International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th each year, and recognises the achievements of women around the world while spreading the message of gender equality.
At Gemporia, we are proud to be made up of a magnitude of powerful, influential women who all do their part to help our business thrive. Our organisation wouldn't be what it is without them, so we are recognising International Women's Day by highlighting a few extraordinary women whom we are proud to have as Gemporia partners.
JESS FOLEY
Part of the aim of International Women's Day is to build a world where women can thrive in their careers. So, What is your role within Gemporia?
"As a presenter, I'm so proud to share stories with the public on something I'm hugely passionate about. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that encourages me to be myself and showcase my personality every day on screen."
As a Presenter within a gemstone company, do you have a favourite gem?
"I adore Ethiopian Opal – I always have done. The natural play of colour is phenomenal, and it still blows me away that it's completely natural! Also, it's my mum's birthstone."
You have an influential role within Gemporia. From someone in your position, is there a message that you would like to send out to young women planning their futures?
"Times are very different nowadays, and although there are still hurdles to jump over within certain industries, I genuinely believe you can be anything you want to be.
"I would also say that when thinking about a future career, work towards something you're passionate about. It makes life so much more fulfilling and enjoyable!"
Speaking from your own experience, what can we do to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their respective industries?
"I think we can do this by building each other up and encouraging each other to focus on our individual strengths. Offering support and positive feedback is so powerful for our confidence."
Are there any powerful women who inspire you?
"I am always so blown away by women who speak publicly in the workplace, on social media or on TV about their insecurities, imperfections or real-life challenges. We all have them, and it helps so much to know you're not alone."
Above all, International Women's Day works to celebrate women's achievements. Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
"Becoming a daytime presenter and being in my position at Gemporia is a huge achievement for me. I know how lucky I am to have a career that I don't even feel is work. I'm also very proud to own my own home and develop properties with my husband.
"It's not easy, but it's always worth the hard work in the end!
Are there any exceptional women in your life that you'd like to highlight this International Women's Day?
"It might sound obvious, but my mum is the most powerful woman in my life. She worked full time whilst completing a university degree and raising two children (with the help of my dad).
"It was such a challenge, but she completed it all!"
MEL CHOUHAN
Part of the aim of International Women's Day is to build a world where women can thrive in their careers. So, What is your role within Gemporia?
"I'm Mel, and I'm a producer working on the evening prime-time shift with Adina, Tom and Lucas."
As a Producer within a gemstone company, do you have a favourite gem?
"This is quite a tough question, as I do love them all! My ultimate favourite is Nilamani, followed by Amber as a close second."
You have an influential role within Gemporia. From someone in your position, is there a message that you would like to send out to young women planning their futures?
"Don't give up when things don't go to plan. Life throws so many challenges our way that we have to learn from them. It only makes us stronger, and gives us the confidence to fight harder to achieve our goals!"
Are there any powerful women who inspire you?
"The late Lady Diana and Michelle Obama. These women have had such a status and stood for what they believe in. They are a true inspiration to all women."
Above all, International Women's Day works to celebrate women's achievements. Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
"I can think of a few proud moments, but my proudest is being a mother. The day my children were born is my biggest achievement, from speaking to them and watching them grow every day to telling them how much I love them."
Are there any exceptional women in your life that you'd like to highlight this International Women's Day?
"My best friends are my strength, a shoulder to cry on, and they provide endless laughter which is always good for the soul.
"But, my inspiration has to be my mother, Daya Parmar – no matter what life throws at her, she holds her head high and carries on."
CAROLINE GAYNHAM
Part of the aim of International Women's Day is to build a world where women can thrive in their careers. So, What is your role within Gemporia?
"I am the Founder and Creative Director of Kimbie. My day-to-day role is varied, but to keep it simple, I work alongside a team to create a vision and product plan that is customer-focused for the entire year.
"I see Kimbie as a community and collector's club, and our goal is to become a recognisable brand endorsed by customer satisfaction. The best part of the job is seeing messages from customers enjoying and endorsing the quality of our products!"
As Creative Director of a gemstone company, do you have a favourite gem?
"Pearls! I love all types of Pearls, from Freshwater to South Sea. They are so complex with how they are graded, but there's always a Pearl to suit every budget.
"The other thing I love is that you can buy Pearls for any age range – you can never go wrong with a Baroque Pearl pendant."
You have an influential role within Gemporia. From someone in your position, is there a message that you would like to send out to young women planning their futures?
"If there's a job you think you want to do, then try it! I have always been passionate about fashion and interiors. I did a Business Studies degree to start with at university because I was told not to put all my eggs in one basket by doing fashion (which is what I really wanted to do). After one year, I swapped to Fashion Marketing & Communications and never looked back!
"I had a lecture from a buyer from Topshop one day, and I asked her at the end if I could do some work experience there, and that started my career in retail. I genuinely think that three weeks of work experience will give you a gauge of whether something is right for you or not.
"If you do a job you love, you will never feel like you're working each day!"
Speaking from your own experience, what can we do to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their respective industries?
"Be determined; if you want something, go and get all the tools you need to get there. To be a leader, you need a well-rounded viewpoint, and to get that, you need to have experience in various roles, including commercials.
"So put yourself out there and learn from others – knowledge is power!"
Are there any powerful women who inspire you?
"Beyoncé and Jo Malone are some of my big inspirations. Beyoncé is such a strong woman who is willing to push boundaries, and she drives everything with her creative vision and confidence.
"As for Jo Malone, if anyone has yet to listen to her Desert Island Discs, then do it! She started her brand in her kitchen, and has progressed to have one of the most iconic fragrance brands in the UK."
Above all, International Women's Day works to celebrate women's achievements. Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
"It's tough to say. Professionally, it would be launching a successful new brand within Gemporia that's full of beautiful, high-quality products, taking my trusted supplier base, and passing this on to our customers.
