Little Girls, Big Women
Confidence rarely arrives fully formed. More often, it begins quietly. Sometimes it starts years earlier, as a little girl, deciding who she wants to become. For International Women’s Day, I wanted to explore that thread between who we once dreamed of being and the women we’ve grown into now. And if confidence could spread, if it could pass from one woman to another like a spark, I wondered what that might look like.
So, I asked some of the amazing women in our team to share what they dreamed of becoming when they were little, and the one thing they do today that makes them feel powerful.
If confidence is contagious, this is how it spreads: through the dreams we carry, the habits we’ve built, and the women we’ve become along the way.
I’ll go first…
Katie
Future storyteller
“I was very imaginative and always dreamed of writing all sorts of wild stories. My blog posts are just the adult-version of that, the sequel even”.
“I feel most powerful when I trust my gut instinct. Even though I’m still at university and still learning as I go, I know I’m exactly right on the right path as a Marketing & PR Coordinator. And that shows through my team that pushes me to grow.”
Katy
The aspiring personal shopper
Dream job: getting paid to shop (the ultimate childhood dream).
What makes her feel powerful: “Coming to the rescue and getting rid of the office spiders.”
Now the Digital Marketing Coordinator, I think as a collective we are so glad and amazed that she can catch these spiders with her bare hands.
She really does save the day while everyone else is standing on chairs.
Yas
Mermaid first (obviously), then “arter”
First of all, I wanted to be a mermaid, but I realised that might not be possible. When I was little, I used to tell my family I wanted to be an ‘arter’ (I didn’t know the word for artist yet).
What makes her feel powerful: “When the weather is miserable, I like to wear bright, colourful outfits to brighten up my day.”
Now, one of our graphic designers, Yas, is basically the queen of colour in the office. Don’t even get me started on her scrunchies. Yas, if a few mysteriously go missing… It’s absolutely not because I’ve stolen them… probably.
Giulia
The café queen
“I always wanted to have my own café because it’s what my grandparents did when they moved to the UK.”
“Doing extravagant eyeliner always makes me feel confident”.
Marketing & Events Executive at Alfred Works, Giulia has been brewing ambition since childhood, and she’s got eyeliner skills that are a constant reminder of her strength and identity.
Rebecca
Future air hostess
Dream job: cabin crew, inspired by a love of languages and travel
“I wanted to be an air hostess, as my mum was a languages teacher and I wanted to travel.”
“What makes me feel powerful? In reality, it’s a fresh bob and new nails. But it’s also being listened to and trusted in my role, which is fairly rare for a Marketing Director these days, but also having female friends and colleagues reaching out for support, advice and references years after we’ve worked together.”
Rebecca is a true inspiration in the team. And honestly, she’s been serving diva energy since day one. Just look at those sunnies. Some people are just born with main-character vibes, and Rebecca is clearly one of them.
Lauren
The Whitney in the making
Dream job: Paediatrician…until she discovered Whitney Houston
“When I was little, I wanted to be a paediatrician so I could help babies. Then, at about 5, I wanted to be a singer, specifically Whitney Houston.”
“These days, wearing rings and earrings makes me feel powerful. They’re small, intentional reminders that I get to choose how I show up each day”.
Now, our Community Development officer at BCF, Lauren, has always been a helper at heart. Whether she was planning to save tiny humans or just cheering everyone up with her sparkle. Some people grow out of that instinct; she never did, and thank goodness for it.
Lucy
The language lover
“When I was growing up, I wanted to be a translator. I studied German, Spanish, and Mandarin at school (can’t speak any of them now, though).
“One thing that makes me feel confident is self-maintenance, like nails and hair. Look good = feel good.”
Now our Marketing & Events Executive of Cambridge Street Collective, Lucy, grew up juggling three languages, even if they’ve all mysteriously faded now, she still builds confidence through taking care of herself. Those small, grounding rituals that make her feel polished, centred, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Venly
The tiny but mighty officer
“When I was young, I wanted to be a policewoman because I was great at sports. I even won gold in my first high jump competition. Looking at my height, you wouldn’t believe that!”
