International Women’s Day 2021
International Women’s Day
08 March 2021
To celebrate, we’ve asked some inspirational women we know from business to the arts to talk to us about who has inspired them recently, which book has given them courage and guidance and what their advice would be to young women at the start of their careers.
Inspirational Women
Question 1
Which woman has inspired you most over the past 12 months and why?
‘In truth there are many women who have inspired me over the past year, particularly around the global climate crisis. However, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer gets my final vote. She’s currently the Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and is on a mission to plant a million trees in the next two years of her term. I love her passion and ambition. She knows it’s not going to completely shift the climate crisis but it will help stop the landslides which are completely devastating her area. The trees have been nursed from seedlings and are now ready to be planted across the city, from schools to homes, public spaces and the hills surrounding the city. Anyone in Sierra Leone can become a tree steward and help manage the planting and caring. The community ownership of these trees will help reduce the risk of landslides and flooding and will also help biodiversity. It’s a small contribution to the necessary carbon sequestration that we all need to be contributing towards!’
Ella Doran
Designer and Founder, Ella Doran Homewares
www.elladoran.co.uk | www.elladorandesign.co.uk
Instagram | Twitter
‘My mother is a constant and source of inspiration. She has dedicated her life to serving communities and people living below the poverty line. Given all the curve balls the last 12 months has thrown, it has been extremely encouraging to watch her adapt and grow while remaining creative and proactive in her pursuits and relentless activism. She was recently appointed to chair the SOCIAL and Racial Justice Taskforce for Michigan's State Bureau and State Association. Even after over 44 years of service, her passion for social justice is unwaivering. She is no doubt an inspiration.’
Toni Trucks
Theatre, Film and Television Actress
Twitter | Instagram
‘Investigative journalist Shabnam Palesa Mohamed, who has taken up the banner to legalise Ivermectin in South Africa. Our government has banned it and offered no alternative solution nor vaccines to date. Ivermectin is one of the safest drugs and has won a Nobel prize for its efficacy in treating millions of people across the African continent.’
‘SVETLANA TIKHANOVSKAYA, BELARUSIAN POLITICIAN. I’m in awe of women who power through change and crisis by using their innate sense of empathy, communication and inclusion. The Belarus 2020 election campaign started off with a major incident - three main opposition leaders were jailed before election day. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, wife of one of the jailed leader's, was permitted, mainly out of pity, to run on her husband's collected signatures. In an astonishing turn of events, she crossed the aisle and connected with two female leaders from the opposing candidates' teams. The three women united in power and vision to give all Belarusian’s hope and together they lifted the country out of political crisis.’
Claire Menzies
Chairwoman, Istoria Group
Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
‘Too many to mention but we all have these women in our lives. Beloved “ordinary” women among my acquaintance who have just kept on making their way through the weeks (quarantine or no), clocking in & out uncomplaining, finding a way to care for all who depend upon them – those unsung women with neither celebrity nor fortune - the ones about whom my Mom says “she’s good people”. These are the women moving us forward evolutionarily in a way that benefits collective humanity - not seeking exaggerated external rewards or recognition because they don’t need it (they are the lucky ones). Their validation comes from within, just by embracing her own lot, with all its imperfections, and knowing and being exactly who she is – these are the women inspiring me.’
Angela Stephens Tarter
Partner, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Facebook | Twitter
‘Viola Davis continues to inspire me, not only is she an incredible Academy-Award winning actress, she is a philanthropist and a fearless advocate for equal rights for women and women of colour as well as the support of human rights. She is truly inspirational and a woman of worth.’
Val Garland
Make Up Artist and Global Make Up Director for L'Oréal Paris
Twitter | Instagram | #ValGarland
‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been incredible this year. In May 2020 on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) she encouraged the nation not to despair because of the Covid19 pandemic. She reminded us that our simple contribution to the health of the nation, that of washing our hands, staying at home and protecting the NHS, would be seen by future generations as being as heroic as actions taken by those who lived through the World Wars. Her subsequent acknowledgement of the work by essential and key workers shed a light on how much we all depend on each other, especially those that keep our society running effectively. Lastly, her encouragement to each of us to accept the Covid19 vaccination should we be offered it, will help to protect us on an individual as well as community and country basis. Wise counsel.’
