Any day that singles out a minority can often be contentious, rather than celebratory, but this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #InspireInclusion, would be hard to find fault with.
As a creative team, we’re constantly looking to the world around us for inspiration, and indeed those who inspire inclusion. You can find role models anywhere, from people you’ve met along your professional or personal journey, those you watch or listen to, or those who lead the way in a brighter future. At The Brand Marquee, these are the women who inspire…
Margot Robbie
This Barbie is a role model… for our Campaign Operations Manager, Vicky.
To many, she’s the face of countless films, well-known for her acting gravitas and undeniable beauty, but did you know Margot Robbie is also a Producer and a feminist icon?
A vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in the entertainment industry, Margot’s production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, actively champions projects that amplify female voices, celebrating female storytellers, with leading female characters and stories that challenge stereotypes.
“Female power isn’t confined to one stereotype. It’s about embracing your individuality, owning your ambitions, and supporting one another in our diverse pursuits.” Margot Robbie
In the world of film, Margot Robbie is a powerhouse. She both produced and acted in the highest-grossing film in Warner Bros. history, (Barbie, $1.45billion), she’s been nominated for every award going (for her work both off and on screen), and she’s leading the way alongside the likes of Emerald Fennell, Greta Gerwig and Reese Witherspoon for making women, their lives and their stories the plot, rather than the footnote.
Off camera and away from Hollywood, Margot is also a UNICEF ambassador, actively supporting initiatives that empower young girls and women worldwide, advocating for access to education, health care, and equal opportunities.
Emily Weiss
Founder of beauty and skincare brand Glossier, Emily has created a cult brand and digital community which was inspired and influenced by her beauty blog “Into the Gloss”.
Glossier is our Creative Graphic Designer, Jules’, favourite beauty brand, from their incredible products to the brand’s visual identity and impressive marketing strategy.
Glossier started as an e-commerce beauty brand and has been disruptive in changing the way the industry works, with huge customer influence. Strong marketing and visual identity with an emphasis on natural beauty has challenged traditional beauty standards in the industry. Glossier’s social media marketing strategy has made it the “beauty brand for the generation Instagram”, with lots of user-generated content, the “Glossier girl” persona has made this brand authentic and approachable.
“Glossier pink” has become synonymous with the brand, presenting a strong aesthetic and beautiful visual imagery, allowing for fresh and natural marketing on socials and their website, their packaging design is simple and strong, and their interior store design is incredible!
It’s an inspirational brand visually and for the positive message of beauty as their ethos. What Emily Weiss has created with the brand Glossier is inspiring and influential in many, many ways. She has created an empowering and incredible beauty brand that is inclusive and celebrates personal differences of women.
Dame Stephanie Shirley
Dame Stephanie Shirley, born as Vera Stephanie Buchthal, is a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for social inclusion, and a great choice by our MD, Susan.
As the founder of Freelance Programmers in the 1960s, later known as Xansa and then acquired by Steria, she revolutionised the male-dominated tech industry by predominantly hiring women. Her company primarily employed female programmers, breaking gender stereotypes and providing opportunities for women in a field where they were traditionally underrepresented.
Dame Stephanie’s inspirational journey also stems from her personal resilience and determination. A Jewish child refugee from Nazi-occupied Austria, she arrived in the United Kingdom as part of the Kindertransport program. Overcoming adversity, she forged a successful career and became one of the UK’s wealthiest women.
In addition to her business success, Dame Stephanie is renowned for her commitment to philanthropy and social causes. She has consistently championed inclusivity and diversity, using her wealth to support various charitable initiatives. Particularly, her focus on neurodevelopmental disorders and autism reflects a dedication to encouraging understanding and acceptance of individuals with diverse abilities.
Her impact extends beyond her professional achievements, making her an inspirational figure for those seeking to promote equality and inclusion in their own workplace.
Frontline Carers
Inspiration can come in all forms, and for our newest team member, Beth (Campaigns and Digital Content Manager), it’s the people she knows and loves.
“On International Women’s Day, I am deeply inspired by every woman contributing tirelessly to our NHS and health care system.
My best friend is a paramedic, and my aunt is a cognitive behavioural therapist; they’re both incredible people. Every day, they’re navigating challenges that are beyond the comprehension of many of us; yet they persevere with unwavering dedication, hard work, and boundless empathy towards others.
Every woman in the NHS contributes to saving and improving lives, and the world would be a very different place without them. They inspire me every day.”
Taylor Swift
Arguably the most famous woman in the world right now. At The Brand Marquee, we’re absolutely swifties; a woman who thinks outside the box on how to own her work, finds new and unique ways of engaging with fans on a global scale, and advocates for what she believes in, well it’s hard not to love.
For Holly, Taylor is a huge inspiration. Coming up against what for many would be career ending hurdles, Taylor Swift has shown resilience in the face of adversity and come out all the better for it.
As its International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight that Taylor often addresses her struggles as a female artist. She’s spoken out against the double standards that many face in the music industry, including the vocabulary used to describe actions taken by both men and women, ”strategic” vs “calculated”, “react” vs “overreact”. This culminated in yet another hit for the singer “The Man”.
Taylor has been an advocate for victims of sexual assault, following her own legal battle where she sued a former radio DJ for $1, and subsequently made a substantial donation to the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organisation founded by Mariska Hargitay that supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Her donation and public stance on the issue aimed to help raise awareness and support for victims, encouraging them to speak out and seek justice.
Currently embarking on the highest grossing tour of all time, surpassing $1 billion in revenue (which a few of us at TBM are lucky to have tickets for), riding high on the success of her re-releases and new music, Taylor is a shining example of what it means to be a modern woman. Unapologetically talented, fiercely independent, persevering, with the generosity and positive influence that is impacting millions of people worldwide for the better.
Paula Scher
Paula Scher, a visionary in the world of graphic design, is inspiration to our Technical Director, Jordan Scott. With a design career spanning decades, Paula redefined the visual landscape but also shattered creative boundaries. Her innovative and bold approach to design, often characterised by vibrant colours, dynamic typography, and a keen sense of storytelling, has left its mark on the industry.
Since 1991, Paula has been a principal partner in the New York office of Pentagram, where her journey began as an art director in the 1970s and early 80s. The world’s largest independent design agency is the most fitting home for someone of Paula’s design pedigree.
Jordan studied her work during his graphic design degree, focusing on visual identity and typography. Her work has stayed with him since, and he’s recently enjoyed the documentary of her work on Netflix ‘Abstract: The Art of Design | Paula Scher: Graphic Design’.
Jordan finds inspiration in Paula’s ability to seamlessly blend artistry with functionality, a quality that aligns seamlessly with website design.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, a woman of remarkable courage and resilience, is the choice of our Creative Director, Jay Gregory. Harriet’s spirit and unwavering commitment to justice and freedom have left an enduring impact on the world today. Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman not only emancipated herself but also dedicated her life to leading others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her extraordinary feats, marked by a series of daring rescues, reflect a profound understanding of the power of one person’s ability to bring about transformative change. Her determination, creativity in the face of adversity, and undeniable bravery is an inspiration for all.
Melanie Maynard
Melanie Maynard, the source of inspiration for our Campaign Operations Director, Heidi Jermyn, would be better known to many as Marcus Rashford’s Mum. Melanie, an extraordinary single mother, shows us true strength and dedication, balancing the demands of two jobs while lovingly raising her five children with values of kindness and conviction. Marcus describes his mother’s story and his admiration for her in his book for children, ‘Heroes’ which Heidi has been reading to her football-crazy 12 year old son.