AVOCA NEWS

International Women's Day

Jun 04, 2023

From head chefs to buyers, and baristas to merchandisers, at Avoca we simply wouldn't be where we are without our amazing band of women. Avoca has been empowering women for centuries, starting with the dynamic trio of Wynne sisters who took over the running of the Avoca weaving mill  in 1927. The three sisters, Emily, Winifred and Veronica, decided to start an Irish industry and contribute to the local economy. With their skills in textiles, weaving and business experience, they were well suited to take over, and were instrumental is creating the Avoca we all know and love today.

We continue to be incredibly proud of our predominantly female workforce, and to celebrate International Women’s Day we’re shining a light on just a few of the amazing women here, from suppliers to our very own designers and more.

When asked what International Women's Day means to her, Margaret O'Rourke from MoMuse says, 'International Women's Day is a time to focus on supporting women. Many of my friends are women in business, and I believe in the saying '‘Behind every successful woman is herself’.

We asked business partner sister duo Keira and Dairine of KDK what advice they would give to other women thinking of setting up their own business. They said, 'Start small, and get feedback from family and friends. Don't wait for everything to be perfectly lined up, it never works out like that! Just start.'

We asked our very own Avoca designer Vanessa Doyle what inspires her every day. She said, 'As a creative I'm truly grateful for the inspiration that surrounds me in the mill in Avoca Village. I can see why the Wynne sisters loved the place so much! Colour everywhere - from the red kites in the sky to the misty valley way down low, with hints of Spring peeking through.'

You can hear more about what International Women's Day means to some of the women at Avoca, as well as their own advice and sources of inspiration on our story highlight on our Instagram page here. 

Happy International Women's Day!