FIRST THOUGHT: Style Me Up

I recently watched Ocean’s 8 on a plane and took away two messages: Maybe stealing is OK? And I need some more jewelry. As a millennial, it’s tricky to transition from that 10-pack of earrings you got from Claire’s for your 10th birthday to gold-filled hoops and a diamond engagement ring.

I scoured the Internet for some accessorizing tips because you’re never too old to learn. A keepsake necklace can be a go-to everyday item and can be paired with other layered pieces. If your Aunt Rose told you not to mix metals, ignore her. Dangly-drop or tassel earrings can frame your face, while a glitzy, chunky ring will highlight your manicure (or lack thereof). But y’all know my number one rule when it comes to your appearance: Wear what makes you feel Beyoncé-fabulous.

WOMEN IN NUMBERS: $1.4 Trillion

During my quest for the hottest trends and latest tips on accessorizing, I came across a lot of lame rules regarding jewelry at work, from tossing the bangles to toning down the statement necklaces. Girl, please. If you’re a person who wants to express yourself and your stuffy work environment won’t allow for it, maybe it’s time for a change. Women are starting businesses every day. If Latino-owned businesses grow as faster as the average in the United States, they could contribute a whopping $1.4 trillion to the economy. So get your biz license and put on your blingin’ earcuffs, darling.

WOMAN TO WATCH: Patty Rodriguez, Founder of MALA by Patty Rodriguez

Patty Rodriguez was born in Los Angeles and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She has become a recognizable name, as an entrepreneur and radio host. If you’ve ever listened to “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” you’d recognize her name. She’s on the stool beside him, dishing on pop culture, music, and everything in between.

Patty earned her radio job by starting as an intern. (Yay for internships!) There’s a lot to be said for being an intern and proving yourself to Ryan Seacrest, the dude who has approximately 3,000 jobs. Everywhere Patty goes, she’s made an impact. She even influenced MAC to put out a collaboration featuring Selena Quintanilla, which sold out at rapid-fire speed.

Then, Patty became a mom and became interested in children’s literature. Literary agents and publishing houses dismissed her pleas for more Latinx culture representation in kid’s books. So what did she do? She created her own company with her best friend and called it Lil’ Libros. The company offers up must-have bilingual books like First 100 Words and Lucha Libre, which you can now find at your local Target.

Oh yeah, and there’s Patty’s jewelry line. Called Mala and inspired by her heritage, Patty’s designs feature phrases and words mostly in Spanish. Her Chingona necklace made it to a cool Latina party thrown by actress Gina Rodriguez, with other Latina guests like America Ferrera and Rosario Dawson.

Despite all this success and clear evidence of “making it,” Patty says she suffers from Imposter Syndrome - you know, the term used for when you feel like you don’t belong or deserve to be in a place you’re at.

Her radio gig gave her major imposter vibes. Patty wondered if it was too good to be true, if her accent would hinder her career, if she didn’t deserve this life she had. But Patty figured out that, yes, she’s the woman who deserves everything she’s gotten. And you are, too.

QUITE THE QUOTE

Patty Rodriguez said:

"I wish I knew early on before starting my businesses that the biggest obstacle to face was myself. We are our biggest challenge. Once we get over that fear we have within ourselves and we jump that wall, everything begins to fall into place.”