“What makes me feel confident now is being strong and independent, and that’s what bought me to Blend Family.”
Our Marketing Manager, Venly, has been defying expectations since day one, and she’s still leaping over challenges the exact same way now. Strong, independent, and absolutely the kind of woman you want on your team.
Emily C
The little artist
“When I was younger, I wanted to be an artist. I loved painting and crafting.”
“What makes me feel powerful now is stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something challenging…or just having a chat with my mum or sister.”
Our Marketing & Events Executive at Kargo MKT has always been a creator at heart: tiny hands covered in paint back then. These days, she channels the same thoughtful energy into every challenge that comes her way. She still proves that sometimes the strongest power is phoning the women who raised you.
Mia
The aspiring paramedic
“I grew up wanting to be a paramedic, and now I feel powerful being the youngest in the office and realising I’m not just ‘the young one’… I actually know what I’m doing (most of the time).”
Now, she’s our Events Activation Coordinator. At this point, she’s so competent we’re all just waiting for her to start checking our pulses and telling us to hydrate. Young? Yes. Clueless? Absolutely not. She’s also the only one among us who’s come remotely close to living her paramedic dream…she’s already worn the uniform on a uni night out. Thankfully, she was far too tipsy to start issuing first aid, though the enthusiasm was definitely there.
Camila
Future fashion designer
“When I was little, I really wanted to be a fashion designer and make clothes. I guess graphic designer is close enough!”
“Something that makes me feel powerful is knowing that I’m the first woman to pursue a creative career in my family, and I constantly remind my little cousins that there’s space for women of colour in the creative field!
She’s now the other half of our amazing graphic design team, and her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer makes perfect sense. Her wardrobe is unreal and also explains exactly where her passion for graphic design comes from.
Laura
The bridal dreamer
“When I was growing up I wanted to open my own wedding dress shop!”
“I feel most empowered when I’m spending time with my friends and family, especially with an Aperol in hand…”
Our Marketing & Events Executive of Cutlery Works grew up picturing a world full of satin and sparkle, and now she’s proving you can feel just as powerful perched on the loo with a newspaper. And for the Aperol? Completely get it. I’m right there with her.
Emily S
The culinary dreamer
“Growing up, I wanted to be a chef; I loved being in the kitchen!”
“At work, I feel most powerful when I’m organised, on top of my to-do list and getting things done”.
Our Marketing & Events Executive at Tower Bridge Collective wanted to be a chef, and I see it. She really is at her most powerful when everything is prepped, labelled, and perfectly organised. Organisation really is her signature dish.
Kenzie
Tiny fashion designer
“When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer.”
“I feel most confident, first after my Diet Coke, but also when I remember everything I’ve already achieved. It reminds me that I can handle whatever is in front of me. Confidence sometimes has to be borrowed, though, and I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing women who always lift and support me when I’m not feeling my most confident.”
Our Head of Events, Kenzie, reminds us that confidence isn’t about having it together all the time. It’s about knowing you can figure it out, especially with the right women (and the right caffeine) in your corner. Trust me, the Diet Coke is non-negotiable.
Aushin
Queen of the skies
“When I was little, I wanted to be an air hostess. It felt like the most exciting job ever, travelling around the world and working in the sky!
What makes me feel powerful in the office now is solving problems. Fixing a bug or figuring out why something isn’t working and finally making it work gives me that little “aha!” moment, and I love it.”
Now our data analyst at Blend, Aushin, traded turbulence in the sky for turbulence in code, and somehow she still makes it look glamorous!
Bonnie
Mini foresnic scientist
The best thing about confidence? It multiplies when women share it. This month reminds us that the ambitious women we dreamed of becoming aren’t distant ideas. We’re already growing into them.