Search

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2020 with Emelie and Stephanie Tyler

The theme of International Women’s Day 2020 is #EachforEqual which celebrates that an equal world is an enabled world. At Purely Diamonds we know the importance of gender equality and we celebrate women’s achievements every day with our two female directors, Emelie and Stephanie Tyler, who, along with their father Stephen, are the heart and soul of the company.

Ahead of IWD2020, we sat down with Emelie and Stephanie to ask them about their journey and the importance of International Women’s Day.

 

Why is it important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Emelie: Although equality between the sexes has undoubtedly improved, we still have a very long way to go!

Stephanie: Women still aren’t recognised and highly regarded enough in business so it’s important we feel empowered and show appreciation to one another!

 

What inspires you as women in business in 2020?
E: Working with my sister every day is my biggest inspiration, as women our relationship has evolved throughout our lives and we can really bring out the best in one another, which is both personally and professionally rewarding.

S: As a family business, I’m lucky that working with my parents and my sister continues to educate and inspire me. Also knowing that the majority of our jewellery products are designed for and worn by women a personal highlight.

 

Have you ever encountered any related challenges in your career?
S: Working with the public naturally has its challenges but I’m lucky enough to not have encountered anything too dramatic.

E: Being spoken to by male clients in a way I strongly suspect they would not speak to other men has been a challenge in the past, with a feeling as though I am not taken as seriously as I would be if I were a man.

Stephanie and Emelie with their father Stephen who founded the company in 1979.


What advice did you receive early in your working life that has stayed with you?

E: My parents had their own business and always said working for yourself comes with many challenges and a lot of responsibility, and to be prepared for everything it brings.

S: You need to put the time and effort in to see results. Things don’t just happen over night.

 

What would you say to any young women who are thinking about starting their own business?
S: To be patient, stay focused and believe in yourself. Confidence is key; if you get knocked down you need to be able to quickly pick yourself up again!

E: Starting your own business can be the best decision you ever make, just believe in yourself and whatever you’re selling/offering and you’ll make it a success!

 

Which women have inspired you in your life? 
S: My mother has always worked incredibly hard, along with being a very hands-on parent so she is definitely my role model.  In the working world, Michelle Mone inspires me.

E: My mother has always been an exceptionally hard worker and when we were babies we’d often be found under the desk in the office, which leads me to wonder if we were always destined to end up part of the jewellery industry. I actually really respect both Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian; whatever you may think of them in some respects, I think they are highly astute businesswomen.

 

Lastly, what three skills do you think are essential to be a great leader?
S: Very good people skills. Empathy. Accountability.

E: Patience. Strength of character. Good communication