First celebrated on 19th, 1911, and later transferred to 8th March, the idea of an International Women's Day was inspired by America's National Women's Day, February 28, 1909, declared by the Socialist Party of America.
Over 100 years later, annually on the 8th March, the globe joins forces to celebrate the holiday.
On this day, we commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements and contributions of women and girls around the world.
This IWD is focused on “gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow”.
Here at POW we strive for a equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination against not only gender, but race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and mental health.
We want to create a world that's diverse, inclusive and equitable, where difference is valued and celebrated.
For this year’s International Women’s Day, we would like to pay tribute to the incredible women who founded POW, along with some ingenious and innovative women who POW have come to know.
We asked each woman a series of questions, to gain insight into their daily routine, work life, and inspirational stories. We picked out some of the best answers in hope of providing you with some encouragement, motivation and positivity.
If they can do it, so can you!
ALI WARBURTON & EMILY WARBURTON-ADAMS
The dynamic mother-daughter duo, Ali and Emily founded POW Food in 2018 after establishing a gap in the market for high quality, deliciously healthy food for offices and events in London and beyond.
With over 35 years combined experience in catering and events, Ali started her career in London in 1988 by founding The Artisanal sandwich company "Bitesize” for office delivery and in 1988 Ali was the first person to put a jello shot into a pot and sell it as a solution to the big venues such as Ministry of Sound and Hacienda not being able to win an alcohol license. The brand - The Original Jello Shot was sold throughout the UK, Spain and The Alps.
Later Ali set up one of London’s most notable high-end events companies ‘Ravenous’, specialising in A-list events and high end photographic shoots.
In 2018 Ali was thrilled to join forces with her eldest daughter Emily, who’s passions lie in nutrition and sustainability after leaving a career on Super yachts to study as a Health Coach in 2016. With a social media following of over 150k, Emily uses her platform to align with impact driven, sustainable companies and speak about Mental Health and Lifestyle.
On a united mission to provide great food, full of flavour and nutritional value to London and beyond, award-winning POW Food donate 30p of every purchase to their Charity partner, City Harvest and now sell to both businesses and homes.
Can you name a time you are glad you ignored logic?
A: “In 2018 when we first started in the corporate world, it seemed only pockets of forward-thinking companies cared about the food they offered their staff and clients. We felt we were maybe too ahead of the curve to exist. Now we find ourselves in a place where pretty much every company cares about the quality of the food they offer, as well as the health and well-being of their teams. And we are well equipped to provide them with exactly what they want and need!”
E: “At the start of COVID when we imagined it would only last a few weeks and most companies around us shut down. We pursued through, did a lot of charity work and pivoted our model over the year - and are so glad we did as definitely wouldn’t have survived, never mind be in the position we’re in now had we run with what seemed logical at the time.”
What keeps you grounded?
Both : “It has to be said that it’s spending time with friends and family, getting out of London some weekends and walking the doggies. Being able to switch off, change your environments and get a different perspective on things is so important when we live in such a fast paced City and job role.”
SHONA VERTUE
Shona is an Australian personal trainer and yoga teacher. Shona has a whopping Instagram following of over 400k and one of the most popular yoga Youtube channels in the U.k. Shona's method, developed during her decade of teaching, combines weighted resistance training and cardio with her life-long passions - yoga and meditation – placing just as much importance on rest and recovery as hours in the gym in the pursuit of fitness.
The Vertue Method is now practised in over 65 countries around the world by thousands of people and encourages clients and fans alike to acquire new skills whilst training; to play and have fun rather than focus on aesthetic goals and punishing routines.
What currently pushes you out of your comfort zone?
“All the activities/sports I do at the moment are not things that I am 'naturally' good at so I find myself outside of my comfort zone everyday. Those things more specifically are Freediving and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They are, at the best of times, scary and confronting but this quality helps me to stay focused and present (these days it's all too easy to be distracted and NOT be present).”
