This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to donate £5 from every Birdie blouse sold to Smart Works.

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to donate £5 from every Birdie blouse sold to Smart Works.

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to donate £5 from every Birdie blouse sold to Smart Works

SHOP BIRDIE

Smart Works has helped over 45,000 women build confidence and secure employment, and with your support, we can help even more.

Smart Works has helped over 45,000 women build confidence and secure employment, and with your support, we can help even more.

Smart Works is our long-standing charity partner that exists to empower unemployed women by dressing and coaching them through the interview process, and giving them the confidence they need to succeed at interview.

LOVED by 34,000 of you

LOVED by 34,000 of you

The Birdie isn’t just a bestseller, she’s a wardrobe staple.
White Puff Sleeve Birdie Blouse

White Puff Sleeve Birdie Blouse
Pink Gingham Birdie Blouse

Pink Gingham Birdie Blouse
Green Long Sleeve Birdie Blouse

Green Long Sleeve Birdie Blouse
Green Gingham Short Sleeve Birdie Blouse

Green Gingham Short Sleeve Birdie Blouse
Black Cord Embroidered Birdie Blouse

Black Cord Embroidered Birdie Blouse
Pink Gingham Sleeveless Birdie Blouse

Pink Gingham Sleeveless Birdie Blouse
Black Floral Embroidered Tie-Front Birdie Blouse

Black Floral Embroidered Tie-Front Birdie Blouse
White Check Sleeveless Birdie Blouse

White Check Sleeveless Birdie Blouse
Green Gingham Birdie Midi Dress

Green Gingham Birdie Midi Dress
Black Floral Embroidered Birdie Mini Dress

Black Floral Embroidered Birdie Mini Dress
Black Long Sleeve Birdie Blouse

Black Long Sleeve Birdie Blouse
White Short Sleeve Birdie Blouse

White Short Sleeve Birdie Blouse

SHOP BIRDIE

After visiting Smart Works, 63% of women secure a job within a month, transforming their lives.

We’re shining a light on some of the amazing women across our supply chain - sharing their stories,

their inspiration, and the power of confidence

We’re shining a light on some of the amazing women across our supply chain - sharing their stories, their inspiration, and the power of confidence

How do you juggle all the roles you play - whether at work, at home, or in your community - without losing yourself?

I juggle all the roles as a single mother of 2 teens, caring for my elderly father and a full time job here at NC with determination and focus. It's tricky to be pulled in so many directions, especially with both my children doing A levels, so their calmness remains my priority. Having a full fridge always helps! My father just needs company as he is pretty lonely well into his 80’s, so I make sure I go visit and walk in his local park every weekend, he relies on this. I guess I like people relying on me.


I make sure I work full steam 100% during the working day but must switch off when I get home to stay sane. Yoga and meditation is essential to my well being as well as enjoying a nice glass of wine or 2 with my friends and work colleagues after work.

What’s one cultural tradition or practice from your country that empowers women?

One cultural tradition in Turkey that empowers women is women’s cooperatives: these cooperatives provide a space for women to gain financial independence, develop skills, and support one another. These cooperatives focus on traditional handicrafts, organic farming, or small-scale production, allowing women, especially in rural areas, to earn an income while preserving cultural heritage. They also serve as social networks where women share knowledge, offer mentorship, and collectively advocate for their rights. In recent years, women’s cooperatives have gained government and NGO support, helping more women break economic barriers and achieve independence.

How do you juggle all the roles you play - whether at work, at home, or in your community - without losing yourself?

Wow, this is the moment I pause and reflect, and I’m once again in awe of how we, as women, embody strength and perfection. We balance so many roles simultaneously, yet we never give up. The way we juggle all that life asks of us comes from a place deep within our souls. There is only one phrase that truly captures the essence of women: "And God created woman".


 

What’s the best piece of career or life advice you’ve ever received from another woman?

My sister, who told me, “Don’t be afraid to take up space and always trust your intuition, as your voice and trust in yourself matters a lot.” This encouragement I’ve received from her have been transformative in my journey towards success. 

What advice would you give to your younger self about confidence and self-worth? 

I always say to everyone, believe in your worth from the start, and don’t wait for others to validate you. Confidence is not about perfection, it’s about trusting in yourself, your abilities. Don’t be afraid to move forward - there will be hurdles in life and to learn from those hurdles is the mantra to succeed.


 

How do you balance ambition with well-being in a world that often demands both?

I feel that we are fed the idea that ambition and success are directly linked to the job that we do. I think this means that we focus a lot of our energy on success at work, and we are often looking towards the next promotion or next role. In the past, I was admittedly very focused on work and constantly focused on when I was going to progress. Since changing industry and careers, I am now focusing on my current role in itself, and ensuring that I maintain a healthy work/life balance. I also think that it’s helpful to well-being to be ambitious in things outside of work, such as fitness and socialising, in order to prevent work from being all-consuming. It's important to keep doing the things you love outside of the workplace and not neglect these.

How do you handle self-doubt, and what’s your go-to way to boost confidence?

When I feel like I'm doubting myself, I try to stay positive and do my best, reassuring myself that in past I have been successful. I also try to challenge myself with learning new skills. I believe that being a beginner in something and making mistakes helps to build confidence. For example, last year I made a big career move after working in education for 17 years, pivoting over to the charity sector here at Smart Works. This was daunting at first, but taking risks and trying new things definitely enables me to quieten the self-doubt voice. 


 

How do you handle self-doubt, and what’s your go-to way to boost confidence?

When I fall into self-doubt, I firstly try to figure out what's causing it. Is it because of a mistake I made, or is it due to excessive pressure? Understanding the reason helps me address the issue more effectively. Sometimes I reach out to my colleagues, friends or family, their perspectives can offer insights and help me to see my strengths and areas for improvement.

 

I set small, attainable goals for myself, and every time I achieve one, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me believe I'm capable of more. I also keep learning new things and skills in relation to my job. The more I know and can do, the more confident I feel in my abilities.

What’s one cultural tradition or practice from your country that empowers women?

Our government has been committed to promoting women's education, providing equal educational opportunities for girls. This enables women to improve their knowledge and skills, and enhances their competitiveness in the job market and social participation. Affirmative action policies have been implemented in the employment field. Many companies are required to provide equal employment opportunities for women and prohibit gender discrimination in recruitment and promotion. In the current social environment, an increasing number of women are gaining a voice in the workplace. With the development of society and the continuous improvement of gender equality awareness, female employees are no longer marginalised, they are making full use of their professional skills, innovative thinking, and strong leadership capabilities to actively participate in various decision - making processes. Whether in the fields of business, technology, or the arts, women are breaking through traditional gender barriers, demonstrating their unique value, and gradually becoming an important force in shaping the workplace landscape.


 

Which woman has had the biggest impact on your life, and why?

As cliché as it may sound, I would have to say my mum. I admire her energy, determination, and love she has for family. She continually puts her family at the forefront of her life and the support, guidance, and belief she shows will forever stay with me.

What’s one cultural tradition or practice from your country that empowers women?

In Vietnam, we have two days to celebrate the value of women. That's March 8th (International Women's Day) and October 20 (Vietnamese Women's Day). On these days, all women receive bouquets of flowers, gifts, and thank you cards from their husbands or lovers, children and male colleagues. This is a cultural tradition that enhances the value and rights of women in the family and society.

What’s one small but powerful change women can make in their daily lives to feel more empowered?

One small but powerful change that women can make in their daily lives is to take time to care for themselves and do activities that they enjoy such as travelling, exploring the world, participating in fields that were previously reserved for men. Thereby enhancing the power of women in life.


 

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