International Women's Day 2022: We meet some of the women who are changing the face of Metquarter Liverpool

On International Women’s Day, meet some of the women who are changing the face of Metquarter Liverpool.

IT was tennis star Serena Williams who said: “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another, we’re strongest when we cheer each other on…”

And with that she scored another ace.

Today is International Women’s Day when we celebrate women’s achievements across the world, in the hope of encouraging others and promoting equality and positive change.

So we met some of the strong and successful women who are making their mark at Metquarter Liverpool…

Karen Edwards is one of the creatives at The Art Quarter, a collective of local artists who originally formed in 2015 for the award winning ‘ONEart’ in Liverpool and produce a variety of work from paintings and jewellery, to glasswork and greetings cards.

She loves the support and atmosphere at Metquarter: “It’s a smashing place to work, and it feels great to be a part of it.”

Metquarter Liverpool

International Women’s Day is a chance, she says, to ‘stop and reflect on all the strong and powerful women who have helped us get where we are today whilst never receiving recognition for their own achievements’.

Karen adds: “It’s good to take time to do a bit of research on these women and then look for, and support, other women in business, perhaps by buying from them or recommending them to others. Give credit for their hard work!”

Fairytale Endings makes sure we all get to be Cinderella at the ball, with its luxurious collection of prom, party, bridal and evening dresses.

Fairytale Endings’ Gill O’Neill says Metquarter’s environment with ‘lots of like-minded, independent businesses and customer base’ is perfect for her brand.

Gill O’Neill (fifth from right)

And she says IWD is hugely important: “Women are often overlooked in business and are still encountering a glass ceiling and lower pay in certain areas, so it’s important for women to feel empowered to follow their dreams, and also to celebrate their success.

“There are many wonderful creative, entrepreneurial women that deserve celebration!”

Lauren Casey is from Smudge Boutique, a family run independent store bringing the best of established and new designers from around the globe to Liverpool.

Lauren loves Metquarter’s oasis in the middle of the city offering everything from fab fashion, food and coffee, and even film.

Lauren Casey (left)

She says International Women’s Day is vital in celebrating women and what they have accomplished: “Women don’t always shout about what they do and, even though we love the men in our lives, there is a huge disparity between men and women’s pay scales and recognition in a whole host of industries.

“We are a mother and daughter-owned business, run by women for women, and we’re really proud to be here.”

Nina Patel is from the GPO Food Market, which showcases the best in up-and-coming food and drink talent in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, and thrives on Metquarter’s ‘sense of community’.

She says it’s essential to highlight and celebrate International Women’s Day: “It helps people recognise the incredible achievements of women globally, especially in the hospitality industry, no matter the background.”

Urban Calm is the centre’s premier day spa offering everything to get you party ready along with perfect pamper treatments to help you escape from the pressures of life.

Nicola Byrne from Urban Calm says Metquarter is a hive of hustling female-led businesses which support each other personally and on a business level: “From Jennina in the main office, to Traci at Kids Cavern, The Say it with Diamonds girls, Justine in Cricket, Francesca Couture, and Nina at GPO, we know all we need to do is send a WhatsApp and any help will be there. It feels good to be part of that support network.”

Nicola Byrne (right)

And she adds: “As female entrepreneurs, as mums of daughters, and as employers of a large team of women, this day has such significance: a day where we celebrate our strengths and our achievements, but also where we inspire young girls.

“Seeing positive female role models helps our next generation believe they can achieve their dreams.”

Say It With Diamonds is a jewellery business set up by two mums who decided to team up together. In the beginning, they worked from home, but soon realised they were going to have to look for a separate space as they became so popular! After other locations, in 2019, the business opened its store inside Metquarter Liverpool.

Charlotte Donoghue, co-owner of Say It With Diamonds, says she loves their shop in the Metquarter as it’s such a nice atmosphere throughout the year: “With so many different businesses, it is a lively and welcoming environment for all our customers old and new.”

Charlotte Donoghue

When taking about International Women’s Day, she adds: “It is important to us as we are a female based company and love to empower other women and make them feel amazing with our jewellery. No matter what the budget, age or style you have, we truly believe Say It With Diamonds has something for everyone.”