This International Women’s Month, we acknowledge the remarkable strides made towards gender equality, while also highlighting the ongoing efforts necessary to empower women in all facets of life. Here, we spotlight four exceptional women making waves.

Mentor, Business and Mindset Coach, Jess Heslop

International Women’s Day, women, impact, Jess Heslop, Jandri van Zyl, Susan Kemp, Jana Leonard, empower, personal development, YouTube, manifestation — Image: Supplied

With more than 80 million views on her YouTube Channels, she is a highly regarded Business and Mindset Coach and Mentor from the UK. With her expertise in reprogramming the subconscious mind to empower individuals to manifest their dreams, Jess is on the verge of launching her groundbreaking Mind-Reprogramming Course, poised to revolutionise personal development strategies. She will be in South Africa on 4 March at Cavalli, where she will teach 70 guests how to transform their lives through Manifestation, Guided Meditation, and how to release oneself from mind blockages.

"I want you to earn what you're worth," declares Jess Heslop, emphasising her commitment to seeing women thrive financially. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that true empowerment begins with recognising and valuing oneself. With a deep understanding of the power of manifestation and the law of attraction, Jess helps women tap into their inner strength and create the life and business they desire. Jess empowers women to attract abundance, success, and fulfillment.

Founder of The Velvet Cake Co, Jandri van Zyl

International Women’s Day, women, impact, Jess Heslop, Jandri van Zyl, Susan Kemp, Jana Leonard, empower, personal development, YouTube, manifestation — Image: Supplied

She is the visionary and mind behind the recently launched Cake Canteen, nestled within Hertex Bellville and Gardens with a strong focus on ‘Collaboration Over Competition’. Here, she unveils her innovative take on culinary entrepreneurship, seamlessly blending delightful treats from various creators such as Sweet LionHeart, and Harck and Heart, with unmatched creativity and flair. Reflecting on her journey, Jandri shares, “There are countless women across various industries who inspire me, often depending on the phase of life I’m in. However, I’ve discovered that to embody my authentic self in a male-dominated world truly, I had to carve out my own space and approach. Continuously challenging the patriarchy, I ask myself why I choose to navigate things the way I do. This process of introspection keeps me aligned with my values and enables me to chart a path that resonates genuinely with me.”

Founder and Creative Director at Baskiti, Jana Leonard

International Women’s Day, women, impact, Jess Heslop, Jandri van Zyl, Susan Kemp, Jana Leonard, empower, personal development, YouTube, manifestation — Image: Supplied

Back in 2020 - during the pandemic - she launched Baskiti. Born out of sheer necessity, not just for her, but for countless others too! Picture this: juggling the demands of a full-time PR consultancy with a 14-month-old toddler. Like many parents, she found herself resorting to anything and everything to keep her little one occupied. “I'll admit, there were moments when I turned a blind eye to creative chaos. One such day, my son decided that our veggies made excellent substitutes for his personal ball collection. Potatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes soared through the air, leaving a mess in their wake. It was then that I knew I had to find a solution,” she says. Thus, Baskiti was born—a simple yet ingenious answer to keeping your veggies (and anything else, really) out of your kiddos' reach while adding a touch of design to any open wall. Since its humble beginnings, Baskiti has evolved into a beloved brand, but its core vision remains unwavering: crafting storage solutions that just make sense. Baskiti is where design and functionality intersect!

Design Director at Sloom, Susan Kemp

International Women’s Day, women, impact, Jess Heslop, Jandri van Zyl, Susan Kemp, Jana Leonard, empower, personal development, YouTube, manifestation — Image: Supplied

She is the founder of South Africa’s most innovative sleep company who’s creative vision and meticulous attention to detail have played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's identity and aesthetic direction. With World Sleep Day on 15 March, Susan reflects on her journey at Sloom from its inception back in 2016. "As we celebrate both World Sleep Day on March 15th as well as International Women's Day on March 8th, I firmly believe that quality sleep isn't merely a luxury but a crucial aspect of overall wellness. At Sloom, we're committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of sleep experiences across all touchpoints. From innovative product designs to personalised customer service, I'm dedicated to ensuring that every interaction contributes to a restful night's sleep."

These women exemplify resilience, innovation, and determination, embodying the spirit of International Women's Day. Let's continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women.