International Women’s Day returns this March, offering a moment to recognise the women who shape our lives in ways both big and small. To mark the occasion, we spoke with five of our #legend100 icons about the most important women in their lives and how they have influenced them through their strength, love and guidance. From mothers and grandmothers to daughters and creative inspirations, these are the women who matter the most to them
Cloud Wan @cloudwann
“I would say it’s my mom. Growing up in a grassroots family, she worked incredibly hard to make sure I was able to pursue the things I loved, like learning the piano, ballet, Chinese chess and ping pong. Even though we weren’t well off, she always made sure my sister and I were content at heart. Looking back, I realise how much effort she put into giving us opportunities and supporting our interests. That kind of care and sacrifice is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Sabrina Cheung @sabrinasa
“The most important woman in my life is my mom. She’s been my rock since day one – unwaveringly supportive, selfless and always putting my sisters and me first. Watching her balance everything with such grace, humility and quiet strength taught me what true resilience and love look like. She’s the one who keeps me grounded, no matter how wild things get, and I’m forever grateful for her.
I also want to mention Sofia Coppola as someone who has deeply influenced me from afar. Her films capture the quiet, complex sides of being a woman – the beauty, the loneliness, the dreaminess and the rebellion – in a way that feels so honest and feminine. She’s a reminder that telling women’s stories with softness and depth can be powerful, and she’s one of the inspiring forces behind my own creative work.”
Jessica Jann @jessjann
“The two women who mean the most to me are my grandma and my mom. I’m so grateful to have them both in my life. I was very blessed because my grandma helped raise me ever since I was a baby, and I always felt her unconditional love, support, and sense of safety. She taught me to be the person I am today, and I love her so, so much. She also gives the best hugs!
My mom is equally amazing. She’s always been such an optimistic person with an incredible work ethic, and she has always shown us the power of chasing our dreams. She used to drive me two to three hours in peak traffic in LA just for auditions, where I might only be in the room for five minutes. She always supported my sister and me with so much love and belief. She’s also a wonderful grandma to my kids, Kylie and Hayden. I feel so blessed to have both of these women in my life. They have shaped me in every possible way to be the woman I am today.”
JuJu Chan Szeto @jujuchanszeto
“For me, the most important woman in my life is actually my one-year-old daughter, even though she’s still so little. Becoming her mother changed the way I see everything, including myself, my work and my purpose. She may not be a ‘woman’ yet, but she already carries a strength, innocence, curiosity and honesty that teach me more than any adult ever has. Every day, she reminds me to be brave, to stay soft, to find joy and to keep growing. In so many ways, she makes me want to be a better person, a better artist and a better example of what a woman can be. She may not fully understand the world yet, but she has completely reshaped mine. In that sense, she is the most important woman in my life – the one who inspires me to show up as my best self, not just for my career, but for her future.”
Matt Orr @mattorr8
“It would definitely be my mum. Her work ethic, sacrifice and the unrelenting support she has always given to our family and to us kids is truly admirable. As I’ve grown up and matured, I’ve realised more and more how much effort she put into giving us the lives we wanted. I feel like I’ll always be indebted to her. Now, as a son and brother, I try my best to repay everything she has done for us, especially now that she’s enjoying retirement. All respect and love to all the mums out there – it’s the hardest job in the world.”
