Published on 5 March, 2026
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the women who inspire us every day in our homes, communities and workplaces.
At Beyond Retail, we’re lucky to work alongside some incredibly talented women across every part of the business, from marketing and merchandising to customer experience and operations.
This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, is about sharing knowledge, lifting others up and recognising that when women support each other, everyone benefits. So we asked some of the brilliant women in our team to share a little about themselves, their advice and the trends they love (or love to avoid).
Sam, 33. Interiors enthusiast, 97% coffee and animal lover
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? I live and breathe all things design from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? It's an opportunity to bring global solidarity and pay homage to those who have fought tirelessly and sacrificed so much to even bring us to where we are today. And let's face it, there's still SO much more left to do.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? I would tell my younger self to trust the process. Rome (and all good things for that matter) wasn't built in a day and your greatest achievements won't be either!
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Template new layouts out using a cheap roll of masking tape and always view potential colours/tiles in the room itself - lighting can completely change a colour!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Not too keen on the Scandinavian hype, prefer something with a touch more personality.
Obsessed with: The trend of using dark and moody colour palettes, give me deep greens and burgundy every day of the week.
Rhianne, 27. Book-lover, vinyl collector, and unashamed dog mum to a crazy Shih Tzu
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? As a social media manager, I curate all of our social feeds (my Pinterest screen-time is at an all time high), manage our lovely community, and work with our creators on their bathroom and kitchen renos!
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? The short answer is that we still haven't reached gender equality in the UK. It's so important that we continue to bring awareness to the cultural imbalances that often mean women have to work harder for equal opportunities and fair representation. IWD is a reminder that reaching gender equality is a collective effort, but it's also a day to celebrate women's achievements and keep inspiring action.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? Keep standing up for what you believe in, educating yourself and others, and making sure your voice is heard (even when it's scary to speak up).
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Check out our Instagram, Pinterest & TikTok for inspiration, obvs!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Unfortunately I can't get on board with all-grey interiors.
Obsessed with: My current obsessions are colour drenching and checkerboard tiles.
Nicole, 34. Mum and dog mum, snow and Japanese car lover
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? I work as a trade account manager, which means helping all our trade customers big and small with their bathroom/kitchen requirements.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? Women should still be celebrated for everything achieved in the past that got us to where we are today and everything we must continue to strive for in the future. There is still so much about being a woman that is overlooked/needs more research etc.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? Don't let anyone stop you from achieving what you want to achieve. No one has the right to dim your shine!
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Measure twice and check again - and no matter how many people you ask, the colour will only be right if you choose it!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love? I don't really follow any trends, I like to be a little bit different from the norm haha!
Amy, 31. Animal lover, fuelled by caffeine, good books and weekends on the golf course
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? I work within the operations team, optimising the courier journey, supporting returns, and proactively updating customers to ensure a smooth, reliable delivery service.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? It's a day to celebrate women who inspire us, reflect on how far we've come and keep pushing to build a more equal and supportive world.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? Trust yourself, speak up, and don't shrink to make others comfortable. You're more capable than you think.
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Measure twice, order once. If you love colour, use it!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Black painted coving/skirting boards is something I'll never get behind.
Obsessed with: I love the idea of having a fun, bold statement basin!
Katie, 41. Carer, mum of 2 and lover of baking
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? Working in finance, I'm the guardian of the 'final step' - ensuring our suppliers are paid accurately and our customers receive any refunds promptly.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? For me, International Women’s Day is about visibility. It shines a necessary spotlight on the 'invisible gaps' that still persist - like the fact that women still shoulder the majority of unpaid care work and earn significantly less over their lifetimes. It’s a day to celebrate the massive progress we’ve fought for, but also to observe that true equality is still a long way off. We honour the past by continuing the work for the future.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? A 10-year plan is just a sketch, not a rulebook. Allow yourself the freedom to evolve naturally. Grab opportunities with both hands and remember: the only thing worse than a 'wrong' turn is the regret of never turning at all.
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Renovating taught me one major lesson: your future self will thank you for setting a budget early and getting obsessed over the details. Always track your spending in real-time because in any project, the 'unforeseen costs' are the only thing you can actually count on!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Concrete basins. Just not for me!
Obsessed with: Sage Green with natural wood. It’s transformed my kitchen into a sanctuary, and the bathroom is next on the list.
Noemi, 29. Step-mummy to 1 and mum to 2 fur babies, dance teacher by day and banger racer by night
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? As a trade account manager, I ensure my customers have a great and positive journey when placing orders with us.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? To celebrate and honour the women who have raised and shaped me into the woman I am today.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? Never listen to self doubt and always trust your instincts. Don't let fear win!
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Have a plan and ALWAYS triple check measurements!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love? I have never been one to follow trends and tend to do my own thing! Although, I do like Panelling.
Sue, over 50. Loves wine, chocolate and antiques (not just my husband)
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? I work in the sales team here at Beyond Retail.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? To empower women and recognise their worth
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? Everything will be ok, just follow your gut.
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Double your budget!
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Neutral Decor
Obsessed with: Pink
Vicky, 34. Slave to a toddler and the rugby pitch
What does your role involve at Beyond Retail? I lead our strategy for looking after our people at Beyond Retail.
Why is International Women’s Day still important today? IWD isn't just about highlighting inequity (which still exists), but is also about celebrating our achievements, and celebrating women across all fields and across all walks of life.
#GiveToGain: What advice would you give your younger self? You don't have to try and be a certain type of person to fit anyone else's expectations of you. You can wear ribbons in your hair on the rugby pitch. You can be a boss without being a b*tch. Be comfortable being yourself, and what's right will fall into place.
One tip you’d share for anyone about to renovate? Make sure your pinterest board matches your lifestyle. The look and feel and mood is important but long term you need vibes AND practicalities. Otherwise you'll end up resenting the space no matter how pretty you've made it.
One trend you won’t touch and one you love?
Won’t touch: Smart toilets. I'm just not convinced (and if I'm honest, a little scared!)
Obsessed with: I'm very into the natural materials vibe; wood, stone - it feels very calming and spa-like.
International Women’s Day isn’t just about one day of recognition - it’s about continuing to support, listen to and uplift the women around us all year round.
We’re proud to work with such an inspiring group of people and grateful for the knowledge, creativity and perspective they bring to Beyond Retail every single day.
IWD takes place on 8th March 2026. Find out more and get involved: www.internationalwomensday.com.