Celebrating National Women’s Day

For over a century, National Women’s Day has been celebrated—a tradition that began with trailblazing women fighting for equality.

Thankful for the Women in My Life

Big shout out to my mom Marilyn, CHRO of Polyconcept—a company that puts branding on merchandise—and my sister Kayla, a Behavioral Health Technician and master’s student for Applied Behavioral Analysis, for shaping me into the strong, independent woman I am today. I’m also so inspired by the hardworking women around me, like my roommate and one of my best friends, Tanvi, a mechanical engineering student, and Siya, a computer science engineering student. I have many more amazing women in my life, but I wanted to highlight these women’s accomplishments and their drive to make a difference in leadership.

Being a Woman in Business & Education

I believe in advocating for my dreams and embracing the fun of having my own world. Whether it’s during the school year, summer, or after graduation, I see my job and studies as two sources of inspiration that fuel each other.

My day always starts with a 10-minute meditation while I’m still in bed, setting a mindful tone for the day. I only have three in-person classes and the rest online, which saves me time I’d otherwise spend commuting or chatting with classmates. It also means I can easily post on the Ava’s Armor Instagram at least three times a week to keep my excitement alive.

I make it a point to be at least 20 minutes early for my in-person classes so I can work on my reading, assignments, or even brainstorm my next Ava’s Armor post. Rushing to class makes me feel like I can’t breathe—I’m always focused on walking faster, lol—so having that extra time really helps. Even if school sometimes comes second (my most recent exam showed that—let’s not talk about it), I’m happy as long as I’m getting A’s & B’s and grasping what’s being taught. I’ve learned that I don’t need to know every detail now because I can always catch up during the summer when there are no assignments begging for my time.

Living on campus with one of my best friends, along with friends in nearby dorms, keeps my social life balanced. I always go to the gym with Siya, my friend next door, and then we grab dinner together. I start my day by writing in my affirmation journal, affirming that I am productive, happy, grateful, abundant, and blessed. I also take a moment to thank the universe for all I’ve been given—my supportive family, caring friends, loving partner, and impressive education.

Overcoming Challenges & Embracing Imperfection

One challenge I face is sometimes putting Ava’s Armor ahead of schoolwork. I worry that I’m not absorbing all the information in my classes or that I’m wasting money on my education. That imposter syndrome moment when I doubt I can lock in like others is real, but I tackle it by celebrating my passion and my unique spin on the fashion industry. I remind myself that I got into The Ohio State University because of my diligence, and even if I don’t know everything, I understand what matters most on my tests (or at least enough to make me happy by the time the final grade comes out :).

Inspiration from Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs are booming today compared to the past. According to the American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses Report (2024), women now own over 13 million businesses in the United States, making up 42% of all U.S. businesses. A huge inspiration for me is Natalie Milligan of Millie the Label. Last school year, she took me under her wing as an intern and let me curate my very own Affirmations Collection. That experience—and a fun trip to New York for jewelry sourcing—taught me that I can create something tangible and unique with Ava’s Armor. Now, as Natalie, a graduating marketing major from the Fisher College of Business, pursues her business full-time in Miami, I see a real-life example of balancing being a student and a founder.

Practical Tips & Encouragement

Stay Present: Focusing fully in class really pays off during midterms.
Simple Checklists: I use a sticky note on my laptop with a few key tasks for schoolwork or an Ava’s Armor post.
Self-Care: I look forward to simple joys—like a gym session with Sia, making my oatmeal, or a phone call with my partner at the end of the day. If I’m tired by 10:30 PM, I wrap up to come back fresh in the morning.
Gratitude & Affirmations: Writing in my affirmation journal reminds me who I want to be.
Community & Support: I encourage fellow students to explore programs like the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship or to connect with like-minded people.
Inspiration Online: Follow at least one inspiring woman entrepreneur on Instagram—I follow @millieXtheLabel for my daily dose of motivation.

Feel free to leave a comment here, DM me on Instagram, or fill out the form on the 'Stay in Touch' page with any thoughts or suggestions. As always, thanks for reading, and Happy National Women’s Day!

Balancing Business & School—And Celebrating Women Who Do It All