The very beautiful and multi-talented Meredith Shaw
Courtesy of Dockery Devil
I was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to interview the extremely talented musician, disc jockey, and philanthropist Meredith Shaw. Meredith is a Toronto based singer-songwriter, who released her debut album ‘A Place Called Happy’ in 2011. She also has opened her own gift company, aptly named muffymade. Currently, she is an on-air DJ at the Toronto based radio station boom 97.3.
Meredith is involved in the wonderful movement of ‘Girls Who Believe’, which is partnered with the Girls, Inc foundation. Together, they are hoping to aide young female adults between the ages of 11 – 17 years to be themselves. They use these ‘jam sessions’ to help boost the self-esteem of these teenagers, and allow them to express themselves through the arts. She’s already brought the program to many Southern Ontario schools, and was even featured on the popular television show Degrassi.
Meredith was kind enough to answer some questions about her involvement with the foundation, and why this issue is so close to her heart.
______________________________________
What made you want to work with younger women?
Young girls are so full of energy, ideas and excitement for the future. I find them infectious, beautiful and funny. I’ve also been a young girl and transitioned into a young woman – it ain’t always easy and I think I’ve picked up bits and pieces of wisdom along the way. If I can save a young girl a little bit of heartache and confusion, I’m all over it.
Why do you think it’s important to reach out to the younger female generation?
I think it’s important because it’s so easy to get knocked down and get caught up in what other people want for you. I want to encourage girls to go after their dreams and I think when we talk about the reality of our struggles we become stronger.
What made you want to work with the charity group Girls Inc?
Their mission statement is: Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. That could not be more in line with Girls Who Believe. I’m so excited to be working on this project with them – I think together we can do great things.
As a woman who has accomplished so much so far, what advice do you have for young girls who want to emulate your steps?
I just giggled. That’s a lovely compliment – thank you. My advice? Surround yourself by people that are kind to you and support you because the world can be mean; don’t take no for an answer; trust your gut. Always; and don’t be so hard on yourself.
You’re currently running a contest about ‘What Makes You A Girl Who Believes?’. How has the response been, and what are you looking to see from your contributors?
The response has been GLORIOUS. The girls and women are as inspiring as I’d hoped they would be. We are looking for honesty and passion. I’m a girl who believes in the power of music, others have been in the environment, in their family, in finding true love….I have to admit there hasn’t been one that hasn’t made me tear up. Picking a winner is going to be SO HARD!
Seeing as we are a beauty blog, let’s ask some personal beauty questions. What beauty product can you not live without?
Hmmmm….Can I have two? Lip-gloss (fancy: lipfusion / frugal: Victoria Secret) and mascara: Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express (it is THE BEST)
Do you have a favourite beauty brand?
I’m a MAC girl. The Melon pigment is my FAV.
Do you have a favourite beauty indulgence?
I do, I do. Gee Beauty in Toronto is my little piece of girly heaven. I love getting my eyebrows threaded, make up done and if I really need some pampering an oxygen facial with Amanda … Bliss!
______________________________________
Meredith is currently holding a contest for the ‘Girls Who Believe’ project, where girls are welcome to upload a 3-minute video explaining why they are girls who believes. All videos are due by August 13th! The winner will receive a cameo in the Girls Who Believe music video, a beautiful piece of jewelry from Rock and Reverie, and a $250 dollar donation in your name to the Girls Inc foundation. Check out her website at www.meredithshaw.com for the details.
Much thanks to Meredith for taking the time to talk to me. Congratulations on all the wonderful things you have accomplished!
If you’re looking to follow Meredith Shaw’s career, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and on her personal webpage.
If you’re looking to follow Meredith Shaw’s career, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and on her personal webpage.
