We recently spoke with Camilla Rigby, the Co-Founder & Joint CEO of Women's Work Lab, celebrating the milestone of supporting over 300 mothers back into employment since 2020. Camilla shares the organization's impactful journey and the recent rebranding initiative in collaboration with Oakwood Agency. 

Sam Harrison: You’ve recently announced the remarkable milestone of supporting over 300 Mums back into employment since the launch of the Women's Work Lab in January 2020. Can you tell us more about the journey and the impact the organization has made?

Camilla Rigby: It's truly an exciting time for the Women's Work Lab. Since our inception, our mission has been to support unemployed mothers in returning to the workplace. Many of our women are single parents and have experienced domestic abuse, health conditions or other really tough barriers to working. The resilience and determination of these women inspire us every day and the fact that 68% of Mums supported in 2022 are now back in the workforce speaks volumes about the impact of our programs. And also how epic our Mums are.

SH: To celebrate your 300-mum milestone, the Women's Work Lab has unveiled a new brand. Could you share the inspiration behind the rebranding?

CR: The rebrand is a celebration of our evolution and growth. Winning Oakwood Agency's International Women's Day initiative allowed us to work with their super talented team, who generously provided £10K worth of strategic and creative time. The Queen Bee and hive grid in our new branding symbolise an active, collaborative, and communal space where Mums can realise their ambitions. Bees - like our Mums - face numerous challenges, yet thrive in the right environment. We feel that this perfectly mirrors the journey of the Mums we support.

SH: It's fascinating how the symbolism connects with your mission. Could you share your thoughts on the partnership with Oakwood Agency and the collaborative effort in creating this transformative branding?

CR: Working with Oakwood has been an absolute delight. Their commitment to supporting local female-owned businesses aligns seamlessly with our goals. Neil Sims and the Oakwood team understood our values and aspirations, and together we crafted a brand that not only reflects Women's Work Lab but also inspires and empowers women on their journey back into work. It's a testament to the positive impact businesses can have when they come together for a common cause.

SH: Looking ahead, what can we expect from the Women's Work Lab in 2024? Any new initiatives or plans in the pipeline?

CR: 2024 promises to be an exciting year for Women's Work Lab. We plan to support another 185 Mums in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Somerset. Additionally, we're launching a training offer for employer partners to attract, recruit, and retain talented Mums from diverse backgrounds. Our new 'Reach' program, in partnership with the Nelson Trust, will support Mums at risk of, or with experience in, the criminal justice system. We're committed to expanding our impact and reaching even more Mums in need and are always open to a chat with any local businesses who are interested in supporting our mission.

SH: Outside of your new branding, how have you found being members of the Bristol Initiative?

CR: It’s brilliant for us. The success of our Mums is wholly reliant on us creating connections with open and inclusive workplaces who want to be inclusive employers. Being a member means that we have a place at the table so to speak and can be part of conversations around how to create meaningful change. We’re looking forward to doing as much as possible in 2024.

To find out more about Women’s Work Lab, you can go to their website or follow them on Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram.