Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Montgomery.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a teenager and young adult, I have always been most centered outside of the ‘box’. As an adult, I have found many young women present and define themselves based upon standards of beauty and normalcy determined by social media and mass media.
As a thirty-something millennial, I find joy in providing young women content that defines beauty and the female perspective outside of today’s narratives of materialism and hypersexuality, It’s taken two years, failure, $2000 (web design and logo cost), and an ‘I just don’t give a fuck” attitude to gather up the courage to embrace the parts of me that simply want to encourage women to be their most authentic selves. I sat down for 42 days to finish creating a website that just provides women laughter, understanding, affirmations, and hope for FREE. There are VLOG posts, images, and stories such as a summary of the heartbeat bill on the Concrete Chic Inc. website.
Has it been a smooth road?
The path to self-discovery, talent revelation, and purpose is always paved with bricks of failure. I have been a college drop out, diagnosed with anxiety, and a single, pregnant intern. All three are labels of failure and doom, according to society.
One day, I just stopped caring. I no longer focused on others’ perceptions of me. I no longer cared about aligning with the images on social media. It was freeing. Others were attracted to my new found confidence. The universe began to bend for me. My purpose hit me like a ton of bricks. I enrolled back in Georgia State University ten years later to seek a degree in journalism. Then, launched a site to simply empower women.
For any young woman experiencing doubt or failure, I would remind her that depression awaits those who live in the past and anxiety awaits those who become obsessed with the future. Those who can live for today live as though it was their last day- they can find comfort in living.
We’d love to hear more about Concrete Chic.
Concrete Chic Inc. began as a blog idea for tomboys, who also loved makeup and other feminine elements. After receiving a DM from a 20-year-old, autistic woman that battling with identifying as a transman, I realized my little blog Concrete Chic may have a greater purpose than I imagined. She mentioned enjoying the images of tomboys and an androgynous style for women. We exchanged a bit about positive affirmations. I can not describe the journey or challenges of a woman identifying as a transman.
I can describe the joy I felt in providing someone with comfort in a time of need. No two women have an identical story or journey, but Concrete Chic Inc. definitely attempts to push the idea that individuality is still revered.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
The Bible app is my go-to for battling anxiety. There are moments in life when anxiety simply can not be avoided. When I am convinced no one can understand, meditation and turning to my spirituality is key.
Two books were key to me finding my purpose.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck” by Mark Manson
“Miseducation of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson
One taught me to lend my emotions only to what truly mattered. The other taught me that I was obligated, whether college educated or not, to give back to my community.
I am a Gemini. I am constantly over analyzing everything these three resources keep me out of my head.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.concretechicinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concretechicinc/
Image Credit:
Devin Allen
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
