This year’s International Women's Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, a timely call to action for women everywhere to demand equality in every aspect of life. At Faerly, we believe that sustainability and equality go hand in hand, and that's why we're proud to bring you insights from a panel of successful women who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more equitable future.
From their personal experiences to their visions for a better world, our interviewees share their thoughts on how women can make their voices heard and drive real change. So sit back, grab a cuppa, and join us in celebrating the power and resilience of women everywhere.
Núria Canestro-Pallas - meet Faerly’s resident power woman.
Originally from Barcelona, Nuria came to Ireland 24 years ago picking up a husband, two kids and two cats along the way. Nuria started helping out with Faerly when her baby photography business was on hiatus during lockdown and almost three years later has found herself loving her unexpected career of sustainable retailing.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?
I think that we are given the tools and means to study and be the best that we can be in the workforce but we are expected to give 100% at home too. We are expected to have the same responsibilities as men at work (which we wanted) but then there is often no equity at home, we are still the homemakers and the responsibility of the kids and household is on us.
Do you think there is more work to do to reach Equity and inclusion for Women?
I think that Equity and Inclusion should not only be talked about in the workplace, to be able to reach equality it needs to be in all aspects in one's life.
What woman inspires you and why?
Not one woman in particular but actually the new Generation of women, the Gen Z. They have grown up with GenX mothers and old Millennial mothers and they are realising that we were sold the 'we can have it all', They know better and want better for themselves.
I’m excited for the next generation because I’m educating my daughter and just as importantly, my son, about what equity at home means and what it means to be equal partners in life. Nothing will change unless we educate the young people.
Alex and Joanna - best friends and founders of Irish Socksciety
Alex and Joanna are best friends who work and have fun together in and outside the workplace. Their passion is socks, colourful eccentric socks for every occasion and from that they have created a wonderfully wacky brand, Irish Socksciety.
Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?
(Alex) The only true power every human has, in my thinking, is the right to their own thoughts, beliefs, feelings and actions. I strive to use my power to stay open minded, curious, excited about new ups and downs which bring new learnings and perspectives. I hope that this approach helps me make right choices in personal and work life, that end up making this world a better place.
Who is a woman who inspires you and why?
(Joanna) My Grandmother. She has the soul of a young naughty child, unparalleled enthusiasm and curiosity in life, and warmth that she spreads like a soft butter.
This year's International Women Day theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
(Joanna) I believe everything in life goes down to respect. Respect opens doors for everyone to everything. And in respect lives equity.
Do you enjoy working together? Or is it challenging?
We absolutely love working together and it also is challenging. In every relationship mutual understanding is key for survival and success. As we are all different though, coming from various backgrounds and experiences, we may not be able to fully understand each other at times. But respect for each other plus a bit for the craic and sense of humour is the key and has proven to work miracles for us, always.
How has working together brought you closer?
People spend so much time at work it would be ideal if they genuinely loved it. We are lucky to say that we have a pure grá for what we do, and so that the passion for each other follows. We rely on each other when falling, and cheer together when winning. We became a family by choice, and look after each other as you do in a family by birth.
Check out the Irish Socksciety range.
Alison Curtis - radio presenter on TodayFM
Alison Curtis is a radio presenter and broadcaster who presents her own show “Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis” on Today FM every Saturday and Sunday morning. Alison is a three times nominated Best National DJ. Alison moved to Ireland from Canada in 1999 and became an Irish citizen in 2013.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?
Things have drastically improved in recent years for women who are middle aged. A lot of well known women have changed the narrative on what it means to be a middle aged woman, the positives that come along with this stage of life and generally fighting against the idea that we are no longer of use or desirable. We still have such a long way to go to accepting women who age in the same light we accept older men. But I feel each year we get collectively better at it as a society
Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?
I consider myself a successful woman. I moved here with a backpack in 1999 and no radio experience. But I am really proud to say that my show has become one of the most listened to in the country and that has been down to a lot of hard work and being really passionate about what I do.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?
Find a group of like minded people who will support you and provide you with honest and valuable advice!
What woman inspires you and why?
A number of women inspire me, my twin inspires me for being one of the kindest and empathetic people I know. My friends are all inspirations, many have overcome some serious obstacles in life and are thriving. I find Viola Davis massively inspirational, for her strength to continue to be so incredible in an industry who didn’t value her for so long. I think Lizzo is remarkable, she is defining a whole new generation of women and kicking out the door commercially traditional standards of what beauty is. Jacinda Adern is the most incredible world leader I think many of us have witnessed in our lifetime… I have a long list… Dolly Parton, Tina Fey…
What do you think is the most important achievement women have conquered so far?
This is a hard one to answer because in every single facet of women’s lives from home life, working life, being a partner to a mother, we have had to fight hard to achieve equality. And in many areas of our lives that has yet to be achieved. As a gender we have come so far from our parents' generations but we all (men and women) have work to do to make things fairer and safer for the younger generations.
Do you think there is more work to do to reach Equity and inclusion for Women?
Short answer is yes. We need to start paying people the same based on their roles, not their genders. Violence towards women needs to cease completely. We need more representation of women in science, technology, politics. We need more advancements and understanding within women’s health care. It really is a long list!
This year's International Women Day theme is EmbraceEquity. What does #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
It means that all of us collectively have to create platforms and spaces for everyone to thrive in no matter who they are.
What's a woman-led business you love to support?
I love Tinnock Farms in Tipperary for home products. I adore Jill and Gill apparel. I have so many Edge Only pieces of jewellery I have lost count. Ireland is bursting with brilliant female led businesses! I have dozens in my Instagram highlights wink wink.
