International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women around the world, and looks at the crucial steps that must be taken to combat gender inequality. This year, the aim of International Women’s Day is to break the bias surrounding women and their roles in society, and to build a world where all genders are equally acknowledged and accepted.
As time progresses, more and more businesses across the world are recognising the importance of gender balance, and that women play a key part in the advancement of our planet - whether that be in tech, media, finance, engineering or society in general.
Here at Gemporia, we recognise the importance of gender equality, and are proud to have an array of strong, successful, and influential women in our workforce. All the female employees here at Gemporia, some of whom take on leadership roles, are integral to the success of our brand - so allow us to introduce you to some of them!
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we spoke to five powerful females within our business about their successes, achievements and inspirations, and their journeys towards becoming the influential women they are today.
REBECCA JARRATT
Head of Merchandising
International Women’s Day aims to build a world where women’s careers are recognised and able to thrive. With this in mind, what is your role within Gemporia?
“I am Head of Merchandising at Gemporia, looking after the Merchandise Team. I am also a Jewelry Buyer, and alongside that I get to design lots of amazing collections.”
As part of a gemstone company, you must have a favourite! What is it?
“The first stone I bought was a piece of Amber - I had never seen it before, and was completely taken with the story of how it came to be.”
What’s an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their futures?
“That you don’t need to have all the answers to begin with. I never knew in school, college or university exactly what I wanted to do, and now I couldn’t think of a better job to suit me or that I’d enjoy this much.
Life has a funny way of bringing up opportunities when you least expect them, so take them! Just go for it and know what you can do.
Speaking from your leadership experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue a leadership role in the workplace?
“Always support their ambitions and show them that if they set their minds to it, anything can be possible.”
Which powerful women inspire you?
“Over the years I have loved following the story of Olympians like Dame Laura Kenny, from watching her first Olympics to seeing her become the first British woman to win a gold medal at three Games. She gave me the confidence that if you put your heart and soul into something, you can achieve anything.
“I also love the power of honesty - a lot of the women I have admired over the past few years are mums such as Giovanna Fletcher, who share real and relatable stories that connect us all on this incredible journey of motherhood.”
One of the main missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements. What personal/professional achievement are you most proud of?
“My biggest personal achievement is becoming a mum. Two years on I still look at my daughter in amazement, because she’s absolutely incredible.
“I’m in awe watching her grow, and every day she makes me laugh with her little personality shining through - she’s my tiny best friend.”
Who are the powerful women in your life that you would like to highlight?
“My mum is number one, she’s always been my support and I hope my bond with my daughter stays as strong as ours is.
“Also, when I married my husband, I gained the best mother-in-law and sister-in-law - they are both so much fun, and incredible mums that have taught me so much.
“I also have a close group of girls that I’ve known for 20-30 years, and they’ve been there through everything. We speak every day, and I’d be lost without them.”
HATTIE HOUSTON
Presenter and Fashion Designer
International Women’s Day aims to build a world where women’s careers are recognised and able to thrive. With this in mind, what is your role within Gemporia?
“I am a presenter at Gemporia as well as a fashion designer, and I have my own brand at the channel called Destello.
“I have been at Gemporia for over seven years. In fact, I have had many different jobs - I started as a producer, but when I came to Gemporia my background had always been with jewelry. I had worked in a jewelry store and then became a Diamond grader, and worked for an international Diamond company called Messika, where I looked after their UK accounts such as Harrods and Selfridges.
“With that, after a short stint as a producer, I became a presenter - then three years ago I decided to push myself and live another dream I had as a young girl and try to become a fashion designer for real women.”
As part of a gemstone company, you must have a favourite! What is it?
“DIAMONDS. I can’t hide it - they make me happy. It’s the gemstone that made me fascinated with jewelry.
“The power you get from owning and wearing a Diamond is unlike any other stone. How special and unique each Diamond is almost becomes as unique and individual as each of us. They are rare, real and unbreakable.
“Through some of the hardest and lowest parts of my life, I always remember the quote: ‘You are a Diamond, you are unbreakable’. I think this makes me treasure Diamonds even more.”
What’s an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their futures?
“When I think of answering this I have to think about myself at school, planning to go to university and thinking ‘is this for me?’
“What are my goals in life? What are my ambitions? At 18 years old, I was so scared - I didn’t have the answers.
“On reflection, what I have now is growth and life lessons. You are in charge of your own destiny, and each path takes you somewhere. Sometimes it’s a harder path, but once you make it through it’s amazing to look at how far you’ve come.
“I would say to young women thinking about their futures the same thing I would say to my younger self: you can do it! Never think you can’t. Positive thinking and reaching for your goals is a real thing - the more you put into something, the more you will get out.
