Josephine Women presents a collection of articles and interviews, engaging in meaningful conversations with women who infuse love and inspiration into our lives through their work, creativity, motherhood, business, and passions. Our sincere hope is that each article and interview will ignite the same love and inspiration in you that these remarkable women bring to us.
In the spotlight this month is the incredible Megan Signal, an Olympic weightlifter, strength and performance coach, and a highly influential presence in women's sports. Megan truly embodies leadership and serves as an inspiration to women everywhere. It was a privilege to spend time with Megan and delve into her perspectives on the intersection of fashion and sports.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
Megan: My Mum, she immigrated to New Zealand from the Philippines on her own in her 30s with little money and knowledge of the country she was moving to but just determined to work, has an incredible story of resilience, takes all adversity in her stride, and has been our biggest cheerleader. Through example, Mum has given me the teaching I needed to do well in my sport. So grateful for her.
Q: What's your go-to Josephine outfit when you want to feel confident and stylish?
Megan: Panelled pant and Cher tank are my current favs. I honestly feel like these pants were made for me. I don't usually get to feel that with my athletic build. I can wear them with almost every top I own and either my fav sneakers, slides, or boots... it all makes me feel fire. I'm such a huge fan of detail, like being able to see how much care has been put into creating something. I respect that so much! And the fit, make, and detailing of these pants show all of it!
Q: Can you tell us about any fashion items or accessories that hold sentimental value for you?
Megan: I'm really into fabric, and there is a woven fabric in the Philippines called Pina. It's a textile woven with the leaves of a pineapple plant. When embroidered, it's so beautiful. My item is really special because I can appreciate its history and how resourceful and creative people are with creating textiles and fashion, especially from a time where there was so little to create with.
Q: If you could offer advice to inspire young women, what would it be?
Megan: Something I would have liked to tell my younger self - Don't put limitations on yourself. There are already too many people quick to tell us of our limits. We can't control that, but we can control what we tell ourselves, so always remain in your own corner. Try new sports, skills, activities; you have no idea what is around the corner or who you might meet and what you might enjoy. There is never any shame in trying. No matter how unsure you are of where ‘your place is’ at any point in your younger life, there are exciting things in the making. So just remain open to them.
Q: How do you use fashion as a means of self-expression and empowerment in your daily life?
Megan: I like being creative, and fashion, what I choose to wear, is a creative outlet for me. I am a true believer in how an outfit makes you feel, not what it looks like in the eyes of someone else. So no matter what it is, whether it's the outfit I choose to wear to training, work, meetings, or social things, I use them all as an opportunity to be creative. That's an expression of self for me, and it feels good to feel yourself.
Q: What's your favourite quote or mantra that keeps you inspired and motivated
Megan: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Q: Is there a particular item of clothing or accessory that you consider your lucky charm?
Megan: Not really, but my weightlifting shoes have messages of support and little drawings from my friends and family. They did this before I left for the Tokyo Olympics. I would say they carry a lot of blessings for sure.
Q: With all the traveling you do for competitions, how do you maintain your personal style on the go?
Megan: Jewellery - In travel with sport, there is a lot of uniform wearing, which I'm proud to wear, but jewellery for me is the one thing I now love to have as my style everywhere I go for sport. I never used to wear it, but in the last couple of years, various types of gold earrings I LOVE.
Q: How do you stay motivated during the challenging phases of training?
Megan: I have a really strong sense always of why I do what I do, and that's challenged when you're tired and not feeling overly motivated. So meditating on it is really good for me, and journaling, talking myself back round to the gratitude I have for being able to do what I do, the excitement I have for seeing what's possible through consistent hard work, and it never takes too long before I'm wanting to get back in the gym with a spring in my step haha.
Q: How do you mentally prepare for competitions? Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow to maintain focus and composure?
Megan: Music's big for me. Certain tracks with certain lyrics make me feel a particular way that either calms me or gets me excited, whichever I need most at the time. I have my stretch routines that make me feel good, like I mentioned earlier - I like to have my fav jewellery, my nails done, make-up on just the things that light me up so it transfers into my competition. Weightlifting for me is also another version of self-expression, so I like to take my best self out onto the platform.
Q: How can the broader community support and encourage the development of aspiring athletes?
Megan: I'll always encourage people to help grow awareness of minority sports that don't get a lot of viewership. The bigger the sport is, the easier it is for anyone to access, and accessibility is key to supporting future athletes. So to grow athletes, we need to grow sport, and to grow sport, we need to grow the demand. Often you will find sports on TV and social media that might not be your common watch, like women's rugby once was, for example. Now look at it, any female in the country of any age can find a team to play for, so like, share, and support those uncommon sports x
