2Inspire Network - Mothers Day Special Feature & Competition: The Strength of a Woman

Mother's Day is nearly here, a celebration to honour mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world but most commonly it is celebrated in March to coincide with women’s history month and International Women's Day. March is a joyous month full of countless celebrations to celebrate women.

I have been fortunate enough to attend a few great women's celebrations this month but one that really touched me was the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trusts Women’s Awards which took place on the 7th March. It was a wonderful event as it celebrated the achievements of remarkable women who inspire those around them. Women were acknowledged and honoured for their amazing achievements. Along with promoting a positive image of women and recognising dynamic role models, the event raised an awareness of the work of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable trust which was set up in 2000. What really struck a cord with me was the courage of Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE who addressed the audience at the event, which was held the day after the revelations about the corruption of the police who were involved in the investigation of her sons murder came out. Doreen is truly a beacon of strength and I was completely humbled by her grace as she stood before us and spoke. 

My mother, Doreen Lawrence and I

My mother and Doreen are both formidable mothers who have inspired me by the way that they have become agents of change for their families, communities, and beyond. 

They are, in my opinion, prime examples of strong, selfless women who continue to have a powerful influence on those around them.

I have been fortunate to have cross paths with a lot of amazing women in my lifetime, particularly since I formed the network in 2012. Two that I would like to mention are two ladies that were recipients of the Ladies Day Award of Excellence in March and October 2013, Tricia Blake and Annette Clark-Headley, these are women that have beat the odds and have  overcome adversity by remembering what their goals are and what vision they have for their own future. You can learn more about these two from our feature on them in our blog and their spotlight interviews (details below*). 

                       

                              Tricia Blake, Divas Choice

Annette Clark-Headley, Almocado   

With them and the countless inspirational women that I have met in mind, I have decided that the theme for the next ladies day in June will be centred around the strength of a women. We have decided to run a competition whereby entrants will submit a title, slogon or catchphrase that highlights the strength of a woman which we will use for the event.(Full credit will be given to the winner). The prize will be a free exhibition stand at the event for the winner to promote a business or service. Please submit all entries to marketing@2inspirenetwork.com, the closing date is 8th April 2014.

I must end by saying that the strength and uniqueness of a woman can be compared to no other and I salute every woman out there.

Hazel Chawapiwa
Founder, Director 2inspire Network

*Interview & profile details of Tricia Blake & Annette Clark-Headley:
Tricia Blake: 
Blog: Tricia Blake Business Profile

Youtube: Tricia Blake Spotlight Interview

Annette Clark-Headley:

Blog: Annette Clark-Headley Business Profile

Youtube: Annette Clark-Headley Spotlight Interview

  

2Inspire Business Profile: Janvi Patel, Co-Founder of Halebury

Who says that Law has to be one dimensional? Janvi Patel certainly doesn't think so, establishing an alternative law firm which strives to give clients more from law with a flexible working model that is pioneering a refreshing way to do Law. A working mother of 3, who commutes between LA and London on a regular basis, Janvi proves that nothing is impossible. 

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

In just seven years and with no external funding, I co-built Halebury, an alternative law firm, to a seven figure turnover, team of nineteen lawyers and six staff with clients such as BSkyB, BT, Ericsson and Expedia.  Recently on BBC R4’s Today programme, Halebury was introduced as “the ultimate flexible working model” – an amazing achievement in such a traditional industry.

I also “manage” three children (aged 5 and under) and I have recently relocated to LA where I live during term time. I commute to London every 4/6 weeks and in LA work four days a week.  Although no two days are the same, my day starts around 4am for calls to London, stops around 8.15am for the school run, which usually involves a school fund raising or class parent meeting, then back to work until 2pm.  I try to fit in a work out before the kids come home when it is time for their activities.  It’s flexible working taken to the extreme. 

