August is here, and in South Africa, we commemorate the month in celebration of women. I would love to recap the history behind the month, and indeed the day, August 9th, but this is widely available in the print and digital media space already.
Given this backdrop, I rather turn my attention to celebrate the women around me.
During the month of August 2021, each week will be dedicated to a woman in my midst, theirs is always a powerful story of resilience, determination, and success!
This week, I begin this mini-series dedicated to the beautiful and talented, Jade Garisch.
A while ago, I wrote a poem for Jade, called Jade‘s Flowers.
I visited Jade last week, spent some time talking to her, listening to her story, and was truly inspired.
Jade was born with a giant congenital nevus. In a short sentence, it’s caused by a mutation of a gene that manifests itself, as a darker, often hairy patch on the skin on the body.
For Jade, it was the back of her neck.
Most young girls and women alike consider this part of their body, a representation of their femininity, for Jade growing up, this was a source of pain, of numerous operations, of years of extreme self-awareness, and yes, much scrutiny.
As an adult, Jade was determined to heal, and after many operations, her neck healed from this condition.
Sure there was still scarring, but Jade was determined, courageous, and confident.
She wanted to accentuate this part of her body, to turn this scar into a symbol of beauty, and begin the journey of Life anew. And she did, hence this beautiful array of flowers tattooed on the back of Jade‘s neck.
Today, after spending many years abroad, living and studying in the USA, Jade is back home.
She’s thriving, as an entrepreneur, owner of the Exotic Marigold Boutique, and Jade Garisch Studios, a musician, songwriter, and singer.
To many more successes Jade, you are a true feminine inspiration to us all.
I wish you all a beautiful start into the week, and to all the women out there, have a fabulous August 🌸
❤️
Pralene