Celebrating International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is a special moment to reflect, recognise, and celebrate the incredible women in our lives and our communities. As a female business owner in Malton, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring women who are running their own businesses, bringing creativity, passion, and resilience into everything they do.
Sarah Clark, Founder and Director of Interiors at Nine to Eleven
Founding and growing Interiors at Nine to Eleven has been a journey filled with challenges, learning, and growth, but one of the best parts of it all is being part of a network of brilliant, supportive women who are making a difference in our town. So today, I want to take a moment to shine a light on just a few of the wonderful female-led businesses that make Malton such a special place.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 on Saturday 8th March, our fabulous female-led businesses are creating a community event, showcasing what they do and offering special items, products and promotions on the day. These businesses will be displaying pink fans and flower decorations in their windows, and a special window sticker with QR code to donate to our chosen charity of the day, Breast Cancer Now.
From flowing prosecco at Parnaby's Saddlery and Frock Exchange, Christine with her gorgeous pink landscapes at The Gallery Malton, The Topiary Tree Florist's pink bouquets, to Malton Relish's pink boobie cupcakes and so much more to look forward too! It'll be a wonderful day of celebration for the women of Malton.
So with this in mind, I want to take a moment to shine a light on just a few of the wonderful female-led businesses that make Malton such a special place.
Health & Wellbeing
If you’re passionate about sustainability and natural skincare, you’ll love Cosy Cottage Soap. Founded by the incredible Clara, a wonderful woman with a vision for eco-friendly, plastic-free, and all-natural skincare, made in Malton, their handmade products are not just good for you, but good for the planet too.
Cosy Cottage Soap
Sustainability is at the heart of The Beecham Weigh, Malton’s much-loved zero-waste refill shop. Davina leads this inspiring business offering a fantastic range of whole foods, dried goods, household essentials, and eco-friendly products. Every time I visit, I’m blown away by the team’s knowledge care and understanding, a truly enhancing experience.
Food & Drink
For nearly 20 years, in the heart of Malton’s food scene is Malton Relish, a fantastic deli that’s become a true local institution. Offering an incredible selection of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, preserves, freshly baked treats, and locally sourced produce, Sophie has created a food-lover’s paradise.
Sophie at Malton Relish
A hub in Malton’s social scene, Chapter Two Bar offers a truly welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly crafted cocktail, a perfect pint, or a relaxed evening with friends, Emily has created the place to be.
Alternatively, Gemma hosts the creative Yorkshire tapas bar Omni offering grills, tapas with a Yorkshire twist and THE best wine list (it’s seriously good) or of course a perfect Yorkshire pint!
Gemma at Omni Malton
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t choose between Sweet Treats by Carol or Celine Petit-Poirot at Florian Poirot both are an absolute delight! Carol creates the most delicious homemade bakes, and sweet treats. And Celine heads up the team and is the go-to for new ideas. Whether you’re looking for a box of indulgent brownies, or a tray of colourful macarons Carol and Celine’s passion shine through in every bite.
Wanting to dabble yourself in the kitchen, then you have to join one of the classes at The Cooks Place, Gilly offers pre bookings to learn the tricks in the kitchen from the best chef in town.
Retail & Lifestyle
There’s something so special about fresh flowers, the way they can brighten a home, lift someone’s spirits, or make an occasion feel extra meaningful. The Topiary Tree florists is run by Gemma, an incredibly talented woman who creates the most stunning floral arrangements, whether for everyday joy or special events.
Looking for the perfect outfit or accessory, Malton is bursting with boutiques, whether it’s a timeless wardrobe piece, a thoughtful present, or a unique necklace, we have so much choice:
Jane Swallow is a powerhouse in Malton’s independent retail scene, running three incredible boutiques: The Rusty Fox – A stylish ladies boutique offering fashionable clothing, accessories, and gifts. Little Fox - A charming shop specializing in high-quality children's clothing and gifts. Smash Boutique – A trendy store for those who love contemporary, fashion-forward pieces. Jane has limitless energy and a true commitment to independent retail, which shines through her fantastic boutiques.
Jane at The Rusty Fox, Malton
For those who love high-end fashion with a sustainable twist, The Frock Exchange is a treasure trove of pre-loved designer and high-quality clothing.
More must visits for fashion-conscious shoppers; Scandi influenced and owned by Sally, Bias Stores is an independent boutique that brings stylish, contemporary clothing to Malton and for timeless country classics, Parnaby’s must not be missed!
Malton’s also on the map for everything arty; home to Christine’s very own art gallery, The Gallery, showcasing her fantastic original art and sculpture and guest artists from all over the country but especially Yorkshire. Pioneering Environmental Art Studio is a true gem in the very characterful street The Shambles, Hermoine showcases true creativity in the community arts scene and offers interactive art sessions within everyone’s reach.
Also at The Shambles: The Drunk Candle Co is where Louise creates hand-poured candles in upcycled bottles, bringing a creative and sustainable edge to home fragrance. It's always exciting to see a business that blends sustainability with a sense of humour and style!
Behind the scenes
Many of our greatest female contributors are not always showcased in high street environments. Founder of her women led business is Marianne of Moon River Publishing, she has supported businesses in Malton for over 20 years and every month brings us fresh and exciting publications in The Handy Mag. Quietly and efficiently promoting our wonderful town is Joanna from Visit Malton – a full-time working mum, she consistently supports and promotes us all, personally and virtually too!
Marianne, founder of Moon River Publishing
And of course, a little bit about my own journey! Over the last 19 years, running Interiors at Nine to Eleven has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. What started as a dream to create beautiful spaces for people to enjoy has grown into a thriving showroom and design centre. Every day, I get to help customers bring their interior visions to life, and I feel so grateful to be able to do what I love. I head up a team of super-hero females, who are forthright and forward thinking and always have each other’s back. But what truly makes it special is the community – being surrounded by so many other women who are working hard, following their passions, and supporting each other along the way.
One of the things I love most about Malton is the way we all lift each other up. Being a female business owner isn’t always easy, but having a community of like-minded women who inspire, support, and encourage each other makes all the difference.
So, on this International Women’s Day, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing women in business—not just in Malton, but everywhere. Your hard work, dedication, and creativity make the world a better place. Let’s continue to celebrate, uplift, and support one another—not just today, but every day.
With love and admiration, Sarah Clark
Founder and Design Principal Interiors at Nine to Eleven
List of Female- Led Businesses involved in this year's International Women's Day Event
(Please visit each individual business for more information)
INTERIORS AT NINE TO ELEVEN
VISIT MALTON
MOON RIVER PUBLISHING
PARNABYS
THE COOKS PLACE
THE GALLERY
ENVIRONMENTAL ART STUDIO
THE FROCK EXCHANGE
TOPIARY TREE
COSY COTTAGE
SCOOPS
MALTON RELISH
OMNI MALTON
BIAS STORES
DRUNK CANDLE CO
HOUSEMARTINS
BEECHAM WEIGH
CHAPTER TWO BAR
THE RUSTY FOX, THE LITTLE FOX, AND SMASH
CUTTHROAT BARBERS
PLUM PRESENTS
DERVENTIO WINES
LINTON PET SHOP
SWEET TREATS BY CAROL
LUXE HAIR
FLORION POIROT