“Reach for your dreams, and you will fly!”
Speaking from your leadership experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue a leadership role in the workplace?
“Growing up I was so fortunate to have very strong female role models around me - amazing women who worked in all different types of roles. But coming into the jewelry world, it’s very male-oriented. With watches and jewelry being part of big companies such as LVMH, there are a lot of men in high-powered roles.
“When I went to work with Messika, it was amazing to see this huge brand take off from its birth, and it was entirely female-lead which was incredible. Plus, coming to Gemporia and seeing so many female presenters, and being able to experience this myself, has been so empowering as well.
“How I think we can encourage and empower more women to take leadership roles is to ask more questions. If you don’t know something - no matter what your role is - just ask. People have always considered ‘I don’t understand this, can you explain it to me’ as a negative thing, but it’s the most positive thing to do.
You learn, you understand and you grow - and with this skill, you can in turn share and lead others.
Which powerful women inspire you?
“All women inspire me. We all come from different walks of life and have different struggles, and sharing our stories with one another is one of the greatest gifts.
“I love listening to podcasts. Every day I have an hour’s drive to and from work, and I used to listen to music and radio shows like LBC. But about a year ago during lockdown I decided to use this time to educate myself more and get to know other people’s stories.
“I recently started listening to Steven Bartlett’s podcast and came across Ann Summers CEO Jacqueline Gold. Listening to it took me back to the old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.
“Jacqueline is an incredibly strong survivor, in life, health and in business. Her story is quite powerful, and I believe she is an inspiration to many with what she has been through. If you get the chance, please listen to it.”
One of the main missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements. What personal/professional achievement are you most proud of?
“My proudest achievement is more personal than professional.
“If you asked me this a year ago it would all be about my professional life, which I am so proud of. I work for an amazing company who empower and believe in me - and let me have my own fashion brand! But reflecting on what’s happened in life with the pandemic, I would say my proudest achievement is my family.
“After losing my mum 12 years ago, it was so hard for our family to be whole. Families go through lots of ups and downs, but the pandemic drew us all closer, and we have the best relationship now.
“Last year I also got married to my soulmate Sam, and we were so lucky to enjoy it with our most-loved family and friends.”
Who are the powerful women in your life that you would like to highlight?
“A powerful woman in my life right now is my rock Kati. I can't tell you how lucky I am to have a best friend at work and a girl boss all in one. She is my support and I am hers.
“She reminds me so much of my mum - she had a kind energy, and a light that drew people to her. She was kind, caring and motivating. She never judged, and just supported.
“Kati and I have a special bond, and I can’t even explain how amazing it is. Her strive and her goals push me as well. Together we support each other, and help one another to be the best we can. I am so grateful to have her in my life.
“I am a big believer in fate, and in some way I think we entered each other’s lives at just the right time - it was truly meant to be.”
SHARMIL MATHUR
Managing Director at CRTPL
International Women’s Day aims to build a world where women’s careers are recognised and able to thrive. With this in mind, what is your role within Gemporia?
“I have been with Gemporia since 2010. I joined as a Merchandiser, and today I’m working as a Managing Director.
“My journey was full of learning and growing. I always strived to give my best, and Gemporia recognised my work and upgraded my position and profile. Today, I’m leading a team of more than 100 members under different roles, including Merchandising, Quality Audit, Product Data Authentication, Gemstone Inventory, Gemstone Purchase, Gemstone Cutting, Finance & HR and Photography.
“It’s like a family here, where all members are dedicated to their roles and responsibilities and achieving great results - my team is my strength.”
As part of a gemstone company, you must have a favourite! What is it?
“I love the colorful world of gemstones, but my favourite is Emerald. I love the vivid green, and I really wish to have some as my personal ornament one day.
“In 2021, we got hold of a great deal of Zambian Emeralds in big sizes and also Panjshir Emeralds, which are one of the best-quality Emeralds I have ever seen.
“I am sure we will always have the best Emerald deals for our lovely customers.”
What’s an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their futures?
“Be confident, give your best, be answerable to yourself and you can achieve what you’ve always dreamed of.”
Speaking from your leadership experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue a leadership role in the workplace?
“We all must help each other to promote, be it men or women - work excellence should always be encouraged.
“In CRTPL, with me being in a senior role, I always ensure equal opportunity for all. We have women heading our Finance, HR, Lifestyle and Gold Jewelry departments, and we also have female assorters and cutters.
“I strongly believe that women are equally as great performers at work as men, and they are amazing in balancing their personal and professional lives.
