Sister Sister
Our sisters often know us better than we know ourselves. They are our confidants, our sounding boards, and sometimes, our second brains. In this series, we celebrate the unique bond of sisterhood and the profound impact sisters have on shaping our lives.
The bond between sisters is a phenomenon like no other. A sister can be your instant friend - or two, if you're lucky - and simultaneously your closest ally and toughest critic. She understands what makes you tick, for better or worse. She teaches you patience, kindness, and love, yet can also push your buttons like no one else can. Around your sister, you don't need to explain every feeling or thought - she just gets it, often crying alongside you in moments of both joy and sorrow. With a sister, the walls can come down.
For Cheryl, Vanessa, and Gabrielle Manning - the sisters behind our business - this intimate bond is the heart of their collaboration. "The bond between sisters is unique. We have an instinctual understanding of each other's thoughts and emotions, strengths and weaknesses," says Vanessa Manning. "This allows us to complement each other perfectly in our roles within our business."
Pop culture has showcased the dynamism of sisterhood, from the classic Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth in "Little Women" to modern-day icons like Bella and Gigi Hadid. Sisterly relationships are woven into the fabric of our culture, each unique and complex in its own right. While the fictional portrayals may seem exaggerated at times, they reflect the beauty and diversity of real-life sisterhood. There's no one-size-fits-all model for family dynamics; hence, the saying 'fight like sisters' resonates universally. Yet, with that spirited friction comes an unwavering protectiveness and loyalty.
Like any relationship, sisterhood requires nurturing. It takes effort to transcend familial ties and cultivate a friendship that endures a lifetime. You're not obligated to be best friends with your sister - in some cases, you won't be - but having a sister enriches your life immeasurably. "MANNING CARTELL was born from our desire to challenge ourselves, but it also required a leap of faith. There was a confidence, a knowing, that we could rely on each other, explains Gabrielle Manning. Being sisters, we already had that innate trust, which laid the foundation for our success."
Learning vulnerability, sharing secrets, and respecting boundaries equip you with the tools to forge friendships throughout life's stages. A sister, however, gives you a head start. She understands your journey intimately, empathizing with your instincts and intuition. Your sister may be a lifelong friend who's seen you grow, a university confidante navigating adulthood's turbulence, or a sister-in-law who embraces your quirks like family, sisters offer a unique bond that spans a lifetime.
"Our sisterly relationship has been pivotal in our business journey, but beyond work, it holds deeper significance," says Cheryl Manning. "We are each other's confidantes and champions in every aspect of life." Being tethered to a remarkable woman for life ensures there's always someone in your corner - a support system that transcends professional success and enriches every facet of your existence.