Need a little motivation this fall?
We have a few women we’d like you to meet. From a soulful singer to an outspoken columnist, these hard-working women have built inspiring careers (not to mention stylish wardrobes). We spoke to them to learn all about their fascinating jobs, their unique styles and how they handle the transition from summer to fall. Hint: With cool attitudes and a healthy dose of humor.

Why you should know her: Sophie’s sultry voice shines in soulful songs like “My Life Could Use A Remix.” With her unique style and myriad talents, we’re sure Sophie is on the brink of super-stardom.

How she gets back to work: “I spend a lot of time in recording studios, on stage and visiting all kinds of places for interviews and performances. I tend to anticipate going back to work a couple of days before I get back. It’s all exciting, because I love what I do and I’m looking forward to getting back at it.”

On her style: “I always wear a lot of rings. I like animal rings,
big chunky metal rings, thin chain rings with interesting motifs… If it makes me smile, I’ll wear it.”

What’s next: “I’m currently working on my next album, which will be released early 2013. Before that I will be releasing an EP called What Did I Do on October 1 and to celebrate, I will play a live show at The Borderline [in London] on September 20.”

Why you should know her:In addition to her weekly column in Grazia,
Polly regularly contributes to the Saturday Times magazine and has written for the Observer, Marie Claire and more. We can’t get by without our weekly dose of Polly’s biting wit.

How she gets back to work: “I haven’t been on bloody holiday. Don’t ask, it’s a sore point. On the upside: no post-holiday resolutions about living a fuller, more complete, less-work oriented and less-caffeinated lifestyle to break. I just keep on keeping on, with the grump and the graft.”

On her style: “My autumn style is, in theory, goth luxe with hints of andro (although that may change through the next few months. I am not one of those chicks who makes a fashion plan and
sticks to it).”

What’s next: “I work on two weekly titles, so jobs come up
thick and fast and I never really know what I’ll
be doing next. Though that’s why I like it.”

Why you should know her:Jules creates gorgeous leather bags inspired by
travel, the arts and of course, saddlery. With
essential shapes and varied colors, her bags are
at the top of our wish lists.

How she gets back to work:“I want to spend more time out, meeting different people to help me renew my mind. I spend a lot of time at the museum… Also, any situation that changes my routine helps me think [differently].”

On her style: “I try to match colors with my mood, [but] my style is rather minimal. I usually wear a thin gold chain and cross and a ring that looks like a twist, with pink stones encrusted. Also I think hands and bags really get along. Bags are the best display for women’s hands.”

What’s next: Jules is one of Boticca’s newest designers and says she’s ready to try on a host of new ideas, including sourcing more sustainable materials and going back to her sketchbook: “I hope to reconcile with my pen very soon.”

Why you should know her:As a senior editor at the fantastic non-profit
magazine Bidoun, Negar covers arts and culture
in the Middle East and its diaspora.

How she gets back to work:“I’ve just started Pilates to help me get back into deep sitting mode. We’re just starting to work on our fall/winter issue of the magazine, which will be called ‘INTERVIEW.’ It’s the third interview issue we’ve produced and they tend to be my favorite – funny, irreverent, maybe even important.”

On her style: “I use canvas tote bags! It’s true. The exception
is a clutch that I use in the evenings. Otherwise,
a big comfy scarf is usually hanging around my neck – a sort of fall-ish deep purple and brown.
I’m also wearing a cloth necklace I found in Paris this summer.”

What’s next: “I’m working on a book and exhibition project with my colleague Karl Bassil about the late Armenian-Egyptian studio photographer Van Leo. We’re super excited to introduce his work to international audiences.”