Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? Having grown up in Kenya where I witnessed poverty first hand, I was determined to make a positive change in the world and create a business which encompassed environmental and ethical responsibility.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? Focus on what you’re good at and fill the gaps you’re not so good at quickly by hiring great talent.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Surround yourself with mentors you look up to, it’s important to have a person or even better a diverse group of individuals that will be open and honest about your goals. I run all my major decisions past mentors, they challenge you but are also your biggest champions. Often they can surprise and more often then help open doors for you.
What does success mean to you? Success, to me, means creating a profitable business that grows with purpose — without ever compromising my personal ethics or values. It’s about feeling balanced and proud, knowing that my impact reaches beyond the products themselves, inspiring others and contributing to their own growth and career journeys.
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit?As an entrepreneur, I see challenges and change as part of building something meaningful. They’re rarely comfortable, but they’re always opportunities to grow stronger and think differently. I handle them by staying grounded in my purpose and values, they’re my anchor when things feel uncertain.
My toolkit combines resilience, curiosity, and empathy. I ask questions, listen deeply, and stay open to collaboration and new perspectives. I’ve learned that progress often comes from moments of discomfort and that how you navigate those moments defines the kind of leader, and business, you become.
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Because otherwise who will? Sadly there is still a gender bias that exists at board level and throughout senior leadership. Women-led businesses still get a tiny proportion of funding despite the fact new business growth is at its highest level - we need to support the next generation of women and we need to do so by setting an example.
60 Seconds with Priya Downes
My inspiration is: I’m always amazed at the women breaking ceilings in male dominated industries for example Suzie Wolff and Jamie Chadwick, F1 drivers.
My greatest fear is: Never trying. I’m not afraid of failure, my biggest fear is never having gone for it in the first place.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Take the leap from a full time corporate job to start my own business.
I am most proud of: What Nudea stands for – creating a positive change through well made products and making people feel the best they can be.
Guiltless pleasure: Spending a day binge watching Netflix in my PJs.
Mantra I live by: Eat well and take care of your body. Physical health contributes to mental health.
Female role model: Trinny Woodall – love that she started a business later in life and wasn’t afraid to prove people wrong.
Women-led brand I love: FLOWERBX.
