IWD 2024: Women Who Inspire Us
As we approach International Women's Day each year, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable women who have shaped and inspired us.
That's why we wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight - on the incredible women within our team, on our supportive Jojoba-loving community and the women who inspire them.
From trailblazing entrepreneurs and industry pioneers to activists and artists, these individuals embody the spirit of empowerment and serve as inspiration for us all.
Join us as we celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of women around the world.
Co-Founder Vicki Engsall
"A woman who has inspired me is my late mother-in-law, Ann-Marie. Throughout the 5 years that she suffered from ovarian cancer, she inspired me with her strength of character and consistent positivity until the very end. One big thing she taught me, which I still live by today, is to be reminded how lucky we are to grow old. Growing old is a privilege that was denied to her and many others.
As women, we're often hyper aware of the signs of getting older, perhaps stretch marks from pregnancy, a wrinkle here and there or loss of elasticity - but we often forget that these come with the privilege of getting older.
Ann-Marie taught me to be grateful for every birthday and to celebrate that I get to live another year. Every birthday I am thankful I am still healthy and alive. I am not embarrassed of my age but proud of it, thanks to her."
Bean Bunch Member - Gail
"I am inspired by my late mother-in-law Daisy. She brought up five boys on her own and worked two jobs to care for them. Daisy treated me like the daughter she never had, inspired me, her laughter was contagious, she was strong & determined. Daisy gifted me her engagement ring - I am forever grateful. My love for her is endless."
Digital Marketing Manager - Pia
"I have just finished the book Heartstrong by Ellidy Pullin (@ellidy_) and I was truly amazed.
She lost her soulmate and life partner early in life. But despite the loss, she didn’t give up and still had their child and kept going.
I admire how she made the best out of a challenging situation and kept her positive thinking alive. She is truly a woman we can learn something from."
Bean Bunch Member - Diaferia
"I am inspired by my sister. Through the years she has always been there for me, supporting my decisions, including the one to move to the other part of the world to live and follow my dream. She always finds a way to make me feel loved and supported, even when life has been very challenging for both of us!"
Office Manager Keira
"A woman who truly inspires me is Martina from NerdForge. Martina embodies resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passions, making her a remarkable role model. Martina's creativity shines through in her work, fearlessly exploring new ideas, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to do the same.
Moreover, Martina's authenticity and openness about her experiences resonate deeply with me. She shares not only her successes but also her challenges and setbacks. Through her transparency, she creates a supportive community where others feel empowered to embrace their own journeys, flaws and all.
In essence, Martina is more than just a content creator; she is a beacon of inspiration, empowering others to pursue their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and make a difference in the world."
Bean Bunch Member - Angela
"I am inspired by my late Mum, for all that she did. She was beautiful, caring, selfless and an amazing role model. She always put everyone else first, even when enduring very difficult medical issues, where she was very sadly taken from us."
Social Media Executive - Isabella
"A woman who inspires me is Lillian Ahenkan, AKA Flex Mami. Not only is she incredibly articulate and intelligent as a person, but she's made waves as a talented slashie in the media (Author, CEO, TV Host, Radio Host, Designer and DJ!)
She's a true advocate for learning more about yourself and the world, trying new things and going after your goals with intention. I admire her confidence, dedication to her craft and her authenticity in an industry often characterised by superficiality and pretence."
Diego, Business Development Manager
"I am inspired by Leonor Espinosa. In the fiercely competitive world of gastronomy, where kitchens have often been considered male-dominated, Leonor Espinosa stands out as a beacon of inspiration. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable feat by being crowned the best female chef in the world according to The World’s Best 50 Restaurants list by William Reed.
Espinosa’s journey has been one of passion, dedication, and social impact. Her mission is to revive and celebrate ancestral Colombian recipes—a culinary heritage that had been overlooked for far too long. This commitment led her to establish her restaurant named Leo.
However, Leonor Espinosa’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. She recognised that her success was indebted to the knowledge passed down by others—the unsung heroes who shaped her culinary prowess. Many of these mentors were women heads of households, navigating the challenges of their profession while striving to provide for their families. Espinosa’s empathy and determination prompted her to take action.
In response, she founded a foundation that transcends culinary excellence. This foundation has become a lifeline for countless women in the Colombian Caribbean region. By empowering them with culinary skills, financial literacy, and business acumen, Espinosa has lifted many out of absolute poverty. These women, once struggling to make ends meet, now find themselves with renewed hope and a second chance at life.
Leonor Espinosa’s legacy is not just about exquisite dishes; it’s about transforming lives. Her unwavering commitment to both her craft and her community serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs, women entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in the power of food to create positive change.
Business Development Coach - Kerrie
"I am inspired by Sarah Stockwell. I had the privilege of reporting to Sarah and she is truly one of a kind. Professional, kind, inspirational, smart and a true businesswoman. Sarah has a heart of gold and a passion for life that inspires so many. I have learned so much and am proud to be able to call her my friend."
Senior Graphic Designer - Immy
"I am inspired by my great-grandmother. I’m lucky to have known her right up until her death late last year. I am inspired by her strength, grit and resilience that served her throughout her traumatic past.
I am inspired by her marriage to my great-grandfather and the love that they shared. Married for 65+ years, they still enjoyed watching movies together until the very end. She passed only four weeks after my great-grandfather died. While no one is perfect - and my Nana certainly wasn’t - her sometimes stubbornness and selfishness inspired me to be better within myself, and to look upon everyone’s experience with kindness.
Her mind stayed sharp to the end, and that in itself is inspiring. She is the most strong-willed woman I have ever known. She made a lot of mistakes, but she did her best, and that to me is always enough."
