International Women's Day- Celebrating Creativity and Women’s Achievements 

International Women’s Day is a time to honour the achievements of women across industries, celebrate progress, and spark conversations about the road ahead. SALT reached out to the incredibly talented nominees for Creative of the Year of the Brighton Girl Awards—women who are shaping the creative landscape with their artistry, innovation, and determination. We discover what International Women's Day and being nominated for this title means to them. From redefining creative expression to inspiring future generations, their stories remind us why championing women in the creative industry is more important than ever.

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AMY DAVIES

What's your name and what do you do?

My name is Amy Davies, and I wear many hats—figuratively and sometimes literally.

I’m a fashion and wedding photographer, specialising in e-commerce and brand photography, helping independent businesses bring their vision to life through imagery that sells and inspires. I’m also the Brand Manager for Run & Fly, where I handle everything from selecting prints and shapes to managing the website, photography, social media, and customer service—basically, my team and I do everything except physically make and ship the clothes!

On top of that, I’m launching my own clothing brand, Rebel Romance, which ties in with my creative magazine and online store of the same name. I also help small businesses with websites, email marketing, social media, photography, and customer service, because I believe independent brands should have all the tools to thrive. Oh, and I run a photography studio, because why not make life even more exciting?

How does it feel to be nominated for the Brighton Girl award

Being nominated for not just one, but two awards is incredibly exciting, and I’m truly honoured that people in the community have put my name forward—well, almost my name… I just wish they’d spelled it right on the voting list!

As a neurodiverse creator, I tend to second-guess myself a lot and deal with a fair amount of imposter syndrome, so sometimes it’s really nice to have that external reminder that people see and appreciate what I’m doing.

I think the Brighton Girl Awards are fantastic, and it’s great to see local talent being recognised. That said, it is a bit of a popularity contest, and with plenty of influencers with huge followings in the mix, I won’t be holding my breath for a win. But honestly, just knowing that people took the time to vote for me means a lot.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating resilience, creativity, and the impact of women in every field—especially those who are pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and lifting others up along the way.

As a neurodiverse creator and business owner, I know firsthand how easy it is to second-guess yourself in industries that often overlook alternative voices. That’s why days like this matter—not just for celebrating successes but for acknowledging the challenges, the quiet victories, and the strength it takes to carve out space in the world.

It’s also a reminder that empowerment isn’t just about the loudest voices—it’s about making sure every woman, from every background, has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported. Whether that’s in business, the arts, or everyday life, it’s about continuing to create spaces where we can all thrive.

The best way to support and uplift women, female, and non-binary creatives in creative industries is by making space, amplifying voices, and ensuring opportunities aren’t just reserved for the loudest or most visible.

In industries like photography, fashion, and small business, there’s often a culture of gatekeeping, where access to resources, networks, and funding isn’t always made easy—especially for neurodiverse creators, those in alternative spaces, and those without big social followings. Breaking that down means actively championing their work, sharing their businesses, recommending their services, and ensuring their contributions aren’t overlooked.

This is one of the reasons I started Rebel Romance Magazine—to create a space where people who might not normally get seen or heard have somewhere to submit their work and get it in front of an audience. I also work closely with female and non-binary artists to create prints for my brand, ensuring that independent creatives have real opportunities to get their designs out into the world.

On a more personal level, mentorship and collaboration over competition make a huge difference. There’s power in supporting each other, whether that’s through sharing knowledge, providing opportunities, or just reminding each other that imposter syndrome is a liar and we absolutely deserve to be here.

Is there a woman in your life or in history who has inspired you the most?

Absolutely—my Nan was a legend. A German Jew who survived the Second World War and lived to 100, she was the definition of resilience, strength, and a life well-lived. Her story has always been a source of inspiration for me.

I was also raised by an incredibly strong woman. Losing my dad at 12 meant that the women in my life led the way, and my mum is nothing short of a powerhouse. She’s been through so much, yet she never lets anything keep her down. Her strength, determination, and ability to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at her, have shaped who I am today.

For me, strong women aren’t just an inspiration—they’ve been my foundation.

What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of making a difference?

Be the change you want to see. No one is going to hand you a seat at the table—take up the space you deserve and make your voice heard. Put your work out there, even when it feels scary. Fight for what you want, because the people who make a difference are the ones who refuse to stay quiet.

Never be afraid to ask for help or advice from those already doing what you want to do—we all have to start somewhere. Most people are happy to share their experiences, and learning from others can be invaluable.

It’s not always easy, and imposter syndrome will try to creep in, but don’t let doubt stop you. The world needs new ideas, new perspectives, and bold voices—so go out there and make it happen.

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ORDINARY ARTS

What's your name and what do you do?

I’m Nikki Shaill- Director and Founder of Originary Arts. I’m an artist, cultural programmer and facilitator who leads this arts company that focuses on play, participation, and imagination for all!

How does it feel to be nominated for the Brighton Girl award?

