International Women's Day 2023
Here at Haarlem Mill you’d probably be surprised to know that we have several fantastic companies producing everything from stunning wedding dresses to unique glass blown light fittings. It’s a hive of activity! But most importantly all of these businesses are headed up by women! We think this is no mean feat, so on #internationalwomensday, we’re saluting the industrious and creative women of Haarlem Mill businesses!
Here are the amazing ladies and a little bit about the businesses they run and who inspires them the most!!
Helen & Natalie - Haarlem Mill weddings & events
Nat and I have been in business together for over ten years and in all that time, there has never been a harsh word between us! We’re definitely more than business partners though…she’s been there through all the highs and lows of life for me and has even changed my baby’s nappies and picked up my dog’s poop over the years! I think we work so well together because we’re so completely different! We once did a personality test which confirmed this so well! Like chalk and cheese!
We had been running our catering business together for five years when we made the decision to open up our own wedding and events venue. It was mainly prompted by the desire to work in an environment that wasn’t knee deep in mud, had water on tap and more than one power socket!
Thankfully all these boxes have been ticked, and we’re now into our sixth year at Haarlem Mill. In spite of the two years of basically being shut down due to Covid, both businesses are still going strong and continue to grow.
All the women here at Haarlem Mill inspire each other to succeed. We have a team of mostly women and as leaders, Nat and I believe that flexibilty, compassion and trust are vitally important in creating a productive and happy workplace.
Instagram @haarlemmill1
www.haarlemmill.co.uk
Sarah - Horseshoe Dried Flowers
Horseshoe Flowers is a dried and preserved wedding floristry design studio set up by Sarah Ogden. The company was set up to give couples the opportunity to be able to have unique and stylish wedding flowers that they are then able to keep after their wedding.
Specializing in preserved roses and foliage, as well as pampas grasses and bright color palettes, Horseshoe Flowers offers everything from wedding bouquets to floral installations.
My most influential woman is my Sister, Rachael, who not only rocks it as a company MD, she is also my biggest cheerleader and gives me the most invaluable advice (personal as well as business related!)
Instagram @horseshoeflowers
www.horseshoeflowers.com
Esther Patterson - Designer & Director - Curiousa
I design for hand-blown glass lighting and run my business, Curiousa, at Haarlem Mill. I literally started in a caravan on my drive so can’t believe we’re now in our 13th year and Curiousa employs twelve people. I originally trained as a graphic designer but my love of art and craft started at home. My mum surrounded me with gardening, craft and painting all my growing up years. So if I were to highlight a woman on this day it would be her. I wouldn’t be designing lights and have this glass lighting business if it wasn’t for her enthusiasm and wonder of nature, painting and making.
Instagram: @curiousastudio
www.curiousa.co.uk
Amanda Graham -Jewellery maker
I make unique pieces of jewelley using sterling silver, gold and an alloy of copper and silver (shibuishi).
I have a PhD in chemistry, which informs the processes I apply to my work, particularly enamelling, which lends itself to experimentation. One woman whose work I applaud is the artist Rachel Ignotofsky, whose pieces pay tribute to women’s accomplishments in science.
www.amandagraham.co.uk
instagram: amandagrahamjeweller
Sarah Jennings - The Mobile Framer
The picture framer that comes to you.
Following a career in teaching, I had the opportunity to go back to university and explore my love of art and making. After graduating I opened a small gallery in Crich and added the framing the following year. I really enjoyed the framing as it combined my love of art and craft, so decided to focus solely on it. I’m now in my 12th year of being a picture framer, no day is the same, I get to meet many different creative businesses and see some fantastic artwork which I thoroughly enjoy.
Inspirational woman: Barbara Hepworth
Instagram: @sarahjennings67
Jess - J Austin Designs
J Austin Designs create bespoke florals and embroideries for weddings and events, specialising in high quality and unique blooms for your big day! My most influential female would be my Mum
Instagram - jaustindesigns
www.jaustindesigns.co.uk
Astra Slater - Haarlem Bridal
My business is creating bespoke bridal wear for the modern bride looking for a dress with individuality. I like women to feel empowered in what they wear, to look and feel amazing on the most special day of their lives
The most influential woman in my life is my wonderful Mum who has always inspired and supported me to work hard and follow my dreams
Instagram - haarlem_bridal
www.haarlembridal.com