INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2020
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender-equal world by choosing to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements. We spoke to nine women living or working in Tunbridge Wells about equality, feminism, local support groups and the importance of female role models…
SOFIE HEPWORTH
Business owner of a luxury rocking chair brand, Interior Designer, Stylist and Social Media Content Creator
How do you connect with women within our community?
Having just moved here a few months ago this is an evolving process for me. However I have found Tunbridge Wells to be a fantastic place to meet people and it has been a much easier transition than I had expected. I attend a monthly meet up with fellow creative interior business owners and enthusiasts held at Esquire coffee shop. This has been great for meeting like-minded interior enthusiasts in the area. I have also been lucky enough to meet some fantastic Mums in the park and to meet up with them regularly, to test out all the restaurants Tunbridge Wells has to offer. There’s also a new meet up organised by a fellow instagram Mum who has just moved to the area, which I’m planning to go along to soon: @twellsmumclub & @twelvelocal
Who are your female role models?
Holly Tucker, founder of Notonthehighstreet.com is up there at the moment for me. Not only has she built an incredible, iconic British business, but she is also dedicated to helping other female founders and small businesses succeed. She does all of that with a smile on her face and bags of personality. She is a champion of entrepreneurs and small business enterprise and that is so inspiring to me.
Where do you seek inspiration and motivation?
It comes in the form of other women at a similar point in their journey to me. My career right now is what I have recently learned to be 'a portfolio career' in that it is made up of lots of different things and doesn't neatly fall into a typical 'career bucket'.
I have a retail business that I am hoping to grow significantly this year with a new product that I have invented over the last 18 months. I spend a lot of my time in the world of social media, creating content, adverts, and more recently styling products for clients to use in their own advertising.
So when I look for motivation I look to others on a similar journey to me, I find women who motivate me are just ahead of where I am. It feels much more achievable and realistic than looking at CEO’s of huge global organisations and thinking I will never get there. On the retail side of the business I have a fantastic network of incredible Mums who also have product-based businesses and are on a similar journey to me. These women have been my rock, my supporters, my colleagues, my black book of contacts, my 'who do I ask this question to?', my everything really. Without this network of women, I might have given up on my retail aspirations long ago. These ladies have achieved some amazing things with their own businesses this year and this motivates me daily to keep pushing and evolving until I get to where I want to be. These include @ettaloves @totterandtumble @familyrule @minimaisonuk
In the world of Instagram and interior styling, my inspiration and motivation come from others who are carving their own path in this new industry. Some of my favourites include: @all.thats.pretty @shnordic @sienna.and.i @allthatisshe
Follow Sofie on Instagram @threeboysandapinkbath & @babygrey_uk
LOUISE DANIELS
Podcast Producer. Menopause Educator. Antenatal Teacher
How do you connect with women within our community?
I’ve actually connected with lots of women, initially through Instagram & Twitter – for example; my podcast co-host Aimee Cooper. ‘Your Next Episode’ podcast is aimed at people bursting into their 40s, 50s and beyond. When I was looking for a new co-host Aimee was my first choice, because I had a pretty good understanding of who she is through her Instagram profile. I really enjoy meeting women I like on social media in real life! I’m an NCT Antenatal Teacher and meet many women through that. I’m a member of Wells Angels, the Tunbridge Wells WI which has over 100 members and I like to support local events such as TEDxRTW which is well attended by other local women.
Do you think it’s important to inspire those around you and act as a role model?
That’s not something I aspire to, but if it happens, fabulous! Through my podcast and my antenatal classes, I hope to inspire and inform. Otherwise, I feel it’s most important to just be myself and hope that people enjoy me for who I am. If not, no worries! That works for me.
How do you stay motivated?
My female friendships are extremely important to me. I know whose opinions I value and I’m not shy about letting those people know and seeking out their wisdom. Something magical happens when women come together to share and support. Carving out time to make that happen always motivates me and brings me alive.
Follow Louise on Instagram @louisedanielsofficial
KERRIE KENT
Creative Director at The Brand Studio & Founder of ‘Official Tunbridge Wells‘
How do you connect with women within our community?
When I moved to Tunbridge Wells 7 years ago, I joined lots of groups with the view to learn and connect with others. The welcome and support was amazing and I’ve made life long friends at the WI, in evening classes and at various baby and toddler groups locally. Supporting other women and finding those you truly connect with and trust is so important for my mental health, I’m always inspired by the different paths we walk and I truly value all these amazing women in my life.
When I started writing this blog (Official Tunbridge Wells) I set out with the sole intention of connecting people. It gives me the opportunity to meet inspirational women every day and offers them, a platform to voice matters close to their hearts.
Do you live by a mantra?
Being true to yourself always goes a long way, in my opinion, I’m constantly reminded that I’m on my own unique journey both personally and professionally. I started my Creative Agency, The Brand Studio a few years ago, I’m incredibly lucky to have a job I love and am passionate about, it’s hard work but I have an incredible support network that champion everything I do. From my Mum to my business mentoring group with Action Woman and all of the friends I’ve made along the way - I’d be lost without them!
What does gender equality mean to you?
It means being treated fairly in society, to be given the same opportunities as everyone else and to continue the conversation around these ideals without prejudice. I want my son to grow up in a community that sees gender equally and for outdated stereotypical labels to become a thing of the past. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender-equal world.
Follow Kerrie on Instagram @thebrand.studio and @official_tunbridge_wells
MELANIE WILLIAMS
Solicitor at Berry & Lamberts
How do you connect with women within our community?
As a property solicitor, my job is to support all of my clients in achieving their aim which is generally to move home in the most stress-free way and quickest way possible. I would like to think that I am able to relate to my female clients in an empathetic way though, bringing a deeper understanding of what it means to work, to look after children, to go through a marriage break up or the death of someone close and as part of that, having to a organise a house move. All of that has happened to me so I really get what it means on an emotional and practical level.
