Last week, in honour of International Women's Day (IWD), 5874 Commerce and The Women's Domain co-hosted an event that celebrated female entrepreneurship. The evening highlighted the relentless positivity throughout the ecommerce industry; full of good vibes, great conversation and excitement about our ever-growing community.
Hosted at Klaviyo’s impressive offices, the evening kicked off with networking drinks and canapés, bringing together an incredible mix of female founders, industry leaders, and allies eager to celebrate women in ecommerce. There was an undeniable buzz in the room - conversations flowed effortlessly as connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and experiences were shared.
The highlight of the night was an insightful panel discussion moderated by Sara Russell (5874 Commerce/The Women’s Domain), featuring Sofia Panwar (Unndr) and Kate Hodgkinson (iiaa). Their candid and inspiring stories about navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and embracing digital transformation set the tone for an evening filled with empowerment and actionable takeaways.
Sofia Panwar, who transitioned from a paralegal career to founding Unndr, the UK's first monthly lingerie subscription service. In just two years, she scaled Unndr into a seven-figure enterprise with over 4,000 subscribers and a vibrant social media following exceeding 300,000.
Kate Hodgkinson, with extensive experience in global luxury retail, having collaborated with brands like Neal’s Yard Remedies, Harrods, and Swarovski. Currently, as the Digital & Advocacy Director at the International Institute for Active Ageing (iiaa), she leads digital transformation initiatives.
Their stories resonated with many of us in the room, whether it was their insights into scaling businesses, leveraging digital platforms, or the importance of building supportive networks - it was brilliant to hear from two women with two very different perspectives on the ecommerce industry.
The Women's Domain isn’t just a network - it’s a space where women in ecommerce can show up, support each other, and grow together. Whether it's stepping onto a stage for the first time, making meaningful industry connections, or gaining the confidence to take the next big leap in business, this is a place where it all happens.
We know the challenges - securing funding, scaling a business, navigating an industry that isn’t always built with us in mind. But we also know the power of community. One conversation, one introduction, one piece of advice can be the turning point for someone else. So let’s keep showing up. Keep connecting, keep sharing, and keep being the support we all need to see more women thrive in ecommerce.
One great way to do this is to get involved with The Women’s Domain Accelerator. This programme is all about giving female-led ecommerce brands the support, guidance, and connections they need to grow. Whether it’s helping refine a strategy, sharing expertise, or opening doors to the right people, this is how we lift each other up and create real change in the industry.
If you believe in showing up for women in ecommerce, this is your chance. Whether you’re a business looking for support or someone who can offer it, let’s make a difference together.
The energy from our IWD event was incredible - but we’re only just getting started. Here’s what we’re aiming for in 2025:
Helping More Women Grow – We want to support at least eight female-driven ecommerce brands this year through our Accelerator Programme, giving them the tools, connections, and guidance to take their businesses to the next level.
More In-Person Events – Because nothing beats real conversations, new connections, and the kind of support you only get when you’re in a room full of people who get it.
Building a Stronger Community – We’re here to help women find the right job roles, gain networking experience, and access mentorship opportunities that can open new doors.
Last week’s event was more than just a celebration - it was a reminder of what happens when we come together. Our sponsors - BigCommerce, Klaviyo, and BlueSnap - played such a huge role in making this event happen, and we couldn’t be more grateful. These companies aren’t just tech providers; they genuinely believe in supporting female entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive ecommerce space. Having partners who actively show up for women in the industry? That’s exactly the kind of collaboration we need more of.
Let’s keep this momentum going and make 2025 the year we see even more women thrive in ecommerce.
Smart Works is an incredible charity dedicated to helping women secure employment. By providing high-quality professional clothing, one-to-one interview coaching, and ongoing support, they empower women with the confidence and practical skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Their impact is undeniable - 69% of the women they support go on to secure a job within a month. We were so proud to support their mission with our clothing drive at the IWD event, and we encourage everyone to check out their work and get involved however they can.
