Who is Marianne?

Marianne first became representative of the country during the French Revolution, presented as a personification of the French ideals of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”). She is considered the “Goddess of Liberty” and has become a staple in French culture. 

She was created to personify French allegory after women of France used the symbol of a Phrygian cap, a red cap worn by emancipated slaves of the Mediterranean region, to represent their freedoms. In the early stages of Marianne, she is often seen wearing a Phrygian cap, but more recently has been depicted wearing a crown after some spaces deemed wearing the cap “too rebellious.”

Marianne’s appearance during the French Revolution helped recognize France and allowed for massive representation of women across the country, and the world. She often shows up in many places outside of France, most notably she is the woman depicted in the Statue of Liberty in New York.

She is ever-changing, as women became more represented in our modern society, Marianne changed to depict a more inclusive image. She has taken on the likes of historical French figures such as Brigitte Bardot, Michèle Morgan, Mireille Mathieu, Catherine Deneuve, Inès de la Fressange, Laetitia Casta, and Evelyne Thomas.

Appearing on numerous stamps, coins, statues, and street art, the figure of Marianne has quickly become one of the country’s most notable symbols. 

Marianne is an incredible figure representing one of the most notable countries of our modern world. She and her image have paved the way for many women and have provided the space for more female representation in political spaces. 

The dja dja pop queen

Aya Nakamura is a French-Malian Afropop, R&B, and street slang artist who has collaborated with names such as Stormzy, Ms. Banks, Fababy, and Davido. After her success in 2019, she was named the most listened-to French artist by both YouTube and Spotify. Nakamura reached number one on numerous charts with her song “Djadja,” the first French woman to do so since Edith Piaf in 1961. 

Aya Nakamura has been breaking taboos about sex and female desire, normalizing many male-dominated topics for women. She has been recognized and supported by numerous female artists worldwide, most notably Rihanna and Madonna of the United States. 

Because of Nakamura’s origins outside of France, she has faced backlash from many French people. She has persevered against racism, sexism, and cruel hate comments to become one of the most successful women in the international music industry.

 She is quoted saying, “I didn’t let that [the hate] stop me.” Nakamura is often seen embracing the backlash as a reason to continue creating music and being a figurehead in France. Politicians and language ambassadors have commended her contribution to cultural evolution using slang and the reinvention of the French language. 

The New York Times wrote that Aya Nakamura is “one of the most important acts in Europe right now, musically and socially.”

After being asked to sing at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nakamura faced backlash from right-wing and extremist groups saying she doesn’t represent the typical French person. Through the backlash, she persevered yet again and is still set to perform. At an award ceremony since the announcement she is quoted as saying, “I’m very honored because being a black artist and coming from the banlieue is very difficult.”

 Nakamura is a current inspiration for the numerous French people who don’t look like the stereotypical francophones, and she will serve as a figurehead in the movement for the modernization of France and French music. 

Listen to Aya Nakamura’s music here and remember her as a name who will continue to break records and make history. 

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.