International Women’s Day, time to showcase the inspiring women of 2021
To put it mildly, this past year has been tough. As International Women’s Day approaches, it gives us a chance to reflect on the individual experiences of women over this past year.
When the virus hit, suddenly we all found our lives completely thrown off orbit. In some cases and households, COVID-19 has been a great leveler; smashing gender roles and positions in the family. On the other side of the coin, all the pandemic has done is highlighted how much of the mental load women are expected to burden themselves with.
Either way, all of us have done our utmost to not fall foul to being trapped by our circumstances. We have done what women do best; rolled up our sleeves, armed ourselves with wine, looked at what we’re working with, and made the best out of it.
That is exactly what a small business entrepreneur and Mum to seven (Yes, seven!) did over this past year. Emma Pinfold already had many strings to her bow in the form of business owner, wife, mum, step mum, and singer in a band. Yet suddenly she found herself, like us all, plunged into the uncertainty of a pandemic and expected to keep her head above water, whilst simultaneously homeschooling.
Undoubtedly, this was daunting but Emma doesn’t suffer trepidation - even before coronavirus she has shown herself to be an entrepreneur and a fighter. Back in December 2009 with 3 young sons, she ran her first preloved designed pieces sale. The event was a roaring success and since then has flourished into ‘From Bond Street to Your Street’ boutiques at three locations and online.
Last year, with the closure of her beautiful boutiques, she focused on growing her Facebook community group to over 1.7k members, organising popular live auctions for one of a kind pre-loved designer items. These events are successful and in keeping with Emma’s aim of providing unique items to customers with her personal tailored approach.
She states,“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow.”
Emma’s inspiring story serves to demonstrate how resilient women are; her ability to diversify has kept her, her brand, and her family forging ahead through these difficult times.