held. I came across journalism really unexpectedly, but when I did, my life fell into place. I love the concept of people being able to take my words and relate to them. I think it’s a beautiful thing, especially when it’s something that’s personal.
What has been the proudest moment in your journey thus far?
The response I got after writing a piece about the millennial shift in marriage. More twenty-somethings are focusing more on themselves and their careers rather than feeling the need to worry about starting a family. A South African radio station approached me about my article and wanted me talk to them on air about it. I think that’s pretty cool. My writing made it to South Africa, somewhere I would have never thought, and I got a great experience out of it.
If you could change one thing about your industry what would it be?
The fall of print media and rise of digital media is detrimental to so many people who refuse to celebrate the fact that we can write something, put it out on the internet and get a national/international response from it. I’ve spoken at numerous journalism conferences around the country in the past year to students and professionals about the shift and we are either praised for it or will have people walk out of our sessions.
What do you hope to accomplish?
In my career, I hope to make a difference in someone’s life with my words. I want the person who’s afraid of being fan of a band and creating friends and connections through social media to realize that they aren’t alone. For now, I’m content with putting my words into the universe and seeing the response from it. Negative or positive, I grow from it as a person and as a journalist.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring journalists, what would you tell them?
Be fearless. You are in control of your life. If you want to write about Harry Styles fashion choices or the drought in California, do it. We live in a world where creativity is everywhere; it’s up to you whether or not you want to embrace it.
Find Tal
Editor-in-chief at SAC Media
Staff writer at Substance and Half&Half
Twitter: @tal_hak Instagram: @tal_hak
Audrey Air
Eighteen-year-old L.A. native, Audrey Air, definitely has her foot in the door when it comes to music. Air released her first single, "Strawberry Syrup Sixteens," an electric, nostalgic track with smooth and sugary vocals just one month ago. Only days after its Dec. 21 Spotify release, her song hit number 24 on the United States Viral 50 chart. Since then, her song has had over 136,000 plays on Spotify alone and she has received raving reviews on both the single and her songwriting style. Hop on the bandwagon before it leaves you behind completely: check out "Strawberry Syrup Sixteens" and stay tuned for Audrey's next single that will be released in March.
Who has inspired you?
I used to be, and still am, obsessed with the '80s, especially The Cure, but lately, I've been listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac, especially the "Rumours" album. I think that album is like captured magic (if that makes sense) and I'm probably always going to strive to accomplish that kind of brilliant songwriting. I'm also really intrigued by Mazzy Star and their hypnotic, ethereal dream-pop sound. Oh, and Janis Joplin will always be my number one -- she was just so cool.
What has been the proudest moment of your journey thus far?
My proudest musical moment was probably when my most recent song came out and I read the articles about it. They were all so nice and positive and I was so confused why they were even writing about me! It was a really validating moment for me to know that people, other than my mom, liked my music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?
I’ve heard of and seen a lot of my favorite artists be "puppeteered" by people on the business side of things who probably have never even touched an instrument. It kind of stresses me out because I’m not really ready to give up any creative control. It seems weird to me to make an album for the purpose of mainstream success instead of putting out an album because you have an album in your soul that you need to record.
What do you hope to accomplish?
If you asked 12-year-old me what I’d hoped to accomplish I would’ve probably said, “Sell out Madison Square Garden. Win a lot of Grammys. Date Justin Bieber.” Now, just the idea of being able to support myself by creating music is enough success to me. As long as I’m writing honestly and performing here and there, I’ll be happy.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring musicians, what would you tell them?
Write as much as possible and go to open mics. You’ll get more comfortable performing and also meet other musicians who can give you better advice than I can. Also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to succeed while you’re young; I think that sucks the inspiration out of things. Remind yourself why you’re making music and it becomes a lot more fun.
Find Audrey
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/audreyair
Instagram: @audreyair
Freeman and Sullivan
Freeman and Sullivan, an up and coming fashion blog run by the dynamic, talented and fashion-forward friends Courtney Freeman, Moira Sullivan and Brittany Freeman is just starting out and is already taking off. The trio each updates their blog once a week and post their creative, easy and affordable fashion tips to their Instagram account. Though this project only began three months ago, their Instagram account has over 300 followers and their blog has almost 900 users and 3,000 page views. Such a charismatic and passionate team is not about to be missed or passed by in any way; Freeman and Sullivan are here to make a name for themselves and make a difference in the ever-changing world of fashion.
What made you choose fashion?
Courtney: I wore a uniform for 13 years of my life so I felt like I got to create my own look outside of school. I've always been on the shy side of things so fashion gave me a creative space to do whatever I wanted. I would rather have my outfit be the center of attention than me: I let all my outfits do the talking.
Moira: I don't know if one chooses fashion. Fashion is what you're offered and it's up to you to develop your own style. I'll never forget the time it was dress down day in second grade at my uniformed grade school. "It's dress down day, not dress up day," I remember hearing from one of the boys while I was wearing a suede fringe jacket, jeans, and huge fur boots. Still to this day, I don't really know how to dress casually and kind of wish I owned a pair of sweatpants. I've always felt most comfortable in things that aren't comfortable by definition.
Brittany: I like creating different outfits for different events. I think it's fun that you can go from a T-shirt and jeans one day to a dress and a big fur coat the next.
Who has inspired you?