It was such a surprise and joy to be nominated and amongst such a host of amazing names! There are many others on the list who I’ve loved working with and collaborating with / supporting since moving to Brighton 5 years ago. It’s amazing to be part of the creative community and cultural sector in this city.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To be really honest, International Women’s Day brings mixed feelings for me as I’ve seen it be politicised and commercialised in commercially harmful ways over the past few decades, but I hope that the day can be used to raise awareness of the work that needs to be done still. To bring into focus support and equity for ALL women, including non-binary, trans and minority gender people.

How do you think we can better support and uplift women in your industry/community?

I hope that supporting women and non-binary people in the arts and creative world can continue to be done authentically and not without tokenisation. That not only rich and privileged women can thrive and be able to have their voices heard in the arts. That there can be better focus and support from a government and systemic level on issues that affect these genders and limit their success in the arts- whether that be equitable pay, or affordable childcare, education and workspace, or focus on gender-based violence, research into health care, and diverse representation.

Is there a woman in your life or in history who has inspired you the most?

It’s hard to choose the one person who has inspired me most- as someone with ADHD I struggle with favourites! But someone who I do find very inspiring in the arts is Yayoi Kusama. The way she has worked as an outsider in the arts for so many years and achieved renown and recognition now. She did such innovative performances using her body, and created art happenings and experimented in different forms in a very white male dominated art context. Also the way she uses art as a means of connecting with and copying with mental health, trauma and psychological challenges is also very inspiring.

What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of making a difference?

The advice I would give to others, no matter what their gender, but especially those who feel they are not in positions of power is to not see their differences as a negative. To claim and take up space. To believe that the arts are important and powerful no matter what society tries to do to devalue it. To allow themselves to focus on what personally interests and fascinates them and not try to follow trends or what others are doing. To find others who they can build a creative community with and collaborate with/find mentors. To play and experiment and not be afraid to make mistakes. To ask for help and be bold in approaching dream opportunities- the worst thing that can happen if you ask / knock on a door is that someone says “no” or “not yet”!

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SAGE & SKY

What's your name and what do you do?

Our names are Samanta and Keely, and we run a small sustainable fashion brand focused on bags and accessories. We truly believe that by creating our products in a sustainable and slow way, we are not only bringing awareness to conscious consumption but also encouraging people to support ethical fashion and small businesses.

How does it feel to be nominated for the Brighton Girl award?

We’re really excited! Being nominated for this award in just our first year of business feels like such a big achievement for us. It’s amazing to be recognised alongside so many other inspiring women, and it motivates us even more to keep growing and pushing for sustainability in fashion.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements, recognise the challenges we still face, and push for true equality. Working in corporate environments has also shown us the stark gender pay gap and inequality that still exists, making it even more important to advocate for change. It’s time we celebrate all women—not just for their successes, but also for the challenges they’ve overcome.

It’s also a great reminder to uplift and support each other, share knowledge, and create opportunities together, as we can achieve so much more. Whether it’s in business, creative industries, or everyday life, lifting each other up leads to greater success for all of us.

How do you think we can better support and uplift women in your industry/community?

Supporting women in our industry starts with visibility, opportunities, and collaboration. Encouraging small female-led businesses, choosing ethical brands, and fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and resources can make a huge difference.

Free resources and mentorship for new startups would also be incredibly helpful—starting a business can feel overwhelming, and having guidance from those who have already navigated the challenges can make all the difference. Mentorship, community support, and celebrating each other’s successes rather than seeing them as competition are key to uplifting women in fashion and beyond.

Is there a woman in your life or in history who has inspired you the most?

We’ve been inspired by so many incredible women throughout our lives, and that inspiration has evolved over time. The women around us—friends, family, fellow business owners, and creatives—constantly motivate us with their resilience, passion, and determination. Seeing women support each other, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change is what truly inspires us every day.

What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of making a difference?

Stay true to what you believe in and don’t be afraid to take up space. Making a difference doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent steps add up. Surround yourself with people who support you, ask questions, keep learning, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they’re part of the process. Most importantly, just start. You don’t need to have it all figured out to make an impact.

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MOYRA SCOTT

What's your name and what do you do?

Moyra Scott here.  I’m an artist and a Coach. I run art retreats, workshops and an online art community.  I’m all about the power of creativity to make your life more magical

How does it feel to be nominated for the Brighton Girl award?

I feel absolutely honoured to be nominated as creative of the year.  I was stunned to see my name in the top ten.  And I thought. Well. This is amazing and I can’t let that pass. So I’ve done my best to get votes.  The competition in my category though. Wow. Just to be on that list has been epic. They’re amazing. So. I’ll be going to the awards and cheering regardless.  It’s been a wonderful utterly supportive experience. I’ve been voting and supporting other women. And I’ve felt really supported by others

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

IWD is a chance to gather with cool women and celebrate who we are and where we are.  Yes there’s lots to be done but I feel joy and celebration are powerful and necessary. We can better support women by being role models that bring others up with them.

How do you think we can better support and uplift women in your industry/community?

My work is around creativity and how creative self expression is something to be done and enjoyed.  It’s healing and empowering to be the one who does it. And it’s not about being a professional artist. It’s something that can be done by anyone. For their own pleasure.  So I guess encouraging women to do things for themselves is the way I believe sleep can better support women in this community

Is there a woman in your life or in history who has inspired you the most?