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

After many years of working in the City (Charles Russell solicitors) and in industry (Nortel Networks), I decided to launch my own business.  With an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit I started to consider ways of improving the legal service provided by private practice to clients.  I believed the service I received, and as is often received by clients, whilst legally accurate was not truly commercial or hands on and it was expensive.  The legal industry needed a change and therefore set out to revolutionise the legal market.  This was 2007 and the Legal Services Act was still many years away and not many legal service providers were thinking about fundamental change.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

The amazing team we have grown, the incredible work they do, but overall we are making real waves and changing lives within a traditional industry – for clients and for the lawyers. 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Firstly, we had to convince insurance companies that a truly alternative structure was possible. In terms of the legal sector itself, the main challenges were persuading lawyers, who are often risk averse by nature, to join a new entity with no guaranteed salary or support from an in-house team, to make the step away from a tried and tested but unsatisfying model to try something new.  Finally, we had to persuade in-house legal teams that there was a viable option outside of traditional magic circle firms on their panels, where they can access the best lawyers but at affordable rates.

What are your future plans for the business?

Halebury unveiled plans in July 2012 to double in size over the next 18 months to a team of 30 lawyers and its turnover.  Halebury is also looking to expand into alternative sectors and services, such as banking and litigation, all with an alternative spin.  Halebury plans to position itself as the genuine alternative law firm of choice for in-house teams.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

 I was ‘late’ to the social media table.  The marketing benefits of social media, especially for working mothers is huge, as it is hard to attend networking events in the evening and to effectively market in the traditional way but with social media it is possible reach a huge market not only on a personal level but professional as well.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

 All young people need inspiration to follow their dreams.  Young women have a harder time to manage career goals and their family dreams and aspirations.  Young women need female role models not just to show them that they can achieve their dreams but how they can logistically have it all. 

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

I have two pieces of advice for anyone who wants to start a business.  First is just to start.  Sometimes we get

stuck on planning and logistics which will often work itself out.  Secondly, make sure you surround yourself with a team that you can trust and are smart, even if their previous experience is not perfect for the role.  Smart people will be able to work it out and people you trust will have your back.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

Indra Nooyi – the Chairwomen and CEO of PepsiCo.  Her journey is inspirational.  She has had an amazing career.  Her rise has been extraordinary and what she has accomplished at PepsiCo incredible, but has also managed to balance her career with her family.

What is your favourite inspirational quote? 

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.  It is what difference we have made to the live of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” Nelson Mandela

Contact Details

+44 (0) 207 127 2500 

@halebury

janvi.patel@halebury.com

FREE Live Online Presentation on "How to build a Health & Wellness Business from Home" with Tobi Ayowemi

The saying “health is wealth” can be interpreted in so many different ways. One common interpretation is that being free from illness and pain is more than any material possessions someone can have. It is a reminder about the richness of a healthy life and the importance of taking care of oneself. This philosophy is being adopted by the masses as research shows an amazing growth of the consumer health industry, this includes a huge increase in consumer health spending, a shift in consumer behaviour and attitudes with a huge number of consumers using the internet to research a broad array of health options and more noticeably retailers across all industries expanding into health and wellness.

With all this in mind and the fact that the health and wellness industry is an emerging trillion-dollar market this THURSDAY NIGHT (20/3/2014) at 9pm - 9:45pm, the network in partnership with Tobi Ayowemi will be holding a FREE Live Online Presentation on "How to build a Health & Wellness Business from Home" 

Successful Health and wellness entrepreneur,Tobi Ayowemi, will be sharing with you how you can increase your income in the following ways:

• Retailers £200-£400+ per month
• Team leaders - £800-£2,000 per month
• Business Developers - £3,000-£10,000 and more per month

She will be personally Training, Coaching & Mentoring You on using Facebook and other tools

to achieve the income bracket of your choice!

Please send an email to events@2inspirenetwork.com if you would like us to send you a link to the Live Presentation.

It will be online, from the comfort of your own home, we won't be able to see or hear you, so feel FREE to be in your PJs!

*With her Coaching & Mentoring Plan, you can build your Business to start making an income of £800-£2,000 per month in 5 months!

Think about what this can be mean for you and your family! It is a journey I have taken and I haven't looked back. Join the call and see what it is about, you have nothing to lose, your health to improve and financial freedom to gain! Contact us for the link to the presentation.

