Equality in the work place is one of the main focuses of the feminists movement. It’s a known fact that big companies such as the BBC, pay their male employees a higher wage than they do that of their female employees, and that is not just in the newsroom. Across the board at the BBC, women have been coming forward to express their disgrace in finding that their male co-workers are earning sometimes double their salary.

Gender equality in the work place is happening across the board; not only with pay but job progression is more limited to female employees. Of all the CEO’s in Britain, only 10% are female, and the scale is more shocking when you factor in America and China. However, things are changing in both a global aspect and smaller aspects, more women are taking a stand against ignorant bosses and walking out of jobs that they feel they are being underpaid in.

And some women are becoming their own boss. I AM WOMAN spoke to three women about how they took the leap of faith to start up their own business and work for themselves.

Encouragement from a wiser friend is what led Sarah May to walk out of a bad corporate job and work on her dream of owning her own restaurant.

Sarah May

“Having worked for 20 years in a corporate environment, one where risk was to be considered and measured, it was a total leap of faith to become self-employed… and not a single day passes where I don’t think that I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”

With some help, it took Sarah two years of pouring over the accounts and financials to afford The Moorings, a beautiful riverside restaurant on the River Dee in Chester.

“the building it is in is still the best feature,” she said.

Growing up, Sarah’s parents ran their own successful small business, which helped Sarah create her own path for self-employment.

“they were a really good example of how hard work can pay off.  Work mates tried several times to get me to apply for the apprentice, but I’m more than a little camera shy!”

To ensure that her business runs effectively Sarah ensure that nothing is left to chance and leads her team by examples.

“My team have seen me with my hands in the kitchen sink, mopping floors, to dressing the venue and entertaining guests.”

Like Sarah, Jenny Mason insist that it is her love for her business that encourages her business, The Haven, to thrive. The Haven is an ethically sourced boutique home interior companies that focuses on creating unique home furniture while remaining environmentally sustainable. As a company they avoid using any products that may have negatively impacted an animals life, and a percentage of their proceeds goes pack into helping needy wildlife prosper.

Jenny Mason

“Ethics, the environment, & sustainability play a large part in everything I do & becoming a vegan at the age of 11, means my ethos flows throughout my business. Rescue, Rehabilitate & Release couldn’t be more appropriate for the goings-on behind the scenes.”

After maintaining a weekend job in a furniture during her university days, Jenny was promoted as area manager by 24 and after 10 invaluable years of experience working with furniture, Jenny decided it was time to start her own company.

Initially the company was only online.

“we began by souring furniture far & wide and supplying nationwide. I was itching to one get my hands on a little premise to sink my teeth into, as well as regain the customer relations side of retail, that I began to miss. I always believe you should try to make a customer over an initial sale.”

In November 2015, The Haven found its home on the forefront of a garden centre in Ellesmere Port. To create an effective business Jenny ensures that enthusiasm is used every day when coming to work.

“We relentlessly work on making the Haven shopping experience a personal one, offering customers ethically sourced, often locally made produce, sold with love and passion. We are tremendously eager to put our hearts and souls into making The Haven strive, growing more loyal friends (customers), firmer foundations & furthering our true passion for nature & the environment.”

For Claire Jones, starting up her own business is a new journey. On April 9^th of this year, Claire decided to leave her recruitment job of 20 years to set up her own Consultancy Services Company that provides personal style at clients home.

“Personal Styling is my passion. I help my clients to create their very own capsule wardrobe understanding what suits their own body shape, style, colour, fit. I help them to create capsule wardrobes for season changes, holidays, weddings, date nights. Known to my friends and now clients for having an eye for fashion, I spend every moment possible researching brands and current trends. I am now trying to take my career into a new direction focusing on what I love.”

As part of her personal styling Claire is also creating an app as well as working on a Consultancy basis helping Companies with Project coordinating and a variety of administrative responsibilities.