“We need only give them equal opportunities - not only in the workplace but also in our thoughts - because they are capable enough to perform excellently.”
Which powerful women inspire you?
“Since my childhood, I have seen my mother as my female role model. She faced a lot of challenges in family and at work, for being both a woman and for giving birth to three daughters.
“Despite this, she always encouraged women and gave us a gracious upbringing. Today, wherever I am and whatever values I carry have a reflection of my mother and the values she has instilled in me.
“Now, she voluntarily runs our ladies cutting unit, and she is a favourite of her entire team.”
One of the main missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements. What personal/professional achievement are you most proud of?
“On a personal level, I could buy a house for my mum and take her on fun trips overseas. Taking responsibility for her wellbeing is my gratitude towards her for everything she did for us.
“Today, I’m a proud mum of two little ones, and I want to give them a valued upbringing too.
“On the professional side, I started my career in this industry and grew and learnt every day. I don’t belong to a family with experience in jewelry, and I had no professional gemstone qualifications - but now I’m a GIA certified AJP and Diamond grader.
“Giving my best every single day is the attitude I swear by, and that has allowed me to get to where I am.
“Recently, I was invited as a Guest of Honour by Jewelry Association Jaipur to inaugurate one of their prestigious gemstone shows, and I was the only female there from a non-jewelry family. I was also featured in the September-October 2021 edition of Gem World magazine.”
Who are the powerful women in your life that you would like to highlight?
“I always take the name of my mum in this regard. However, I can name so many other women that I appreciate, along with every single woman working with me in this organisation here in India or in the UK.
“I’d like to highlight my Head of Finance Anupam Saxena, Lifestyle Merchandiser Garima Saxena, Gems Senior Merchandiser Khushboo Agarwal, Head of HR Shivani Minocha, and all the women in the India and UK teams.
“I’d also like to name Sarah Bennett, who is a wonderful, powerful woman at work and in life. She inspires me not only for work, but for also being a great mum at home.
All women are capable of keeping a perfect balance in our families, businesses and personal lives. We only need the opportunity to perform - then the sky's the limit!
JAYNE SANKEY
Customer Service and Communications Manager
International Women’s Day aims to build a world where women’s careers are recognised and able to thrive. With this in mind, what is your role within Gemporia?
“My current role within Gemporia is in Customer Service within the Call Centre, as the Customer Service and Communications Manager. I am also the Assistant to Steve Bennett, and I investigate the day to day queries he gets on his behalf.
“I have been with Gemporia for nearly 13 years, and in that time I have been the Training Manager in the Call Centre, and have gone through many challenges and changes that we’ve had in the company - and in all of them, I have been welcomed with open arms.”
As part of a gemstone company, you must have a favourite! What is it?
“Before joining the company I knew very little about colored gemstones, and always liked Sapphires. However, having been introduced to some amazing colored gems, I have to say my favourite is Ametrine.
“I am fascinated by how the bi-colored effect is created during its crystal formation. If the stone has a good divide, it looks absolutely stunning when it’s set into a piece of jewelry.”
What’s an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their futures?
Always make sure you are doing a job you love - it may be hard work, but put all your effort into achieving your goals.
“In 37 years of working I have worked in Banking, Real Estate and Call Centres - I thrive on day to day challenges and have always loved my jobs.”
Speaking from your leadership experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue a leadership role in the workplace?
“Don’t be afraid to speak up and interact at all levels. Stand up for your beliefs!”
Which powerful women inspire you?
“Michelle Obama - she’s a lawyer, a writer, the wife of 44th President Barack Obama and the first African-American First Lady of the United States.
“Through her four main initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education and international adolescent girls’ education.
“Her caring, fun, loving and inspiring personality shone through when she was First Lady, and she continues to support multiple charities with her work.”
One of the main missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements. What personal/professional achievement are you most proud of?
“My greatest professional achievement was completing my Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF). I’m proud of this accomplishment, and I feel that what I learned has given me a big advantage in my career.
“If you had told me when I was in my 20s that I would be presenting a training session in front of a room full of trainees I’d have run a mile!”
Who are the powerful women in your life that you would like to highlight?
“The most powerful women in my life are my nan and my mum. My nan had six children, and worked full time in the family TV/Radio/Electrical shop. When her grandchildren started arriving there were 14 of us in total, and in the school holidays she would look after us whilst our parents worked.
“Everyone looked up to my nan, and she was known in her local community for her caring personality and generosity.
“My mum is simply my inspiration - she is strong willed, and not afraid to tell you how it is. She had a tough time bringing up my sister and I single-handedly after my dad passed away just before my 14th birthday. It was a shock as my dad was my mum’s only love, and she has had lots of ups and downs over the years, but she is strong and got us all through them.
