International Women's Day 2023: Beauty leaders on the importance of female empowerment
In celebration of International Women's Day 2023, TheIndustry.beauty spoke to a variety of beauty business leaders to hear about what IWD means to them, how they support women in the industry, and what advice they would give to those looking to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career.
Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
I always draw on the experience and lives of my Grandma and Mother. My mother was born in Belgium and grew up in London. My Grandmother was born in Odessa in Ukraine and came to Brussels to escape persecution only to be forced to leave again and take refuge in the UK. They were International independent and dynamic women and I inspire to be like them.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
For an industry with an over 81% female workforce I feel our voices are heard, perhaps its a whisper, consultant to consultant, hairdresser to client, beauty therapist educator to student, but I wouldn’t underestimate the power of softly passing on information. It’s a skill and we are good at it.
How can more women be encouraged to purse entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
I think a lot of women have that innate gut instinct but are often told by men it’s not enough, sometimes it is exactly enough. Take small firm steps forward to realising your dreams and the pursuit of whatever career or role you desire, and don’t be distracted. 
Charlotte Knight, Founder of Ciaté London, Lottie London and I Am Proud
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a wonderful day to recognise, acknowledge and honour women around the world for what we bring to society. Women are continuing to make significant progress in shattering the glass ceiling, breaking through barriers and overcoming obstacles to reach the top, proving that they are just as capable and equal to their counterparts.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your businesses throughout the year?
In our business it’s really key to create a workplace where women are represented at all levels of the business, that we implement policies and practices that promote equity and create a space for women to lead where they feel empowered and their accomplishments are recognised and celebrated.
How can more women be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
It's important to create a supportive culture that encourages women to take that next step in their career or pursue a new business venture. It’s also important to encourage women to take risks and pursue opportunities that may be out of their comfort zone, as whether you succeed or not, failure is a part of the learning process and setbacks can be valuable learning experiences.
Jamie Genevieve, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of VIEVE
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s a celebration of women that are doing incredible work in their respective industries, women who use their voices to inspire and educate, and women who are really making a difference. For me it’s not all about career either, it’s highlighting that we as women are multi-faceted too. I love hearing about the realistic juggle of life and work from the women I admire.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in business throughout the year?
I think that women have taken the task of sharing stories into their own hands. Sharing the journey of our peers in the industry as well as sharing their own through the power of social media, podcasts and books. The resources available nowadays are endless and it makes me feel so proud to hear of the accomplishments and successes of my fellow females, as well as the challenges that present themselves and how to overcome them.
How can more women be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
A huge part of it is breaking the ideology that women don’t deserve to be in those spaces. That pesky imposter syndrome can be debilitating, but I think the way we as women support one another is very special. Although entrepreneurship can feel lonely at times - as a woman, I rarely feel alone because of the women that surround me.
Amanda Morgan, UK Managing Director of Diptyque
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s certainly an important moment to acknowledge and celebrate women globally, however, this should be every day and not limited to one calendar day. Society has come a long way to recognise equality in women, but we still have a way to go.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in Diptyque throughout the year?
Within our Maison, we have a vast amount of talented and inspirational women at all levels, globally in all our major markets. Our brand culture encourages all voices to be heard, which is one aspect of why I’ve been with the brand for so long, the company values are very important to me.
How can more women be encouraged to purse entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
I would always encourage people to be curious and passionate about whatever they are trying to pursue. I notice these elements as importantly as technical skills. Being humble also goes a long way, people will recognise strength and talent, sometimes from only a few words – it’s how you speak the words that matters. Maybe a cliché, but learning to make mistakes gracefully will help anyone’s journey – you have to fail to grow.
Anna Brightman, Co-founder of UpCircle
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
On the one hand IWD is an opportunity to celebrate girls and women all over the word, and to honour those who have been at the forefront of the fight against gender discrimination. On the other, it’s a reminder of the struggles women have been through and how women are still overcoming barriers across the world. It's an important day to unify us all in our ongoing fight for true equality.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
Firstly, I’ve built a strong team of women around me to help build this brand – 73% of the UpCircle team are women. I keep a personal target to speak purely on female-focussed issues once a week. I've given careers lectures in girls’ schools, offered mentorship to teenage girls looking to start their own business, and featured on countless podcast episodes as a guest speaker, often on the subject of female empowerment or women in business.
