Women all over the world are celebrating and raising awareness of International Women’s Day (8th March 2025), with this year’s theme: #AccelerateAction. To help add to the celebrations, we spoke to nine furnishing industry women who share their respective thoughts on what International Women’s Day means to them and the industry.
Featuring this year includes Sophia Carbonell – Commercial Director at Kyoto Futons, Natasha Shillingford – Brand Marketing Director, International at La-Z-Boy, Victoria Ross – National Sales Manager (UK) at Forte Furniture, Amthal Karim – Head of Marketing and Design at Furniture And Choice, Sarah Oakley – Operations Manager and Director at Sofa Connections, Bilkis Patel – Director at Vogue Beds, Cherelle Curtis – Managing Director at Linthorpe Beds, Clare Taylor – Owner of Apricus Marketing, and BFG’s Emily Newgaard – Vice President & Editorial Director at Big Furniture Group USA.
What progress have you seen on women and gender equality in the furnishing industry over the last year?
Sophia Carbonell: “The furniture industry is still pretty male-dominated, especially in senior leadership, manufacturing and sales. Progress has been slow, but I’ve definitely seen a shift; more and more, I’m noticing that key decision-makers amongst our customers are women! Plus, networks like the Women in Furniture Network are creating spaces for us to connect, share ideas, and push for change. That said, there’s still a long way to go. We’re having more conversations about flexibility, career growth, and equal opportunities, but actually turning that awareness into real action is the challenge. It’s not just about getting more women into the industry—it’s about making sure they’re supported and set up to succeed at every level.”
Natasha Shillingford: “The Women in Furniture Network has given a fantastic platform for women in the UK furniture industry. Congratulations to Zoe Bonser and the team for setting up such a successful, and much needed, group! It’s great to see women celebrated within our industry and have our voices heard, as well as having the opportunity to meet new contacts. In my position as chair of the La-Z-Boy Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) I have enjoyed working collaboratively with the WIFN on events and sharing ideas. For example, in July last year, it was fantastic to have Melinda Whittington, Board Chair, President and CEO of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, visit the Manchester Furniture Show and speak about her career, as well as how women can thrive in the furniture industry. I’m grateful to work for an organisation that champions initiatives such as the employee resource groups and supports a diverse workforce.”
Victoria Ross: “The changes I have seen have been progressive over the last five to ten years. Whilst I can see that there is still some way to go within the industry as a whole, I am happy that I work for an employer that shows equal respect to all genders and hires and promotes based on experience and talent. I am seeing more and more brilliant women rising up in the industry, knowing their own value and not being afraid to ask for what they deserve.”
Sarah Oakley: “Having only been in the industry at this level for just over a couple of years the main progress that I’ve noticed personally is with the Women in Furniture Network and other like-minded networking meetings. I feel these types of events have provided women with the opportunity to have a voice and be heard in a like-minded community, they provide inspiration for people like myself who are just getting started on this journey without the added pressure from the typical male lead industry figures. I no longer feel like I’m just the girl who sits behind the desk, I feel heard.”
Bilkis Patel: “The furniture industry has always been a male dominated industry but I’m seeing more women stepping into more leadership and management roles which is great to see, especially since women are the key decision makers from a consumer perspective.”
Cherelle Curtis: “While the furnishing industry is still a male dominated industry, it has been great to see ‘Women in Furniture’ highlighting areas where women can help women within the industry by introducing their mentorship programme. In my experience, the language and actions surrounding women in the industry and in particular women in leadership roles has improved, it may be down to showing others that decisions made are the correct ones, and the longevity of a position which can change perspective, but the more women we welcome into the industry with open arms, the more we will see improvement. There are certainly more women in the industry now, and given the opportunity, they prove over and over why women and non-binary people should not be overlooked.”
Clare Taylor: “There is a movement of change for the better towards gender equality in the furnishing industry, one which has traditionally been highly male dominant. Over the past 12 months there has been more progress in terms of women’s representation within the media and in leadership roles. However, there is still a long way to go.”
Emily Newgaard: “Over the past year, there has been real momentum in bringing more women into leadership roles in the furniture and bedding industry. Groups like Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) and WithIt have been instrumental in creating opportunities for women to connect, grow, and step into leadership. They’re creating spaces for women to learn, connect, and grow through conferences, networking events, and mentorship programs that offer career toolkits, mentor matching, and leadership training. Recognition programs are also shining a spotlight on women making an impact in the industry. It’s exciting to see more opportunities, stronger networks, and real progress—momentum that will only keep growing!”
What would you like to see change?
Sophia Carbonell: “I’d love to see more women in leadership because there’s still a real imbalance. Women bring so much to the table—strong communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. But the reality is, we often have to work twice as hard to prove our ability. I’d also like to see more support for women balancing career progression with family life. Flexible working, better access to childcare, and real pathways for growth would make a huge difference. And finally, we need to highlight the incredible women already making an impact—because when we see more female leaders, it inspires the next generation to step up with confidence.”