“She remains on her own by choice, and has never looked for another man. She really is my rock!”
VANESSA GORMAN
Senior Graphic Designer
International Women’s Day aims to build a world where women’s careers are recognised and able to thrive. With this in mind, what is your role within Gemporia?
“A good 90% of my job is designing Gemology magazine. This consists of coming up with content ideas alongside my editor, organising and directing photoshoots, keeping on top of current trends for the fashion edits, and laying out all the pages of the magazine.
“When I’m not working on the magazine I design other printed materials, logos and homewares packaging. I’m often the designated prop supplier for various photos as I’m a massive hoarder and I live opposite a forest - so you’ll occasionally find me bumbling around the forest picking leaves, flowers, berries, bits of wood and pine cones for seasonal shoots.”
As part of a gemstone company, you must have a favourite! What is it?
“I fall in love with a different gemstone every week, I’m so fickle. I remember Ruth Linnet showing me an incredible Paraiba Tourmaline ring once - it transported me to the Mediterranean.
“It was like looking into a fizzy swimming pool on a really sunny day. Sadly it was several thousand pounds more than I could afford.”
What’s an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their futures?
“Don’t get stressed if you’re not sure what you want to do. I knew that I wanted to study art, but my parents are both from a medical background and encouraged me to pursue a career in a similar profession, so I obtained a BSc in Psychology.
“I worked for a year after university and then went back to do my foundation course in art before going on to study design. I worked in a skateshop at weekends and during the holidays to stop me from getting into too much debt.
Sometimes you might choose the wrong path, but never ever give up.
Speaking from your leadership experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue a leadership role in the workplace?
“What I love about being in charge of the design of Gemology magazine is knowing that something I’ve created (with the help of our amazing editor, photographers, models, gem experts and so forth) is going out to 70,000 Gemporia customers. It’s really quite rewarding, and we’ve had some lovely feedback over the years.
“Also, being part of the Creative Team, I love sharing my skill set and helping the more junior creatives to develop (although sometimes they can teach me a thing or two, especially when it comes to technology).
“When I started out, roughly 20 years ago, graphic design was a male-dominated industry, but times have changed. There are three female designers and two male designers here at Gemporia.”
Which powerful women inspire you?
“Anyone being vocal about the climate crisis, animal liberation and all things anti-oppression - selflessly going out of their way to educate people and help make the world a better place.
“People such as Dr. Jane Goodall (a primatologist and anthropologist that aids conservation in Africa), Aph Ko (Founder of digital project Black Vegans Rock), Rooney Mara (an animal rights activist and charity worker supporting empowerment programs for families in Nairobi slums), Leah Doellinger (Founder of animal activist community Meat the Victims), Stella and Mary McCartney, Billie Eilish and her mum Maggie Baird who recently founded The Support and Feed Initiative, which aids charitable organisations such as children’s charities and domestic abuse shelters in their fight against homelessness.”
One of the main missions of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements. What personal/professional achievement are you most proud of?
“It sounds quite small in the scheme of things, but it was turning my awful decked garden into an edible garden with my daughter. We started it at the beginning of lockdown, and finally got to use our vegetable beds last spring and picked our first plums and various berries in the summer.
“There’s something really satisfying about eating fruit, vegetables and herbs that you’ve grown yourself. It’s also great for the environment, as well as your mental and physical health.”
Who are the powerful women in your life that you would like to highlight?
“My friend Tara Coomber, of the Eden cut, is an absolute rockstar. She’s a goldsmith and self-taught lapidarist. She pretty much built her own jewelry-making and lapidary studio, with three children to keep alive as well.
“I also have to mention a miniature woman - my ten-year-old daughter, Willow. She’s a drumming, mushroom-hunting, litter-picking, vegan eco warrior. She’s being tested for dyslexia at the moment so she struggles a bit with certain subjects at school, but she doesn’t let it define her at all.
“She’s such a grafter, an absolute ray of sunshine and completely bananas. She definitely gives me a glimmer of hope for the future - I just wish that everyone cared for the planet as much as she does.”
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the extraordinary roles that women have played (and continue to play) in the development of our world, and to reflect on the progress made regarding gender equality.
However, the day is also a call for a change in the way millions of women around the world are still treated, and to break the bias surrounding gender stereotypes. Women are highly qualified and highly skilled in countless fields and sectors, and their talent and determination deserves to be acknowledged.
Do you have a leading lady in your life? Show them how much they mean to you with a gift from our wide range of Diamond and Gold jewelry.