Hazel Chawapiwa

2inspire Network

2Inspire Network Business Profile: Marianne Miles, Founder of Merité Public Relations

In this 2Inspire Network Business Profile we meet Marianne Miles, Founder of Merité PR. Her determination to succeed has led to the growth of her flourishing PR agency, which represents some the UK's fastest rising stars of Stage and Screen.

Marianne

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

No day is typical!  I could be inside all day answering emails, writing press releases biographies, pitches or planning campaigns or I could be out at events, photo shoots or interviews with clients. 

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

I was made redundant in 2008, then worked freelance for a few agencies. Ultimately I was tired of being told I was over or under qualified for roles I could do with my eyes shut and then being restricted within the positions I had obtained.  In 2011 a friend asked me if I would do PR for their self-published book, I accepted and loved every minute of that assignment, hence Merité PR was born!

Tamar Braxton meets Marianne Miles

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

At this stage of business each new client we obtain is an accomplishment because we do not promote our business, we have no web presence, much of our results and communication with the world is achieved via social media, mainly Twitter & Instagram.  Just being able to sustain a business so far and attract great clients has been the best thing for us.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Positioning ourselves above the many PR Companies that have been set up and battling with clients who do not know your skill set.  Coming from a PR & Corporate communications background I know PR, I’ve done PR for many years I know how it works.  My outlook may different from many, I want to change things, shake things up a bit.  So my approach maybe untraditional for some, but it gets results.  It’s hard to explain to people who think they know what PR is.  But we have happy clients and slowly but surely our reputation will precede us.

What are your future plans for the business?

I will continue with the PR side, expanding with more staff and bigger client accounts, but I will also be adding a production company and a charity foundation which will help to bring out the best in kids who have been let down by the system.  I think it is important to inspire and give back no matter how little you have achieved.

 

The Team: Tyrell Miles Brown (PR Assistant) - Denisha Watson (PR & Events Manager) -Joanne Watson (Events Assistant) - Marianne Miles

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Chucky Venn and Marianne

Nothing!  I never regret anything I do in life, I believe our outcome is ordained.  I’m happy with where we are right now.  We have just started a great campaign with Domestic Violence UK with some of the Strictly Come Dancing stars involved, we recently co-ordinated a successful charity event, which has led to more work in that sector, and we continue to work with up–coming actors & presenters like Remel London who has a big year coming up.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that is because of the work we have done so far, good or bad.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

Traditionally women have not been allowed to dream of business success or riches in the same way as men, thankfully attitudes are changing but it is still important to let all girls know from a young age that whatever they can dream can be achieved.  We have many examples of women who have obtained success without using their sexuality or feminine wiles; Oprah Winfrey is a prime example.  The foundation I’m starting will be all about tapping into the inner–self, letting young people dream and believe it can happened for them, but most importantly, showing them how to achieve success and guiding them along the way.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

PR is a saturated market.  Everyone thinks they can become a publicist without knowing how much Public Relations covers.  It's not just tweeting and sending out mail chimp blasts.  You have to have a lot of extra skills to survive.  Writing skills are all-important, as well as networking and maintaining your contacts at all media outlets.  The more skills you have, the more services you can offer.  I have just completed Photoshop and In Design training and am currently undertaking videography and editing.  Make sure you get some training and keep updating your skills.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

From the sly, cut throat nature of Mark Zuckerberg to the honesty and integrity of Oprah Winfrey, to the innovation & daring or Steve Jobs, the belief and faith of Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter) and the ability to grow and evolve like Jamal Edwards. All of these people inspire me in their own way; I hope to have a little bit of each in me one day.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

As I’m approaching 40 time is of the essence, but this Chinese proverb recently reminded me to live for now:  The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, The second best time is now!

