It was discussed in our weekly meeting this week whether we should do something to celebrate the women in our business. (the employees are 100% female after all).
We put a pin in this to revisit, "Let me have a think and discuss early next week."
In all our communications, although the ideas and information we share are typically collaborative this time it had to be different, I couldn't ask Gemma to put together an article of self celebration (although this would be fully justified and encouraged).
No, this had to come directly from me.
I have always found writing coherent, purposeful and interesting pieces of marketing communications particularly challengingly. Let alone the time to do so and I am certainly not active on social media. I have relied on Gemma (and Lauren before this) to be me guiding hand which led me to reflect on really how much of the business and my life is dependent and inspired by the key women in my life, most recently in Spiritbridge.
Spiritbridge is a young business, it started just 3 years ago and my first hire was Ange who has been integral to its early success and continues to be an unwavering support. No task is too big or small and we honestly wouldn’t have moved on to the further stages of growth if Ange hadn't been their in the early days of the business. From a background in the legal sector Ange has learned the complicated landscape of spirits production at pace and now can handle everything from conversations about label winding details to, GPI's , the CRT, DPD and ROPP.
Most of this knowledge of course hasn’t been trained by myself, it comes from our production lead Jackie 'Toots' Tootle who joined us at a time where we had support enquires coming out of our ears and I was in desperate need of additional spirits production expertise. With a CV and reputation like Jackie's I hired her in a heartbeat and thankfully I did. Jackie's network and knowledge in spirits production and bottling is exactly why we setup spiritbridge and is herself a synonym of our business tagline 'expertise, distilled'.
Jackie's team now comprises of Ange and our most recent addition, Silan who joins us with a wealth of experience from working at global flavour house Doehler and I am excited to grow our NPD and Liquid development expertise as well as additional support within production planning and forecasting.
Aurelija joined the team specifically to support one of our key clients and her attention to detail, passion for process and diligent attitude have meant that in area that we expect to be slower growth is already hiring its own team! To say that if Aurelija hasn’t boxed off her task list by 1pm she is pissed off would be an understatement. Aurelija is a force that gets shit done so she can focus on improving the business processes and assisting in other areas.
It of course hasn’t been plain sailing over the last 3 years. It has been an extremely turbulent economic climate and for an independent business born out of the requirements of another business (that I am employed and hold a small shareholding of) and remains an important client of spiritbridge, this relationship has been particularly difficult. Through 2 failed acquisitions and an ongoing attempt to sell the lease of the hospitality business Gemma has been an unbelievable support. Gemma is more positive than me, (which is saying something) 100% motivated and has truly improved this business immeasurably already (and with all the change and challenge hasn't really even started.) Being a mother of twins I am sure has prepared her for the ongoing state of flux in the business decisions and plans which seemed almost daily at the toughest of times. The care and attention that Gemma puts into the channel plans, marketing documents and delivery you would think the brands were her own but it simply comes so naturally from her years of experience with the' top of class' spirits operators.
All this doesn't come as much of a shock, I am no stranger to inspiring and driven women. My closest friend of many years has of course built not only 1 but 2 impressive businesses over the last 3 years in the toughest economic climate I have seen and hope to see in my business career. Both Ten-locks and Pod Pea Vodka are truly impressive and certainly testament to Becky's passion, commitment and flair. To have developed not only a growing distribution business with an awesome selection of premium spirits brands in such a small amount of time but concurrently develop a creative, beautiful and truly delicious spirit brand carving a niche in an existing spirts category and have an eye on environmental impact is beyond impressive. For anyone with a keen eye on the spirits industry Becky is certainly one to watch. -> Follow Becky here.
Finally as it has nothing to do with Spiritbridge but also everything to do with spiritbridge! My partner Rachel who has not only been the most crucial support to this business in not only my mental health and wellbeing but equally building her own impressive business at the same time. In a sector I am not familiar with, Rise and Wild has been impressive to watch. From the thought and process that goes into delivering the weekly yoga classes to the more involved and rewarding work Rachel does in access to nature facilitation, wild retreats and wellbeing days its incredible to see what is frankly an under-appreciated and recognised business flourish.
The whole extended team and its clients make spiritbridge what it is. Despite the fact that we are often solving production crisis at high stakes or working to tight deadlines, and dealing with some of the most challenging parts of spirts business it is an absolute pleasure to work on, day in, day out and thanks to all these wonderful people for that!
So should we say something for International Womens Day! Yes, we absolutely should but I like to think we celebrate it every day in our privileged position so this year we will simply be donating to The Pankhurst Trust.
https://www.pankhursttrust.org