It’s officially winter. The skies are gray. Sheets of rain pour down the front windshield as the RTR production team makes its way to a picturesque farmhouse in Upstate New York. Despite the drab climate conditions, the mood is alive with women eager to get behind and in front of the camera.

The cast and crew of our 2019 Holiday Lookbook starts to gather. Producers and stylists unpack clothing racks full of holiday favorites. The cast, a group of women spanning from a microbiologist turned fashion influencer to a next-generation living legend (you’ll see what we mean), begin to put on the aforementioned festive frocks, and just like that, holiday magic happens.

In between takes, we caught up with the group—mothers and daughters, friends, and go-getting women—to hear how they stay in the moment throughout the chaos of the holidays.

Read on to hear how these women are inspiring us to own every moment, consider our mantra(s), and start 2020 off with a bang.

Angela Pham, Photographer

What’s your mantra?
I like to practice gratitude and recognize all the things I have to be thankful for: my health, my family, my friends, and security.

What does “owning it” mean to you?
Taking risks, without faltering.

Grece Genham, Ex-Microbiologist, Personal Trainer, Fashion Influencer, Model

Do you have a mantra that you live by?
Take pride in every step you take towards achieving your goals!

How would you describe your personal style?
I always had a penchant for elevated basics, bold colors, power prints, and, ultimately, committed to wearing what fits my mood.

What does “owning it” mean to you?
Embracing yourself fully, having an opinion, and being courageous while rocking a pair of killer heels!

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Set challenges for myself, never give up, persevere, and always have a beginner’s mindset. It is important to be assertive and to focus on your positives.

You get to have dinner with three women—dead or alive—who would they be and why?
Michelle Obama, Phoebe Philo, and my mother, because all three have impacted my life and continue to influence it, whether as a role model or through fashion.

Cheyenne, Finance Geek and Daughter/Manager of her Mom Grece’s Instagram

Do you have a mantra that you live by?
Breath. You’ve got this! And repeat a few times.

What does “owning it” mean to you?
For me, “owning it” is synonymous to being fearless, because you are recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and taking charge of every situation. You are not afraid of who you are and love to share it with everyone!

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Careers are not confined to what you have majored in at university. Careers are born from elements that you love, that fascinate you. Do not be afraid that the career you have once envisioned has changed, it is an ever-evolving path full of surprises, and there is not one right way to go from point A to point B.

Sophie Elgort, Photographer, Director, Artist

What does “owning it” mean to you?
Feeling confident and powerful.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad—“camera ready.” Of course, it is meant to be about photography—having your camera ready as to not miss capturing the moment, but I’ve found it can also be a metaphor to be ready and open for whatever comes your way.

Skylar Bumgardner, Model

Do you have a mantra that you live by?
Focus on what’s in front of you.

We’re in an era of redefining what we wear to work as women. What is your go-to work look?
Black Chelsea boots or sneakers, leather skirt, black tee, gold hoops, and oversized jacket, topped with a messy pony.

You get to have dinner with three women—dead or alive—who would they be and why?
Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Mary Magdalene. All three of these women have been life-changing and carry so much authority and grace.

Eishia Brightwell, Model, Jewelry Designer, Mom to Legend (Pictured)

What does “owning it” mean to you?
Living your personal truth!

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Shake off the jobs you don’t book. Let it go! That one wasn’t meant for you. It can get tricky when the job is based on your looks and has very little to do with who you are or what you’re capable of.

Watch how the holiday magic unfolded on our Instagram @renttherunway.

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