Celebrating Women and Accelerating Action
International Women's Day (IWD) is a significant occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. It is a day to honor the resilience, strength, and determination of women who continue to break barriers and drive positive change in their communities. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," calls for a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in all spheres of life.
At 17 & Central, we proudly embrace this theme by fostering an environment where women are encouraged, celebrated, and empowered. With a strong presence of empowered women on our team and a thriving community of women entrepreneurs running businesses within our centre, we are dedicated to accelerating action towards gender equality.
On this special occasion of International Women's Day, we would like to shine a light on three remarkable women who exemplify the spirit of #AccelerateAction and inspire others through their dedication and passion. These women have graciously agreed to share their experiences and answer three fun questions, showcasing their journeys and how they empower other women.
Victoria Cozens – Co-founder & Director of Perky Blenders
What inspired you to start your own business and what has the journey been like so far?
The idea for Perky Blenders was born around our kitchen table in 2015. At the time, my first son was just 11 months old and I was looking at returning to my IT role at a large law firm in the city. We started by serving coffee at local events and markets locally at weekends. Word quickly spread that specialty coffee had arrived in Waltham Forest, and as more people wanted to enjoy better coffee at home, our online business naturally took off and we to this day have subscribers that were with us from the start.
Do you have any advice for other women in Walthamstow looking to start their own business?
Walthamstow is full of inspirational women—don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you admire locally for advice or support. Networking events are also a fantastic way to connect and collaborate. I’ve found local events like Hive Collective, founded by Nat Harrison and Carmel King, to be invaluable. They do incredible work championing local businesses through their events.
If you had a superpower to support women worldwide, what would it be?
My superpower would be called Spark of Inspiration, and I would share it with women worldwide—empowering them to create change through the people and stories that inspire them. Whether through storytelling, leadership, or leading by example, this spark has the power to uplift individuals and transform the world for women everywhere.
Laila Saleem – Operations Manager at 17 & Central
What inspired you to pursue a career in managing the operations of a shopping centre, and how has the journey been for you so far?
Having spent 11 years on Oxford Street in retail, I wanted to try something a little different but still allowing to be a part of a retail environment, focusing on customer service and compliance. 17 & Central is my local shopping centre and I grew up visiting the centre with family, buying my school uniform from BHS, running up and down the ramps as a child and visiting the market. Managing the operations of the centre as an adult makes that little girl extremely proud of how far she’s come and the daily impact her actions make to the customer journey and safety of our tenants and guests.
What’s one small but powerful way you encourage or uplift other women in your daily life?
I believe the little things matter. Taking a few minutes out of your day to say hi and ask how someone is. Listening to them. Engaging. I also uplift others by celebrating their milestones and achievements, no matter how small they may be.
If you could choose one fictional female character who we should take inspiration from, who would it be and why?
Katniss Everdeen from *The Hunger Games*. Her bravery and ability to lead in dire circumstances, her perseverance to never give up. She is resourceful and determined, compassionate and empathetic. She is also not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and what is right. She is a true leader, for the people.
Nicola Duncan – Manager at CRATE Walthamstow
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality, and how has the journey been for you so far?
Hospitality has always been a passion of mine, as I love creating memorable experiences for people. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, filled with opportunities to learn and grow while meeting amazing people along the way.
What’s your favourite way to celebrate the achievements of women around you?
I love organizing small celebrations or gatherings where we can acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and accomplishments of women. Whether it's a casual get-together over coffee, a themed party, or a more formal event, these gatherings provide a platform for women to share their successes and support one another. It's all about creating a supportive community where we uplift each other, celebrate milestones, and inspire one another to keep striving for greatness. I find that these moments of recognition and camaraderie can have a lasting impact, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among the women in our community.
What’s your go-to song that makes you feel powerful and ready to take on the world?
"Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé. It's an empowering anthem that always fills me with energy and confidence.
At 17 & Central, we believe in the power of women to drive change and create a better future. This International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make our community thrive and continue to #AccelerateAction towards a more equitable world. Join us in honouring their achievements and supporting their journeys.
