Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? That’s a hard one. Not so much a challenge, but more a person. I wanted to be an accountant, but whilst temping in the finance department at Feather & Black at just 23, the founder/MD asked me if I’d like to try my hand at marketing. Their Marketing Manager was leaving to have a baby, and he saw potential in me. I didn’t even know what marketing was then. I was a little lost on my personal life so thought I’d give it a go. 8 years later I left the business as “Head of Ecommerce” and had learnt everything I needed to start the Secret Linen Store. Although I didn’t really know it. I have a lot to thank him for, he saw something in me, when I didn’t even know it was there. If he hadn’t given me that opportunity, I would not be where I am now.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given? Not so much a piece of advice but more a mantra that I often refer back to when I am struggling to spin all the plates. “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything”. As a founder wearing many, many hats (Especially in the beginning) it’s hard to not lose confidence when you’re simply overloaded with tasks. Stepping back and remembering that I am able to do lots of different things, but just not all at the same time helps to keep me going. Focus is the key.

What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Don’t undervalue yourself. A typical trait of us ladies I know, but if we’d had more self-assurance when we started out, we wouldn’t have given away quite as much of our business to get us going. Also, it doesn’t matter what you look like on paper, it’s your attitude, acumen and resilience that will get you everywhere. The education system is broken, and just because you’re not academic in the traditional sense, it doesn’t mean you can’t do great things.

What does success mean to you? Pride. Doing something everyday you feel proud of. Building a business that is purpose driven and meaningful. Also, these days I would say “time”. I’m still working on it, but I sacrificed so much time when my kids were small and I regret that. Finding the balance of family and work is definitely what I would classify as success these days.

How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? I used to be a bury my head in the sand person, but have got a lot better (Age helps). Face it head on. Stay calm, assess all your options and don’t try to make big decisions alone. Change is inevitable, and we are always learning. If things don’t go as planned, it’s not failure, it’s how we learn so feel the feels and then move on and make things better.

Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Well we all know the statistics, but I personally have had some very positive experiences as a female in my career (Luckily for me). Supporting women however keeps the conversation going and for me, the empowerment and creativity I find in female-led business is inspirational.