LaChele Steele – Celebrating Women
When deciding who to reach out to for The Road Linds Travels’ Celebrating Women series, there was no doubt in my mind that Long Beach-based apparel designer, LaChele Steele, had to participate.
Have you ever met someone and instantly clicked? Like you knew that you were going to be a part of each other’s lives for the long-haul? That was precisely how I felt when LaChele walked into an interview at my former place of employment in 2017. Her energy and genuine nature was something I wanted in my immediate orbit.
If you read Swipe Write, you may recognize her as the friend who texted me, “Girl,” whilst I was solo-adventuring it around Japan. A small four-letter-word synonymous with another small but profound four-letter-word in the past eight years of our relationship: LOVE. Without further adieu, let’s celebrate this woman with all the vigor and love we can muster.
LaChele Steele
You've got 2 minutes to tell me your life story
How do you respond?
I’m still writing my story, just now understanding the meaning of “LIFE.” LIVING everyday as if it were my last. Grateful for the events, people, and Creator that got me to this place that I am at right now. It wasn’t always easy. Definitely have had some lows, but the one thing I realized is that it always gets better, eventually, as long as I believe it will. I’ve learned to believe in myself and believe that my destiny is to dream big and inspire people to never give up.
What defining moment shaped your identity as a woman and how has it influenced the way you navigate the world?
Finding out I was pregnant at 40 and deciding to become a single parent has changed me significantly. The one thing I always dreamed about experiencing happened at a time in my life when I least expected, but because I have learned so much in my 40 years, like my destiny, I have the opportunity to teach my daughter to dream big and inspire this world.
How has society’s view of women evolved, and what challenges remain?
Unfortunately, I don’t think society’s perception of women has evolved. “Society” is the average white man stuck in the past who is adverse to change. Women still continue to fight to be seen as equal in all areas of life. I do believe we need to have women in more higher positions in the US. If we look at other countries and see how women are presidents or prime ministers leading their countries, then maybe the US might be a better place to live in.
Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated because of your gender? How did you respond?
There was a family event I attended where a male family member invited his male single friend who was around the same age as me. I was single as well and some of my family members believed that, at my age, I should be married. While we were all sitting at the table, getting ready to eat, my male family member told me to serve his friend a plate.
Shocked, I thought it was a joke and laughed, but he told me not to be rude and to get his guest a plate. I felt so disrespected. Got up from the table and stayed in the kitchen the whole night. Once the friend left, I told my family member how uncomfortable that made me feel. I don’t believe in gender roles in a relationship. Or just in general. He did apologize and has never done that again.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you foster it in yourself and other women?
True empowerment is not giving a fuck about what others think about you, just LIVE and enjoy every moment! I always celebrate other women and tell them to DO YOU!
What advice would you give your younger self about womanhood, strength, and self-worth?
I would tell myself to continue to believe in yourself and not care what men think about you. What matters most is how you value yourself. As a woman, you already have a superpower – you are a Creator. And no one take take that away from you.
"As a woman, you already have a superpower - you are a Creator. And no one take take that away from you."
What would you release, if you could, to breathe a little easier each day?
My idea of being perfect! Being a hard worker, I put a lot of pressure on myself. But I have to realize that sometimes mistakes happen and that’s okay. There’s always a lesson in mistakes. Nothing and no one is perfect and there’s beauty in that!
Which woman, whether personal or public, inspires you, and why?
My mom. She raised 4 kids on her own. Went back to college while I was in elementary to get her Bachelor’s and then her Master’s. Though she struggled, she taught us to be humble and to work hard for the things you want in life. She taught my siblings and I to never give up, no matter what life throws your way – if you have a goal or dream, see it through. I am who I am because of her and hope that I could as great of a mother to my daughter as she is to me!
LaChele Steele, you gave birth to your beautiful baby girl four days ago, and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be as great of a mother as yours! I couldn’t be more excited and happy for you. I appreciate you participating in this series that has shaped up to be more than what I initially imagined it could be.
Your presence in my life and genuine friendship are two things I’ve never take for granted. Thank you for being the incredible, strong woman you are, and I look forward to celebrating your little girl as she carries the torch, sustaining the flame you and so many others ignited.
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