I recently went to a remarkable event that truly made my heart happy. T.J.Maxx and Katherine Schwarzenegger hosted an intimate media breakfast to highlight the powerful outcome from its Road to Real tour, a campaign that features everyday, inspirational women from across the nation sharing their personal journeys. Schwarzenegger interviewed these women who shop at TJ Maxx and discovered an innovative, heartfelt way to share their stories. She gave them a platform where they could be heard and worked with photographer Andrea Chu to produce beautiful photographs of them. Some of these women were at the event, and I spoke to a few of them. Their positivity, strength, and determination is impressive.
Schwarzenegger also shared that she was deeply moved by listening to these women’s stories. She believes in the power of listening and creating a forum that can inspire others. She stated that these women are living on their own terms and are inherently altruistic. I loved seeing Schwarzenegger’s passion for this endeavor.
Here are just a few quotes that I love from the campaign:
“I never let my past define me. I had a strong mother, who, with a sixth grade education told me I could do anything. She never let us feel sorry for ourselves. I got that from my mom, and I wanted to instill that in my boys.”–Annie, South Carolina
At a temporary exhibit in the Meatpacking District, I viewed these quotes as well as the campaign’s other inspiring quotes and photos. These elements are also part of T.J Maxx’s Fall TV spots. Additionally, T.J. Maxx is featuring women on Twitter that could use encouragement. For every inspiring tweet to each woman’s story with the hashtag #MaxxLifeLessons, the brand will gift $1 to support her. I’m so glad that such a powerful campaign is inspiring others, including myself!
Katherine Schwarzenegger and Tai Beauchamp
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Lee Rousseau, Annie Walters, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Debby Thompson, Zynani Nakhid and Yastany Astacio attend the T.J.Maxx Road to Real Gallery Exhibit in NYC, spotlighting inspirational women from across the country on September 27, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TJ Maxx)