Drakes Jewellers Shines a Light on Inspirational Women at the Devon & Cornwall Venus Awards
Plymouth’s esteemed independent jewellery retailer, Drakes, proudly stepped into the spotlight as a key sponsor for the highly coveted Inspirational Woman category at the 2019 Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards. This prestigious event, often dubbed the ‘working woman’s Oscars’ by Channel 4, is dedicated to celebrating, applauding, and rewarding the exceptional achievements of women in business and the community who, through their dedication and resilience, often go unrecognized. Drakes’ involvement underscored its deep commitment to fostering local talent and acknowledging the profound impact women have across the region.
The much-anticipated winners were unveiled during a glamorous ceremony held at the exquisite St Mellion International Resort on Friday, March 29th. Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring a sumptuous three-course meal, captivating entertainment, and an atmosphere brimming with excitement and camaraderie. It was a night designed not just to announce winners, but to truly honour and elevate the collective spirit of successful and impactful women throughout Devon and Cornwall.
The Venus Awards: A Platform for Female Excellence
The Venus Awards stand as a powerful testament to the invaluable contributions of women in the professional and social spheres. Conceived to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the hard work, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by women from all walks of life, these awards provide a vital platform for recognition, networking, and inspiration. In a world where female achievements can sometimes be overlooked, the Venus Awards ensure that these incredible stories are brought to the forefront, encouraging future generations and reinforcing the importance of gender equality in enterprise and beyond.
The Devon and Cornwall chapter, in particular, highlights the vibrant and dynamic female talent within these two beautiful counties. From burgeoning entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals and compassionate community leaders, the awards capture a broad spectrum of excellence. By creating a space for celebration and mutual support, the Venus Awards not only validate the efforts of individual women but also strengthen the entire regional business and community landscape. This annual event has become a cornerstone for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours that define the modern working woman.
Drakes’ Dedicated Journey in Discovering Inspiration
For Drakes, sponsoring the Inspirational Woman category was more than just a corporate gesture; it was a genuine alignment with their core values of community engagement and celebrating human spirit. As an independent retailer deeply embedded in the Plymouth community, Drakes has always prided itself on supporting local initiatives and recognizing the people who make a real difference. The journey to select a winner for this deeply meaningful category was both challenging and incredibly rewarding, reflecting the rich tapestry of inspiring women in the region.
The process began with an overwhelming response of 75 nominations, a clear indication of the sheer number of inspiring women residing in Devon and Cornwall. Each nomination represented a story of dedication, courage, and impact, making the initial selection profoundly difficult. From this impressive pool, Drakes faced the daunting task of narrowing down the contenders to just five semi-finalists. These exceptional women were celebrated at a special event in January, marking the beginning of their official recognition and highlighting their remarkable contributions.
Following in-depth meetings with all five semi-finalists, where their individual stories, achievements, and aspirations were shared, the decision-making became even more profound. The Drakes team then had the difficult but honouring responsibility of selecting three finalists. These remarkable individuals were formally announced during an elegant afternoon tea reception in February, building anticipation for the final awards night. This meticulous selection process underscores the rigorous criteria and deep consideration Drakes applied to ensuring the most deserving women were recognized at each stage, valuing not just success but also the impact and resilience demonstrated.
A Night of Celebration: The 2019 Awards Ceremony at St Mellion
The Venus Awards ceremony itself is a spectacle of elegance and heartfelt recognition, and the 2019 event at St Mellion International Resort was no exception. Known for its luxurious ambiance and impeccable service, St Mellion provided the perfect backdrop for such a significant occasion. The choice of venue reinforced the prestige of the awards, creating an atmosphere that felt truly special for every nominee, finalist, and attendee.
Guests were immersed in an evening designed to celebrate success and camaraderie. A delectable three-course meal provided a culinary highlight, allowing attendees to network and share experiences in a relaxed setting. Engaging entertainment further elevated the mood, contributing to a truly memorable night. Beyond the glamour, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and mutual support within the women’s business community in Devon and Cornwall. It was a moment for reflection, acknowledgment, and forward-looking inspiration, cementing the bonds between incredible women and their supporters.
Alison Jordan: A Beacon of Hope and Resilience with Pete’s Dragons
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the announcement of the Inspirational Woman category winner: Alison Jordan, the extraordinary founder of Pete’s Dragons. Alison’s victory resonated deeply with everyone present, as her charity addresses the critical and often overlooked area of bereavement support following suicide. Her personal journey, marked by profound tragedy, has been transformed into a powerful force for good, providing a lifeline for countless individuals and families grappling with unimaginable loss and helping them find pathways to healing.
Pete’s Dragons was established in memory of Alison’s beloved brother, Pete, who tragically took his own life. From such a heartbreaking personal experience, Alison forged a sanctuary of solace and practical assistance. The charity offers a comprehensive range of support services, including emotional support, one-to-one counselling, group therapy, practical advice on navigating the aftermath of a loss, and a safe community space for those affected by suicide. It aims not only to reduce the profound isolation often felt by bereaved individuals but also to actively raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention, working tirelessly to destigmatize these crucial conversations in society.
