International Women’s Day: Words from our Leading Ladies 

 

This International Women’s Day, we wanted to share some words of wisdom from our female leaders here at Joe Browns. At Joe Browns HQ, our female leaders are experts in their field – so it’s never been a better time to appreciate the advice from the leading ladies that got them to where they are today! 

 

 

 

Jane Reik – Buying Director 

 

 

 

Who is your female role model, and why? 

I don’t have one woman, there are too many to mention! I read Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls to my daughters and its full of inspirational women.  

My mum is the one woman who’s always pushed me and believed in me, and she’s achieved some pretty amazing things too! 

 

What is one piece of advice you would give to empower women? 

 Be yourself, everyone else is taken and never compare yourself.  

Be proud of your “feminine” energy and don’t try and become more “male” as you start to climb the career ladder. 

 

What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? 

Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything, laugh more, Dance more and enjoy the ride. 

 

 

 

Tracey Hepton – Marketing Director 

 

 

 

What is one piece of advice you would give to empower women? 

Do right and fear nothing. If you always try to do the right thing, you can move forward confidently knowing everything is going to be ok. It’s very empowering. 

 

What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? 

Just be yourself.  Don’t compare yourself to others (minimise that social media browsing!) and never try to be someone you are not.  You’re fine just the way you are. 

 

What is your proudest achievement? 

Being a mum and juggling quite an important and busy job.  Both need 100% commitment and it’s a real balancing act to get it right, especially with 13 and an 18 year old daughters!  I don’t always get it bang on right, but I think I’m doing ok. 

 

 

Alison Rycroft – Merchandise Director 

 

What did you want to be when you were younger?  

I always wanted to be a pilot! 

 

What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? 

Have more confidence in yourself.  

 

What is your proudest achievement? 

Raising a family and juggling a career that meant I was away from home a lot – all the while I was also building a house! 

 

 

 

Shannon Berry – Head of PR & Social Media 

 

 

 

What did you want to be when you were younger? 

Without question, a Spice Girl. Not particularly any one of them (although if I had to choose it would’ve been Baby Spice), just the 6th member. I think the Spice Girls provided such a powerful message for young girls at the time, each leaned into to their individuality and personal style, stood up for what they believed in, weren’t afraid to be outspoken, tried new things and challenged norms, all with a sprinkle of mischief. 

 

What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? 

All the popular kids end up being boring? I’m joking! Although I think that would’ve made my younger self smile or feel a little more confident. 

 
I’d tell her to just be herself. Embrace all the silliness and adventures. Strike up conversations with strangers… not the odd guy rocking at the bus stop… but people along your travels - that’s where you learn the most valuable lessons and create the best connections. Just squeeze every last bit out of life and its opportunities because this isn’t a practice run. 

 

What is your proudest achievement? 

My proudest achievement isn’t one single moment, although reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and completing the London Marathon were both challenging bucket list ticks. The thing I’m most proud of is my resilience. I’ve faced challenges in the past – personally, professionally… some I’ve even signed up for(!) and I like to think I tackle everything head on. I pride myself on my strength and determination, and I’m grateful for my stubborn streak – it comes in useful. 

It’s so important to focus on the end goal and stay true to my morals, and I like to think I achieve that most of the time. 

 

 

 

Rachel Vickers – Head of Quality Control 

 

 

 

Who is your female role model and why? 

My grandmother.  She was always the rock of the family; never complained about anything and was always there to offer the best advice!  She was also the person who kick started my passion for making clothes which has led me to where I am in my career.  I can remember sitting at the dining table with her as a child while she made my outfits for dancing shows.  I was in awe of her ability to make “princess dresses” from pieces of material and bits of ribbon! 

 

What women inspire you most and why? 

Women who are honest in how they handle their lives.  Women who never pretend to be someone they’re not to “fit in to society” or in an effort to progress.  Women who are just unconditionally proud of who they are. 

 

What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? 

Don’t listen to people who try and drag you down for their own personal gain. They are only jealous. Believe in yourself and be proud of your achievements.  You are enough! 

 

 

We hope the leading ladies of Joe Browns have imparted some words of wisdom this International Women's Day. Our mission from Joe Browns is to create the clothes that make you feel as remarkable as you are.

No matter who you are, we hope you feel empowered this International Women's Day.

 

Joe.