Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? When I graduated from university, I booked a one-way ticket to Australia for an adventure. I was utterly terrified, but I did it anyway, and it was one of the best times of my life. I made lifelong friends and got to see and experience the most amazing things, including working as a zookeeper at Sydney Zoo. It taught me that scary times, out of your comfort zone, are where 'the good stuff happens'.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: Why not you? Starting a business can feel overwhelming at times, but this question has stuck with me. Look around—whether it’s a local shop, an online store on Etsy, or something unique, every success story started with someone who dared to try. With hard work, determination, and belief in what you’re building, anything is possible. So, whenever I doubt myself, I come back to this question and remind myself that there’s no reason it can’t be me. And there’s no reason it can’t be you, too.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. If you’ve got a solid idea, that’s enough to get moving. The details can be worked out along the way. My biggest advice? Trust your gut. It’s rarely wrong. Take that first step, believe in what you’re building, and learn as you go. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you just go for it.
What does success mean to you?Success to me is when a woman leaves my clinic feeling empowered and hopeful about her hair again. Many of the women I see have already been through a long and frustrating journey with what I call a graveyard of products that promised results but never delivered. My role is to remove the guesswork by understanding exactly what is causing their hair loss so we can take meaningful steps to reverse it together. When a patient feels less anxious and more confident because she understands what is happening and what we can do about it, that is success. Knowledge is power, and helping women regain control of their hair and confidence is the greatest outcome of my work.
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit?I try to approach challenges logically and calmly. As a doctor, I have been trained to assess a situation clearly, use the skills I have and call upon colleagues or my support network when needed. Change can feel uncomfortable in the moment, but I have learned that challenges often lead to positive evolution. Some of the best turning points in my career and business have come from things that did not initially work out.
In my real-life toolkit, I rely on connection and clarity. I always believe in phoning a friend, especially the people who have walked similar paths and can offer perspective. And when my head needs space, cold water swimming has become a powerful reset for me. Once I get through the initial 5 minutes of regretting my life choices for getting in freezing water in the first place, I start to enjoy it, and it gives me clarity on most things!
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Supporting women-led businesses is about more than just empowering individual entrepreneurs—it’s about creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities and industries. Women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse leadership styles that drive progress. By supporting their businesses, we open the door to more inclusive workplaces and products that better reflect the needs of all people.
60 Seconds with Dr Amy Vowler
My inspiration is: Incredible women around me who achieve extraordinary things and uplift others, showing that true greatness grows through solidarity and support.
My greatest fear is: Heights. I once did a skydive, and never again. There’s no fear quite like boarding a plane, knowing you won’t be landing in it.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Stepping out of my comfort zone as a Doctor and setting up this business to tackle a problem that impacts countless lives every day.
I am most proud of: Working four jobs to fund myself through medical school. It was a challenging time, but it showed me the power of resilience and commitment to achieving my goals.
Guiltless pleasure: Snuggles on the sofa with my little pug, Mav.
Mantra I live by: If you can be anything, be kind.
Female role model: My mum…. She was the first in her family to attend university, boldly pursuing computer science as the only woman in her class. At a time when computers filled entire rooms, her courage and pioneering spirit continue to inspire me every day.
Women-led brand I love: Workbench London, Lisa Franklin and Stripe & Stare….who doesn’t love comfy knickers!
