InFowey: Give to Gain International Women’s Day 2026

I’m trialling something new! InFowey is a fresh news series focused on what’s happening in Fowey - from small business updates to community news, cultural moments, and everything in between. It’s a companion to my Inside Small Business series but with a broader, newsier lens. I’d love to know what you think, and if you’ve got a story, event, or update to share, please get in touch!

Rachel Roberts

As the sun rises over the harbour on March 8, 2026, InFowey celebrates International Women’s Day with a rallying cry that resonates deeply in our Cornish community: Give to Gain. This year’s theme isn’t just clever words, it’s a philosophy that I believe is woven into the lives of the extraordinary women shaping Fowey’s businesses, culture, and spirit. Through my Inside Small Businesses series and wider community connections, I’m seeing something really special: women who pour their talents outward, not for personal gain, but to lift everyone. In giving their time, expertise, and heart, they harvest abundance - for themselves, their town, and future generations. Here, I’m shining a spotlight just a few of the women I’ve already featured in my Inside Small Business series, while honouring the hundreds more powering Fowey forward.

At the heart of Fowey’s high street there are some incredible women entrepreneurs who embody Give to Gain by sharing more than products; they offer inspiration, connection, and a vision for thriving local commerce. Take Nic Hoar of Fowey River Traders, who has turned a cosy nook into a bustling hub for coffee, cake, and curated local provisions. Nic doesn’t just sell; she gives space for conversations - gig rowers swapping stories, visitors discovering Cornish gems, locals lingering over chats. Her generosity creates ripple effects: loyal customers who return, not just for goods, but for the warmth that knits our community tighter. In giving her energy to foster belonging, Nic gains a thriving business and a high street that pulses with life.

Nearby, Gemma has brought The Old Bank back to life, transforming it into a vibrant gallery and social hub where local artists find a supportive home and people gather to share a coffee or a glass of wine. By nurturing emerging talent and creating space for creative conversations, Gemma embodies Give to Gain in every brushstroke and gathering.

Then there’s Harriet at Salt Society, redefining coastal style with boutiques that blend modern edge and timeless Cornish charm. Harriet curates collections that draw families, stylish locals, and visitors from far and wide - yet she prioritises support for the people who call Fowey home all year round. Her giving? Sharing style savvy through pop-ups, social tips, and support for things like the Fowey Festival with a fundraising fashion show. What does she gain? A brand that’s more than retail, it’s a movement, building shopper confidence and sustaining the town’s creative economy. These women prove that when female leaders invest in others, commerce becomes community.

Fowey’s magic extends far beyond boutiques, thanks to women who give selflessly to causes that define us. Victoria, a beacon for sustainable living, leads by example at Readymoney Beach Shop. Her reusable mug initiative, advocacy for ethical sourcing, and passion for keeping Readymoney Beach clean and safe, she’s gifting Fowey a greener blueprint, one that protects our coastline for decades. Her Notes from Readymoney Cove start many people’s Sunday with real and honest insight into her world. Her Give to Gain ethos shines: by sharing her stories and keeping Readymoney safe and accessible, Victoria inspires people from all over the world.

Echoing this generosity, Paula, the driving force behind the Du Maurier Literary Festival, gifts our cultural soul with stories that echo Daphne du Maurier’s legacy. Curating author talks, workshops, and readings, she amplifies the creativity in our community, nurturing emerging writers and drawing booklovers who fill our cafes and B&Bs. Paula’s gain? A richer Fowey tapestry, where literature fosters empathy and tourism blooms ethically.

Give to Gain reveals an important fact: women’s generosity creates exponential returns. Psychologically, it sparks joy and purpose, combating the burnout that often comes from juggling businesses and the demands of family and everyday life. Economically, it networks us - conversations spark collaborations, shout-outs drive sales. Socially, it shatters ceilings; as these women give visibility to peers, Fowey’s ecosystem diversifies, innovates, and strengthens. Picture it: a young entrepreneur inspired by Harriet’s curation, sustained by Victoria’s storytelling, showcasing work at Gemma’s gallery. That’s the gain, a virtuous cycle where one woman’s gift seeds a hundred more.

In Fowey’s intimate scale, this theme is distinctly personal. From networking breakfasts to drinks after work I’ve seen these women share contacts, celebrate wins, uplift the overlooked.

On this IWD 2026, let’s ignite Fowey’s Give to Gain fire. Shout out the amazing women doing brilliant work in Fowey and beyond. Who’s given you tools to thrive? Share below, and watch the gains multiply. Together, we’re not just celebrating; we’re building.

"When one woman lifts another, she puts down the ladder for all."

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