International Women’s Day is one of our favourite days of the year, and one that we feel is so important to share in and celebrate. We’re lucky enough to work in an industry that has many very talented women at the forefront, and so we wanted to shine a light on those incredible women who are excelling in their field and inspiring others to do the same. We asked a selection of empowering women who have built their own successful businesses for their advice of who they look up to as an inspiration, what trait they credit to their success, and what they would tell their younger selves starting out in the industry if they had the opportunity. Here’s what they said.
Ali Beaven | Prezola
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
I have always been inspired by Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company. We work closely with them as one of our Brand Partners and her business growth story is phenomenal.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
I am good at understanding people and creating a good company culture. Having such a happy, hardworking team around me has definitely contributed to our success.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Pick your battles and don’t worry about the small stuff. Oh and do more exercise!
Jade Beer | Brides Magazine
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
I think the five years I was the Deputy Editor at Glamour were some of the most inspirational of my career. I was surrounded by women who genuinely loved their jobs and brilliantly combined creativity with humour and tenacity. Everyone wanted to excel but never at the expense of someone else.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
Surrounding yourself with talented people is always a good idea, you can only benefit from it, but you also have to be prepared to work very hard and reach for the same high standard in everything you do.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to lay off the spray tans. I seem to have spent most of my 20’s the colour orange. We all did!
Kim Balasubramaniam | Kim Balasubramaniam
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
My biggest inspiration has always been my clients themselves. I have worked with many strong, successful women over the years and to see how they have each embraced a new chapter of their life and approached the planning of their wedding has inspired me to continue to serve them as best I can.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
Tenacity and kindness. I don’t believe you have to be ruthless to be successful and believe much of my success has been down to the significant relationships I have made with my peers over the years.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To be true to myself. I spent many a year trying to be something I wasn’t; we all have our own unique gifts and personalities to bring to the table. Once we recognise and understand what they are, they can bring us great strength and power.
Lotte Martin | LAMP Productions
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
I can’t pin point it down to one person – it’s too difficult, but each and every day I am inspired by my peers and contemporaries – male and female – that soldier on and succeed in their own way whilst positively supporting those around them. Running a business isn’t easy but, my god, it’s rewarding – being able to share and be supported by those doing the same thing will continue to inspire me for years to come.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
My ability to get on with people, and treating everyone that I come into contact with as equals. These are both often discounted as useful tools, but they are invaluable in building a great support network around you. Without a good network of people who you know, trust and get on with, it can be almost impossible to deliver.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Consider every opportunity really carefully, be it big or small. Some offers may seem irrelevant or inconsequential but turn out to be the best opportunities, whilst others could seem amazing on paper but not so great in reality! Weigh up the pros and cons of each one – but don’t spend too long on each decision, as they may pass you by!
Anna McGregor | LAMP Productions
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
My son. He pushes me to work harder and be the best I can be. Bringing him up as a single parent while running a business is a huge challenge but it’s worth it a million times over. Every day he inspires me to keep on going while helping me see things with more clarity.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
Integrity. Be kind to people, be honest and do your very best…that’s the lesson I take with me each day as I navigate an ever challenging and fast growing industry.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t always put work first. I missed so many special occasions with family and friends when I kept saying yes to the next job. Finding balance may be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. I would remind my younger self that the world won’t collapse around me if I was to take the odd day off.
Lisa Burton | Luvana
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
My biggest inspiration is my 9 year old daughter. Until I had her I was very driven and worked very long hours towards my 5 and 10 year goals; when Olympia came along she turned my world upside down, in a positive way. I’ve learnt so much from her, observing her zest for life, her natural creativity and her joy at the simple things…she’s a joy to parent. So although I’m still very driven, she’s softened me and inspired me to strive for that lucid work life balance which for me now is my idea of success.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
I think my success comes from setting clear small achievable goals, whilst working towards one large goal. I’ve also learnt that working hard doesn’t necessarily mean working long hours. I’ve learnt to trust my instinct and up to now it’s never let me down. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had this strong desire to be successful at whatever I do, it doesn’t mean I always am, but I’m not afraid of making mistakes, picking myself up and starting again. For me failing isn’t an option, if my original plan doesn’t work, I’ll re-evaluate and make another plan.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to believe more in yourself and ignore the naysayers (even when they’re really loud), trust your instinct and design a life that makes you happy.
Helen Sharland | Cutture
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
I am always inspired by friends and colleagues daily – of which I have an eclectic mix! These may be stay at home mums who are managing their household in interesting ways, working mums who are owning their days fulfilling life both at work and home, as well as high profile business owners who have done incredible things with their businesses. I am a huge fan of Mary Portas and Holly Tucker who are both running admirable businesses and campaigning for creative businesses and women in business.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
I am a hugely under confident person, however I do seem to have a stubborn streak which makes me think differently. I always like to challenge the ‘norm’, not doing anything the conventional way which I think flows throughout my creative thinking – always questioning ‘why is it done that way, can’t we try thinking about it this way?’ n.b This is not always a positive trait and very annoying for others! Being a busy business owner and mum of three, a head for logistics and lateral thinking is also a must!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Please stop worrying about what others think, people actually value you and your opinion, you are not the same as anyone else, and you’re ok, actually.
Sandra von Riekhoff | Divine Day Photography
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
There are so many that do this so naming one is impossible, but they all own the same trait…they imagine and jump! I’m fascinated by people who dream and do in equal measure.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
People! Nothing truly valuable can be done alone.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To simply remember that we all need love and acknowledgement. And as Walt Whitman put it “I have learned that to be with those I like is enough”.
Natasha Beckman | Urban Soul Orchestra
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
My mother has been a huge inspiration to me as she is the most positive person I know. She has one particular belief, “nothing is impossible” which has always resonated with me.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
I love people and have always put a lot of energy into relationships, across a wide range of stakeholders, from clients, to artists and collaborators, many of which have spanned several decades as I have always invested in the long term. I am aware that I am a hard worker, and unfortunately as much as I’d like to suggest a magical life hack I don’t think there is a substitute for putting in the hours.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would encourage her to love herself and be confident. When I have the privilege of spending time around some of the inspiring young women of today, this is something I try to encourage in them also.
Rosanna Garden | Motee Maids
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career, and why?
I haven’t really had mentors, just work hard and don’t be afraid to try it your own way.
What trait do you credit to your own personal success?
Tenacity and hard work. Also questioning and understanding, you can never have too much knowledge. Find out as much information as you can about how and why things are done.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Try even more things, it is all experience.
#balanceforbetter