This Monday, countries all over the world will be coming together to rally for gender equality and celebrate the achievements of women in honour of International Women’s Day. Here three inspirational female CBD entrepreneurs tell us what it means to them, the women that inspire them and why we should all be lifting women up.
Louisa Birkhahn, founder of Matcha Union.
What does International Women’s Day and this year’s theme #choosetochallenge mean to you?
I think that this year’s theme encourages everyone to go further, push a little more, challenge the norms and opinions, not just in relation to us women and what we can do but also our impacts on society and our environment e.g. can we find a more sustainable way to produce? How can we generate an even bigger impact?
Who are the women that inspire you?
Any woman that looks at another woman with kindness and support is an inspiration for me.
Have you faced any barriers in your career?
I think when starting a business or with anything really you can experience barriers anywhere, anytime. I learned not to stress (I still need to become better at this), to stay focused and to keep on going following the main goal to help overcome these most of the time.
Why is it important for women to start their own businesses?
It allows us to take full control, maximise impact and rule the world.
What would you say to any young woman who is thinking about starting their own CBD business?
Do your research, find a niche, start small and be persistent.
What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?
Owning a shopping mall and hotel including a shop that sells beauty with the brand name Briar – a mix of mine and my friend’s last names. We made plans for every store and room on 200+ blank pages.
How important is it for women to lift each other up?
It’s so important and I wish we would see more of it – less insecurity, more support.
Kim Smith, director and co-founder at KLORIS.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Celebrating and lifting up other women, not feeling bad about celebrating myself and a commitment to educating myself about the ongoing gender inequality.
Who are the women that inspire you?
Anyone just trying their best each day, particularly those juggling families and work during this pandemic. I feel you!
Have you faced any barriers in your career?
Yes, I have – mostly the perception about what I should be doing when I made the decision to start KLORIS based on my previous careers in art and music. My main way to overcome it is to work harder and smarter than anyone, be more prepared than anyone and then politely give any doubters the middle finger.
What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?
So many things, I was such a dreamer. I still am. I have done most of what I wanted to do and still enjoying ticking off the list. The main thing I wanted was never to have a boss.
How important is it for women to lift each other up?
The good energy bestowed upon someone else creates a positive cycle. We all need to support others for our own good.
Gemma Colao, co-founder of OTO.
What does this year’s IWD theme #choosethechallenge mean to you?
For me, it’s turning our challenges into our successes, embracing female leadership strengths – with empathy, compassion and caregiving as powerful assets. By challenging ourselves to believe in our value and forge forwards with power and conviction.
Who are the women that inspire you?
Anita Roddick from The Body Shop is a real inspiration. She found hemp before everyone else believed in it. I’m also inspired by all of the women around me on a daily basis – we are very female balanced at OTO and I am proud of how we support each other, especially during the recent Covid-19 challenges.
Fundamentally though, the number one inspirational woman in my life is my mum. She is the most caring, inclusive, smart, refreshing, fun-loving women I know. She didn’t believe in barriers and always encouraged me to do anything I wanted.
Have you faced any barriers in your career?
Launching CBD products into the market comes with obvious challenges. From a female perspective, the drinks industry in particular is still very male-dominated. I have found that women in the industry bring a fresh perspective, supporting one another, in what is quite an old industry.
Why is it important for women to start their own businesses?
When women rise, we all rise. It’s such a joy to see so many female entrepreneurs knowing their own value and thriving as a result – women who really authentically believe in what they do and have real vision. I encourage all women to really believe in their worth and what they want to achieve.
What would you say to any young woman who is thinking about starting their own CBD business?
Setting up any business is challenging – you really have to have a core belief and passion in what you are doing to get through the tough times. My best piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who challenge you and bring different opinions to the table. Also, ensure that you have good scientific grounding.
How important is it for women to lift each other up?
I am so fortunate to be working with the most incredible group of women, both internally at OTO and externally with our agencies and ambassadors. Wellness is at the core of our ethos and we encourage an open dialogue – lifting each other up and supporting each other. It is so important for women to encourage and empower one another.
At OTO, we have recently launched a virtual self-care toolkit called ‘Find Your Space’, with thoughtfully curated self-care practices, talks and more to lift people up while at home. Our community can tune in and find a moment for themselves – be that meditation, an inspiring talk or an energising yoga practice.