Follow Alison on Instagram @alisontodayfm
Elaine & Kathleen - Mum & Daughter duo from Hawthorn Handmade Skincare
Elaine Kennedy lives in Co. Mayo at the foot of the Partry Mountains where her family have lived for generations. After living in London for a number of years, Elaine made the decision to return to rural Ireland and develop a craft business on the family farm. Taking inspiration from the rich natural heritage all around her, Hawthorn Skincare was born. Today, Mum Kathleen works alongside Elaine.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?
Isolation and lack of services locally can be a real issue for women of all ages in rural Ireland. When I first set up my business. I felt there was zero support for female start-ups. Then I discovered Network Ireland, a networking group for women. Mom was lost when she first retired, now she is on the committee for the Western Region of Active Retirement Ireland. And of course, she has found herself immersed in a wellness business!
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?
Be authentic, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and most importantly, be yourself. Surround yourself with likeminded women, they want to see you succeed.
Do you enjoy working together? Or is it challenging?
We joke all the time that we’re telepathic! One of us often voices what the other is thinking. Creating wellness products is a highly satisfying and therapeutic process, and a brilliant way to maintain a strong mother/daughter bond. It’s a joy to work together.
Check out the Hawthorn Handmade Skincare range.
Janni Sjostrand - Founder of Janni Bars
Originally from Sweden, Janni’s first holiday in Ireland turned into a life changing decision to move to Kildare and start her own company JanniBars. Janni is a big believer that natural doesn’t have to mean boring and she brings nature's beauty to life in all of her soaps using natural colours, flowers, scents and clays.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?
I think our plates are so full, too full. We are expected to be successful in all aspects of life and it's easy to compare to an Instagram reality which is unobtainable. So I suppose striving for perfection is one of our heaviest burdens.
Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?
I think we all are. I see my friends struggling with different issues throughout life and they are such strong inspiring women to come through on the other side. I feel myself I have come a long way on my journey, and I have accomplished a lot for sure, with more to come of course.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?
Go for it, no dream is too big.
This year's International Women Day theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Levelling the playing field for EVERYONE.
The concept of Equity has been overlooked for so long, what actions could help bring more awareness?
This is a large question, as this is a mindset that needs to be included in all aspects of life. To implement regulations in work places to promote equality across the board, but also in schools to foster younger generations into a mindset of inclusion. When the Swedish news report this week of a man in his 60s getting off a sexual assault charge of a 10 year old girl because of the term she used to define her vagina (snippa, which is in the swedish dictionary as such and is the equivalent of the word ‘willy’ for boys), the court ruled that they could not be sure where he had touched her, an act of men protecting men that feels like it belongs in the middle ages.. Horrible evidence of how far we still have to go to any sort of justice.
Check out the Janni Bars range.
Susan Grant - Founder of ethical childrenswear brand Síológ
Susan Grant is the owner and founder of Síológ a company that brings to you a collection of high quality, ethically made childrenswear and lifestyle products, all sourced from independent Irish brands.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?
Start building your network and engaging with people in your niche (and more broadly). I started Síológ during covid so almost all my interactions were virtual but I found those (mostly instagram) chats to be a massive support and I’ve ended up with a great circle of people that I can ask for advice or bounce things off, which is really helpful when you’re doing it on your own.
Do you think there is more work to do to reach Equity and inclusion for Women?
Yes, I think we still have a long way to go before we have women properly represented in positions of power, and that in itself has an impact on society. When we have more women involved in making decisions, we end up with policies that benefit women, families and society in general. Of course there are loads of great examples of powerful strong women in leadership positions, but I still think the level of representation is not quite there yet to properly move the dial.
This year's International Women Day theme is EmbraceEquity. What does #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
I think it’s really important to recognise that we all have different needs and different circumstances, so the same solutions won’t apply to everyone in the same way. To me it’s about looking at an individual level and making sure everyone has access to the resources they need in their particular circumstances to succeed, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach
Check out Siolog.ie
Fiona Young - Oncology nurse and candle maker at Milis Candles
Candle creator Fiona launched Milis after working as a cancer care nurse for twenty years. Learning that many candles contain harmful ingredients led Fiona to seek out more natural alternatives and the idea for Milis was born. Now Fiona creates her gorgeous soy wax candles using natural, recyclable, re-usable or ethically sourced materials.
What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?
Work life balance, for me I have 2 small boys plus working 3 days with the Irish Cancer Society & run my business.
Do you consider yourself to be a powerful woman?
Well I certainly wouldn't have three years ago but, on looking back on all I have achieved with Milis as well as a few PB’s in my crossfit gym.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?
Just dive in, get going and don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it!
What woman inspires you and why?
Memories with my Mam have been the inspiration behind many of my candles. My Namaste Candle is iInspired by yoga classes with Mum and the ritual of enjoying tea together after class. We have an amazing yoga teacher and she would make the most beautiful chai spiced tea after class.
Do you think there is more work to do to reach Equity and inclusion for Women?
100% you see it everyday of the week we don’t even have pay equity in Ireland never mind the long list of other issues.
This year's International Women Day theme is EmbraceEquity. What does EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Personally it’s how I raise my two little boys, telling them girls and boys can do the same job , wear the same clothes or marry whomever they wish & be kind to each other.
What’s a woman-led business you love to support?
Chupi because she has grown an amazing business that started from a little stall in Powerscourt Townhouse & she is so accessible to smaller businesses offering support & guidance. Chupi.
Check out the Milis Candle range.
Huge thanks to our female suppliers and friends who took part in this blog. They are just a few of the amazing women we are lucky to work with at Faerly. Happy International Women’s Day 2023! #embraceequity