At The Soho Lighting Company we break the mould in terms of gender stereotypes. When recruiting, our core consideration is talent and, as such, we have a team of highly intelligent and creative men and women. The women’s roles span all levels and skillsets within the business - from electrics, carpentry,  welding, design and craftmanship, warehouse operations and management to marketing, sales, sourcing, interior design, and business strategy. There is nothing the women at The Soho Lighting Company cannot do!

To celebrate International Women's Day and showcase the talented women driving the business forward,  we interviewed some of our team about their role in the business and what International Womens’ Day means to them.

Lee Lovett - Co-founder of The Soho Lighting Company

What do you like most about working at The Soho Lighting Company?

At Soho we share a passion for producing beautiful lighting and I love the exciting, creative and collaborative culture that has developed. We did not set out to break gender stereotypes, however, through valuing and recognising people based on their talent and capability we have attracted an incredible team of women who are excelling in roles often considered unusual for women.

Who most inspires you?

Without question, my family. My grandparents and parents taught me that I could achieve whatever I wished to if I was prepared to put in the work. I now have four young women in my life who continue to teach me things and I am consistently inspired by them.

Lili - Operations Supervisor

What does International Women's Day Mean To You?

It means a lot to me. Even though it exists because women have been oppressed, it shows that there is an appetite globally to change this and I’m optimistic about the future.

What are your passions outside of work?

One of my passions is interior design, which is another thing I love about working with The Soho Lighting Company. Lighting is a key aspect of any interior and one that is often overlooked. I also love being outdoors, and surf and wakeboard as often as weather permits!

Mollie - Warehouse & Customer Services Operator - trainee electrician

What do you like most about working at The Soho Lighting Company?

There are so many opportunities to develop your career in any direction you wish to take. I had never considered becoming an electrician until I joined Soho and their full support and training is facilitating my future along a new and exciting path.

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?

Do what you want to do for yourself and don't let gender role expectations hold you back!

Nicole - Channel Marketing Manager

Who most inspires you?

The powerful, strong females in my family. My grandma always used to say "keep breaking those glass ceilings". She always pushed me on to do more and achieve more.

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?

The biggest risk is not taking the risk. Uncertainty can be uncomfortable but it's the only way to get to a happier life. Never settle for less than what you are worth and believe in yourself!

Heather - Operations Manager

What do you like most about working at The Soho Lighting Company?

Every day if different, there is always a new challenge most of which are overcome because we work as a team, everyone wants to do a great job and are proud of what they do.

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?

As I’ve got older you realise you should just be yourself, never let someone tell you who you should be or what you should look like and find time in life to do something just for you.

Erica - Supply Chain Development

What does international women's day mean to you?

 We say Women hold up half the sky.

Who most inspires you?

My mum.

Ray - Administrative Operator

What do you like most about working at The Soho Lighting Company?
I like that even though our company sells internationally and is a big name in the industry, the team behind all of the hard work are such a close-knit workforce, almost like a family. 

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?
If you have a goal set, aim for it, and aim high! Because you can do anything.

Amy - Sales Manager

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

For me International Women’s day is a time to celebrate women and how far we have come. It is also important to use the day to push topics out to be discussed and raise awareness surrounding the continued areas of inequality.

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?

Be strong and stand up for what you believe in, empower and lift other women around you.

Who most inspires you?

My parents inspire me the most, both have successful careers and have shared all the family roles equally between them my entire life. Along with both being successful in their respective careers they still have an amazing social life and friendships they have built together, and are still together 30 years on which is not always that common now!

Charlotte - Warehouse & Customer Services Operator

What does international women's day mean to you?

For me, international women's day is an important day that signifies the achievements and triumphs that women have faced throughout the history of civilisation. It is a day that promotes the equality and empowerment that women have attained, bringing women together from across the globe and uniting all that stand in opposition to gender inequality. 

What do you like most about working at The Soho Lighting Company?

I appreciate the increasing presence of women in the workplace and particularly the Warehouse at Soho. The team is friendly, kind, and hard-working and promotes a fantastic working environment.

What piece of advice would you give to any woman?

Never let anyone determine your personal goals in life, especially if it concerns being oppressed by the surrounding society through conforming to social pressures and norms. 

A big thank you to some of the wonderfully talented women at The Soho Lighting Company who have shared their personal stories with us. You are amazing and we look forward to building on our inclusive and diverse workforce as we jouney forward.

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