Introducing the women who make all of this good stuff happen. We are so proud that women make up 90% of our Avery Row team ✨ As an independent business built by women, we love to celebrate the amazing females who make us what we are today. Get to know Helen, Hannah and Elidih and hear about their story and what International Women’s Day means to them...

What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?

For me, it’s about celebrating the uniqueness of women. We are many things to many people and have lots of demands on our time. Finding the time to be the mother, partner, best friend you want to be whilst managing a fulfilling career, is a juggle many of us battle with. We often feel we’re not achieving our best in any area but International Women’s Day is a time to recognise all that we DO achieve. It’s about having the inner dialogue with yourself to recognise that you’re actually doing a pretty good job, that you’re a brilliant mum, a great friend, a wonderful daughter -whatever it may be.

What is your story? How would you describe it in one word?

Persistence! I started Avery Row shortly after having my second daughter. I really wanted to work again at that point but couldn’t see how returning to my previous career would have worked out. My husband travels a lot with work and it was my choice to be the more flexible worker in our household, to ensure someone was always there to cover the childcare. I’d always wanted to create my own business so it seemed like the right time (as it does with many female entrepreneurs, I meet many fabulous ones in this industry!) but in those early days, there was a long road ahead that I hadn’t expected. In between raising two little ones, and then having a third, I found myself questioning whether Avery Row would ever make it, some days it felt like the mountain ahead was too steep to climb. After the novelty of starting a business had worn off, I sometimes felt I was back on the bottom rung of the career ladder. Our front room was like a warehouse and I spent my days packaging and sending orders out myself! But, for every day that I doubted myself, there were hundreds more that I believed in the business and kept the vision alive. Today, things are so very different. l am so proud of the brand I’ve been able to build with a team of wonderful, talented women around me. And as we grow, I look forward to us going from strength to strength.

What is your advice to young women today?

Of course, we still have a long way to go in terms of equality, but attitudes towards women in the workplace have definitely improved. But we shouldn’t be grateful for this, we should expect more. So don’t settle for anything less, and keep things moving in the right direction. Having a work-life balance is possible, having a career and being there for your children is possible. Choose something you love, work hard, have a collaborative, open mindset and the sky is your limit. 

What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?

International Women’s Day has a different meaning since working with Helen at Avery Row. We have a culture where you feel supported, celebrated, respected and empowered. This day has a lasting impact, it flows over into Spring and ripples over the entire year, with women celebrating and supporting women. For me, International Women’s Day is about sharing experiences, learning how we can support each other and celebrating the amazing women in both my personal and professional life. It’s a great time to reach out to them and help make a change. 

What is your story? How would you describe it in one word.

There is such a difference working for a company run by fearless females. The world I would use to describe my years in the creative advertising and marketing industry before Avery Row, would be ‘fighting’. I’d have to shout louder, and put myself in uncomfortable situations to be heard. I got pretty good at this, and managed to develop and grow. It has been an amazing journey with lots of beautiful people and experiences. Joining Helen has been an eye opening adventure. I could never give up working in an environment that builds you up and gives you opportunity. My experience now would be described as ‘empowering’. 

What is your advice to young women today?

I use to give women advice to ‘shout louder and fight harder’ but now I would say, don’t change who you are, don’t feel like you have to fight, find yourself an Avery Row. Be picky, don’t settle, and you will find a place in which you feel lifted up and empowered to be authentically you.

What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?

To me, International Women’s Day represents the celebration, progression and support of all women. It is a day that I like to pause and take stock of the growth of all the amazing women in my life, and give appreciation to those who have contributed to my personal growth. I feel so lucky to have had incredible female role models throughout my life and the team at Avery Row is no exception, where I am surrounded by women who support and push each other every day. And we hope to do our bit in designing products which will nurture and inspire the women of the future.

What is your story? How would you describe it in one word.

I hold a lot of gratitude every IWD. I was raised by a strong and supportive single mother, and feel very lucky to have such a fierce female guide me through life. She led by example and all I know about being independent, brave and resilient is from her. I believe that as women in this modern world, we need to be thankful of those who have come before us, whilst working for those beside and ahead of us. There is still a way to go in achieving equality, but I am grateful to have been born in an era where women have the opportunity to make a difference and work towards change together.  

What is your advice to young women today?

Don’t apologise for going after what you want in life and don’t let anyone else determine your limits, especially in your career. From personal experience, I have found that so many women in the creative industry underestimate their worth, and it can take a lot of time to realise that you deserve all you have worked towards and hope for in this world. Practice reminding yourself this everyday, and see how you can inspire and uplift others through this outlook.