As part of our International Women’s Day series, we’re proud to spotlight the inspiring journeys of female founders within The Giftware Association community. Today, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone - 15 years in business - alongside reflections on resilience, growth, family, teamwork and the determination it takes to keep climbing, even when the ladder isn’t perfect. In her own words, designer Victoria Eggs shares the highs, the hurdles and the advice she would pass on to other women building something of their own.

As we mark International Women’s Day, this year feels especially meaningful, as my business also turns 15 this month. Reaching such a milestone represents years of persistence, creativity and resilience – and, if I’m honest, a fair amount of blind optimism that everything would somehow work out.  
 
Alongside growing the business, I’ve raised a daughter, and many members of my team have young families too. The balance between work and home is a constant juggle, but it’s one I’m incredibly proud of. Building a business around family life has shaped who we are. 
 
Looking back, there certainly have been challenges. Because of COVID, many of our key tourist-sector accounts closed their doors almost overnight. It was difficult to see a way forward, but we pivoted, adapted, made changes (and a few mistakes along the way), but we kept going.  
 
I truly believe progress comes from continuing to climb, even if the ladder you’ve built isn’t perfect. As long as you keep taking action, you’re moving forward. 
 
One of my greatest achievements has been building an amazing team of brilliant women who bring talent, positivity and dedication to everything we do. In our office we have a poster that reads, “Work hard and be nice to people,” and that really sums up who we are. They are genuinely some of the nicest people you could meet - we work hard, care deeply about our customers, and support each other (at work and beyond). 
 
The last year brought wonderful highlights, including bespoke projects for Liberty, the Royal Albert Hall and The Huntington in the USA, as well as continued recognition at the Gift of the Year Awards. To see our work stocked by dream retailers and embraced by returning collectors is an absolute privilege and a joy.  
 
I’m extremely proud of how far we’ve come and truly grateful for the rollercoaster of a journey so far.  
 
My advice to other women is simple: keep going, support those around you, and believe in what you’re building.(aside from feeling pretty gutted about not progressing any further in GOTY, but there’s always next year!)