"Personally, it's hard to choose, but maybe running a half marathon in two and a half hours; I hate running, so for me this was an achievement and what I learned is that even though I'm not good at distance running it is a mental barrier that will stop you going as far as you want to, rather than a physical one.
"It took a while to get to this distance, but with perseverance I did it!"
Are there any exceptional women in your life that you'd like to highlight this International Women's Day?
"My best friends; they are all strong women – if there's ever a stumbling block, we're all in it together, there to support each other, and we're never alone. We're a team!
"My mum was also someone who was a strong character, and a huge driving force behind me. She was organised and driven for success, but she also found it important to ensure we all had fun and made the most of every moment in life.
"She's my ultimate inspiration and the wonder woman I strive to be like!"
TRACEY BUMFORD
Part of the aim of International Women's Day is to build a world where women can thrive in their careers. So, What is your role within Gemporia?
"I am Gemporia's HR Manager. I provide support, direction, and development for all things people!"
As a HR Manager of a gemstone company, do you have a favourite gem?
"Diamonds. I love Diamonds – I hope my husband reads this!"
You have an influential role within Gemporia. From someone in your position, is there a message that you would like to send out to young women planning their futures?
"Believe in yourself, work hard, actively listen and learn from the people around you. Make time to form professional relationships, as this will help to build a successful team around you.
"Most importantly, be happy in whatever you do. I love my job, but I only pursued a career in HR around 12 years ago. Like most, I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left education."
Speaking from your own experience, what can we do to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their respective industries?
"Leadership teams benefit from diversity – never underestimate what you can bring! Be confident when presenting your views and beliefs, and define how they align with the company's value and business strategies."
Are there any powerful women who inspire you?
"There are many women who inspire me as everyone has their own story to tell, and I always enjoy celebrating their successes along the way.
"One woman who inspires me is a lady called Estelle Read. She's a coach, trainer and the author of a brilliant book called Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine. The book explores 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress. She explains how to offload unnecessary baggage and journey towards a work life which is more joy-filled and rewarding.
"It's a worthwhile read if you get the chance."
Above all, International Women's Day works to celebrate women's achievements. Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
"As a mum of three, I am proud of how I have juggled motherhood, studying and a career – a definite test of my time management skills!
"Life is a journey where we can thrive or survive; I chose to thrive, and I'm always looking for the next adventure."
Are there any exceptional women in your life that you'd like to highlight this International Women's Day?
"I took some time away from my career when my third child was born – I carried on working but stepped away from a leadership role.
"I thought I would struggle to climb the ladder again after having an eight-year break. However, I was introduced to a fellow parent following a social event at my children's school. At the time, I thought it was purely a social interaction, but later that day, she called me to say that she had a position within her company, and she thought I would be ideal for it.
"This was my introduction to the world of HR; she saw my potential and invested her time and effort into sparking my interest in all things people, and I've never looked back!"
SHARMIL MATHUR
Part of the aim of International Women's Day is to build a world where women can thrive in their careers. So, What is your role within Gemporia?
"I joined Gemporia as a Merchandiser in 2010, and now I am Commercial Director.
"I've learned so much throughout my Gemporia journey and always strived to give my best. All members of Gemporia are dedicated to their roles and are achieving great results, and my team are my strength."
As Commercial Director of a gemstone company, do you have a favourite gem?
"My favourite is Emerald. The green is so vivid, and I would love to have some as my personal ornament in the future.
"In 2021, we acquired some large Zambian Emeralds and Panjshir Emeralds, one of the highest-quality varieties I have ever seen. I have no doubt we will continue to provide the best Emerald deals for our loyal customers."
You have an influential role within Gemporia. From someone in your position, is there a message that you would like to send out to young women planning their futures?
"Always give your best and be confident, and you will be able to achieve everything you dream of."
Speaking from your own experience, what can we do to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their respective industries?
"Work excellence must be encouraged, and men and women must always help each other promote it.
"Women perform equally as well at work as men, and women are incredible at balancing the personal and professional aspects of their lives.
"Women only need to be given equal opportunities, both in the workplace and in our mindsets, because we are capable of performing excellently."
Are there any powerful women who inspire you?
"Since I was a child, my mother has been my female role model. She has faced many personal and professional challenges as a woman with three daughters.
"Despite her struggles she always gave us a wonderful upbringing, and I always have a reflection of her and the values she has instilled in me wherever I am. She voluntarily runs our Ladies Cutting School, and is a renowned team favourite."
Above all, International Women's Day works to celebrate women's achievements. Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
"Personally, it would be buying a house for my mum and taking her on trips overseas. Being responsible for her wellbeing is my way of showing her gratitude for everything she did for my family – and as a proud mum of two myself, I want to give them a valuable upbringing, too.
"Professionally, I began my career in this industry and spent every day learning. I had no professional gemstone jewellery experience beforehand, and now I am a GIA-certified AJP and Diamond Grader.
"I swear by giving my best every day, and this attitude has got me to where I am."
Are there any exceptional women in your life that you'd like to highlight this International Women's Day?
"I will always say my mum, but I can name so many other women that I appreciate, including every woman who works with me at Gemporia either in India or the UK.
"To name a few, the India team's Head of Finance Anupam Saxena, Head of HR Shivani Minocha, Gems Senior Merchandiser Khushboo Agarwal and Lifestyle Merchandiser Garima Saxena. Also, Sarah Bennett; she is a powerful woman professionally and personally, and she inspires me both in the workplace and as a mother."
Is there a lady in your life that you're looking to celebrate this International Women's Day? If so, explore our range of genuine gemstone jewellery for a gift from the heart.