Alison Jordan embodies the true spirit of an inspirational woman, demonstrating incredible strength, unwavering compassion, and an extraordinary commitment to helping others navigate one of life’s most challenging experiences. Her ability to channel personal grief into a profound mission of support and healing is a testament to the transformative power of human resilience, making her an unequivocally deserving recipient of this prestigious award and a true hero in the community.
Drakes’ Perspective: Jennifer Manning’s Insights on Inspiration
Jennifer Manning, Director at Drakes, passionately articulated the company’s profound connection to the Venus Awards and its participants. “We have absolutely loved being a sponsor of the Venus Women in Business Devon and Cornwall Awards for 2019,” she commented, reflecting the genuine enthusiasm and deep satisfaction within the Drakes team. “Right through from the launch of the awards last year to the final event, we have been in awe of just how many incredible women surround us in our local communities. Sponsoring the Inspirational Woman category gave us the chance to meet so many amazing women who all deserve to win in their own way.”
Her sentiments captured the essence of the entire experience for Drakes, highlighting not just the formal recognition but also the invaluable opportunity to connect on a deeper, more personal level with the vibrant tapestry of female leadership and community service in the region. Manning further expressed, “The Awards Ceremony was the perfect evening to celebrate all the successes and achievements of these fantastic women, we only wish we could have picked all three of our finalists to win! All of us at Drakes felt incredibly moved by how Alison had turned such a tragic life event into something that continues to spread positivity and support. Congratulations to all the winners!” This powerful statement underscores the deep emotional impact Alison’s story had on the Drakes team, reinforcing their belief in the profound importance of her work and the vital charity she founded, aligning perfectly with Drakes’ own values of community and care.
The Lasting Ripple Effect of Recognition
Alison Jordan’s victory at the Venus Awards extends far beyond a trophy; it signifies a monumental boost for Pete’s Dragons, promising a lasting ripple effect. Jordan herself articulated her heartfelt hope that winning the award would bring significantly more attention and recognition to the charity. This increased visibility is absolutely crucial, as it means that individuals desperately in need of bereavement services, who might not yet be aware of Pete’s Dragons, are now far more likely to hear about its vital work and access the compassionate, life-changing help they require during their most vulnerable moments.
Awards like the Inspirational Woman category, supported by community-minded businesses such as Drakes, create a powerful and far-reaching ripple effect. They provide profound validation for the tireless efforts of individuals, offering much-needed encouragement and reinforcing the immense value of their contributions. Furthermore, such accolades serve as a potent source of inspiration for others within the community, motivating them to pursue their own passions, make a tangible difference, and aspire to greatness in their respective fields. For Pete’s Dragons, this recognition translates into potential new volunteers, increased donor support, and crucially, more people reached during their darkest times. It serves as a beacon, guiding those in darkness towards a much-needed source of light and support, demonstrating the power of public acknowledgment.
Beyond the Ceremony: Fostering a Supportive Ecosystem for Women
The 2019 Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards, and Drakes’ integral role within it, underscore a broader and more vital message: the continuous need to support and celebrate women in all facets of business and community life. In an evolving professional landscape, platforms that highlight female leadership, innovation, and resilience are indispensable. They contribute significantly to breaking down long-standing barriers, challenging outdated stereotypes, and ultimately building a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Local businesses, like Drakes, play a pivotal role in fostering this supportive ecosystem. Their corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as award sponsorships, do more than just provide financial backing; they lend credibility, visibility, and a strong sense of community endorsement to worthy causes and individuals. By actively engaging in these initiatives, Drakes not only reinforces its own brand values of integrity and community spirit but also contributes significantly to the social fabric and economic health of Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, creating a positive cycle of engagement and support.
The resounding success of the 2019 Venus Awards serves as a powerful reminder that when businesses and communities unite to celebrate exceptional talent, everyone benefits. It actively encourages a culture of recognition, innovation, and unwavering support that empowers women to achieve their full potential and continue making invaluable contributions to their local areas and beyond, shaping a brighter future for all.
Conclusion: Celebrating Inspiration, Community, and Resilience
Drakes’ sponsorship of the Inspirational Woman category at the 2019 Devon and Cornwall Venus Awards was a resounding success, embodying the true spirit of community support and the profound celebration of extraordinary female achievement. The recognition of Alison Jordan, founder of Pete’s Dragons, not only honoured a truly deserving individual but also brought much-needed and invaluable attention to a vital charity offering compassionate bereavement support in the most challenging of circumstances. Through their dedicated involvement, Drakes demonstrated a profound commitment to acknowledging and elevating the remarkable women who enrich our communities every day, showcasing a strong sense of social responsibility.
This event stands as a shining example of how local businesses can champion critical causes and inspire collective positive change, celebrating resilience, empathy, and the enduring power of inspiration. Drakes continues to be a pillar in the Plymouth community, not just for its exquisite jewellery, but also for its unwavering dedication to uplifting the local heroes who make a real difference.
NewsSource: professionaljeweller