2inspire Inspirational Woman: Louise Davies, Founder of Eighteen Rabbit

Meet the founder of ethical retail business, Eighteen Rabbit, Louise Davies and be inspired to change the world from wherever you are!

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

The shop opens at 9.30am so I'm lucky that I can have a leisurely start to the day. I'm usually up at 7.30 and check my emails, over a cup of Grumpy Mule fairtrade coffee. I’ll then print any postage details for any online orders that have come in over the last 24 hours. I try to get to the store early and drive the mile or so from my rural house in my hybrid car. I like to make sure it's clean and tidy and stock is replenished before the doors open. Then it's a hopefully busy day in the shop, chatting to customers and explaining the stories behind our unique products. I also keep on top of our social media, place orders for new stock or check in with our supplier organisations, and keep our website up to date.

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

The retail business is a sort of evolution of sustainable business that began in 2006. After spending a year in Mexico and Central America, I decided I needed to do something that had a positive impact on the world. This started by using my expertise in event management, and creating an events agency that focussed on delivering environmentally friendly events. When this peaked in 2012, I wanted to do something with a focus on people, and that's where the idea of a shop supporting fair trade producers started. It tied in with a desire to leave London and get a better work life balance. My husband and I moved to the fantastic book town of Hay-on-Wye, which is packed with interesting, creative people, and it seemed like the perfect spot to try out our new retail idea.

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

Opening the doors to our 'high street' store last summer. We'd spent a couple of years building the brand from a pop up shop, to a more permanent offering in a poor location, and the move to a great spot in the heart of a wonderful town really proved that we'd hit on something good.

It has also been a brilliant experience becoming part of the community here in Hay-on-Wye. I’ve been involved in a number of charitable projects, including Hay2Timbuktu and Fairtrade Hay which has helped me meet new people and do something worthwhile. I also DJ now and then at local gigs, and with two amazing festivals on our doorstep (Hay Literature Festival and Green Man) there’s really never a dull moment here! 

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

 The big move from London to rural Wales was a challenge in many ways - a complete life change, leaving a successful business for a new venture, and not knowing what lay ahead. But I gave it my all, and dived in to the new business and community head first, and haven't looked back.

What are your future plans for the business?

I would love for fair trade to not exist to be honest! Wouldn't it be great if all those involved in making the products we buy were treated fairly as a matter of course? Sadly, that's unlikely to happen in the near future, so I want to spread the message of fair trade far and wide. We plan to build up our online business and have just started selling internationally. I'd also love to open a second store in Bristol or Glasgow, and hope to have a handful of shops on British high streets by 2021.

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

It's hard to say - I'm not one for regrets. Arguably, the slow, organic development of the shop may have hampered our growth, and perhaps spending more time developing the brand and stock range and launching with a bang would have been a quicker route to success.

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

 Sadly, even in 2016, there are still many barriers facing women whatever career path they follow. Seeing women in a variety of roles - from politics, to business, or the creative industries - should hopefully help those lacking support or confidence feel that there are opportunities and a need for their skills.

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

I see myself as straddling two industries - ethical business and retail. I'd say absolutely go for it with an ethical business, this area will only grow and there are so many opportunities to grab hold of. And of course all the people in this industry are absolutely wonderful! Retail, however, is a tougher space right now. I would say start online to test your idea and keep your overheads low. We really need innovative retail to start reviving our high streets, but what we really need is investment from the Government - both from Westminster and locally - to make that a possibility.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

 I'm genuinely inspired by the suppliers we work with on a daily basis. Whether it's UK based jewellery designers commissioning amazing pieces from their partners in India, or workers directly in Cambodia crafting beautiful accessories, working from home and suffering from HIV. It's inspiring to see the dedication and artistry and it gets me out of bed every morning to know that my business is helping to improve their lives.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