Peaches Golding OBE CstJ
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol
Twitter | Instagram
‘Stacey Abrams. She’s someone who has been marginalized, but was fearless in putting herself out there and fighting for a position of power. She technically lost and then showed it didn’t matter, because she still acted with agency and changed the world. That is so powerful. Her perseverance changed the outcome of our country. She acted not from ego, but from purpose. And that aligns with the way I want to lead my life.’
Shari Siadat
Founder & CEO of TooD Beauty
Instagram (Personal) | Instagram (ToodBeauty) | #TooDBeauty #AttiTooD #myfiercebrow
‘Sanna Marin, Finnish prime minister. A fearless leader, following her biological parents separation she was ultimately brought up by same sex parents, the first in her family to attend university and went on to became the world’s youngest serving state leader at 34 years of age. She challenges sexism not only in politics, but on the world stage. With a majority cabinet of other brilliant women she was also praised for her quick response to Covid – declaring a state of emergency to combat the pandemic. She shows that with determination you can do anything and gender (and age) is not a reflection of capability.’
‘My Mum has inspired me most over the last 12 months. She has spent the last year confined at home completely alone. She has been forced to spend both her birthday and Christmas Day completely isolated. Her resilience during this time has been so inspiring. She has challenged herself to learn new things, taken up online courses and been ever evolving. I would ordinarily see her many times a year but it has now been over 14 months since we were last together however I feel closer to her than I ever have.’
Willis Homewood
‘Caryn Hibbert, Founder and Creative Director of Thyme in the Cotswolds has been a constant source of inspiration over the last 12 months. Caryn’s unerring energy and determination to continue to develop the business in the face of constant adversity whilst also caring for her close family and remaining focused on her environmental ambitions is a constant source of encouragement for all of her team.’
Amy Long and Laura Elgar
Long & Elgar
Amy Long Instagram | Laura Elgar Instagram | #longelgar
‘There hasn’t been one particular woman this year that has inspired me, there have been millions. The Covid pandemic has affected so many of us in so many ways and everyday i get inspiration from women that are doing the best that they can to keep positive and to continue to do the best they can with their jobs and their families.’
Daniella Draper
Director, Daniella Draper Jewellery
Twitter | Instagram #danielladraper
Question 2
Name a book that has given you wisdom or strength and which other women may find useful?
‘Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés -
I first read this in the late 90s around the time I was starting out in business. Drawing heavily on folklore and mythology, I got lost many times in its captivating narrative, but overall I found it empowering, a celebration of the Wild Woman in every one of us. As women, are we all inherently driven to harness our intuitive powers and not be belittled or held back by others? In the end she becomes wise and sees life through the eyes of the Warrior Wolf.’Ella Doran
Designer and Founder, Ella Doran Homewares
www.elladoran.co.uk | www.elladorandesign.co.uk
Instagram | Twitter
‘The Salt Path by Raynor Winn – is a true story of Raynor and her husband of 32 years Moth. He is terminally ill, and they lose their livelihood, all possessions including their home. Raynor summons the strength and takes Moth on a 630 mile walk of the sea swept South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. This is about the determination of a woman to keep moving and keep her partner alive. It’s about homelessness, strength and endurance, it’s a life-affirming tale of hope and resilience. A beautiful reminder that humans can endure adversity. This is a keeper, one that I know will be a reminder of so much we will all relate to post-Covid. I read it before lockdown in early 2020 and again last week.’
Claire Menzies
Chairwoman, Istoria Group
Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
‘This is a very unusual, highly mystical, metaphysical, spiritual book that is published by an obscure publishing house called Gabriele Publishing House - The Word. The book is titled Cause and Development of All Illness. It ’speaks’ in ways unlike anything else in our current culture. Instinctively, I feel that the messages are profound. Illness of any kind - whether experienced by an individual person or by the planetary body (as a result of, for example, being subjected to unsafe levels of toxicity) is simultaneously a result of a diminishment of adequate alignment with ‘absolute law’. It is therefore the result of a ‘transgression' at some level. I have found it completely compelling - re-reading it as I have, during the past year.’