Email:  Info@meritepr.com

Twitter: @MeritePR

Instagram @MeritePRGirl

2Inspire Business Profile: Emma Reilly, Founder of Brave & The Bold Apparel

In this 2Inspire Business Profile interview we meet the amazing Emma Reilly, Designer and Founder of Brave & The Bold Apparel, who started her own business after being unemployed for 12 years. Her inspirational story shows us all that it is never too late to start anew, no matter how many challenges life throws our way.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

My day begins about 8.30 when I spend half an hour prioritising what I need to do for the day. I have a day planner on my desk and this helps me keep track of what I need to do. At the moment I’m preparing my new Spring/Summer collection so my day is divided between designing new graphics, keeping up-to-date with our social media and dealing with orders that come in. I have lots of meetings dotted about to so much of this work comes with me on my laptop so I can keep on top of things.

My day usually goes right through into the night, with a couple of hours break to see my parents and have dinner. I do find I work much better at night, I think because there is less distraction from emails and phone calls. I find it quite relaxing just to sit and design into the night.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

I had been unemployed for 12 years, In fact my only experience of being employed was a very unhappy 5 weeks at a marketing studio. I hadn’t been able to communicate with other people until I was 25 and that was because I taught myself. Most of my teenage and early twenties I suffered terrible from a phobia of people because I just didn’t understand them. It was so bad that I hid under my bed if someone knocked at our door.

With a lot of hard work I managed to get to grips with conversation making. I was eventually diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome a couple of years ago. At the same time my sister’s partner was diagnosed with terminal Cancer. It was the shock I needed to try and create some kind of life for myself. I approached the Prince’s Trust who gave me financial support and a mentor to start up as an illustrator. My business took off in a big way and I was eventually able to start my own fashion line Brave & The Bold Apparel.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

Last year I won my regional Celebrate Success Award for Enterprise. This is the Prince’s Trust own annual Awards for individuals who have been on their courses. That was an amazing experience. But I was truly shocked to discover that I was then shortlisted for the final three for the National Award.

I travelled to London and it was a VIP red carpet experience. I was presented with an Award by Prince Charles & Kelly Hoppen from Dragon’s Den. It was such a surreal but truly incredibly experience and I got so much press exposure for my business.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Early on it was getting enough Capital together to buy stock. Banks weren’t willing to help as a I had a 12 year gap on my CV. Plus most of the local grants and Awards in my area were being withdrawn due to the Economic Crisis. That was quite a tough experience and I had to be quite creative with how I marketed my business and how I got new stock in.

What are your future plans for the business?

I’ve got two exciting things lined up for the business. The first is that I’m now in talks with a variety of angel investors about producing some products I’ve designed myself. That’s really exciting for me.

Secondly a large part of Brave & The Bold is about inspiring creativity in young people. We’re running a very exciting project in association with the Prince’s Trust. We’re in the early planning stages, but we already think this could go international due to the fact we are doing something never been done before. We’re aiming to launch in late March and I’m really excited about it.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

In the very beginning I kind of went about creating my brand on my own. I thought I knew a lot about my sector but really went in quite blind. It was through speaking at a business event I met a retired business woman who had worked in fashion manufacturing her whole life. She offered to become a mentor to me and it really helped both myself and my business. I realised then that it’s so important having someone who has that experience to ask questions of and get feedback. I would have saved a lot of time by avoiding silly mistakes if I’d had someone like her in the beginning. Now I tell everyone who is starting a business to try and find a mentor who has experience of their field. Even just an email every month or so can make such a huge difference.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

I don’t think there is a lot of emphasis on young women in particular to follow their dreams. We are very focussed as a society on making women the same, whether that be in looks or career. I was put off for a long time about starting an urban fashion label because if you look at most brands in this sector, they are run by men. But in reality it hasn’t been a problem and I’ve actually had a lot of praise from male customers, as well as female. I’m now a big advocate of telling young women to do what you love. I think the more of us who follow our dreams, the more positive changes we can make for future generations of women.

  

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

I have to say just don’t even hesitate. You don’t even have to start big. I know many females who have started businesses alongside their current jobs whilst they get themselves going.

