International Women’s Day 2021
Here at Noz, we’re wanting to join in on the celebration of women everywhere on this International Women’s Day – a focal point in recognising gender equality and the vast achievements women have contributed to our world. We happen to have some incredible women within our presence in our very own Noz crew – you can bet we’re keen to celebrate them!
And here they are…
Julie – Company Secretary/Mama Noz
Who inspires you and why?
I don’t have one woman who inspires me but all the ordinary woman who fought and died at a time when women were a mere chattel so that I as a female can vote.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Bringing two bright and wonderful children in to the world.
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
I don’t really look to who or what gender I read\listen to I just go with what I like.
Dream female headliner?
Already had them – Martha Reeves and Goldfrapp!
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Be proud of who you are but don’t think your view is the only view.
Ella – Creative Director
What woman inspires you and why?
Elizabeth I. I’m a total history geek and I don’t care. She was a woman who not only survived but thrived in a mans world!
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Well, Nozstock’s one of them!
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
I like the Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast. Interesting / girlie in car listening.
Dream female headliner?
Beyonce. She’s amazing and me and my eldest daughter would be in the front row!
Maddie – Assistant to Creative Director
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
There are some brilliant female-led artist platforms, more radio/mixes. BadGirlsClub UK and KittenClub!
Dream female headliner?
NAO, Lauryn Hill, Billie Elish, Becky Hill, Jorja Smith would all be amazing IMO also in agreement with Roisin although with Lady Leshur
Do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities and challenges, be fierce even if it feels scary, you will thrive and so will the people around you. Be you!
Roisin – Assistant to Creative Director
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Can I brag? My last solo show was about being a teenage girl, and it struck me I wouldn’t be able to make a show about that without talking about my experience with sexual assault. Speaking up about this was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done but it was so worth it, I enjoyed the touring and nice reviews and standing ovations because that meant I’d made a good show! BUT really the thing I’m proudest of is the moments I shared with the women afterwards who thanked me for helping them feel seen and heard and in the end, hopefully joyful and optimistic. Or where I helped open a conversation with men who may find it hard to talk about or may not have been part of honest conversations around how it truly affects their loved ones. Since the pandemic started and performances are literally illegal, I am currently working as a crisis worker for the NHS in a Sexual assault referral centre which ALSO makes me feel incredibly proud every day.
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
I follow the Curve Catwalk on instagram and I love them! And for vintage fiends like me, Whores of Yore and Historical Fat People bring me so much joy! I’d also recommend following the local organisations who work with woman, children and vulnerable people in your area. It not only gives them much needed exposure, but it means you’re looped in on what support is available for you or your loved ones if you ever needed it, what’s going on in the side of the world that’s not often talked about and if there are any opportunities to get involved or help out, you’ll find out first!
Dream female headliner?
Nadia Rose on Saturday night and Dolly Parton on Sunday night! I. would. DIE.
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
You are the only person who can do things the way you do them, you’re the only one with your experiences and personality and goals and ambitions. Don’t hide yourself away to fit into someone elses world.
Carly – Marketing Assistant
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I think I would have to say Nozstock. I started as an Administrative Intern 2 years ago now and have overtime taken on more roles and responsibility. I landed my first paid role last month and i’m now a Marketing Assistant!
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
@purplegirlscollective on Instagram! They’re made up of 5 female creatives from Bristol, navigating the industry for themselves and sharing honest content. I love their style and sass, ones to watch in my opinion!
Dream female headliner?
Wolf Alice! I don’t think I could fall out of love with their album ‘My Love Is Cool’.
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Keep working towards your goals, it can sometimes feel like forever to get to where you want to be in life, but when you get to the end it’ll feel so rewarding.
Rachael – Marketing Assistant
Who inspires you and why?
It’s got to be Dolly Parton, that woman is everything! She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, she’s obscenely talented, she does a shed load of charity work and all of this while top-to-bottom with rhinestones, what’s not to love?
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Landing the first paid job within the industry I love!
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
For books, anything by Zadie Smith gets my vote. Massive fan of the High-Low podcast too with Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes
Dream female headliner?
…Can I say Dolly Parton again?
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Know your self-worth, it’s so much more than what you think it is!
Cara – Ticket/Volunteer Manager
Who inspires you and why?
I don’t have a particular woman that inspires me but as an avid reader I am enthralled by those female authors who fought so hard to be heard and taken seriously in previous centuries when to be a woman was to be second rate in a male controlled world.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
When I took on the role of Ticket Manager I was absolutely terrified that I would forget to do something… getting through that first Nozstock with everyone having their tickets was a very proud moment for me.
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon series. All the women in her books are strong and feisty.
Dream female headliner?
Ooh, Kate Bush!
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Believe in yourself!
Kate – Cabinet of Lost Secrets Director
Who inspires you and why?
I’m going to say my Mum. She brought me up to always try to think outside the box, and nurture individuality. She listens to me endlessly when I’m feeling wonky, offering her wisdom and strength. She also has the most wicked dry sense of humour that keeps me sane. Margaret, you fabulous woman.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Planning and delivering the Cabinet each year keeps me pretty proud – and having the best core team – they make me proud. But I think I’m going to say that I’m proud to have made it (just) through this last year. Testing times but good for learning to be present, practise being mindful and realising the power of impermanence. I’m proud to be a strong woman.
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
I follow a lot of street artists on Instagram. Work by Rosie Woods & Sophie Mess is inspiring me right now.
Dream female headliner?
Nina Simone! 100%
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Be kind to yourself even in the darker times, show yourself compassion.
Anna – Comedy Manager
Who inspires you and why?
Bjork – a pioneering musician who has been releasing albums since she was 13, who also had her first son when she was 20 and took him on tour with her! She has also been open about learning and growing as a feminist and talking about how raising a daughter has made her reconsider things she’s said and believed in the past, which i think is rare for someone in the public eye.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Overcoming my debilitating addiction to Candy Crush Soda Saga.
What female-led books/podcasts/blogs/accounts do you recommend checking out?
Drive Your Plough over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk – an incredible mystery novel featuring one of the best-written, strangest, most human female protagonists I’ve ever read. Also: Kajillionaire by Miranda July. Weird gals all the way.
Dream female headliner?
I wanna see Joanna Newsom doing 15 minute harp solos on the Bandstand.
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Take every opportunity you can to be tender.
Emily – General Site Decoration Manager
Who inspires you and why?
Kirsty Burnside, Amie Randell, Toki Allison, Katie Llewellin, Julie Noz, Ella Noz, Stacey Haycock. Real women living real lives, really inspiring, every day, they inspire me to do better.
Dream female headliner?
Adele, fo’ sure.
Finally, do you have an IWD message for our audience?
Say nice things to yourself as well, not just to your friends!
Hope you enjoyed checking out the words of wisdom, headline fantasies and inspirations moulding our very own inspirations! Keep an eye out on our social media channels for an International Women’s Day announcement coming SOON! 👀