Martha Fiennes
Filmmaker, Artist & Writer
‘10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn. I first read this book right after my son was born and reread it again in total recently. There’s so much out there on mindfulness but at least for me, this is the most accessible I have found. It is concise, warm, judgment-free and simply written with just enough personal anecdotes that you know for sure the author can empathize (but she still wanted the book to be about the reader). It contains immediately useful tools for calming (and parenting) your child and in the process, yourself. My son came along when I was 40 and so it had been a long time since I’d had any parenting. Dealing with the more uncomfortable emotions in a healthy manner wasn’t something my generation discussed (at least not in my circles). I have reread (the refreshingly brief) random chapters over the years when I needed a reminder. It’s one of my nightstand mainstays.’
Angela Stephens Tarter
Partner, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Facebook | Twitter
‘Feng shui has been my shining light this year, so any beginner guides on this. It is absolutely fascinating and i am currently trying to learn and practice as much as i can about it. It has impacted everything from how i live, my relationships and how i work….all a work in progress i may add…’
Daniella Draper
Director, Daniella Draper Jewellery
Twitter | Instagram #danielladraper
‘I always find that Poetry has a way of lifting me up and out of myself in a wonderful way. "Home Body" the newest collection by Rupi Kaur does just that. Rupi's work is bursting with musing of self reflection and acceptance. Her poems have a way of feeling like tiny love letters to yourself.’
Toni Trucks
Theatre, Film and Television Actress
Twitter | Instagram
‘My favourite author right now is Caroline Myss. I find her books extremely helpful, especially during these times, when the unknown looms and can cause fear to take over. She is a spiritual medical intuitive and a guiding light in these times of turmoil.’
‘The novel Educated by Tara Westover is utterly awe inspiring.’
Willis Homewood
‘My Wild and Sleepless Nights by Clover Stroud– a brave and real insight into the raw challenges of Motherhood. Clover’s open dialogue about the challenges and positives of balancing a happy family life and a fulfilling career have been particularly encouraging whilst managing the juggle of work and home schooling (twice)!’
Amy Long and Laura Elgar
Long & Elgar
Amy Long Instagram | Laura Elgar Instagram | #longelgar
‘Glennon Doyle’s recent book, Untamed, has really propelled me forward during the pandemic. 2020 was the year I learned and proved to myself I could do hard things, and her words have been so affirming for me. I’ve learned that it’s best not to run from fear but let it sit beside me. She also affirmed a lot of the feelings I had about not wanting to be put into a box. So much of my life, I have always felt misunderstood because people wanted me to fit into one digestible bite. And in Glennon’s story, she talked about the ways that packaging people up is a method of control. The domestication of women has been used to keep us down and yet we are so powerful. In a moment of my life where I was a single mother in quarantine and starting a new business, her words reminded me that not only was I built to do this, but that no life worth living will necessarily come easily handed to you. I’ve worked hard to be the woman I am today. I earned her. Those were hard experiences that completely chiseled me into this person. Being held and free is true liberation. It’s how I want to live my life and parent my daughters.’
Shari Siadat
Founder & CEO of TooD Beauty
Instagram (Personal) | Instagram (ToodBeauty) | #TooDBeauty #AttiTooD #myfiercebrow
‘I believe that my role as a female is not only to show the business world that women are equally as good as men, and that it should be the best person for the job, but as a Mother it is my responsibility to inspire the younger generations. As a Mother to 2 girls I try to encourage them to read a wide variety of books. The most influential recently have certainly been the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls. These books cover incredible women who challenged their times, from Hatshepsut to Evita Peron, Rosa Parks to Leymah Gbowee and Billie Jean King to Simone Biles – these books leave profound memories with my children and are a great reminder of how women have been challenging the norm for centuries! To quote the authors: To the rebel girls of the world: you are the promise, you are the force, don’t’ step back and everyone will move forward.’
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama is an interesting and informative read. Being an American, I can recognise and understand many of the challenges and opportunities Michelle sets out in her book. While I have never been in the spotlight that being First Lady of the United States presents, I have encountered the prejudice and ignorance. I have also benefited from being a visible, capable, competent and committed black female leader in a time when my skills, knowledge and expertise have been at a premium in society.’
