“Introducing” is an ongoing series in which we ask bloggers, activists, allies, entrepreneurs and assorted Bostonians about their inspirations, motivations, super powers and experiences with street harassment. If you know someone you think we should feature here, please drop us a line!
Georgina is a Boston-based writer, blogger and fashion maven, and can be found at Notes on Lifestyle by Georgina, twitter and instagram.
Tell us about yourself – what are you into? I do my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle so incorporating exercise into my daily routine is essential. I ride my bike to and from work most days, workout during my lunch hour and love taking the occasional dance or yoga class at varying studios. Writing is my passion and during 2012 I finally took the plunge into the freelance world. It has been incredibly gratifying to be paid to do what I love, and reassuring of my talent!
Define your style: Classic, feminine, very much body-type specific incorporating bright colors as often as I dare.
Favorite Boston fact: I love our rich history (we built the first subway system in the US so give the T a break) and everyone’s palpable pride in our city. Our gorgeous architecture is another aspect that I am grateful for, especially along the wharf.
Your favorite place in Boston? The South End: it is the perfect location, surrounded by residential nirvana Beacon Hill, culinary Mecca The North End and shopping hub Newbury Street. Within it however are gems like Bee Hive, Red Lantern, Flock and Estelle’s.
Have you experienced/witnessed street harassment in Boston? What stood out most in your memory? Unfortunately yes. I have faced everything from men gripping my arm in an attempt to get my attention to rude remarks that would send anyone running. I get a lot of honks while riding my bike also, the latest was a man that slowed down and told me I “Rode my bike very well” in a manner that made me absolutely disgusted.
What’s your signature response to street harassment – your go-to Hollaback? An incredibly stern look. It usually has the power to make men pause almost instantly. Other than that I usually ignore it all.
Your superpower is… My ever-present optimism. I have undergone some pretty life-changing experiences in the past five years. Maintaining a positive outlook helped me to see each as a learning opportunity.
What are you excited about in 2013? Working on my book, continuing to cultivate my freelance writing career and travel!
What inspires you? I see inspiration everywhere. For the longest time I was driven by fear of failure and disappointing my parents who are incredibly intelligent and have found a great deal of success. I have thankfully been able to morph that motivation into one based around my needs and personal aspirations. I am inspired by the underdog, my peers and all of those currently in a place I one day hope to be.
If you could leave the world one piece of advice, what would it be? Be yourself, you have something wonderful to offer unique from anyone else. Be proud of each success and embrace the failures. Live in a way that you will look back on your life with pride and very little regret regarding what you did not try.
Georgina, thank you so much!
image credit: Notes on Lifestyle by Georgina