Celebrating Women Who Change the Game

Meeting Anita Roddick in 1997 was a game changer for me.  I had always admired her blend of fearless political agendas, like the ban animal testing petitions and ‘ Get the Shell Out of Nigeria’ campaigns that would hang in the windows, and the delicate but iconic blends and formulations. The reuse, refill, recycle and body positivity was nothing short of revolutionary for the industry at the time.

(Many a TikTok page has been made in homage to the goats of the original body shop line up Peppermint Foot Cream, cucumber toner, White musk and Green Apple. And let’s not even get started on how ahead of its time the Colourings make up range was.)

Even though I had been working in my parent’s shops since I was very young, when I got my national insurance number in the post, and it was time to get a proper job, I knew where I was heading. 

I started working in the Cheltenham store when I was 16 and Sunday opening was a new thing. Getting double bubble to do makeovers on people and recommend/ talk about skincare? I was in heaven. I worked every weekend and school holiday. The training days were amazing and there were a lot of free minis, and even though the shifts were long, and I stacked so much product, I would see shelves in my dreams  – I absolutely loved it.  

The team was amazing and as the store was at the height of its popularity it was always super busy. One Saturday close to Christmas I was in the back room wrapping what felt like my five hundredth gift basket of the day and curling the ribbon with scissors when Anita stuck her head round the back door and said,

“I’ve been hearing good things about you! Some customer letters?” 

I don’t really get star-struck, but I caught my breath a little, finding it hard to believe she was really in front of me, her hair as wild and bright as her aura. 

“Thanks so much. I love working here” I said, wiping some sweat off my brow and wishing I'd said something more original. I didn’t have time to talk to her about Shea butter!

My obsession with recommending the correct products for skin issues had won me some rave reviews from customers and gift tokens as a reward. 

“Well good ! Keep it up!” And just like that, she was whisked off for something important. 

The whole exchange was less than 5 minutes but left a lasting impression on me. Seeing a woman who had built an empire with a singular and unique vision and was passionate about beauty inside and out and for the good of the planet really got me thinking about what was possible. Anita didn’t just create a beauty brand - she challenged norms, led with purpose, and proved that business could be a force for good. Her work showed me that beauty isn’t just about products; it’s about activism, empowerment, and shifting culture.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality, reminds me of that moment. It’s a call to continue pushing boundaries, redefining industries, and ensuring that women have the space to lead, innovate, and create lasting change.