I am very inspired by Friday Khalo.  Who believed in herself as an artist and used her art to express herself and be counted despite her injuries.  She transmuted her pain with fierce pride.   Because it was in her and she could.

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LUISA CHRISTIE

What's your name and what do you do?

My name is Luisa-Christie & I do a whole range of things within the social media / marketing / creative worlds 

1. I run a one-woman influencer marketing agency called Loud Cat Social (www.instagram.com/loudcatsocial) specialising in talent management, campaign coordination & consultancy/strategy. I used to work in music, the most recent: 4 years at a major label doing social media management then they created a job for me doing influencer marketing in-house! I decided in 2020 to go it alone & here I am 5 years later still unsure of how each day will go, let alone each month!

2. I am also a lifestyle content creator - find me at @luisachristie (www.instagram.com/luisachristie) and blog occasionally at www.luisachristie.co.uk (which I started first and is how I got into the Instagram stuff!). I work with global & national brands on campaigns (recently brands such as Hinge, Wagamama, Southern Railway, Thameslink, and Swizzels) covering a range of topics as a millennial! Including travel (solo & with my boomer mum), live music & events / festivals, vegan food, cruelty-free products, plus size style, alternative lifestyle, and being lgbtq+… to name a few!

From being a content creator I started vegal gang (www.instagram.com/vegalgang) a community for gals, gays, queers & theys to make friends over vegan food! Launched in April 2022 in partnership with wagamama, and we now do monthly meets in London / Brighton at a whole range of places that are vegan-friendly!

And lastly - I dabble in a bit of plus size modelling on occasion, too!

How does it feel to be nominated for the Brighton Girl award?

Really exciting! I’m a Brighton born & bred girl so it’s very special to be recognised here! Although I left at 25 to try the London career thing (which was a whole rollercoaster), I moved back almost 2 years ago (how time flies) and I’m loving being back!

I actually found out about the awards because someone messaged to say they voted for me and it snowballed from there! Was amazing to be nominated and in the top 10 in 4 categories! And vegal gang was in the top spot for communities… As in number 1 out of ALL the nominations! So cool! When this is published I’ll have found out if I’m in the final top 5 in any categories, which then goes to the judges vote! Fingers crossed I’m up there in one, but even if not it was an honour to be in the top 10 out of thousands of Brighton creatives/businesses/communities.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Ooh a tricky one, I’m not really sure what it “means” to me but I love that it’s a day people celebrate women they love, look up to, think are wonderful, etc… it’s gorgeous reading stories from all genders about the women in their life that make life better, do you know what I mean? 

How do you think we can better support and uplift women in your industry/community?

I think working in a female dominated industry is always going to be tricky because there’s so many people who think it’s not important or a “little hobby”… I think we need to stick together and loudly support eachother and stand up to those belittling others around us. Encouragement online & in person, meeting up and discussing ideas, being creative! I think in person things are actually vital (especially post Covid) for supporting one another, I think I actually need more of that!

I’m fed up of the mean girl / holier than thou / unapproachable attitude from so many. I see it in circles I’m in from all ages, and it’s boring really. We are all in this together and we have a lot of power, BUT we would have so much more if we stuck together!

Authenticity and integrity are so important in the creative industry, I wish there was more of it. 

Is there a woman in your life or in history who has inspired you the most?

I find questions like this sooo tricky, as I think of so many, but honestly I’m going to be predictable and say my mum - she’s such a wonderful lady. It’s fairly unusual to have a mum who’s 2 generations older than you, but we have such fun! Especially on adventures (we have an insta / hashtag too: www.instagram.com/adventureswmum / #adventureswmum) - it’s all very wholesome, and I’m very lucky she’s my lil mum!

What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of making a difference?

It sounds super corny, but: JUST GO FOR IT! Do “the thing”! Figure out how to get there and do it. 

I spent far too much of my life worrying about what might happen if I did something and it went ‘wrong’, but the times I’ve taken a leap and done “the thing” I’ve dreamed about, have been so rewarding! And SO many I could’ve done sooner, had I not have been my own worst critic! Thinking about it there are legitimately so many I know I’m the one holding myself back from at the moment, and am trying to push through. I need to take my own advice lol! We got this!

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Such incredible and genuine responses from extraordinary women- it was a privilege to speak with them and learn their experiences and journeys navigating their career. It is no wonder they have been nominated for Creative of the Year, these awards are and women are  a powerful reminder of the resilience, passion, and innovation that women bring to the creative industries. Their stories reflect not only their individual journeys but also the collective progress we continue to make toward greater representation and opportunity for women in all creative fields.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to support, uplift, and champion the incredible women around us—because creativity thrives when diverse voices are heard. Women’s achievements and contributions deserve recognition everyday of the year.

Head over too City Girl Network to see the finalists and the other categories being awarded and an Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 27th March at 7pm from PLATF9RM Hove! This is where the winners will be announced.

Nominees of Brighton Girl Awards- creative of the year :

• Sage and Sky.
• Aflo The Poet.
• Amy Davies Photography.
• Betty Blooming.
• Luisa Christie.
• Meg Carnie.
• Alice Ella.
• Originary Arts.