Women of Impact: A Conversation with Mariella Frostrup
As Aspiga celebrates 20 years of style and soul in 2026, we’re reflecting on the stories that define us. Our Women of Impact series goes beyond professional milestones to explore the resilience, self-belief, and perspective that shape a woman’s path, qualities that resonate deeply in this conversation about an incredible woman whose journey is defined by challenging norms, embracing adversity, and using her voice to drive meaningful change.
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Meet the Brilliant Mariella Frostrup
A true champion for women’s rights, Mariella’s tireless work as a journalist, presenter, and advocate has made her a powerful voice for change.
As co-founder of Menopause Mandate, she’s leading the charge to raise awareness and drive policy change around menopause, resonating deeply with Aspiga’s mission of compassion, equality, and making a meaningful difference.
As someone who champions conscious living and has long supported ethical fashion, her admiration for Aspiga is deeply appreciated and mutual. In this Q&A, she shares what drives her, what keeps her hopeful, and why shopping sustainably really does make a difference.
Q: When you were 20, what were you doing and how did that chapter shape who you are today?
"At 20 I was clawing my way up the career ladder as a music PR in a world where women were sparse and machismo was prevalent. It taught me that you had to fight harder and be better than those who sought to put you in ‘your place’ and that every setback was a deposit in your resilience bank that you could draw on in future!"
Q: What was your biggest hurdle, and what helped you move through it?
"I didn’t finish my education, leaving school at 16 and for a very long time ( and even
sometimes today) it made me feel like an imposter in the room. Luckily I was a
prolific reader and books helped me fill so many of the gaps in my experience. I
learnt about worlds beyond my own, characters with different life experiences and
imbibed stories that kept my head buzzing with new ideas and possibilities.
Looking back now, I can honestly say that was the greatest challenge of my life. But today, at 50, after years of practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience, I see that period very differently. What I thought was my breakdown was actually my breakthrough. At 20, I felt like everything was falling apart. But in reality, life was teaching me strength in a way that success never could... My message to young girls is this: Embrace your challenges. Don’t run from them. They are shaping you in ways you cannot yet see."
Q: Did you always believe in yourself?
"I was lucky that my parents had given me the tools and courage to believe in the
value of my ideas. That’s not to say I was filled with self-belief, in my experience it is
a quality that young girls in particular suffer with too little of. But I was stubborn
mouthy and determined and the best motivation for me ( and a regular one) was
someone doubting my capabilities!"
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Q: What do you think helped you break through the glass ceiling and become successful?
"Hard work definitely. Growing up professionally in a world that constantly questioned
your abilities simply because of your gender was a lesson in having to excel and
second chances were few and far between. Obviously luck played a large part at
times too but ultimately I do believe if you put in the leg work you won’t go
unrewarded but you will at times be pretty exhausted by the relentless graft."
Q: How do you define success today?
"I’m not sure I can define success. I see every new day as a fresh opportunity and I’m
not very good at looking backwards and marvelling at my ‘triumphs’. In fact I think
staying relevant and interested in the word is the key to leading a happy healthy life
and that’s an everyday exercise."
Q: Looking back, what would you say to your younger self?
"You can take your foot off the accelerator sometimes and still make it to the finish
line!"
Q: What is one belief you wish every woman carried?
"That she’s unique and capable and full of potential and even on days when the
world doesn’t seem to see it, the next offers a new beginning."
Make sure to go and follow us @Aspigalondon and @mariella_frostrup on Instagram and stay tuned for more Women of Impact.
