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See and Be Seen

#GIRLSWHOWEARGLASSES / THE TURNERS

Looking at Life Through Kate T. Parker’s Lens

In our Girls Who Wear Glasses series, FLOWER chats with some of the women who inspired up most. Here, wife, mother, Ironmon, and photographer Kate T. Parker talks style staples, soccer games, and what sparked her powerful book.

FLOWER chats with the photographer behind “Strong is the New Pretty” and her daughter Alice.

Alice (Kate Parker’s daughter)

When you first realized you needed glasses, how did you feel? Were you excited, nervous, uncertain?!

I didn’t want them at all. I thought I would look different and was embarrassed. I was only 4 years old.

How do you feel about wearing glasses today? (We think they are totally your style staple, by the way!!)

I like them better than contacts since I think they look better and they definitely feel more “me”.

What do you want to be when you grow up? (It’s okay if you don’t know yet!)

I want to be a singer on Broadway. I love to sing and act!

Do you have a favorite book?

My favorite book is “Ghosts” by Raina Telgemeier. And oh yeah, Strong is the New Pretty by my mom

How often do you read? What are you reading right now?

I read a lot! Everyday. I am reading “Rodrick Rules” by Jeff Kinney, “The X’ed Out Xray” by Ron Roy and “39 Clues: Maze of Bones”.

What do you love most about being a girl?

I love that I can play soccer, get dirty, then shower and do my hair and put on a dress and both are okay.

What does being strong mean to you?

Strong means like muscle strong and also means being strong in your life, standing up to bullies and for what’sright.

Tell us what you love most about your mom!

She’s nice and funny.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Singing

Kate T. Parker

What is your advice for the moms out there raising girls in this day and age – how do you keep your girls grounded, strong, and confident?

It’s really important to educate our girls that their voices are important and worthy and to teach them how to use them and make themselves heard. We celebrate who they are as much as possible and try to minimize exterior stuff, like how they look or dress, and focus on what and w ho they are – which is amazing!

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? Do you have any family traditions?

Soccer game to start (I still play!) and then off to cheer my oldest on. Then we are having my mom and sister (and the rest of the family) over for dinner. Lucky me!

What inspired you to create this book?

I was honestly inspired by my girls. I started shooting them at 4 and 7 and they were so fearless and strong and wild. They were 100% themselves and I wanted them to know that they were en ough just as they were. I didn’t want to see their confidence and spark dulled by the world telling them they needed to brush their hair, smile or quiet down. It all started at home for me and I was so thankful to have the opportunity to create something f or girls that celebrated them just as they are .

Alice wears Skylar Frames

SEE KATE’S WORK

Follow along @KATETPARKER