Natasha Shillingford: “I would like to see even more women in senior positions in the industry and a greater focus on supporting employers to nurture and develop career paths of talented women.”
Victoria Ross: “In an ideal world I would like to get to the point where gender is no longer a discussion. I am proud and happy to be part of an organisation that can boast so many amazing female leaders but, from a personal perspective, I admire them more for their talent, experience, confidence and drive than for the fact that they are also successful women.”
Sarah Oakley: “As a manufacturer, I’d love to see more female operatives at production level, our work force is very lucky to have some incredible women on shop floor but only in a sewing machinist role, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a female upholsterer or cutter, how amazing would that be? There needs to be more opportunities for younger people in general to get into this trade. We need to showcase to both young women and men that it’s a great career path to follow, the upholstery trade will only die out otherwise.”
Bilkis Patel: “For women in our industry to keep pushing barriers and being more involved in the furniture industry. Continuing to progress in all roles from manufacturing to buying.”
Cherelle Curtis: “I would like to see more diversity, across all aspects of the industry, from entry positions all the way through to leadership positions. And as much as I would love to see this embraced as an idea, I hope one day it is simply the norm.”
Clare Taylor: “I’d like to see continued change in terms of the inclusion of women right through the spectrum of the industry, but particularly in manufacturing, from more female apprentices on the shop floor to those in senior leadership positions. Manufacturing is a fantastic career for females, and we need to promote it more.”
Emily Newgaard: “I would like to see continued growth in recognizing the need for leadership teams to reflect the industry’s customer base. Women influence over 85% of purchasing decisions in home furnishings and bedding, it’s clear that female perspectives in leadership are more important than ever. The more we embrace this, the stronger and more innovative the industry will become.”
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Sophia Carbonell: “For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the incredible women I work with every day. I’m lucky to be part of a talented team and see firsthand the drive, creativity, and collaboration women bring to this industry. I truly believe being a woman in a male dominated industry is a superpower!”
Natasha Shillingford: “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the important women in our lives, reflect on the positive changes we have seen in how women are treated in our society and consider what more we can do to accelerate change. It also gives us pause to appreciate the many women who have had to suffer throughout history in the journey to stand up for our rights.”
Victoria Ross: “Fast approaching 50, I’m starting to feel established in my career and International Women’s Day celebrates my personal journey —overcoming societal, institutional, and individual barriers, managing work-life balance, and navigating the complexities of motherhood alongside my career. It’s a day to take pride in all of our achievements and recognise both the challenges we’ve faced and those still left to come. Having grown up in a time when societal expectations for women were evolving, I would use this day to reflect on how traditional gender roles have shifted and how they continue to influence my personal and professional life. I think about the sacrifices myself and other women have made, and how expectations around career, family, and personal identity have changed.”
Amthal Karim: “International Women’s Day is increasingly celebrating the accomplishments of women globally instead of simply being used as an opportunity to call for change. This proves that women are actively working to achieve equal rights to men every day, all over the world. It’s exciting to see major improvements in some countries in terms of gender equality which is a reason to celebrate and inspire others to do the same. I believe that now – in 2025 – it’s more important to understand how women can achieve equity, instead of just equality. Equity means empowering women based on their specific needs – cultural, social or economic. What looks like achieving their goals to one woman – might not look the same to another woman in a different country. The most important message of International Women’s Day should be promoting the understanding that women across the world need different levels of support to attain success.”
Sarah Oakley: “As a mum of two young girls, aged 9 and 3, it means everything. I want to help make change now so my daughters don’t have to fight as hard in years to come. Everything we do now to showcase and further improve how the world embraces women will have such a meaningful impact on future generations. Being a woman is truly incredible and I want my daughters to believe that too.”
Bilkis Patel: “International Women’s Day for me is about celebrating all the women around me who continue to inspire me daily, with their strength and determination.”
Cherelle Curtis: “International Women’s Day is not about discounting what men have done before us, but about highlighting where women can provide a new insight, push boundaries and create a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to excel in their chosen role. It is a reminder to all, that women should empower women, not tear each other down, and men should see us as people to learn from and not be dismissive of our experience. We should all have a place at the table because we are all worthy of it.”
Clare Taylor: “It is an opportunity to pause and think about your female role models and why they inspire you, as well as the example you are setting as a female leader to those who are following you.”
Emily Newgaard: “International Women’s Day is a time to reflect, celebrate, and continue pushing for progress. For me, it’s about honoring the women who have paved the way in the furniture industry and beyond—those who have broken barriers, created opportunities, and inspired others to step into leadership roles. It’s also about lifting each other up—mentoring, supporting, and advocating for the next generation of women in furniture. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some amazing female leaders who have inspired me, and I hope to do the same for others. We’re stronger together, and when women succeed, the entire industry benefits.”
