The corporate world has been historically a male-dominated space, with women systematically underrepresented in leadership roles, hitting the seemingly impenetrable ‘glass ceiling.’ This invisible but palpable barrier has long prevented women from reaching the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, keeping them from realizing their true potential.
That said, in recent years, the dawn of a new era has broken – an era where women entrepreneurs are not just knocking on the door of the old boys club but kicking it down and redefining the rules of the game.
One such powerhouse is Lizzy Capri, a force to be reckoned with in the digital realm, boasting an enormous online presence with over 7 million subscribers on her YouTube channel only.
Once a family-friendly content creator, Capri made a brave decision to transition into mature content, marking a significant pivot in her professional life. Reflecting on the reasons behind this pivot, she reveals she had felt immensely pressured by what the audience, society, and, it felt like, the entire world was expecting her to do.
Trapped in these standards imposed by others, she found herself in the throes of burnout. But, despite feeling hopeless, Capri prevailed – holding on to a desire to challenge societal norms and pursue her true passion.
“As a woman in the digital sphere, regardless of content, you’re so focused on the filming and the editing, making sure to avoid any ‘negative’ labels. It’s exhausting, and it diminishes your mental well-being,” she shares. “Instead of conforming, I finally decided to allow myself to breathe and to start doing what I actually wanted to do.”
Capri’s intriguing but multifaceted venture, CHEAKS, marks a significant milestone in her career, standing as the perfect example of her tireless commitment to self-expression and exploration.
CHEAKS, a name shared by both her apparel brand and podcast, has a clear but impactful mission: to ignite the spark of personal growth and transformation in everyone, all while having fun in the process.
Driving this mission forward is the thought-provoking, relatable and actionable content across a number of platforms, from YouTube and Instagram to TikTok, that offers a versatile range of personal experiences, conversations, viral videos, and podcast debates that resonate with a wide demographic of people and their unique life journeys.
“We strive to inspire individuals to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves,” Capri emphasizes.
Building a community was always crucial for Capri – even if the content isn’t exactly for everyone. She insists that she is both humbled and excited about the growing number of individuals who share her mission and goals but that she knows that the road ahead may be bumpy.
“The brand I’m building is edgy and progressive, with a focus on equal opportunities for everyone. Breaking into certain industries or gaining respect as a woman can be challenging, but I want to change that narrative, which may not sit well among certain individuals,” she shares.
Capri adds that she believes in taking risks – and is neither afraid nor ashamed of it. “ I want to share all the cool things we’re doing, our mindset, and values. If it inspires others to achieve their goals, that’s fantastic, but I don’t expect the entire world to agree with me.”
On the other hand, the fashion industry has often been criticized for its lack of representation and inclusivity. The standards that the industry imposes on women can be rigid and unrealistic, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. These are precisely the standards that Capri’s apparel brand challenges.
More than just trendy designs, each piece in the CHEAKS collection is as a statement of empowerment and authenticity. “It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good in your skin and owning who you are,” Capri says.
Just as Capri transitioned in her content creation career, CHEAKS apparel stands as another mark of her personal growth. Breaking into the fashion market, particularly as a woman, comes with its unique set of setbacks, forcing individuals to continuously prove their mettle in this competitive industry.
Yet, Capri’s success goes to show that it’s possible for women to shine in multiple spheres, leaving their nay-sayers in the dust. Envisioning a world where everyone can express themselves freely and pursue their dreams, Capri strives to contribute to the betterment of society with her brand, without any limitations imposed by restrictive stereotypes.
As she says, “We believe that by challenging social norms and advocating for gender equality, we can create a ripple effect that brings about lasting change.”
Presented by: Ascend Agency
