FEMALE FOUNDERS FOR IWD '26- Susie Dorman from One & Eight
We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by brilliant women every single day. We’re constantly inspired by their creativity, in awe of their drive, and so proud of everything they set out to build and achieve.
With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate them properly. You already know and love these brands, but we thought this was the perfect time to introduce you to the wonderful women behind them, the founders, the makers, the dreamers doing it all.
What's your name?
Susie Dorman
What's your Brand?
One & Eight Jewellery.
How many years have you been in business?
9
How many employees does your business have?
4
What inspired you to start your business?
After the birth of my first baby, I made the decision to step away from my career in buying. We sold our flat in London and spent six months travelling with our little boy - a precious time that gave us space, perspective and time together as a family. When we returned, we settled in Devon and began a new chapter. Without a clear plan but with a strong desire to create, I started attending pottery classes a couple of evenings a week with my best friend. What began as a creative outlet soon became something more, and not long after, One & Eight was born. We started by making porcelain cups, bowls and plates by hand, building the business slowly and thoughtfully. Over time, my focus evolved into jewellery design, while my wonderful friend continues to create beautiful ceramics. The business has grown naturally alongside my family, shaped by the changing needs of my growing family. At the heart of One & Eight is a commitment to creating the very best jewellery and gifts we can - pieces designed to be treasured. We are mindful of the materials we use and the impact we have, always striving to respect what we take from the environment and what we leave behind.I believe deeply that work and family should exist in balance, supporting one another. This belief is reflected in our all-female team, who have autonomy over their work and the flexibility to raise their families alongside their careers.Without this incredible team, One & Eight would not be where it is today.
What is the best business (or life) advice you’ve ever been given?
The best business advice I’ve ever been given is this: it’s okay to make mistakes. You will make them - that’s inevitable - but what matters is how you respond. Own them, learn from them, and then move forward. Mistakes don’t define you; they shape you. If you’re willing to reflect and grow, they will make both you and your business stronger.What is your definition of success?Success, for me as a female jewellery business owner and a mother, is creating a life where my creativity and my family can exist in balance. It means building a brand that reflects my values, crafting pieces with care and integrity, and growing a business that supports my home life rather than competing with it. Success is having the freedom to shape my time, the confidence to lead authentically, and the ability to create opportunities for other women while still being present for my children. It isn’t measured purely in sales or growth, but in sustainability, fulfilment, and the quiet pride of building something meaningful - both in my work and within my family.
What is your definition of success?
Success, for me as a female jewellery business owner and a mother, is creating a life where my creativity and my family can exist in balance. It means building a brand that reflects my values, crafting pieces with care and integrity, and growing a business that supports my home life rather than competing with it. Success is having the freedom to shape my time, the confidence to lead authentically, and the ability to create opportunities for other women while still being present for my children. It isn’t measured purely in sales or growth, but in sustainability, fulfilment, and the quiet pride of building something meaningful — both in my work and within my family.
What boundaries have you had to establish to protect your mental health and personal time?
If I’m completely honest, there have been times when my mental health has struggled. Running a business is all-consuming - you are never really off - and trying to do that while being fully present for my three children is harder than I can express.The mental load doesn’t lessen; in many ways, as the children grow, it deepens. The challenges become more complex, the heartache heavier, and so much of parenting is about quietly observing and gently supporting - which is both valuable and incredibly hard.
What boundaries have you had to establish to protect your mental health and personal time?
If I’m completely honest, there have been times when my mental health has struggled. Running a business is all-consuming - you are never really off - and trying to do that while being fully present for my three children is harder than I can express.The mental load doesn’t lessen; in many ways, as the children grow, it deepens. The challenges become more complex, the heartache heavier, and so much of parenting is about quietly observing and gently supporting - which is both valuable and incredibly hard.Alongside that come the daily pressures of a small business: stock issues, cashflow, innovation, marketing, customers and team management. I often feel like a jack of all trades and master of none. The responsibility can feel relentless.And yet, I wouldn’t change it. Running my own business has given me confidence, opportunity, and flexibility. It’s allowed me to travel, to meet inspiring people, to be there when my children need me, and to show them that you can build something from nothing - and keep going when things feel hard.What helps me survive - and sometimes even thrive is: fresh air every day, long walks or runs, putting my phone away in the evenings, and making time each week to see friends, often for a walk or sea swim.It isn’t perfect and always a work in progress.
Who is your dream customer?
Anyone who picks up a piece of our jewellery and says 'wow, I love that'. Then I know we've done our job!
What has been your worst business moment?
There have been sooo many, parcels sent to the wrong people, getting customers confused and calling the wrong people, spelling mistakes on packaging, making business decisions that in hindsight seem ridiculous.As long as you are honest, own your mistakes and don't make them again then it's ok. It's just part of learning.
Tell us a joke…
What did one hat say to the other? You wait here. I’ll go on a head.
A huge thanks to the lovely Susie for talking to us and opening up about the highs and lows of being a Female Founder.
Shop One & Eight jewellery here