 "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

http://eighteenrabbit.co.uk

email: hello@eighteenrabbit.co.uk 

Twitter: @18rabbitshop

Facebook: www.facebook.com/18rabbitshop

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Artist Debbi Mason

BORN in 1957, Debbi quit her fashion design degree to become a buyer for Joseph, and she worked on Chelsea’s King’s Road at the height of the punk era, when Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood ruled the roost.  She entered journalism via the London Evening Standard and Harpers & Queen, then helped launch Elle, before contributing to many magazines, including Marie Claire, Arena and The Face. After having the first of two children, she was headhunted to join US Vogue’s younger sister, Mademoiselle. From there, she moved to Vogue to work with the infamous Anna Wintour as Fashion Editor. The two did not see eye-to-eye and, eventually, Debbi went freelance – she worked with Oprah Winfrey on O Magazine and dressed Julia Roberts in vintage Valentino when Roberts won her Oscar for Erin Brokovitch (the first vintage dress ever worn to the Oscars). Roberts always told Debbi: ‘I want to look like you!’ Debbi set up her own clothing label and had her second child. She narrowly escaped the Twin Towers collapse and decided to move back to England, where she took some time off before meeting her artist partner, David McAdam Freud, son of acclaimed artist Lucian Freud. She has led an incredible life! Be inspired by her interview.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
Since I have become an artist, there is no such thing as a typical day. Much of the work I produce is the final part of a long research process. Consequently, I can be going to see an exhibition, taking photographs, making notes, painting, looking at images online or in books, doing some embroidery or walking my dogs on the beach whilst in contemplation. One of the biggest challenges is removing myself from everyday distractions.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?
I had a long and successful career as a stylist. I decided I wanted to spend more time with my children so took a leap of faith and decided to walk away from the fashion business. Becoming an artist took some time and a period of building my confidence towards making that decision. The breakthrough came when I collaborated with my partner, David Freud on an exhibition. He was already an established artist.

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

When I was a stylist, being a founder member of Elle magazine, working with Julia Roberts and dressing her in vintage Valentino for the Oscar she won for Erin Brokovitch, working with Oprah Winfrey. Being brave enough to become an artist, selling my work and surviving whilst following my heart.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far? Deciding to walk away from a business which paid me handsomely and in which I had achieved wide recognition. I was in need of a fresh challenge and stimulation. I am still not sure whether that was an act of courage and principle or just a little foolish.

What are your future plans for the business? To continue working as an artist, seek new venues to exhibit and continue to sell my art. I am currently working on our next Freud&Mason exhibition entitled 'Our Nature, from poetic to grotesque which is opening at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery early September 2016.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently? I wouldn't change a thing. Whilst I didn't plan my career path as a stylist, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am lucky to have the opportunity to reinvent myself, have a change of direction and a second career.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams? Women will always face prejudice in the commercial world, as most of them will, at some point be juggling their career and family. It is difficult for women to compete with men on that basis.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry? My advice would be the same, whatever the business. Identify your passion and stimulus, follow it with commitment and dedication.

What or who inspires you in business and why? Ai Weiwei is a massive inspiration. Not only is he a hugely talented artist, he has also become successful against all odds. He manages to have a political voice and make send meaningful messages to his audience through his art.

What is your favourite inspirational quote? Marie Curie: 'Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.'

https://www.facebook.com/freudandmason/

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Greta Lamfel, Co-Founder of Creed Entertainment and Blogger

Greta Lamfel is a Freelancer, Co-Founder of a Hip Hop entertainment company and Blogger,  with an Honors degree in Internal Audit. She has worn many different hats in her career and is excited to use all the experience obtained to create her own brand.

She has always felt a deep inclination to inspire and to motivate others, and hopefully this interview will motivate you.

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

A typical business day involves:

1.    Getting up early in the morning,

2.    Practising my personal development,

3.    Reviewing my schedule for the day

4.    Responding to emails,

5.    Sourcing clients via social media and the internet,

6.    Writing blog posts for current client base,

7.    Writing blog posts for my own blog,

8.    Managing the finances of Creed Entertainment

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

I own two businesses. The first one is a motivational and inspirational blog called According to Greta. I started this blog because I have always wanted to inspire and to motivate others through my words. Having being a closet writer all my life, I thought I should start spreading my messages online through the written word.

The second business is an entertainment company called Creed Entertainment. The company focuses on empowering choreographers and dancers in South Africa, and ultimately the world. I have two partners, both who have been in the industry for over a decade. What inspired this idea was that we realised the gap in the dance industry in South Africa. There are many talented dancers in the country who are just not given the right exposure. Dance in South Africa is not widely known and we aim to change that.

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

For Creed Entertainment we received an opportunity with the Department of Arts and Culture to be involved with youth dance development. This is basically a project to empower the disadvantaged youth to learn dance where if not for this, they would never be able to.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

The biggest challenge is funding. Starting a business like ours requires enough funds for start-up, property and administration.

What are your future plans for the business?

We are currently in construction of our dance academy. This will be the main operation of our business in future. We plan to build a dance academy that has never before been seen in the country.

