welcome to BAWH’s homepage. my name is emma hughes, and my goal is to create media that makes ppl feel comfier in their own skin.
More confident, more powerful, more adept, and more certain of the place they’re making for themselves in this world.
In my eyes, to create a movement — one that actually creates a change — we all have to get in on it.
And do you know what that means?
It means that, in a way, we’re all influencers.
The word “influence” has come to mean something massive. But the truth is, at its roots, “influence” means to flow into — it’s more like a quiet, invisible current that shapes the people and the world around you. It’s not happening by force, it’s happening by presence.
And if that’s the case, then you’re just as influential as I am. Which means we all need to influence more responsibly. Carefully. Meaningfully.
That’s one of the reasons I created Badass Women in History and founded Baw Collective — and continue to work on parallels to rise up alongside them. The goal is to grow healthy communities who cite their sources, know real from fake, are powerful agents in the world (actively working to make it a better place), and never doubt themselves in the process.
I stated Badass Women in History first because it takes us back to our roots. And the truth is, a lot of our roots are rotten. Women throughout history fought to get us where we are today — and we should be endlessly grateful for that — but the pedestalization of them does a harm we haven’t fully reckoned with yet. Just like we call out a modern influencer for glamorizing something dangerous, we should hold the same standard for those who reinvent historical women as too perfect to be real.
They were human, too.
With Baw Collective, my mission is to promote a thriving entertainment industry and a healthier creator economy simultaneously — in a world where the latter is exploding before our eyes and leaving the former uncertain of what’s coming next, and where Gen Alpha and Gen Beta will inherit whatever we leave behind — whether we get it right before then or not. In truth, we’re watching a merge happen right now. And I want to be at the forefront of it, with all of you right alongside me💗.
now, back to badass women in history — welcome! 💖
subscribe now for full access to my newsletter (delivered right to your inbox!) & to make sure you never miss an update!
why should i subscribe to badass women in history?
because history is more interesting when you hear the whole story, with the receipts.
when you hit subscribe, you’re making a promise to your future self to dig deeper, question the easy answers, and learn history with context and nuance they didn’t always teach in school👀.
what makes badass women in history different?
no pedestals, just people👸.
The women we’re breaking apart here are just like you and me. In other words, they weren’t perfect — but that’s exactly why they matter so much. We’re here to humanize them — NOT turn them into untouchable icons. Because when we actually look at them as they are — real, flawed, and powerful in their own way — we see what’s possible for all of us to become today.
the receipts 📲📜!
While my creative writing degree is probably why I care so much about the way that I write, my undergrad degree in classical history is why I care deeply about the research behind my words, too. Whenever possible, we’re skipping the history-lite versions. We’re doing deep dives and getting our hands dirty to uncover the stories — or the footnotes within them — that have gotten buried over time.
easy on the stomach 🍭.
I’m not here to spam your inboxes, and I’m also not here to throw tons of impossible-to-decipher info your way, either. This blog will have (if I’m doing my job right!) a little tidbit for everybody — whether you’re just here for the neon aesthetics & barbie puns, or you’re following along because you care deeply about the actual primary historical sources.
not here to gatekeep ⚔️.
History has had enough gatekeepers. All of my history-based blog posts will stay free. However, if you do want to support the larger mission at hand, consider purchasing a monthly subscription to unlock extra bonus essays with more sources and behind-the-scenes access to BAW and what goes into creating the work. If you just want to donate one time, you can also buy me a coffee to support (and help keep me up for my next late-night research binge!) at the virtual ko-fi tip jar linked below!
the final vision: a badass NETWORK🏰
The truth is, you’re not just signing on for a history newsletter when you click subscribe. We have a lot of ideas in the works over here — and it’s a movement that you are helping to shape when you sign your name up to receive that next email! We’re creating a real community — built up of real people, real stories, real women, and real impact. So think of this place as your personal circle of like-minded badasses who want to make the world a better place. That starts here, with you.
history just got a dreamhouse makeover 🎀. you in🧚♀️?
If you’re ready for history that hits different, subscribe & join the community today. Jump into the convo and groupchats. Message me with thoughts, ideas, and things that you want to see in the future. We’re in this together.
In the meantime — welcome to the network! We’re building something here, and you’re officially invited 💌 .
💌 Want to learn more? Check out Emma’s Personal Substack!
💌 For all professional inquiries please contact emma@bawcollective.com or reach out to Emma on LinkedIn.
