International Women's Day 2023
International Women’s Day (IWD) returns on on 8 March 2023. The annual event aims to celebrate and recognise the important achievements of women worldwide, whilst raising awareness of women’s equality and rights.
For IWD23, we took the opportunity to interview Munchy Play founder, about what it means to be a female founder in the manufacturing and design world.
Q: Sophia, tell us a bit about your background and career.
I’m a mum, entrepreneur and founder of Munchy Play kids' plates. I launched the business back in 2020 to help other families with our game-changing track plates. Prior to this, I worked in PR and marketing.
Q: Where did you get the idea for Munchy Play, what was the lightbulb moment?
Like most parents, I struggled to get my toddler to come to the table, let alone sit still and eat. Because play is the language that toddlers speak, one day I made a track around his plate and brought his favourite Thomas train to the table. At that moment, everything changed. I searched Amazon and Google for a Track Plate and, when I couldn’t find one, I decided I would be the person to make it!
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and how are you marking it?
IWD offers an opportunity to shine the spotlight on female innovators and change-makers. On the day I'll be attending an IWD panel on behalf of Richmond Council in London. I'm also delighted to feature in the Financial Times IWD report on the day.
Q: What women do you look up to?
I recently read a quote that said 'All mums are working mums' and feel that sums it up. I see from my own friends and acquaintances, the struggle of trying to balance parenthood with a career and life. All mums are heroes.
Q: What qualities do you need to be a female founder?
It helps to have resilience, self-belief and to be adaptable. If you're launching a product, you need to be obsessed with it and let nothing stand in your way. Basically, you need to be unstoppable!
Q: What are you most proud of as a small business owner?
It was a huge leap going from a small business, to a business in partnership with Mattel. It was a game-changer, and our Thomas & Friends and Hot Wheels kids' plate collections are proving to be hugely successful. In terms of awards, I was truly honoured to be named the ‘Mentor of the Year’ by Virgin Start-Up recently, for supporting small business.
Q: Finally, what is your advice to aspiring female founders?
If you believe in your product and yourself - then absolutely nothing will stand in your way. I’m proof of that.
Sophia is the founder of Munchy Play kids' plates.
