International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of incredible women everywhere—women who are pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and making a lasting impact in their fields.
At MM Personal Styling, we’re shining a spotlight on four remarkable women whose lives embody strength, innovation, and empowerment. Whether in science, wellness, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, their stories remind us of the power of following your dreams and perseverance.
Lydia Lynch, PhD: Pioneering Cancer Research
Lydia Lynch, PhD, is a Professor at Princeton University and the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute. Her academic journey began in Ireland, where she earned her Bachelor's and PhD in Immunology from University College Dublin. An International UNESCO-L’Oreal Women in Science Fellowship and a Marie Curie Fellowship led her to Harvard Medical School, where she established her independent lab and served as Director of the Metabolic Core. After 14 years at Harvard, Lydia recently transitioned to Princeton.
Her research delves into cancer immunology and immunometabolism, focusing on how diet and obesity influence anti-tumor immunity. Lydia's work has unveiled critical insights into the interplay between the immune and metabolic systems, particularly how obesity can impair immune surveillance and tumour control. She also discovered the immune system's essential role in regulating body temperature through fat tissue.
Lydia's contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award for STEM, the Harvard Mentor Award in 2022, the Irish Trailblazer Award, and the John R. Kettman Luminex Award for Excellence in Research. Her portrait proudly hangs in the Royal Irish Academy, symbolising her impact in the scientific community.
Charlotte Quest: Turning Passion into a Purpose-Driven Brand
After 15 years in retail buying, Charlotte Quest followed her passion to build her own brand, Edge of the Wolds—an artisan business dedicated to hand-poured candles, diffusers, and hand care products. Inspired by the Yorkshire Wolds, her products are designed to promote wellbeing, mindfulness, and a connection to nature.
For Charlotte, this business is more than just selling products—it’s about creating moments of calm in a fast-paced world. She takes pride in having built her website and online store from scratch, showing that passion and perseverance can lead to something truly special.
Her journey proves that it’s never too late to take a leap and create something meaningful. Explore her collection at www.edgeofthewolds.co.uk and follow her on Instagram at @edgeofthewolds.
Jess Mackie: Balancing Life, Career & Endometriosis: A Story of Resilience
Being a mum, a full-time Senior Marketing Manager, and living with Endometriosis is no easy feat—but one incredible woman is sharing her story to raise awareness and show others they’re not alone.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, often going undiagnosed for years. It brings chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional challenges—yet so many women continue to push through, balancing careers, families, and health struggles with incredible strength.
Jess' message is simple but powerful:
"Some of those flare-up days can be pretty dark. You are not alone. I feel you, I see you."
She hopes to show her daughter that strength comes in many forms, and that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to—just like the many strong women who have paved the way before her.
Jess has been a guest on our YouTube channel several times and says "a special thank you to Melissa Murrell and the MM Personal Styling team for empowering women to feel confident in their own skin. Because when you feel good in what you wear, you can focus on what really matters." We couldn't agree more!
Jo Cullen: Championing Health & Wellness After Cancer
You might recognise Jo from our YouTube videos, she is a valued member of the MM Personal Styling team. She is a qualified Health & Wellness Coach with an unwavering commitment to healthy ageing and lifestyle medicine. After overcoming breast cancer, Jo has dedicated herself to making a meaningful difference for those dealing with preventable nutrition and lifestyle-related diseases. Her personal experience fuels her passion for guiding others toward healthier lifestyles, emphasising the transformative power of nutrition, movement, and mindset.
Jo's approach is holistic, focusing on individualised strategies to promote well-being and prevent disease. Her story is a testament to resilience and the profound impact of lifestyle choices on health. For more about Jo's work, visit her website at www.jocullenhealth.com or follow Jo on Instagram @jocullenhealth
Celebrating Women, Every Day
These women are testament to the fact that resilience, passion, and taking risks can lead to incredible things. Whether breaking barriers in science, transforming lives through wellness, building a purpose-driven business, or advocating for health challenges, they are an inspiration to keep us pushing forward. To mark International Women's Day 2025 take 20% off any personal styling course with the code IWD20 between 8th and 9th March
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