Celebrating the Women Behind Our Markets: International Women’s Day 2026

This International Women's Day (8 March 2026), CJ's Events Warwickshire is proud to celebrate the inspiring women who help power its markets across the region. From artisan makers to ethical importers, pet entrepreneurs to fashion retailers, female traders play a vital role in shaping the vibrant, diverse community that local markets are known for.

CJ's Events Warwickshire, a family-run organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting markets throughout Warwickshire and beyond, works alongside hundreds of independent businesses, many of which are founded and led by women whose stories reflect resilience, creativity and determination.

Among them is Angela Wright, founder of Travel SPIRIT!, who sources handmade, ethically sourced and Fair Trade goods from Kenya and South Africa. After COVID-19 brought international tourism to a standstill, Angela pivoted her career to support the artisans she had worked alongside in sub-Saharan Africa. By importing and selling their products at markets and craft fairs, she now helps create sustainable livelihoods for commercially isolated women's groups and their communities.

Debbie Linklater, founder of Secret Finds, transformed her love of discovering unique clothing, accessories and gifts into a thriving market business. Her carefully curated collections and personal approach have become a firm favourite with customers seeking something distinctive and thoughtfully chosen.

Artist Alison Hansen, of Ali Hansen Art, launched her business in 2022 after the pandemic impacted her career as an event illustrator. Inspired by vintage commercial art and advertising, Alison creates hand-drawn pen, ink and watercolour pieces that combine a bespoke aesthetic with affordability, bringing character and individuality to homes across the region.

For Karen Morris, founder of Aromahotties Wheat Bags & Pillows, entrepreneurship began over two decades ago. Starting her business from home in 2002 to balance family life, Karen developed a range of wheat bags and home textiles designed to support natural health and wellbeing, combining traditional sewing skills with practical comfort.

Meanwhile, Kim Byrne of Kim Lindsay Glass embraced change by taking a new direction in her market trading journey. Now in her seventh year selling hand-blown glass diffusers and fragrances, she highlights the strong sense of equality and mutual respect shared among traders, describing markets as a supportive "market family."

Another inspiring entrepreneur is Angela Evans, founder of Cativity Box. Built from the ground up, Cativity Box began as a bi-monthly subscription service providing enrichment-focused products for cats and has since expanded into themed gift boxes, toys and even dog products. Alongside her online store, Angela values face-to-face trading at markets, where she connects directly with fellow pet lovers and builds lasting relationships within the community.

Angela Evans said: "Market trading has strengthened my confidence, resilience and belief in what I've created. Being part of a community of traders means supporting one another, sharing knowledge and celebrating each other's wins. I'm proud to run a small, independent business that brings joy to pet owners and to stand alongside other hardworking women doing the same."

Carol Young of CJ's Events Warwickshire said "Our markets are more than places to shop, they are platforms for entrepreneurship, creativity and opportunity. We are incredibly proud of the talented women who trade with us each week. Their dedication and passion not only shape the atmosphere of our markets but also contribute significantly to the local economy and community life across Warwickshire."

For more information about upcoming markets and events, visit CJ's Events Warwickshire on social media or online.

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For more detailed information about the traders highlighted above, please see the profiles below:

Angela Wright – Travel SPIRIT!

Angela's journey took her across sub-Saharan Africa, living in Nairobi for two years and exploring the continent's wildlife and culture. She was deeply inspired by the skill and enterprise of local artisans.

When COVID-19 brought global tourism to a standstill, the communities she had come to admire lost access to international markets. Determined to make a difference, Angela launched Travel SPIRIT! in 2021, importing handmade, ethically sourced and Fair Trade goods from Kenya and South Africa.

She now travels back to Kenya to meet artisans and increasingly works directly with commercially isolated women's groups. Every sale supports sustainable livelihoods, strengthening families, communities and even wildlife conservation.

Angela shares, "My business is my passion. If I fail, I fail these remarkable, talented women. That pushes me to take risks, work outside my comfort zone, and stay true to my values of honesty, fairness and integrity."

Debbie Linklater – Secret Finds

Secret Finds grew from Debbie's love of discovering beautiful, unique pieces that make people smile. From Italian clothing to carefully selected accessories and gifts, her collections are hand-picked with care and personality.

It's the personal touch that sets Secret Finds apart — friendly service, thoughtfully curated pieces, and the excitement of always having something new to discover. ✨

Debbie says, "Building Secret Finds has taken courage, resilience and belief in myself. I'm proud to create something of my own and turn a passion into something truly special."  

Alison Hansen – Ali Hansen Art

When lockdown halted her career as an event illustrator, Alison saw an opportunity. Struggling to find stylish, affordable artwork with a bespoke feel, she launched Ali Hansen Art in 2022.

Inspired by vintage commercial art and advertising, Alison creates hand-drawn pen, ink and watercolour pieces with warmth and character.

She reflects, "Being a woman in business has been enriching and confidence-boosting. It's empowering to decide what customers might love — and to see those artworks fly off the table."  

Karen Morris – Aromahotties Wheat Bags & Pillows

Karen's love of sewing and her farm upbringing inspired Aromahotties back in 2002. What began as a way to create natural products to help with pain, stiffness and inflammation has grown into a comforting range of home textiles.

Starting the business from home allowed Karen to balance family life with entrepreneurship, building something meaningful while being present for her children. Her dedication to natural wellbeing and quality craftsmanship continues to shine through every product.  

Kim Byrne – Kim Lindsay Glass

After years of market trading with various products, Kim decided it was time for a change. She discovered hand-blown glass diffusers and fragrances, and took the plunge.

Now in her seventh year, she continues to trade at markets, pop-ups and events, embracing both the challenges and rewards.

Kim says, "At the markets, you become part of the market family. Female and male traders respect each other, working long days together whatever the weather. It's a supportive, equal and inspiring environment."

Angela Evans – Cativity Box

Angela Evans founded Cativity Box with a simple but thoughtful goal: to bring play-focused enrichment to cats and their humans in a way that feels personal and special.

What began as a bi-monthly subscription box has grown into themed gift boxes, enrichment toys and an expanding product range, all designed to create meaningful moments through play.

While her online shop continues to grow, markets have become a vital part of her business. She has since expanded into dog products, bringing the same enrichment-led philosophy to canine companions.

"Market trading has strengthened my confidence, resilience and belief in what I've created. Being part of a community of traders means supporting one another, sharing knowledge and celebrating each other's wins. I'm proud to run a small, independent business that brings joy to pet owners and to stand alongside other hardworking women doing the same." Angela explains