Lady boss. It’s a term used to describe women of all ages who have learned how to own their craft. And while we still live in a society that’s rather hard on innovative women, there’s something in the air that’s causing smart women to separate themselves from the pack, and hone their talents while telling the world’s haters to shove it.

It’s no secret that EcoSalon is a strong supporter of innovative women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. We write about at least a handful of interesting women every month. And each of these women are owning their own shit in a totally feminine way. That’s a pretty big thing because often times, a woman’s inherent femininity can get in the way of her success in the business world.

Women are often met with haters who think “she’s too forceful” — that makes her a “bitch.” Other times, women are called out for being too caring, or loving, and get smacked with the “nurturing mother” label. And still, women are often slapped with stereotypes based on the way they dress, talk, or look. But women who work hard and put their asses on the line to make it on their own learn how to ignore naysayers over time.

Through the past few years there have been a lot of high-profile lady boss stories featuring women who have overcome society’s inherent obstacles, and maintained their cool in spite of the world’s foolish trolls.

Laverne Cox burst onto the scene when “Orange is the New Black” blew up on Netflix. However, Cox is so much more than an actresses. She’s a remarkable gender activist and is working in various areas now (she is a popular speaker and writer). Overall, Cox has achieved her lady boss status by ignoring the people who like to shame otherness and by owning the most powerful part of her life: her own story.

Tavi Gevinson proved to be a kick-ass female talent while she was in high school. Gevinson started working on her now totally popular online teen magazine, Rookie, when she was quite young (we’re talking early teen years, here). Since Rookie mag has gained so much popularity over the years, Gevinson has just become more poised as an editor and an all-around creative powerhouse.

Say what you will about Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In,” but that book — and Sandberg’s overall philosophies — are still being discussed long after her book was released.

Aisha Tyler may be known as “that one chick who was on ‘Friends,'” but Tyler has built her own little empire based on her hilarious comedy and unabashed love for most-things nerdy.

Wende Zomnir, Urban Decay’s chief creative officer and brand co-founder, recently created the brand’s “The Ultraviolet Edge,” a global initiative that’s meant to fund women’s rights orgs.

Marci Zaroff  is the bright woman who created the term “EcoFashion.”

Now, you don’t have to be famous in order to fall into the lady boss category. You can be anyone. Are you in high school and hustling two jobs to save for college to become an engineer? You’re a lady boss. Did you just graduate from college with absolutely no job on the horizon, but have a burning desire to make a change? You’re a lady boss.

All of us, no matter how talented or well-known we are, are lady bosses. Because after all, to make it to the top, you have to be able to take the punches you’ll get when you achieve your goals. That’s why becoming a boss is such hard work. But damn, it’s worth it.

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The Eco-Chic Lady Boss: 4 Office Bar Must-Haves

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The post Being The Lady Boss: Staying Perfectly Feminine and Still Owning Your Sh*t appeared first on EcoSalon.

Since January 1, I have taken two enormous steps along the road to responsible adulthood: First, I launched a new business and, while some of my loved ones questioned the responsible nature of that decision, it felt like progress. Not long after that, I procured and installed a mini-bar for my apartment. Slowly, but surely, it seemed, I was on my way to becoming a lady boss.

As my business grows and I continue to expand my team, I realize that my beloved, 200-square-foot shared office will no longer do. In the course of seeking larger space, I’ve also begun to consider what additions might be necessary. With the final season of “Mad Men” upon us, it’s occurred to me: Every lady boss needs a mini bar for her office.

Not just any mini bar, though: A conscious, eco-friendly one, which is easier to assemble than it might sound. These four, fundamental bar staples will have lady bosses everywhere making responsible decisions: For business, and the environment.

1. Eco-chic bar cart. I’ll admit: After years of writing about organic products, sustainability and environmental responsibility, it’s never actually occurred to me that an eco-chic bar cart is something that might exist. Duh: It’s such a real thing, in fact, that EcoSalon ran this article last year profiling nine different eco-friendly bar carts. It doesn’t end there, however: Check out this more affordable Rattan Wicker Furniture serving cart.

2. BPA-free glassware. This should be old news, by now. BarLuxe, a producer of several drinking containers, boasts an entirely BPA-free selection, from its sleek carafes to its Vintage collection of wine glasses. This option might be particularly favorable for the lady boss who frequently hosts events; BarLuxe cases typically contain a minimum of 24 glasses.

3. Biodynamic wine. There remains a great deal of confusion around sustainable winemaking. My favorite method du jour is, without a doubt, the biodynamic practice. To clear up any misunderstanding (which this Food & Wine article does quite nicely), biodynamic winemaking views all the various organisms involved in the cultivation of wine’s final product as, if you will, an ecological supply chain. These organisms range from those in the soil used to grow grapes, to any other life around it, including plants, for potential integrated pest management, and cows for fertilization benefits. Want to further reduce your carbon footprint? Use this Fork & Bottle guide to find a biodynamic wine that’s made nearby.

4. Organic whiskey. Cue the “Hallelujah” chorus: Organic whiskey does exist. Koval offers no less than six variations, including the eerily clear white rye whiskey, as well as its ancient-grain-friendly spelt whiskey. Cheers!

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Image of cool businesswoman relaxing via Shutterstock

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