All I can say is that make sure it’s something you love and something you can live with 24/7. Because you might only work physically for even a few hours a day, but it’s always on your mind and you’re always planning. I even dream about my business and often wake up to make notes. I would hate that if it wasn’t something I wasn’t passionate about.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I get asked this a lot and I have to say that my parents and sister are my biggest inspiration. I put them through some awful times growing up. I’ve ruined holidays and caused them so much worry. But they always stuck by me and spent so many hours doing the things that I couldn’t do for myself. Now every day that I work I do it for them. Not only to do something that makes them proud, but I really hope that one day I can make their lives a little easier and thank them for being such a great family.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Here’s to the crazy ones — the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Steve Jobs.

Emma Reilly

Brave & The Bold Apparel

www.wearbrave.com

hello@wearbrave.com

Twitter: @wearbrave

Facebook: www.facebook.com/braveandthebold

Hazel Chawapiwa featured on AfroCosmopolitan for International Women's Day

2Inspire Network founder, Hazel Chawapiwa was profiled on The AfroCosmopolitan Website on March 8th in honour of International Women's Day.

Read the profile piece here http://afrocosmopolitan.com/international-womens-day-celebrating-amanda-rabor-hazel-chawapiwa

2Inspire Network Business Profile: Clare Brownlow, Pheasant Feather Artist

In this 2Inspire Network profile we meet, Clare Brownlow, a phenomenal mumpreneur who started her business from her passion for art and for the love of her family.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
Sadly I am not one of those zen-types that starts the day with meditation nor one that gets up to a sleeping household to quietly check my emails over a cup of freshly brewed coffee by myself. No, a toddler poking me in the face telling me they are hungry usually, awakes me. I choose to start up my company exactly for this reason though – my family! The mornings are a whirlwind of cereal, Cowboys and Indians, email checking and trying to get my feathers and ink out. If I can fit in a baby group with the boys then I’m doing well then I’m researching new products, walking the dogs, a great time to gather inspiration as I live in the stunning Scottish Borders and then discussing commissions with clients or making sure orders have been processed and sent out. 

No two days are the same but if I can spend plenty time playing with the boys, painting and getting the laundry done then I’m a happy lady!


What made you start the business and how did you get started?

Before I started the business I was working for an investment management company but I always harboured a longing to paint. I decided to go back to art school, after I was married and soon into the course I became pregnant. As challenges go morning sickness and the smell of different concoctions and potions of paint and who knows what else are not the best combination but I knew I was doing the right thing!

We moved to the countryside after I had finished my course and I was determined to combine my creative side and being a full-time mum.

My unique style was developed quite by chance, while visiting my parents. On realising I had left my sketchpad and paints at home I picked up a pheasant tail feather and crafted a quill, found some inks in my father’s desk drawer and started to experiment with new techniques, which are now seen in my animal portraits today.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

The interest in my particular style has been phenomenal and has really driven the business forward. It is very humbling when complete strangers commission me to paint a picture for them or when people buy some of my products for their homes, it feel so personal.

We went to a lodge in the North of Scotland and there was a picture of mine hanging there that must have been bought at an exhibition, as I had no idea it would be there and I didn't know them.

It’s lovely when friends and family support you but when strangers find you and admire your work; it’s a real buzz. What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
I am determined to source and manufacture all my products in the UK and I really take great pride in this. It can be a challenge to find the highest quality products to use for my artwork that will have a reasonable retail price for customers. Trying to keep focused on this end goal, when you have a screaming toddler around you, adds another dimension to my day sometimes!

What are your future plans for the business?
I am continuing to pursue two lines that are important to the business. One is as a professional artist, exhibiting and doing commissions; it is this discipline that is really at the root of everything else I do. The other is growing my home wares range. At the moment I am working on a very exciting fabric project with an amazing independent supplier and I’ll also be enlarging the crockery range and investigating some new interiors products.

It is a very exciting time and 2014 has started with a bang.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Doing my accounting better! Everything has been a learning curve. When I started at the end of 2011 I had no funding, no contacts in the art world, no studio, nothing and I have built the business as and when I can around my family. But I am a determined so and so and as I learn and discover what works, it has driven me to make a success of it.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
It makes you happy. It’s as simple as that.

