about us
We are three best friends who are mothers of teenage daughters (and a son!). Watching our girls grow up in a world which focuses solidly on style has made us keenly aware of the need to throw some substance and soul into the mix. Our daughters have seen us yell back at the TV news, cry over the state of the world and call each other to rant about the latest political mess. We decided to set an example for them and take action.
In our experience, nothing has ever been as successful as putting out the call to a group of women. As PTA presidents, room parents, team moms and Girl Scout 
leaders, whenever we needed a few dozen cupcakes, a venue to put on an event or a committee to figure it all out, it was always our girlfriends who rose to the challenge. That’s the simple idea behind this website.
We started StyleSubstanceSoul because we know that female energy has the power to change the world. We’re putting out the call for women around the world to make a difference and, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” We’ve seen those three components – style, substance and soul – combine in amazing ways to create the eSSSence of a woman, and we’re going to introduce you to some pretty incredible women here.
One of those incredible women — by whom we are so honored to have been noticed — is Oprah! She has always been a strong influence for us and has inspired much of what we’re doing. So when she chose us to accompany her and 299 other 
Ultimate Viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia last December — out of 100,000 applicants! — it was one of our proudest moments. We are firm believers in her “Live your best life” philosophy, and know you can’t do that without style, substance and soul.
Come on in and meet us, below, and get to know the eSSSence of every woman (and man!) who contributes to StyleSubstanceSoul.com. We love discovering the intimate details of someone’s life, and bet you will, too. We hope you’ll share your own eSSSence with us and get involved on the site by reviewing a book, writing a guest post or just commenting on what you’ve read. We also hope you’ll share us with the women in your life, because that’s how movements start and change happens. It’s also how you find out where to get one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry that give back to charity.
If you want to “look good, feel good, do good,” we’ve got you covered. StyleSubstanceSoul.com is the website for women seeking world peace, food for thought and a really great pair of shoes. We promise you’ll find lots of new ideas about living a life of passion, compassion and action. And you just may make some great new friends along the way. We have!
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The eSSSence of
Amy
Style: Eclectic, creative, never serious. I once carried a fabric gift bag as a purse to a formal affair (sshhh, don’t tell). Substance: I have a thing for hands. I like them, I notice them, I study them. I particularly like to see how hand genes are passed in families. I really don’t like feet, though. Soul: Moving, meaningful and mindful connections both sustain and energize me. I need at least one every day, and preferably more than one. I can be exhausting to live with.
Lois and Jessie
Style: I should have been an Anthropologie major. Substance: I find something endearing about people’s Starbucks’ orders. Soul: I get teary whenever I see a guide dog.
Susan and Catherine
Style: Comfort & practical — think Chicos. Oh, and dare I say, “granny panties” now fall into this category. Age has its benefits! Substance: I am logical, practical and not a worrier. Additionally, surrounding myself with fabulous friends and positve energy makes for a very enriching life. Soul: The most important thing I will do in my life is be a good mother.