Do you think it’s important to be a positive role model?
I believe, as a working mum, I have shown my daughters and my son, that it is possible to have a career and bring up happy, healthy children who have the foundations and the belief that they are capable of achieving their dreams. I worked part-time when my children were little but I thought that it was good for them to see that I also had a life that was independent of them and that I was able to support myself financially if I needed to. I also took time out from the law and worked as a doula for about 5 years, supporting women in labour and postnatally, which was an incredible privilege but also showed my children and my friends, facing a crossroads in their lives, that you can do something to change your direction. I like to think as a lawyer I have shown other women that if you work hard and if you want to, you can achieve success in what you do with the right support. I think it’s important to be available and to reassure, to listen and care about the concerns of young people at work, treating everyone as an equal and helping them to achieve.
What measures do you take to improve yourself both personally and professionally?
That is quite difficult to measure and some would say that I don’t take enough time out to do the things I enjoy and that is true. Professionally I am always striving to improve on what I do but in terms of spending time with people who are important to me, I need to get better at that, as they are what makes me happy. Taking a step back and realising who and what is important and trying to achieve a good balance is hard sometimes but essential. I exercise when I can and travel quite a bit, but getting together with my family and friends is always the best tonic!
BIBI ROY
Food Writer, Professional Introducer and Bespoke Concierge Consultant
How do you connect with women within our community?
When I first moved here, nearly twelve years ago, I didn’t know anyone except for my business clients. Strangely it was the women in this community that set such a positive example, introducing me to their friends and acquaintances with a view to helping all of us flourish in whatever we were doing. I have been so grateful for this and try to spend as much of my time bringing like-minded women together, be it through fun nights out to networking events, social media engagement, chef’s tables or charity fundraisers. I am proud to be amongst the strong women in this community that are really making a difference in all fields.
If you could give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice what would it be?
Follow your own path, no one else’s and do what you love, it will always make you happy.
What will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women behind you?
The challenge will always be maintaining strength and equality in society across all cultures. I have high hopes as women are fierce warriors who naturally support and nurture each other towards greatness.
Follow Bibi on Instagram @bibiroy
NINA NECHAEVA
Brow Beautician
How do you connect women within our community?
When I started my business a few years ago I joined various local social media groups for advice and support, which was hugely beneficial. Once I’d created my own Instagram account I was able to put all I’d learned into practice and I now have a small network of local businesswomen who support and refer potential clients to me which has been invaluable. Even though most of my networking has been ‘online’ I still know that I have women I trust and can ask for advice in the click of a finger!
What are your aspirations for the future?
One day I’m hoping to create my own little brow empire helping the women of Tunbridge Wells and beyond. I‘d like to be in a position to open a salon or brow bar. Being a mum to young twins is a constant juggle between business and raising my family so I’m taking each day as it comes… and creating beautiful brows and lashes in-between!
Follow Nina on Instagram: @nina_for_brows
JULES MORTIMORE
Conceptual Creative in Advertising
How do you connect with women within our community?
I'm the current President of Wells Angels Women's Institute. It's 4 years old and I helped bring it to life with two other badass ladies to create a dynamic group where it's not about your kids or your job network or your partner- it's just about you. We're more about gin and equal pay than the traditional jam and Jerusalem. Many women have told me that being around other women again in a non-competitive arena has given them both confidence and genuine friendships. Both massive ticks from me.
How important is it for women to support each other and what does that mean to you?
I've always been lucky to have lots of friends that support me far and wide, but realise that's not true for everyone. Keeping up and nurturing those relationships can take a lot of time and effort; often women find the support system they relied on breaks down as they move and start families. This town is brilliant at providing places for women to get that support back. Something amazing happens when women get together without an agenda - that's the magic and I'm very proud to be a small part in helping to make that happen.
What does the term ‘feminist’ mean to you?
To me, it means standing for absolute equality when it comes to capability, be that work, parenting or rights. My three nieces are very clear on the fact that they can do whatever their heart desires with their future. I feel like I had to find that out for myself growing up so I'm here to be a cheerleader for their fierce fabulousness.
Follow Jules on Instagram @_stranger_stories_
KAY HALL
Upholstery Teacher
How do you connect with women within our community?
I teach mainly women from many walks of life, ages range from 23 to 91 years old. People come to my classes for many reasons, not just to learn upholstery. Often when their children have started school or they have just hit retirement and they are in a new phase of their life. They come to make friends and learn new skills.
Who are your female role models?
My role model now is my daughter, she is an inspiration - she’s proved that with hard work and determination you can get to where you want. She was a fairly average student at school, but went on to university and worked as a designer. Frustrated with how the industry worked she returned to do an MA and is now studying for a Ph.D. in sustainable textiles, which she is so passionate about. From a family of non-academics, I find this inspirational and feel that anything is possible for women now.
Do you think we need to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Women need to have recognition of their place in society and how much they have to offer. We are still fighting to be acknowledged in some walks of life which makes IWD so important.
Follow Kay on Facebook @Kay’supholstery
NATASHA FIRMAN
Estate Agent
How do you connect with women within our community?
I’m part of a ladies’ golfing group with likeminded friends. I also run a business which at the moment is an all-female team and spend much of my time networking, where I have found a group of strong ladies who are leaders across businesses in Tunbridge Wells.
What are the best and worst decisions you’ve ever made?
Best decision was to leave London corporate life behind and set up a business in Tunbridge Wells. The worst decision was waiting so long to do it!
How do you develop your personal and professional well being?
I exercise regularly. These days it’s mainly running or cycling and in the summer I play a lot of golf which is great for relaxing and my go-to essential is Pilates.
Natasha works at Winkworth
