When we met these four kick-ass women last year, we knew we wanted to share their inspiring stories. So, we brought them together to discuss their work, their busy lives and, of course, their shoes!
So, what unites a scientist, an author, a charity fundraiser and a foster carer? It started with the hard work, energy and dedication that each devotes to their area of expertise and it ended in a studio filled with laughter, warmth and sass. Jan, Susie, Julie and Amanda brought infectious energy to our studio – we’re certain you’ll love them as much as we do – please meet our Inspirational Women.
A foster carer for over eight years Amanda has impacted hundreds of young lives. She is a voluntary counselling assessor and is involved with a listening circle group. Amanda’s partner Rob is the one that counts to her as they support each other (with plenty of fun along the way!) through their fostering journey.
“My weekends are about the kids; we are never quite sure who will be with us from one week to the next, so we are usually quite spontaneous with what we do. I love that I have an excuse to see all the latest kids’ movies at the cinema though!”
“Having comfortable shoes is a real priority for me. We go out and about such a lot, I just need to be comfortable.”
Susie is the founder of Women of Spirit, a community that aims to support women who want to make their world a better place through their online group, retreats and workshops. The people that count most to Susie are the incredible women who have bravely shared their stories in her anthologies in order to help others get through their challenges.
Susie is the founder of “I don’t have much time for hobbies, but I do love to read. I love to dance when the opportunity and occasion arise, and I relax in the evening by watching films and drama. If I didn’t have photography as a profession, I’d have it as a hobby.”
“I walk everywhere I possibly can so the comfort and the cushioning, and the fact that Hotter shoes fit properly, are just perfect.”
Shop Now
Sadly Julie has lost three sisters-in-law to breast cancer so vowed to raise £1,000 for the charity Breast Cancer Now and has since raised over £1 million. She’s most grateful for the wonderful women in her voluntary group who have supported each other through the ups and downs to smash her fundraising target.
“At the age of 50 I unwittingly became an entrepreneur. I left teaching and set up ‘Move it or Lose it’; teaching exercise to older people. I made DVD to help class members stay active at home and it became so popular that I went on to make four more DVDs and wrote a book called Stay Fit for Life.”
“Some days I just don’t sit down so I’ve got to have something that’s comfy and then I can keep on the go all day.”
Shop Now
Dr Jan Peters is a scientist championing gender equality within science, technology, engineering and mathematics, who in 2017 was awarded an MBE. Jan really values the lifelong friends she’s made whilst campaigning for better safety clothing for women. This diverse and dynamic group have come together to organise vital events, mentor programmes and conferences.
Dr Jan Peters is a scientist championing gender equality within science, technology, engineering and mathematics, who in 2017 was awarded an MBE. Jan really values the lifelong friends she’s made whilst campaigning for better safety clothing for women. This diverse and dynamic group have come together to organise vital events, mentor programmes and conferences.“I’m really passionate about enabling people to see their potential but particularly in science and engineering.”
“My shoes have got to be comfortable but they’ve got to have style, they’ve got to go with the outfits I wear.”
