Celebrating International Women's Day

We’re celebrating the achievements of women at our company and in our community today, on International Women’s Day – and throughout the year.

The seeds of?International Women’s Day , which we’re celebrating today were planted on March 8, 1908, when 15,000 women in the sewing trades marched through New York City's Lower East Side to protest child labor, fight sweatshop conditions, and demand the right to vote.

Two years later, activist Clara Zetkin proposed dedicating a day to women’s rights at the International Conference of Working Women. Delegates representing 17 countries agreed unanimously to her suggestion. The first International Women’s Day took place in 1911 – nine years before U.S. women gained the right to vote.

International Women’s Day is an important reminder for all of us to honor and celebrate women and their social, cultural, and economic achievements of the past, present, and future.

Though advocacy has long been part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on their success and challenges as well as share stories about the women who support and inspire you, your company, and your community.

Lessons from Grandmother

This global day of celebration has me thinking about my grandmother, Margaret McCann. My grandfather, Frank McCann, owned a painting business when he died unexpectedly in 1949, forcing my 22-year-old dad, James, to get involved in the business. He didn’t know a lot about it, but he had to be the public face of the company – because he was a man.

My grandmother, however, knew what had to be done: how to price products and services, write up estimates, and manage the finances. She ran the business until Dad learned the ropes. My grandmother was a wonderful example of the strength of women. I learned so much from her in life and in business.

Do you have a story of an amazing woman who has made an impact on your life, family, or community? Share her story with us for upcoming editions of Celebrations Pulse and our ongoing initiative to celebrate women who inspire us every day at [email protected].

Celebrating women in 2023

I left the family painting business to build a company that brings to life my grandmother’s values of hard work, giving, and celebrating community. It also gives me countless reasons to celebrate women and everything they do in supporting 1-800-Flowers.com.

The numbers speak for themselves. More than half of our colleagues are women, with many of them in managerial positions. More than 60% of our partner florists are women-owned businesses. And more than a majority of our customers are women. Put all this together and we’re a company that’s largely of women, by women, and for women.

For International Women’s Day, our brands are launching a?website to share the stories ?of women employees, partners, and community of customers, as well as women who are making a difference at all levels of society.

For example, you’ll see the stories of inspiring authors like?Janet Evanovich ?and?Lisa Jewell , who participated in our book clubs. You’ll be inspired by our florists like?Patti Fowler ?and?Vivian Chang . And you’ll see stories of women like?Ulrika Pettersson , who overcame challenges to build her business, Unna Bakery.

In the months ahead, we will continue to profile the women who are leading, making, creating, serving, giving, and caring in our community. We hope that you will be inspired as much as we are by the stories of these amazing women.