Peaches Golding OBE CstJ
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol
Twitter | Instagram
Question 3
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career right now?
‘I would advise her to listen to the heart as much (if not more than) the head. Follow her ‘bliss’ - meaning, follow a path - or enquire into a path - that is aligned with genuine interest. Try to distinguish between ‘what the world tells you’ and what you actually, deeply feel and are drawn to. Do her utmost not to feel resentment about anything that may feel unfair. Push beyond that. Be fearless. Be ambitious. Ask questions - particularly of those who have experience in the field of potential interest. Do not allow fear, doubt, dread, self-pity or low self esteem to take any significant hold in your consciousness. Trust in the very fact of being alive. Push yourself outside your 'comfort zone' each day. Follow Eleanor Roosevelt’s excellent advice: “Do one thing each day that scares you”.’
Martha Fiennes
Filmmaker, Artist & Writer
‘To young women just starting their careers I say, "Embrace your individuality". We are inundated at moment with other people's lives and looks. It can feel overwhelming and diminish our own experiences and stories. Celebrate your unique perspective and understanding of the world in your work. Leaving room for YOU takes courage. This brand of bravery paves the way for truth and a lifetime of learning.’
Toni Trucks
Theatre, Film and Television Actress
Twitter | Instagram
‘Growing up, I always thought that I needed people to help me achieve my goals. I always thought that someone had to give me my own break. I realized, when I started my own business, that I had to believe in myself more than anyone else on the outside. I had to build and architect my own goals and dreams. Once I believed in myself and had a real purpose, a soul purpose, I was able to build a team that was aligned with my vision to get my business off the ground. The key to starting a business is knowing what you were put on this earth to do. Instead of following a trend or a fad in the market place, follow the ignition of your soul; whether that’s activism, policy change or product innovation - success comes from unwavering passion and purpose.
Take time to get to know yourself before you ever dive into a business. Keep the channel open. Keep it open through celebration and open through disappointment. That is our job in this lifetime and it is a unique mark of our soul. If we don’t keep it open to create and innovate regardless of public opinion, it will leave us and the world forever.’
Shari Siadat
Founder & CEO of TooD Beauty
Instagram (Personal) | Instagram (ToodBeauty) | #TooDBeauty #AttiTooD #myfiercebrow
‘I have been fortunate enough to work in the private, public and voluntary sectors, taking with me transferable skills and inside knowledge of how each sector operates. After I was made redundant, I set up my own business which went from strength to strength. I started out with two blue chip companies and worked for one of the charities led by HRH The Prince of Wales for nearly 20 years. I vowed never to work for a client that I did not enjoy working with more than once. This led to my work bringing me immense joy and pleasure. My advice is to hone the skills that allow you to constantly curate your clients, or the work you do, by knowing and focussing on your purpose. My purpose is to help create a fairer and more just society. When I work in this area, I am at my best.’
Peaches Golding OBE CstJ
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol
Twitter | Instagram
‘It is important to not succumb to the restrictions in ‘blue sky thinking’ proposed by Corona virus. Look for the opportunities that arise from these changing times and make them work to your advantage. We have found that the pandemic has made people and businesses more willing than ever to exchange ideas and cross-pollinate. Some of our most exciting collaborations have arisen during this pandemic.’
Amy Long and Laura Elgar
Long & Elgar
Amy Long Instagram | Laura Elgar Instagram | #longelgar
‘Be bold, passionate, feel the fear and do it anyway!’
Ella Doran
Designer and Founder, Ella Doran Homewares
www.elladoran.co.uk | www.elladorandesign.co.uk
Instagram | Twitter
‘You are epic. Believe in yourself.’
Willis Homewood
‘The most important thing for a young woman to know is that when embarking on any new business venture, showing up with creativity is the most necessary requirement. We all know the obstacles tend to fly fast and furiously in the beginning. No quitting. Having a mindset to understand that the next day there will be solutions that can be found through creative thinking.’
‘Take every opportunity you can get, explore the world, meet different people, try different careers/studies. Don’t rush and don’t worry if you don’t have a career path mapped out; building a life rich in experiences will give you what you need to succeed and ultimately enjoy life. Remember you can be many things in life and have a choice to change direction whenever you want.’