Meet Nasty Women Mother & Daughter Duo: Andrea & Bronte La Rue
When Founder Meg Murray conceived NASTY WOMAN WINES on Election Day 2016, she called on her friends and connections to help her pull together a wine brand in record time. Andrea La Rue, Nasty Woman and Owner of Nectar Graphics, a boutique design studio, helped create the branding and packaging. Meg knew she wanted an image that represented a strong, powerful woman and she found it in a photograph of Andrea's daughter, Bronte. We interviewed both mother and daughter as they were instrumental in bringing the brand to life. Learn more about this mother and daughter Nasty Woman duo here.
5 Questions with Andrea La Rue
What makes you a Nasty Woman?
Nasty women get shit done. I believe in being strong, well-informed, working my ass off and being committed to my community as well as being the best role model I can be. I don’t settle for less. Equality has always been a guiding factor in my life. I was raised by my father and he never treated me “like a girl.” Fair was fair and I was bucking hay and changing the oil in the car by the time I was 12. My mom is an incredible business builder and has shown me how to be smart and fearless.
Share an experience that shaped your views or helped get you involved in activism.
I was so proud of my country when Obama was elected. I really felt like we finally turned a corner from misogyny and racism but really it tore a scab off a very ugly, divided nation. Male privilege, belittling, violence and hostility has exploded into full view. I do feel like every day that goes by we are slowly imploding. Things WILL change. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I feel that women are more united than ever and I hope to be part of that wherever I can be.
What advice do you have for people who want to help enact change and push progress but don’t know how to get involved?
Definitely, start at your community level. Get involved, speak out and donate your time. Whether it be at a women’s shelter, local government level or on a community board.
If you could look into the future, 10 years from now, and see that real progress has been made, what does that look like to you?
I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by incredible women doing incredible things every day. And while we are making gains in equality in the workforce and home life, there is still SO much work to do. To be seen and valued. Equal pay. Equal respect. Woman leaders. A woman president. I want this to become the norm.
Share with us a wine favorite. It could be your favorite wine, a favorite moment or memory with wine, or a favorite pairing.
Since I am a label designer I really get spoiled by being around lovely wine all the time. Job perk! My favorite pairing ever is sparkling wine with salty potato chips. You can’t beat it!
What else should we know about you?
A lot of us are struggling with juggling a career and raising a family. I feel mine has always been especially challenging because my husband is a cop with a terrible schedule. Most often being in single parent mode. I started my own design business in the attic of my house while taking care of two babies and babysitting another just to make ends meet. Twenty some odd years later I have built a lovely business that supports two other woman designers and their families. I feel very proud and fortunate that I have been able to do that.
5 Questions with Bronte La Rue
What makes you a Nasty Woman?
I was raised with a sense of equality and fairness and learned to never be afraid to speak out for injustices. I'm 25, married with plans to raise a family and I want to live in a society that understands there is much more to life than what you own or do.
Share an experience that shaped your views or helped get you involved in activism.
I couldn't wait to vote when I was 17 which was during the Obama campaign. I remember I was a writer for the MHS Bruin and wrote every news story I could get assigned. This last election, I felt like I needed to take a stance on what was wrong. Obama was and still is in a lot of ways for me such a role model. He believed in the beauty and equality of all women. So to have a new candidate stand for such hatred and bigotry, literally the complete opposite of this role model I grew up following, made me angry. I wanted to help wherever I could to spread love, compassion and awareness.
What advice do you have for people who want to help enact change and push progress but don’t know how to get involved?
Think small. VOTE. Look to your local communities and start there. Facebook is honestly a useful tool to find events happening near you. You can also call your state officials.
If you could look into the future, 10 years from now, and see that real progress has been made, what does that look like to you?
Equality for ALL human beings, environmental progression, universal healthcare, reforming politics so political figures in office aren't turning into millionaires.
What else should we know about you?
I'm a hairstylist. I care for several people every day. I'm all about spreading love. Love for my community, environment and everyone I interact with. There is so much hate out there already so I feel it's my contribution to society to spread positivity wherever I can.
Share with us a wine favorite. It could be your favorite wine, a favorite moment or memory with wine, or a favorite pairing.
I don't drink a whole lot but when I do I grab a bottle of Progress Pink - so tasty and goes with everything!