Courtney: Alexander McQueen. The first fashion show I ever watched was the McQueen A/W 2010 show. I remember watching it live because I wanted to see what everyone was talking about. Alexander had a way of creating detailed and unique haute couture pieces that I'd never seen before. His pieces told a story.
Moira: I am always inspired by the courage of other people. When one is unapologetic about their craft, whatever it may be, that opens the door for others to do the same. I am constantly inspired by creators, innovators, and artists of all kind.
Brittany: Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Lauren Jauregui, as well as my friends and my sister, have inspired my style. Their styles tend to match mine in the way that they wear a lot of leather jackets, boots, and t-shirts.
What has been the proudest moment of your journey so far?
Courtney: I think my proudest moment so far is just creating this blog in general. We were joking about creating a blog one second and posting outfits the next. It all happened so fast and I'm glad I get to do this with my two best friends.
Moira: Simply deciding to start. I spent a long time battling myself and never thought I was good enough to do what my soul craved. That lead me to learning things I didn't enjoy and worrying about a future that hadn't even happened yet. Starting where I was and with what I had was the best decision I have ever made.
Brittany: Seeing our blog come together.
If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be?
Courtney: I would make it more eco-friendly. So many designers don't realize they have so many options to what they can use on their clothes, bags, and shoes. There are many designers (i.e. Stella McCartney) who are rethinking the fabrics, dyes, and machinery they use in order to help out the planet. Stella McCartney doesn’t use fur or animal skins on any of her products. Her clothes are still beautiful and help out the environment.
Moira: Representation. Although it is progressing, fashion is still not 100 percent open to many people. Body diversity, people of color, disabled, non-binary - the list goes on. There is still a long way to go, and it is imperative that fashion reaches that place.
Brittany: I wouldn’t put gender labels on clothes: instead of having clothes for girls and clothes for boys, it would just be clothes, which would mean less judgment and more freedom in the fashion community.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring fashion bloggers, what would you tell them?
Courtney: Always post outfits that you're proud of. Don't just post something for views or because it's trendy. Trends are cool but always be comfortable in what you wear. If you like it, wear it.
Moira: If it makes you nervous or fearful of being judged -- create it, wear it, say it. Always.
Brittany: Do it for yourself and no one else.
Find Freeman and Sullivan
www.freemanandsullivan.com
Instagram: @freemanandsullivan
Mackenzie Coffman
Social media queen Mackenzie Coffman ("Mac" to famous friend Taylor Swift) is expanding her sphere of influence into a field of larger screens and dominating the world of acting. Her passion for her job is evident as she pours herself into every role she plays, whether it's a small commercial or a larger film. Her monologues show a new level of skill that is honest, persuasive and hard to find. And hard work does pay off, especially in Mackenzie's case. The 18-year-old actress is moving to Los Angeles in February to test the waters of the west coast and meet with casting directors. She also recently starred in the film "That's Not My Mother" and continues to look forward to the future, where stardom is inevitable.
What made you choose acting?
I was extremely shy in school, so the thought of performing in front of my peers terrified me. Someone [in school] talked to us about a place called Barbizon, which is a modeling and acting school. For some reason, it struck a chord with me, even though I had never tried modeling or acting. I started going to this school and I gained more and more confidence and strength in myself every time that I went. One day, we were given scripts to practice and perform (things like beauty commercials, scenes from popular TV shows) and an overwhelming feeling of familiarity washed over me. I had never acted in my life, so why did I feel comfortable with that script in my hand? Familiarity. Something like, Ah, yes. I was looking for this, but I didn't know that I was until right now. You know?
Who has inspired you?
My parents inspire me. There are a lot of things in this industry that are not possible to accomplish if your family isn't supportive in some way. It's really difficult to make it on your own. Watching my mom and dad shift their busy schedules around to help me make it to an audition or workshop is inspiring. They don't have to drop everything to make it work, but they do. And I think that shows how much they believe in me.
If you could change one thing about your industry what would it be?
There seems to be a push for women in Hollywood right now. It's small, but it's there. And I only hope it spreads wider, including a push for women of color, for women behind [and] in front of the camera -- and for amazing female writers who have been pushed aside. I haven't faced nearly the same amount of hardships as the ones I just named, but I am starting to recognize and understand these problems as I see them. It's frustrating when I'm reading for my role, and my character is described as an "average teenage girl", but then when she talks her personality is dumbed down. So is that just the way an average teenage girl is supposed to be? And then I realize, Oh, the writer is a 50-year-old white man.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope that one day people can watch me in movies or TV shows and find comfort in them. Everyone has an actor/actress who makes them laugh, gives them a shoulder to cry on, or just makes them feel something. And that's what my main objective is throughout all of this. I hope I can make you feel something.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring actors, what would you tell them?
It's tough. It becomes a lot easier for other people to believe in you if you believe in yourself. Get 'em champ.
Find Mackenzie
IMDB: Mackenzie Coffman
Twitter: @harrynstuff
Lauren, Talin, Audrey, Courtney, Moira, Brittany and Mackenzie are seven women who are continuing to change the game for women everywhere. They are all fearlessly putting their names out into the open and using their talents to strengthen not only themselves but an entire generation of people.
And in this way, they stand with heads held high beside peers like Amandla and Rowan and proudly continue to create, learn, grow and come together as a team, leading us all into our future.
