Celebrating Women
As March welcomes the vibrant bloom of Spring, it also signals a season of celebration for women, featuring International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day in its opening week. The Pink Elephant is delighted to spotlight the inspiring women we work with, all of whom are successful entrepreneurs running their own flourishing businesses. Fresh off the heels of a successful LGBTQ+ History Month, where we orchestrated a memorable panel event for a prestigious law firm in London's Square Mile, we're excited to showcase three key collaborators who helped make it a success: Adele Hing from Made By Adele, Iona Hickman from eyeowna design, and Caitlin Wymes from Winnie’s Baked Goods.
Made By Adele
Adele's journey into entrepreneurship began amidst the COVID-19 pandemic's uncertainty, transforming her love for baking into a thriving, award-winning luxury cake business in South West London. Made by Adele stands out for its commitment to quality, eco-conscious ingredients, and seasonally inspired menus, earning two stars at the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards 2023. Adele’s bespoke, handcrafted creations are a source of joy for our clients at The Pink Elephant, particularly when it comes to her enchanting wedding cakes and an array of delightful sweet treats and party favours - perfect for upcoming Mother’s Day event ideas. Although her main focus is cakes, Adele’s rich 15-year culinary journey has recently led her to whip up delicious canapés for our corporate events too. The pâtissier’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs emphasises the importance of a strong support network, including family and friends, along with the value of external perspectives - a mentor who keeps you grounded and inspired on both personal and business fronts.
eyeowna design
Iona, the creative force behind eyeowna design, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey to blend her graphic design expertise with the flexibility of freelancing. This dynamic approach allows her to be present for her family's significant moments. Beginning with greeting cards in 2018, Iona's enterprise has blossomed into a thriving design and illustration business, as well as a valued collaborator for The Pink Elephant. Her creative touch extends to crafting bespoke menus, table-place settings, and other event materials that embody The Pink Elephant’s essence. Iona emphasises the importance of self-care amidst her bustling roles as a busy mom of two, card business owner, and freelance designer, highlighting the simplicity of finding solace in a hot bath and a peaceful cuppa. Her transition to full-time freelancing shows her success in harmonising professional aspirations with personal commitments. This is all underscored by her advice to make work fit your lifestyle, and not the other way around.
Winnie's Baked Goods
Caitlin's venture, Winnie's Baked Goods, sprang to life during the lockdown. Her business evolved from a mere hobby into a highly sought-after online bakery, specialising in decadent brownies and cookies delivered across the UK. Launched in early 2021, Caitlin leveraged her baking skills and industry insight to create a brand celebrated for its delicious treats and versatile catering options, ideal for Mother’s Day gift ideas. Among The Pink Elephant's discerning clientele, Caitlin's brownies, especially the Double Choc-Chip and Salted Caramel and Pecan variants, have become crowd-pleasers in the new corporate grazing menus. Juggling various roles, Caitlin's journey is marked by adaptability and a pursuit of joy through her baking artistry. Her success, highlighted by recognition from a prominent food blogger who deemed her brownies among the 'best cookies in London,' not only proves her culinary talent but also showcases her newfound confidence and entrepreneurial spirit. Caitlin’s great advice, "shipping beats perfection," captures her lively approach to business growth and innovation.
Although we’d love to celebrate every woman we collaborate with, these standout individuals from our last corporate event represent just a glimpse into The Pink Elephant’s gifted network of women. Dive into Our Community page and you’ll discover a tapestry of partnerships, predominantly with women, alongside the dedicated women shaping The Pink Elephant brand from within. Spanning roles from textile designers and copywriters to our sustainability consultant, women infuse The Pink Elephant with creativity, depth, and a unique flair - we couldn't be more thankful for their contributions.
No celebration of women at The Pink Elephant would be truly complete without a heartfelt nod to Judy Henderson, an integral member of the team and Ian’s mother. Judy has been with The Pink Elephant since its inception, back when it was just a budding idea. Judy’s warmth, accentuated by her good sense of humour, sage advice, and motherly nature, surrounds everyone she meets. Yet, beneath her easy-going demeanour lies a brilliant mind; Judy is a mathematician who runs a successful Maths Academy in South Africa. It was Judy who fostered Ian’s love for entertaining, filling his childhood with memories of the countless gatherings and spectacular parties she hosted on Cheshire Road in Harare, Zimbabwe. It goes without saying… Thank you Judy for always being The Pink Elephant’s number one fan - we wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Pause this month to cherish the empowering women who grace your life, acknowledging their constant love and the quiet strength they exhibit juggling life's many roles. Whether they're nurturing mothers, driven entrepreneurs, creative freelancers, or a blend of these and more, they're achieving greatness. Spread the love by spoiling them with something special from The Pink Elephant’s exquisite tablescaping collection. With a spectrum of vibrant designs, from delicate florals to our whimsical signature elephant, our stunning tablecloths, aprons, tea towels, and napkins make the perfect gifts to celebrate the extraordinary in every woman.