DONNA IDA THORTON
Jean Queen Donna Ida Thornton is the creator of DONNA IDA, the denim based fashion brand. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Donna Ida Thornton moved to the UK in 1999 for a career in marketing when she spotted a gap in the market. While out shopping one day Donna realised she couldn’t find anywhere to buy jeans that she felt truly comfortable in. So when a friend suggested that Donna should launch a denim brand, she did exactly that.
In 2012 Donna launched her own denim based fashion brand DONNA IDA, which GRAZIA magazine hailed as ‘Jeans Genius.’ The collection was inspired by Donna’s grandmother Ida who was known for her style in rural Australia.
How do you deal with uncertainty?
“If I have to question something then I don’t do it.”
GALEY GRAVENSTEIN
Galey Alix Gravenstein is a Wall Street finance executive, catering to the needs of independent broker dealer financial advisors and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) throughout Florida.
In January 2020 Galey founded her weekend side-business, Galey Alix Design where she films herself renovating and designing people's homes on the weekend as a complete surprise to them. She posts videos of the process & the family's reactions to her social media. She runs this weekend business, in addendum to her Goldman Sachs business during the week, and currently has over 3.5 Million followers on social media.
Can you remember a time when you were glad you hadn't listened to advice?
“When I first started in finance, I was working in a call center and an older gentleman called in and asked me for a ticker symbol. I was having a hard time starting my computer as it was the first call that morning and I had to stall him for a minute as my computer was booting up. After it was finally up and running and I got him his answer, he said, "I'm going to give you the best piece of advice you've ever heard. You need to get up, get yourself a big cup of coffee, and walk right out of this industry because women don't belong in finance and you're clearly horrible at your job." I went to the bathroom, cried (a lot), composed myself, walked back out to the call center floor (which had 72 men and 3 women, including myself) answering calls. I decided then and there that I wasn't only going to stay the course, but I was going to be the best at whatever position I was in. Less than a year later I was recruited out of the call center to work at the largest, most prestigious investment firm in the world into a role that was about 10 years ahead of my experience level. I've been there ever since and I've never looked back, except for sharing this story, because it reminds me of the best worst advice I never took.”
ANGHARAD GEORGE-CAREY
Angharad is an actor, writer, podcaster, documentary filmmaker and production company founder.
In 2019, Angharad launched her podcast, ‘Daddy Issues’ which explores and confronts fatherlessness, and the potential link between success and the loss of a father, encouraging guests to share their stories. The podcast quickly received recognition and praise, appearing in Vogue, The Financial Times, Dazed, i newspapers ‘Top 50 Podcasts to Listen to Now’, Blow Out Magazine, and Jameela Jamil’s platform, I Weigh.
How do you manage your work-life balance?
“I have to have the mornings to myself - even if it's 20 minutes - to just recoup from the night and assess my day ahead. I also need (at least) two nights a week where I have
a bath, read my book, listen to some juicy investigative podcast or watch something totally unrelated to anything to do with my work, which is tricky seeing that most things are films, tv shows or documentaries. I also make sure I see old friends and family who have nothing to do with work. I never used to prioritise this, and would socialise most of the time with people in the same industry as me as I thought that was the best thing I could do for my work, but I've realised that as much as that is needed and enjoyable (and of course you can have true and best friends within that), you need to totally switch off and be with people who literally don't give a toss what you're doing (or not doing). It's the same thing as keeping yourself grounded really. It also, to be honest, gives you a fresh perspective when you go back to your work anyway. Whatever you do, you need to give your brain some time off. I am not one for doing this naturally, but have learnt I will suffer in the end if I don't. Long walks, hot baths, and friends and family who don't want to ask you what you're up to at work (unless you want to talk about it). Heaven.”
We will always celebrate women's achievements and aim to raise awareness against bias, in hope of creating a more equal society in the future.
We wish everyone a Happy International Women’s Day and hope that this coming year brings you an abundance of happiness, health and success.
POW Food x