Newark's female business owners celebrate International Women Day and talk about their experience in the business world

Female business owners in Newark have shared their thoughts as women in industry as part of International Women’s Day.

The woman, who all run successful businesses, say they still suffer prejudice, and that is why International Women's Day is important.

The owner of Rocket Retro clothing shop at The Arcade, Maxine Hoole-Jackson has been self- employed for 15 years, initially as a hairdresser and currently as owner of the indie retro shop.

“International Women’s Day will always be important to show appreciation to the women who fought for our rights and died doing so,” said Maxine.

“We still have a long way to go as women’s rights in the workplace, especially with female health issues, the menopause and the changes a woman endures during this time. The difficulties of the menstrual cycle and holding down a full-time job.

“These issues are all overlooked. Childcare issues are left to the female and no employer is understanding of it.”

Despite running a successful business, Maxine admits that she has felt the prejudice as a female business owner, mainly men doubting her business skills.

She said: “I get a lot of middle-aged men trying to tell me how to do my job as if they know more than I do. I do think it’s because I’m a woman and they seem to think I don't know what I’m doing.

“I just ignore the comments or counteract with my own knowledge.”

The owner of Gracegentle, in Middlegate, Denise Starkey, opened her business in 2011, inspired by her grandmother, Grace Gentle.

Denise believes that today’s celebration is important as it celebrates women achievements globally.

As a business owner, she believes that, despite gender, business comes down to the person and its beliefs.

“It doesn't matter what gender you are, the main thing is to believe in yourself, your ideas and ability and with determination, hard work you will achieve," she said.

“Personally, my past career was in a male-dominated corporate world, but that didn't hold me back.

“I had a successful career then as both women and men have different qualities which they can bring to the world of business. And now as an owner of my own independent business I see no major difference, we both have the same desire to succeed.”

Lucretia Henry-Brewin, owner of Village Chic in Castlegate, started her business 20 years ago, when the industry was male dominated, however, she admits that it wasn’t hard to start her business and that she is proud of all her achievements as an entrepreneur.

Having moved countries, the Portuguese designer and owner of Petit Versailles, Hajira Kemari started her business in Stodman Street nine years ago.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own business but always been too frightened to take a chance. It was my husband who always encouraged me to take the first step.

“As a woman I feel like I’m not taken seriously often. I believe that there’s still the idea that women are inferior to men.”

Hajira thinks that International Women’s Day is a vital day that celebrates women and affirms respect and their place in society.

Women in positions of power are currently seen in society, however opinions can easily vary on the difficulty of reaching the top.

Some will experience a softer path whilst others will have to climb multiple stairs and deal with prejudice on their way up.

Hajira said: “There’s still that prejudice against women but as it is said, behind every successful man there stands a woman”