This March at épanoui, we’re celebrating the women we love. With International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day falling this month, how could we not.
The list of women that we’re inspired by is extensive – in fact, it’s impossible to know where to begin. From Coco Chanel to Michelle Obama to , we could go on and on... However, here at épanoui we need not look too far to find women who inspire us DAILY, who fill us with love and keep us moving forwards.
Now, it’s not only me, Hannah, here at épanoui (I would have lost the plot a long time ago). If you’ve popped in to our bricks and mortar shop, you might already know this. So, for this blog, I’d like to celebrate THEM, the women of épanoui, and my team. Because without them... well, épanoui just wouldn’t be the same. They have truly helped us to ‘blossom, grow and flourish’.
So, we asked some of our team, Anna, Mary, Lorna, Liz (aka mum) and Emily, to share a little bit about themselves and the women that have inspired them for our lovely readers this month... Enjoy! x
Anna
I am an artist, mother of 2 fabulous boys and wife to a supportive husband. I was born in London and moved up to Bedfordshire during my childhood. I am self-taught and driven by my admiration of nature and its elegance. I predominately works in oil paint and pencil and uses precise and deliberate strokes to produce representational pieces of work. I am best known for my bright but calming, accurate and detailed paintings and drawings of people, wildlife and natural surroundings.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you
That's an easy one! My mum, she is most selfless person I know apart from my dad. I know I will never meet another person like her. As well as bringing up me and my 3 brothers and sister she has fostered children since I was 10years old.......now that's a long time!! She has fostered and adopted many children with disabilities and other difficulties. At 72 years old she is still looking after my adopted brother with cerebral palsy and my foster sister with special needs. She supports her friends and family all day every day.......her phone never stops ringing! She also beat breast cancer with such determination a few years ago. Its hard to put in words what she does for other people but to sum her up she was awarded an MBE (along with my dad, I'm very proud) for services to children and families.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Spend more time with your parents and grandparents...you don't have them forever! Relax and don't worry what people think of you...be yourself. Appreciate your figure, it won't be like that for long!!
Tell us which song makes you feel like you could take on the world
You've got the love by Candi Staton or Florence and the machine sung a great version.
Mary
I'm a retired HR Manager who loves walking, Pilates, a good read, spending time with family and friends and meeting all the lovely people who come in to Epanoui.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you
My mother. An independent, hard working, optimistic, patient and very loving lady who always put her family first. She believed that the most important thing in life is love.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
To have more confidence in my own abilities and opinions and not to take myself too seriously.
Tell us which song makes you feel like you could take on the world
Simply the Best by Tina Turner. Great to dance to.
Lorna
I am a jewellery designer/ maker inspired by the forms, textures and colours of my garden and travels. When not at the workbench you'll find me cooking, crafting and enjoying a walk with family and friends around Bedford.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you
My 5 year old daughter - Lottie. Her approach to life, enthusiasm, tenacity and wonder at the little things. Watching her creativity and imagination develop has been fascinating and sometimes frustrating - painting a thank you letter on her grandparents wall! but She has made me question my choices, relax about mess, push me to be the best I can be and enjoy the simple things that are part of our every day life.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Follow your dreams and be more confident. Now is the time to explore and learn from your successes and mistakes
Tell us which song makes you feel like you could take on the world
So many!
- independent women, destiny’s child
- missionary man, eurythmics
- beautiful day, U2
- black velvet by Alannah Myles oh so many and I am rubbish with remembering the names!!
Emily
I'm a twenty-something plant-lover, Marie Kondo addict and fiancé to my wonderful partner, Ryan. Born and raised in our lovely town of Bedford, I moved to study a Fine Art degree in Winchester before moving back to work at a local arts charity. Shortly after that, I met Hannah, and have been involved in épanoui ever since!
Tell us about a woman that inspires you
My little sister. She's the most determined, courageous and free spirited person I know. She inspires me to take on the world with feistiness and good humour.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Be unapologetically you.
It's okay to fail. Dare to fail BIG and fail HARD. Don't not try for fear of failing.
Tell us which song makes you feel like you could take on the world
Corinne Bailey Rae, Put Your Records On
Liz
I'm a retired Social Worker and proud mother of 2 daughters enjoying many interests including art, singing, upholstery, badminton. Being retired has given me the time to support Hannah in her épanoui adventure and an opportunity to meet many of you along the way who are also supporting her as loyal customers and friends.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you
Dame Cicely Saunders - born 1918
Best known in her role in the birth of the hospice movement. She was a qualified nurse, social worker and latterly doctor. She used her career path and those she met along the way coupled with her faith and sheer determination to establish the world's first purpose built hospice in 1967.
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Keep it simple. Do not live life in the pursuit of perfection as this can rob you of the many joys to be had along the way. Just be yourself.
Tell us which song makes you feel like you could take on the world
The Circle of Life by Elton John
