MAGNETIC MUSES
Our Magnetic Muses are women who have overcome challenges, broken barriers and forged their own path. They know that luxury isn’t just what they wear - it’s how they move through the world. Enjoy hearing from women who have arrived.
JEN SZPIGIEL
Editor in Chief, Publisher and Business Strategist - Toronto, Canada
Best Piece Of Advice...
Do one day at a time with a gigantic vision for where you are going. When we think of our endless task lists, responsibilities and full calendars, overwhelm can quickly sneak in. This would happen easily to me when I would look at my week ahead.
Yet, when I learned to wake up each day and focus on doing that day well, the lists, responsibilities and calendars looked after themselves.
The Boldest Decision You’ve Made...
Choosing myself. Believing so deeply in my capacity, my dreams, my potential and my ache to squeeze out every last drop of this lifetime, was the catalyst to where I am today. Choosing myself as a woman doesn’t mean that I neglect or don’t care for others. As a matter of fact, the more I choose my truth and trust in myself, the better I am for my family, clients and community.
A woman who is willing to prioritize herself, is the most fulfilled, successful and present woman in the room. In the past, a woman who prioritized herself would be criticized as selfish and a woman who put others before herself was praised as selfless. I believe the modern day woman is called to be self led, which is neither selfish or selfless. I pray for a world where more women choose themselves.
Biggest Adversity You've Had To Overcome...
When I was going through my divorce, I naively expected the women in my world to gather and support me. I was stepping into single parenting two children, I was navigating a broken marriage and the vulnerability and fear of what this new chapter would be like was one of the most painful experiences I have had. I was floored and deeply hurt when some of the women in my world used this tender moment as a time to judge, criticize and kick me when I was down.
It took me ten years to heal my sisterhood wound and learn to trust women again. I would love to go back to that version of me and lift her chin up so it didn’t take so long to overcome but our journeys can sometimes be long and difficult. I suppose there is no coincidence that I now work and support women exclusively through my brands. Our relationships to one another as women are essential to our healing and success. I desire to shift the paradigm for us.
Your Non-Negotiables...
I have a steadfast rule. It is to never quit, give up or make decisions on a down day or season. Whatever the circumstance that pulls me out of my vision and depletes my energy, making me question everything, is not a day I am allowed to quit or make decisions. I simply give myself grace and space with twenty-four hours to feel my feelings.
Most women miss out on their biggest breakthroughs and a life that would take their breath away because they quit too soon. I told myself from the beginning, I can only quit when I am up and never when I am down. This rule has had me hang on many times for dear life only to be greatly rewarded for staying many times over.
When Do You Feel Most Magnetic?
When I am in my peaceful confidence. I describe this as a posture of confidence that isn’t loud with the need to be validated. Nor is it meak without taking up space. It’s a knowing and confidence that is felt by those around you.
You genuinely connect with others because there is no comparison or need to prove yourself. You openly express yourself without the fear of judgement or pleasing others. You are in your truest essence and fully accepting of yourself. When I am in this posture, I feel the most magnetic, free and alive.
What Drew You To Vixen & Fox?
It is rare that you find a fashion brand that aligns with your values as well as your style and taste. Vixen & Fox is the entire package many of us are seeking. High quality, beautifully crafted pieces, a customer experience like no other and a deep rooted commitment to making a global impact.
I care about what I put on daily. It’s a reflection of who I am. To now have stunning lingerie as the first thing that touches my skin in the morning. It sets the stage for everything to come. I truly love this brand. It was love at first sight actually.
A Message You Would Send To The Next Generation Of Women...
Women have infinite capacity. I would love to hold every young woman’s cheeks and tell her that she does not need to sacrifice a single part of herself to have the life she desires and dreams of. You don’t need to give up anything to have it all. You can be an exceptional mom and also wildly successful in your career.
You can have a thriving relationship and also achieve every dream placed on your heart. Become the woman who understands that it’s not about doing it all but being the woman who knows how to hold it all. That distinction will offer you a life and legacy that will take your breath away!
