Images: Kathryn Charlsworth for CNK Daily

We have all faced our version of challenges during the first three quarters of 2020, but one thing remains the same.  We are adapting and creating.  Between taking a break to reminisce on the soundtrack of our lives through Verzuz battles on Instagram, we are still hustling in our new ways of working.  However, I would be remiss if I didn’t note a critical disclaimer.  Women are not new to this.  I have been blessed to watch extraordinary, multifaceted women build for years.  They have created careers, homes, style, and families.  Witnessing the strength and resilience of the everyday woman has reminded me that I am essential. These also serve as the foundational building blocks to what CNK Daily is all about - creating the community.

The untimely pivot that many of us had to get familiar with was easily something that I felt I had always welcomed – staying home.  I had to learn quickly through a COVID pandemic that working from home wasn’t as easy as it seemed.  Add in the ingredients of putting a major focus on the fight against racism, showing my children how to learn through Zoom school lessons, and confronting employee issues headfirst in my 9-5 job as an HR Manager. I encountered a realization that I was in desperate need to find my center.

Balance was going to be the major key to WFH (work from home) success as a busy mom.  Finding some comfort in my work space was the driver on an internal GPS route to spark my creative expression.  Where could I find small joy during the day and how could I continue to surround myself with messages that empower me?  It starts with my home office, which is filled with my favorite art and sneaker memorabilia. Some may find it distracting to scale large HR projects while staring at boxes of sneakers or H-town culture, but there’s a method here.  By immersing myself with roots to my childhood happiness, I was always able to come back home to myself and what has always motivated me. Creating.  

I’ve always been tied to Jordan Brand and the legacy of excellence that it continues to promote.  Being witness to the great MJ on the hardwood translated into confidence rockin’ his sneakers in the school hallways as a teenage girl. Fast forward to womanhood, I was ecstatic when Jordan WMNS division first hit the scene in 2018.  From their ability to transform some of my favorite Jumpman silhouettes to designing functional apparel, I was hooked.  Not only was the footwear dope AF, but the idea of the Jordan Woman resonated with me.  HER story created a connectivity and bridged a gap that I sometimes felt in a male-dominated sneaker space.  From the challenges of a female consumer attempting to secure highly-coveted Air Jordans to buying the same retros for my children, the generational love has come full circle.  The love for the Jordan Woman continues to expand with apparel options that offer up versatility as well as the comfort we’re always searching for.

I was humbled to receive pieces from the Jordan WMNS Essentials Collection and City Utility Collection, which undoubtedly elevated my sneakHER style.  Being able to mix and match pieces supported the versatility that I needed in my closet.

One of my favorite pieces was the mesh City Utility crop that is easily pair with track pants and a colorful sports bra for the right subtle pop of color.  The Utility short sleeve top is a lightweight, breathable option that features Jordan branding across the chest and dropped shoulders with a flowy fit.  It serves as a transitional piece as I was inside the house creating or if I needed to step outside in the sweltering Houston humidity.  I am big fan of utility pants that are equal parts style as they are functional.  The lightweight Jordan WMNS Utility Pant feature reflective details and multiple pockets for storage. You know we love our accessories.

SHOP SIMILAR JORDAN WMNS STYLES BELOW

Living in Texas makes you realize that you need apparel that helps you transition into cooler months, which can sometimes take a while.  I am huge fan of bright colors and bold prints that create a style which speaks for itself.  The Jordan WMNS Track Suit is nostalgic of the 80s and reminds me of all the fly girls I looked up to in my neighborhood.  I would consider it as a present-day cool mom uniform powered to take flight through all the various tasks and errands we tackle on a weekly basis.  All of the offerings in the Essentials Collection support the theme of maximizing comfort and how we want to wear our gear.  Basic pieces don’t have to sacrifice style and the Jordan WMNS capsules prove that point over and over.

SHOP MORE JORDAN WMNS STYLES BELOW

All in all, despite the challenge of a being somewhat confined within a familiar environment, I’ve been able to make it work.  Whether that concentration be within the intersection of my creative passions, playing a major supporting role in the development of CNK Daily, or handling business in my corporate career of strategic Human Resources – women can get it done.  In the face of adversity we can continue to create lanes and push boundaries, elevating the story of HER.