In honor of International Women’s Day, we held a conversation with a handful of the women who work at THYMES to learn how this day is impactful in their lives.

Not only did we learn more of what makes these women empowered, we were also challenged to discuss what the future looks like for women here and around the world.

What is the importance of International Women’s Day to you personally and as a collective?

Som Chea Irvin

Customer Service Manager

"I was born in a Khmer Rouge Concentration Camp and my family migrated to the US in 1979. I am the youngest of 6 children – 2 boys and 4 girls.

I raised 3 daughters mostly as a single (young) mom and I was the only child in my family to ever go to college so celebrating women’s rights at a global level is very special to me, to say at the very the least."

Som's favorite Thymes fragrance: Vetiver Rosewood

Carol Pepin

Senior Strategic Buyer

"Growing up, my dad had a job that kept him out of town for long periods of time. During those stretches, my mom took care of maintaining our household. Through it, she taught me how to be strong, independent and how to get a job done.

I’ve carried her values with me through life. IWD is a reminder to me of the strength and independence along with importance we contribute, within our own personal lives as well as our careers."

Carol's favorite Thymes fragrance: Goldleaf Gardenia

Meredith Tutterow

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

"Any opportunity that we take to celebrate women and their accomplishments is time well-spent. We are fortunate to live in a time and place where the opportunities for women can be limitless.

However, even today, not all women are able to enjoy these opportunities. It’s important to acknowledge that women face unique barriers to success and then celebrate all the more when they overcome them."

Meredith's favorite Thymes products: Frasier Fir Candles and Diffusers

How do you feel THYMES celebrates women?

Mary Beth McDavid

Director of Design & Innovation

"Thymes celebrates women every day by being a company that embraces women in the workforce, as well as by providing products that enhance the lives of our female customer base."

Mary Beth's favorite Thymes fragrance: Goldleaf Gardenia

Anne Ward

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

"Women have always been at the forefront of everything we do at THYMES. The company was founded by two visionary women who not only wanted to bring an incredible brand to the world, but ensured we had women in leadership to make that happen.

Today, we have an all-female chemist team who formulates our products because we want to continue to help women be successful in STEM careers. We also have a majority female executive leadership team because we believe in the caring leadership women provide to our world every day."

Anne's favorite Thymes fragrance: Aqua Coralline

Do you have an empowering famous quote
that you live by?

Karin Miller

Thymes Bath and Body Brand Manager

Do you have an empowering famous quote that you live by?

"Nothing about my life is Lucky. Nothing. A lot of grace, a lot of blessings, a lot of divine order, but I don’t believe in luck. For me, luck is preparation meeting the moment of opportunity." - Oprah

Karin's favorite Thymes product: Vanilla Blanc Eau de Parfum

What efforts can we all make in our day to day lives to help promote women’s empowerment?

Maggie Ehresmann

Thymes Home Brand Manager

"Show up! Supporting women through being present and being kind to them regardless of their differences or similarities, whether it’s your co-worker, aunt, a stranger on the street, a women-owned shop...is SO important.

Engaging with other women on a day to day basis is huge – we have a lot to learn from each other, and being open to the infinite knowledge of others is critical to our own growth.

Remembering to show empathy and grace towards others is very valuable – when we stop assuming we know someone’s struggle or reason for being, we make room for brand new perspectives and ideas. When we aren’t afraid to share our stories, others can find value in that too.

We all have different battles – big and small – so at the end of the day, being kind and supportive, regardless of having all the knowledge on the details of an individual or their story, is a great way to promote women’s empowerment."

Maggie's favorite Thymes product: Mandarin Coriander Hand Wash

Amanda Meadows Hoag

Sales Planning & Operations Director

I support groups that look to support girls and women all over the world, whether it be education, reproductive rights, or motherhood.

I shop locally and through my purchasing power support female business owners and originally Thymes was a women owned and managed company.

Amanda's favorite Thymes products: Hand Cremes

Deanna Webb

VP of Key Accounts / International

We can ensure we are lifting each other up... with our thoughts, our words, and by our individual actions.

Author on this blog:

Karin Miller

Thymes Bath and Body Brand Manager

Karin loves anything that builds brands. Whether it is coming up with new ideas to tell a story, or creative marketing concepts, she thinks with an entrepreneurial spirit. She also has a passion for fragrances and all the different products that encompass the Thymes brand.