How can more women be encouraged to purse entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
Ironically, my advice is to not feel obliged to take onboard everyone’s advice. No one knows your business, your personality or your life like you do, so trust your instinct. There’s no harm in listening, but you don’t have to take everyone’s advice. I have come to believe that absorbing as much advice as possible at the start of my brand journey was in fact distracting, and only served to water down my ideas through fear of offending or minimising my audience. I now think you risk being pulled in too many different directions at once if you take on too many opinions.
Olivia Chantecaille, Creative Director of Chantecaille
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day, to me, is a day to celebrate women around the world. It is a day to recognise how much amazing progress women have made in society, in business and in conversation. It’s incredible to me to see how many female-founded companies exist today.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the years?
When my mother and I started Chantecaille, there were a few women in the industry, such as our buyers at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, who supported us. I am impressed and grateful for how women in business support each other—every day I see women supporting one another, one woman reaching her hand out to lift up or inspire another.
How can more women be encouraged to purse entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
We are so much more connected now than ever before, and with that comes responsibility. Bring goodness into the world, no matter how small. Young entrepreneurs must (and I'm sure will) think about the responsibility of creating a product, a service, a brand. Anything you do should bring joy to you, to others, and to our shared earth. If you do what you are passionate about, whatever makes you excited to jump out of bed in the morning, a positive spark that feels good—you will thrive.
Michele Scott-Lynch, Founder of Bouclème
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
A moment to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and skills women provide to society in the past, present and future.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
We are a majority female team so our voices are of paramount importance, individual opinions are encouraged and valued at all times. The culture of the business is one of collaboration and I strive to make it easy for people to share how they're feeling.
How can more women be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
Don't wait for people to encourage you, it has to come from within you. One thing you can guarantee is that people will doubt you - so find the strength, feel the fear and put yourself out there. The worst thing that can happen is that you get a knock back or things don't go how you'd hoped but you'll learn things from the experience that will help drive you forward and lead you to success.
Tiffany Salmon, Founder of Glow Hub
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day for me is all about celebrating women and what we can achieve. It’s such a great way to kick start conversations that the world is in some serious need of having, reminding us to think about what we can do all year round to help make change happen.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
Over the past almost four years now, I’ve been building our brand division from scratch and have employed a team of amazing women in both junior and more senior roles. I’ve been proud to see multiple members of my team develop and progress as my brands have grown, seeing them take on more responsibility and move into even more senior roles.
How can more women be encouraged to purse entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
Ask questions, you might be afraid of looking silly or daft but how else will you learn? Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Especially if you’re sat in a room full of men, it can feel quite intimidating to speak up. But, if you feel like you have a different opinion, a fresh idea, can do something better or bring something else to the table, then bring it. Be Kind. There’s this misconception you have to always be a badass to succeed in business, but you don’t. I think it’s so important to be kind.
Susie Ma, Founder and CEO of Tropic Skincare
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
With half the world’s population being female, IWD is our chance to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. Our purpose to create a greener, more empowered world is at the heart of Tropic – allowing us to help women across the globe. Whilst it is an important day that should be celebrated, I believe its values are part of an ongoing journey we’re all on for progress.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
Our team reflects our values and I’m so proud of the empowering workplace we’ve created. In the UK, the gender pay gap is 15% in favour of men, but I’m pleased to Tropic’s is 0%. The number of women making up senior management positions is 60% too, which is nearly double the UK average. We welcome diverse voices at Tropic and have created a place where everyone is heard.
How can more women be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
My advice would be to look for inspiration everywhere and allow it to empower you. Self-belief will take you far, so whenever you’re faced with adversity, use it as growth and never give up. If you believe it, you can achieve it. Every step you take on your journey is a step forward. So, believe in yourself, find your purpose – and pursue it!
Dr Nina S. Naidu, Founder of Anokha
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is an opportunity to recognise women around the world who are doing the hard work, every day, to achieve parity in all aspects of life.
How do you see that women’s voices are uplifted in your business throughout the year?
Anokha is a woman-founded and owned brand, but we recognise that this would not have been possible without the achievements of so many before us. We acknowledge these leaders and groundbreakers on our social media several times each month by featuring quotes from amazing women around the world, including Bjork, Virginia Woolf, Marie Curie, and Maya Angelou.
How can more women be encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
Be fearless. If you have a vision, pursue it relentlessly. Don't second-guess yourself based on your age, gender, or race.
