A group of strong, influential and successful women joined forces in a vibrant photoshoot celebrating International Women’s Day.

Kristin White, entrepreneur and blogger, was inspired by a shoot of black, female influencers on the culture site Simply Cyn and reached out to those who inspired her in Bermuda to create a local version.

“The shoot was about sisterhood, friendship and showing that we value collaboration over competition,” Ms White said.

The models are: Ms White; Avarie Graham, graphic designer; Kidist Emery, salon owner; Jasmine DeSilva, nutrition consultant; Dre Hinds, gym owner; Mikaela Ian Pearman, marketing and communications specialist; and Gaynete Jones, “millennial mentor” and author. Jayde Gibbons, a business owner, photographed the shoot which has been publicised over social media.

The women described in their own words why the shoot, and women empowerment generally, was important to them.

Ms Ian Pearman: “To be able to come together as black Bermudian women who are charting our own courses was incredible. Every single one of us has faced adversity at some point in our lives all because we are women.

“We’ve all been in a position where we weren’t given a seat at the table and you know what, we created our own table. A table where we are free to do whatever we want.”

Ms Jones: “I think it’s so important for us to see strong, powerful women working together.

“Collaboration over competition should always be the aim. The more lights there are in a room, the brighter it is for everyone.”

Ms Desilva: “There’s this overwhelming perception that we as women don’t support one another on this island. In fact, that has been the opposite of my experience. We are a group of black Bermudian women determined to make a difference on our island. I support these women, together we can do anything.”

Ms Graham: “It was great fun collaborating the shoot with such diverse and dynamic women. What we have in common is our determination to succeed in our chosen careers and our dedication to maintaining our own identity and creativity. I hope this shows that women can support each other in all of our endeavours.”

Ms Emery: “Showing women that anything is possible, when the women before us have created the space for us to walk in our truth and keep boundaries away.”

Ms Gibbons: “We’re undervalued, underpaid and have our voices taken from us so to be able to be a part of a shoot that signifies, the true strength of womanhood, especially so early in my career was powerful and inspiring for me.”