International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the women who we come across everyday, the ones who make us laugh, the ones who support us, the ones who continue to inspire us… we couldn’t think of a better place to start than right here at MMHQ!

As a 38-strong female team, we wish we could sit down with each and every one of them because to us every single employee who walks through our doors brings their own uniqueness to make Merci Maman what it is today but we had to select just a few to chat all things womanhood with. These three women are known around the office for always being upbeat and positive which drives our teams to continue to be imaginative and ambitious every day.

Alix Stanworth: Country Manager UK/USA/Rest Of World

Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself. 

I’m Alix and I am the Country Manager for the UK, USA & ROW.  I’m married to my husband Stan and we have 2 girls Lottie 5 and Maggie 3.  We also have a Westie called Mac.

What does being a woman mean to you? 

Being a woman today means strength and perseverance.  Working full-time and having children is a privilege that my mother and grandmother weren’t able to have.  Women today are appreciated and admired for their willingness to succeed and though we still face challenges and there is still much room for improvement, we as women stand together and continue to fight for our rights and continue carving the path for our daughters and granddaughters.  

Who is the woman that you look up to and why? 

There are so many women I look up to.  I have a strong group of girlfriends who I admire for so many different reasons whether it’s them being successful in their own careers or the strength they have shown in really challenging times.  It’s my friends and family that have helped grow who I am today and I feel very lucky that I have been surrounded by strong women. 

In your own words, how does Merci Maman support women and their own individual needs?

Merci Maman is a truly special place to work being surrounded by women (38) and different nationalities it is inspiring.  The team in the London office are really supportive, there is always somebody who can offer advice  and you are truly encouraged to join in, in conversations.  Everyone is equal and that is a refreshing environment to work in. 

Can you give us one piece of advice for women who are juggling work and their home-life? 

My one piece of advice for women juggling their work and home-life is, do what is right for you.  Don’t worry about other peoples opinions.  As long as you and your family are happy and healthy nothing else matters.  

What is the one thing you are proud of and why?

I’m super proud of my family, we are a team, everyone is happy and healthy and life is good.  Right now thats all I can ask for!

Anne-Sophie: Head of Digital & E-commerce

Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m the Head of Digital & E-Commerce at Merci Maman. I’m a mum of 3: Lazare, Octave & Joséphine. I’m working full time but I have the chance to be back home on time to help them with their homework, which Is really important for me.

What does being a woman mean to you? 

A: Today’s women make their own decisions, are not afraid of expressing themselves and shaking things up. They are strong in plain sight.

Who is the woman that you look up to and why? 

A: My mother! She was working but also taking care of my sister & I. She did (as did my father of course) everything she could for her family and I’m so grateful and proud of her.

In your own words, how does Merci Maman support women and their own individual needs?

A: Merci Maman is in tune with women needs offering flexible working hours in line with their own choices: being there for their kids, going back to school or developing their own business.

Can you give us one piece of advice for women who are juggling work and their home-life? 

A: Don’t forget to take care of yourself to have the mental strength to manage everything and accept that sometimes you can’t do everything.

What is the one thing you are proud of and why?

A: My family. It isn’t 100% perfect but is full of love & laughter. 

Marysia: German Customer Services

Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself. 

M: I’m the girl that loves travelling, cooking and cinema…old style cinema though! I’m a girl who is aware of her flaws, learns from her mistakes and has a beautiful soul. My motto is “it will be fine, I will figure out something”. I strive to make sure that I am better than what I was yesterday.

What does being a woman mean to you? 

M: Being female can mean whatever you want it to mean. Emotional and strong. Valuable. Respected. Being a woman requires a strong surrounding female support system, giving and receiving support from other females in my life. I strive to be as kind and supportive to all the women in my life as I can, my family (not always easy!), friends (tricky sometimes) and colleagues (always easy!) because I receive a lot of comfort and love in return from them, and I think as a woman supporting the others in your life and making sure you have a strong group fuelled by love and affirmation is incredibly important.

Who is the woman that you look up to and why? 

M: It is important to have a role model,  someone who sets a good example and whose footsteps you’d like to follow. It doesn’t matter if they are a friend or family member or just someone you know.  I look up to my sister because she is very strong, smart and independent, and taught me how to stand up for myself. There is this special bond between us and I admire her for this. There is also my grandmother, Marysia, who I was named after! She was a young girl during WWII, worked very hard her all life, raised alone two beautiful souls, and at the age of 60, she went back to university to study and few years later ended up with a diploma.

In your own words, how does Merci Maman support women and their own individual needs?

M: Merci Maman employs women from different countries and different backgrounds.  They offer employees who are mummy’s a flexible contract, they value motherhood and that in turn gives me and other colleagues the opportunity to comfortably accommodate our “double life”. Also, with Alix, our office manager, mother of 2, we know that we can get all the support we need if our children get ill or if we would like to see Christmas Show at school. 

Can you give us one piece of advice for women who are juggling work and their home-life? 

Do ask for help and delegate! You’re not alone and you don’t have to prove that you are a wonder woman, know that you are anyway. Spend quality time with your partner but also take time out for yourself. 

What is the one thing you are proud of and why?

I am proud that since the age of 18, I am financially independent from my parents and manage to get my university diploma without help of anyone. 

10% of each sale made today on the UK Merci Maman website will be donated to our dedicated charity, the Little Roo Neonatal Fund.