In celebration of International Women’s Day, we have asked our eight most inspirational floral friends to share their most important life lessons with us.

Monica Vinader is the founder and Creative Director of celebrated international jewellery brand, Monica Vinader, and long-time floral friend of FLOWERBX. Monica understood early on that women want to buy themselves beautiful jewellery that celebrated longevity and conscious craftsmanship. She launched her eponymous brand in 2008 and has grown it into a global business, all whilst celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and quality. Monica’s other mission is to also always lift up other women, and she has served as a wonderful friend and inspiration to FLOWERBX founder, Whitney.

We are pleased to hear Monica’s thoughts on building her business along with the challenges she has met along the way.
Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader
 

Advice for women starting their careers?

What I would also tell my daughter: give it a go, don’t fear failure ( or fear it but do it anyway) work really hard, focus on what really matters and makes you happy

Key to success:

Gratitude and appreciation for what you have.

What has been your most pivotal career moment?

Finally starting a business of my own, taking the plunge, and being able to convince my sister to join me – I am a born entrepreneur, and working for others was a good learning, but it all changed when I set up my own brand and my own business, based on what I believed passionately was important.

How do you balance your work and life? Is this important?

I don’t think I have ever been good at this, as I love my job, I have always dedicated so much to my work, even when it was not my own brand, because I have been lucky enough doing what I love. This has become more important to me, particularly during lockdown, I have developed a better routine, prioritising more self-care, doing my breathing and meditation and walking regularly every day, making sure I don’t totally exhaust myself.

Secret work weapon:

A very good memory

If you were a flower, what would you be, and why?

A hydrangea. It is such a generous flower, and comes in so many joyful colours. It does well in the rain but loves a bit of sun, and its pretty hardy!

Favourite flower:

Hydrangeas, peonies, tulips.

“There have been many challenges in business in general, but I do sometimes feel I have had to work that extra bit harder to prove myself.”
MONICA VINADER
 
 

Monica Vinader
 

Mothering style?

I hover between being very permissive (I have a very sensible capable human as a daughter) and trying to sort everything for her.

What do you hope for the future of women in business?

I hope when my daughter starts her career we will be a much more inclusive society, and that includes women. This question will be about people in business, regardless of gender.

Your personal mantra:

Do not put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today

Three qualities you look for in people you hire:

Smarts, hunger, curiosity

What would you like your leadership legacy to be?

I hope our team will feel they can do anything because we have achieved so much and that ambition is a good word. It is possible to grow a strong business without compromising your values and principles and create something that is extremely positive as well as profitable

How would your team define you in one word:

Hopefully inspiring, but probably exhausting

Most inspiring woman:

My Mother

You sign off correspondence with:

Monica xxx

In a bid to support women across the UK who are struggling to find a job or losing hope for the future, we're donating £5 from every bunch of yellow flowers we sell to the Prince's Trust #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign in the lead-up to International Women's Day (February 16th - March 8th), because no woman should feel left out. They will receive vital help and support to re-build lost confidence and move forward into employment, further education or to become self-employed, working with a mentor for a fresh start and a much brighter future. The Prince's Trust (registered charity England and Wales 1079675 and Scotland SC041198).

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