27 Feb 2025
International Women’s Day, which takes place annually on 8th March, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also emphasises a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
To mark International Women’s Day 2025, St Albans City Centre BID asked female business owners in the BID area to share their experiences and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Sarah Gillow, Director, Galio Jewellers :
“I’ve worked in both a large corporation and for myself, 40 years on I have seen things for women and mothers change a lot.
When I lived my corporate life and had a family, the challenge of finding balance was difficult to achieve. Prior to the arrival of my family, I felt little or no gender inequality. The company culture didn’t allow for it to be a thing, I was lucky. As long as you could do long hours, extensive travel and network the sky was the limit.
The inequality came when I had kids, the balance just wasn’t there. Senior management expected the same level of commitment, working from home was not an option and there was no flexibility or understanding of my changing priorities.
Now remote and flexi working are the solution. I loved the buzz of working, my solution then was to take a risk, to make my own rules and branch out into business with my husband.
Before you start any enterprise you have to make sure you do the research. Planning and preparation are key, your knowledge will give you the power and confidence to succeed.
It’s risky but you make your own timetable, you have to be disciplined and organised, but that’s true even if you work for someone else.
Be honest with yourself and your employer about how much you can commit – manage expectations. Negotiate the level of commitment and be strong.
Always have the courage of your convictions, if you believe it, you really can achieve it. Celebrate your successes – don’t hide your light.”
Galio Jewellers
4 George St, St Albans AL3 4ER
