In light of International Women’s Day earlier this month, Rainy City Agency hosted their ‘Women in eCommerce’ Manchester Shopify Event last week.
The event bought over 100 women together to share their knowledge and expertise on working in a male dominated industry and building a brand.
Missed out? Here’s a recap.
From Lifestyle Brand to Agency Life
The night kicked off with Rainy City’s CEO and Founder sharing her journey from moving to Barcelona to start a lifestyle brand to being the founder of the first female-led Shopify Plus Agency in Europe.
Rebecca discussed how she often attends events where people assume the business is not hers whilst others closer to her commonly refer to Rainy City as her partner's business.
The key takeaway from the presentation was although it’s come a long way, more can be done as an industry to further the progress for women in the sector.
Building a Brand
Sue Souter, Associate Director of Jargon PR and Victoria Shuttleworth, Founder of Hugo & Me joined Rebecca on a panel to discuss building a female founded brand.
Sue shared her journey with Jargon PR and highlighted the decision to sell and take a step back from her role as a particularly challenging time in her career. She also mentioned how whilst her friends were retiring and slowing down, she has continued to build Jargon PR and stay in a senior role.
Victoria started Hugo & Me when her son Hugo was born with eczema resulting her struggling to source clothing which didn’t aggravate his skin. Whilst also working her day job as a scientist, she founded the brand which continued to grow. When asked what she’s learnt from her journey so far, Victoria explained how it’s okay to delegate your time to where it’s needed whether that means having to sort extra child care or take a step back from work.
Both Victoria and Sue have had experiences of others around them suggesting they may be doing too much, would this be the same if it was a male in the same position?
From Horses to Partnerships
Victoria Locking represented the event sponsors Reviews.io by delivering a presentation on how she went from graduating with a degree in Equine Management and Science to a career in Saas tech as a Partnerships Manager.
Victoria shared with attendees how important it is to have the right guidance from a mentor.
Supporting Work Smart
The event concluded with a charity raffle to support Smart Works, a UK charity which helps women with the resources and expertise they need to find employment and get on the right track.
Three prizes were up for grabs donated by Rainy City, Jargon PR and Reviews.io which included strategy sessions and website design and development work.