If women want a family there is nothing better than showing your children that you can be whatever you want to be but you have to work jolly hard at it to achieve your goals.

Even though you are a mum you can still find your niche and make it work and when they start school you are already up and running chasing your dreams.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Think about it a lot before and find a niche, take it from that angle, take it slowly and see where it goes. It will undoubtedly change as it grows and as people start to respond to your business, this is important, let it happen. If you set yourself a concrete plan and don’t allow for flexibility you could find yourself getting frustrated and disheartened with your business.


What or who inspires you in business and why?
Richard Branson works so hard building and maintaining his global brand and inspires people all around world by being honest about his successes and failures. He does all this while having blatant fun – he has an insanely epic island to play on but continues to work hard regardless of the fact that he has ‘made it’.

A fabulous female business icon is Kirsty Allsopp, she has a great public persona, is wonderfully creative, and gets straight to the point, oh and I wish I could carry off her ‘don’t mess with me just because I’m in a pretty dress’ style!

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Good things come to those that work hard”

Clare Brownlow 

www.clarebrownlow.co.uk/

@clarebronlow

2Inspire Network International Women's Day Profile: Sherica Spence, Co-Founder of Skye Alexandra House

In this special edition of the 2Inspire Network business profile we meet, Sherica Spence, the co-founder of Skye Alexandra house. Skye Alexandra House is a semi independent living service for vulnerable young women aged 16-18, which also provides services on personal development, personal well being, one to one support, life skills and help preparing for further work and education. Read about Sherica's vision for empowerment and motivation for young women in this fantastic profile piece.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

Typical day for me is sending and replying to emails, seeking sponsors and partnerships, delivering workshops in secondary schools to young women. I LIVE on my phone lol!

What made you start the business and how did you get started? I started this business because I saw a need to help and empower young women; I noticed that there weren’t many services out there available and dedicated to the well being and personal development of the young women today.

I got started by first researching the businesses in the area in the borough in which I live, looking at the services in which they offer and provided etc., through this I noticed that none of them had the services in which I was looking to provided so I got on the task of securing the house in which I was going to start my business in. 

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date? My greatest accomplishment to date is the amazing business partner which I have joined forces with, she shares the same vision to empower change in women and compliments me in many ways being that there are things I am totally pants with that she is amazing and vice verse. There is a great balance and respect for the vision, which I feel is very important in any business partnership.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Biggest challenge by far is the reconstruction of the house. There is quite a bit of work that needs to be done on it so we have been very busy organising fundraisers etc in order to raise funds to get the house ready for the summer.

What are your future plans for the business?

Future plans will be to have at least 2 Skye Alexandra House in each borough than who knows world domination!

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Gosh in all honest there is nothing I would do differently as i feel every hurdle and blockage in which I have come across since starting has all been to strengthen my faith, walk and journey in making sure this vision comes to light. Each of these things just causes you to take a time to stop breath and re-evaluate situations that may occur.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

We are living in a world today where women are made to look like sexual beings. I am trying to break this mould by showing these women that there is more to being a woman than being a sexual fantasy to someone. I’m trying to show them that whatever you dream of doing you can go out there and achieve it. That there is no limitation, the only thing that is stopping you is yourself, this is something I took long to realise. I had the potential and the fire in me burning to go but I use to hold pity parties on my past. I’m trying to show young women that yes things happening in your life but do not allow it to define who you are as a person. Use it a seed to grow stronger as a person and fight harder.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH, a good heart and the passion to see positive change in others.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

Wow there is so many people who inspire me hard to pick just one. So I’m going to go with the person to date which is Steve Chalke he is the founder of the Oasis Trust he opened his first hostel for vulnerable women in Peckham, as this field that I am in it was inspiring to see how much he has achieved and the difference in which he has made in people’s lives all over the UK

What is your favourite inspirational quote? “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” –Michael Jordan





Contact Details

Email: s.spence@live.co.uk
Number: 07944 480 782
Twitter: skyealexandra86