What I Told My Daughters on International Women’s Day – and Every Day

As a mother, a woman, and the founder of Face Yoga Expert, I believe in the power of self-care, self-love, and self-belief. I have two wonderful daughters, Lilia, who is eight, and Lucia, who is twelve. Every day, I try to guide them with wisdom that will help them grow into confident, kind, and empowered young women. I am definitely not always perfect at this as I am just a human who make mistakes and has bad days (and sometimes not as patient as I would like to be!) but I aim to share as much knowledge and inspiration as I can with them, when I can.

On International Women’s Day last week, I took extra time to remind my girls of the values that matter most—values that I hope will shape their lives and help them navigate the world with grace, strength, and authenticity.

Here’s what I want to share with them as often as I can.

"Anything is possible"

One of the most important lessons I teach Lilia and Lucia is that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. I truly believe that with dedication, belief, and passion, dreams can become reality. When I first started my journey into Face Yoga, it wasn’t a well-known practice and I certainly wasn't a well known teacher. There were no guides or blueprints on how to build a passion, brand and business the way I wanted to (in a soulful, conscious way)—I had to create my own path. But I followed my heart, worked in a smart way, and stayed really consistent for 20 years. I now share my passion with millions of people around the globe every day. I want my daughters to know that no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach if they believe in themselves and take consistent action.

"Be yourself"

The world will always have opinions, but the most important thing is to stay true to who you are. I remind my daughters daily that they don’t need to change to fit in or be liked. Their uniqueness is their superpower. I encourage Lilia and Lucia to embrace their true nature, their quirks, and their individuality. There is nothing more radiant than a person who is unapologetically themselves.

"Do more of what lights you up"

Passion is the fuel that makes life meaningful. Whether it’s art, music, dance, sports, writing, or something else entirely, I tell my daughters to pursue what makes them feel alive. When we follow what excites us, we naturally attract positivity and joy. I see this in my own life—Face Yoga and holistic wellness isn’t just my career; it’s something I love, something that brings me happiness and allows me to help others. I want my daughters to experience that same fulfillment by doing more of what brings them joy.

"You are brave and strong"

Courage isn’t about never feeling fear—it’s about feeling it and taking action anyway. I want my daughters to know that they have an incredible inner strength, even in moments of doubt or uncertainty. Strength comes in many forms. It’s in standing up for what’s right, speaking their truth, and persevering when things get tough. I remind them that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and they are always stronger than they think.

"Always be kind and help others"

One of the greatest gifts we can give the world is kindness. I teach my daughters that being kind doesn’t mean being weak—it means being strong enough to choose compassion, even when it’s not easy. Helping others, whether through small daily acts or bigger gestures, makes the world a better place. In my work, I find the greatest joy in supporting people on their wellness journey. True fulfillment comes not just from what we achieve but from how we uplift those around us.

"Love yourself"

Self-love is the foundation of everything. I tell Lucia and Lilia every day that they are beautiful, valuable, and worthy just as they are. But self-love isn’t just about words—it’s about how we treat ourselves. It’s in setting boundaries, speaking kindly to ourselves, and taking time for self-care. Whether it’s through hobbies, mindfulness, or simply taking a deep breath, I want them to always nurture their relationship with themselves.

 "Be grateful for everything"

Gratitude shifts everything. Even on tough days, there is always something to be thankful for. I encourage Lilia and Lucia to find small moments of gratitude each day, whether it’s for a delicious meal, a hug from a friend, or a sunny day. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we create more joy in our lives. Practicing gratitude is a simple but powerful way to feel more happiness.

"Be honest"

Honesty is the foundation of trust and integrity and I talk abut telling the truth a lot in our house!  I want my daughters to know that being truthful, even when it’s difficult, is always the right choice. Honesty isn’t just about telling the truth to others—it’s also about being honest with themselves. Recognising their feelings, acknowledging their needs, and staying true to their values are all part of living an authentic life.

"Talk about your worries"

Bottling up emotions never leads to healing. I teach my daughters that it’s okay to feel anxious, sad, or confused—and that talking about it is the best way to process those emotions. Whether it’s with me, their Dad, a friend, or a teacher, I encourage them to express what’s on their minds. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength that allows for support and overcoming problems.

"Sleep and rest are healing"

In today’s fast-paced world, rest is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important things we can give ourselves. I make sure my daughters understand that sleep isn’t just about recharging—it’s about healing, growth, and overall well-being. Bed time isn't always a straightforward process and any parent of children under 12 will understand that I'm sure!I Like many children, they want to stay up and play just that bit longer but I try to remind them that listening to their bodies and allowing time for rest will help them feel stronger, healthier, and happier the next day.

"Drink water and eat your veg"

Wellness starts from within. As much as I focus on external beauty through my teachings in Face Yoga, I always emphasise to my community that real radiance comes from nourishment. I share aspects of this with my daughters such as doing simple things like hydrating and eating foods from nature can help us feel healthy and strong. Drinking enough water and eating a variety of vegetables is essential for energy,  health, and overall well-being. I teach my daughters that food is fuel, and treating their bodies with care will help them feel their best.

"Know you are always loved so much"

Love is the greatest gift, and I want my daughters to always feel surrounded by it. No matter where life takes them, I want them to know they are deeply loved—not just by me and my husband, Bruce, but by so many people around them.

"You are enough exactly how you are"

Perhaps the most important message of all: they are enough. Just as they are. Not when they achieve a goal, not when they change something about themselves—right now, in this moment, they are enough. In a world that constantly tells us we need to be more, do more, or look different, I remind them that they are already whole, worthy, and complete.

Final thoughts

These are the messages I share with Lilia and Lucia, not just on International Women’s Day but every day. My hope is that they carry these lessons with them as they grow into strong, kind, and confident women.

For anyone reading this, whether you have daughters, nieces, sisters, or friends—let’s continue to uplift and empower the women in our lives. And most importantly, let’s remember to embody these lessons ourselves.

Happy International Women’s Day today and every day!