The Women Who Inspire Us — And Why Dolly Parton Makes Me Think of Little Bird

I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Dolly Parton.

There’s something about her that has always made me smile. The big hair, the sparkle, the humour, the music — but underneath all of that is a woman who worked incredibly hard, built her own success and, most importantly, never forgot where she came from.

Dolly was so much more than a country music legend. She was a businesswoman, philanthropist, songwriter, performer and storyteller. She did things her own way and was never afraid to be completely, unapologetically Dolly.

And that’s something I absolutely love about her.

Because when I think about Dolly, I also think about so many of the women I meet through Little Bird Made.

The women who have taken a little idea and turned it into a business.

The women who make things at their kitchen tables after the children have gone to bed. The women who have left jobs that made them unhappy, started again after a difficult time, or simply decided one day: “You know what? I’m going to give this a go.”

I meet women who make candles, cakes, jewellery, clothing, ceramics, artwork, skincare, preserves and so many other wonderful things.

But what I love most isn’t always what they sell.

It’s their stories.

It’s the determination behind the stall. The early mornings, late nights, packing boxes, loading vans and travelling from market to market.

It’s watching someone stand behind their little business and slowly realise that people genuinely love what they’ve created.

And just like Dolly, so many of these women are doing it in their own way.

They might not have a theme park or millions of fans, but they have something just as important — belief in themselves and the courage to have a go.

Dolly has always talked about working hard, being kind and lifting other people up. Those values feel very Little Bird to me.

Because our markets aren’t just about selling things.

They’re about people.

They’re about giving small businesses a place to be seen. Giving someone their first opportunity, their first sale, their first customer who comes back specifically to find them.

And they’re about the friendships and community that grow when independent businesses support one another.

I see it all the time — women recommending another trader, sharing posts, buying from each other, giving advice and cheering when someone has a brilliant day.

There is so much strength in women supporting women.

Perhaps that’s why Dolly has always felt so relatable to me. She became hugely successful without losing her warmth, humour and generosity. She showed that you can succeed without stepping over other people — you can take people with you.

So this week, as Little Bird celebrates Dolly, I’m also celebrating all those women who turn up at our markets week after week and keep going.

The dreamers.

The makers.

The doers.

The women who have taken a chance on themselves.

The women who have had setbacks but keep showing up.

And the women who know that you can be ambitious, successful, kind, funny, glamorous, hardworking and completely yourself all at the same time.

So here’s to Dolly.

And here’s to all the women who remind me a little bit of her.

Keep being yourself. Keep working hard. Keep lifting other women up. And never be afraid to add a little sparkle. ✨

That’s the Little Bird way. 🐦❤️

Jackie