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

Nothing, because I don’t believe in regrets in life. I believe that everything that was meant to happen has happened, and that it has all propelled us to the next level of success.

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

The African idea of a woman is still predominantly traditional. Many women still believe that their place is within the household and not in business. Having met women from all walks of life, I feel that the African woman needs to be inspired to be better and do better.

I believe in inspiring women when they are young because we are shaped by our thinking, and thinking is developed at an early age. Our circumstances, mindset and environment all impact our thinking. If we have someone inspiring us at a young age we change our thinking to success.

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

Research, research and research! You need to find out where the gap in the industry is and look to fill it. Your business can only be successful if there is a demand for it.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I am inspired by the words of Richard Branson and Napoleon Hill. These two men have defined the way to a successful business and their work is an inspiration to anyone who wants to build a successful brand.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

A quote I developed myself, “If there is good and bad in all of us; yin and yang, then shouldn’t forgiveness be the key?”

So many people live their lives in bitterness and unforgiveness, but if they only looked within themselves they would realise that they too have hurt other people. We need to make allowances for people's’ weaknesses. Of course, this does not mean being naive, but it means forgiving and moving on so that you can be free.

@gretalamfel: www.healthyliving894.com e: gretalamfel@gmail.com

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Susanna Halonen, The Happyologist

Susanna Halonen has mastered the science of happiness both literally and personally. She left an unhappy corporate life to complete a Masters of Science in Applied Positive Psychology and to become a qualified life coach. She quit pessimistic thinking and trained herself to become an optimist. Along the way, she coined the title ‘Happyologist®’! Learn more about her journey with our interview with Susanna.

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

I don’t really have one day that’s the same! Some days are filled with coaching client calls, others I designate fully to writing new content – such as new inspirational talks, new articles, new online courses or my next book. Then there are the days when I’m delivering workshops or talks to clients so I’m fully focused on them. I always also fit in some social media interaction so that I continue to inspire people daily. Then of course there is all the other things that come with running a business – like PR, marketing, administrative tasks and finances. I tend to also designate half days or full days for them. I try to multitask as little as possible as I find I’m most productive when I fully immerse myself in one or two things.

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

I was in the corporate marketing world originally but I didn’t feel it was right for me. I didn’t feel fulfilled and felt like there was a values mismatch with the company I used to work for. I also knew I wanted to do something more meaningful. When I read Shawn Achor’s book, The Happiness Advantage, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do: to help people to become happier. That epiphany, combined with a very transformative coaching session, helped me to realise I wanted to combine positive psychology, the science of happiness and human performance, with coaching to help people to achieve that.

After that, I took little steps forward to test the waters and with each step I felt surer that this was exactly what I wanted to do. After 18 months of researching, planning and educating myself on the side, I left my corporate job to go do a Masters of Science in Applied Positive Psychology. I took the intensive one-year route and started to build my business on the side. Once I completed my Masters, I had already built a following and started a clientele list. This enabled me to go straight into my business full-time after I finished my studies. That’s how I became the Happyologist.

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

This is tough – there are so many I’m proud of! I’m going to be cheeky and I’m going to have to share three.

1.    My book Screw Finding Your Passion: It’s Within You, Let’s Unlock It. I’m so proud of sharing this important message that you don’t need to find and follow one passion in order to be happy. Instead, you can learn to live your whole life with passion and find a much more fulfilling type of happiness like this.

2.    Doing the ‘Art of Happiness’ talk at TEDxBrighton for an audience of 1250 people. I was so in my element I absolutely loved it. I was so humbled by the positive feedback I received afterwards about the way I bridged my multi-cultural upbringing with practical happiness lessons.

3.    Being a bestselling guest speaker at The School of Life London and The School of Life Antwerp. I love delivering my habits, happiness and passion workshops to their audiences and get such a high from working with people who are so driven to create positive change in their lives.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Figuring out how to do it all! When I set up my business, I naively got super excited about all the fun work I would be able to do through my coaching, workshops, talks and writing – yet I slightly forgot to think about all the other things that comes with running a business! To say the least it has been a long learning process (and still is) when it comes to prioritising effectively and getting everything done without working around the clock. In fact, the more I started to restrict the hours I worked, the more I started to achieve in those hours. Funny that, isn’t it?

What are your future plans for the business?

I have three big priorities right now: create and sell more online courses as I only have my habits one on offer right now; write my second book as I’m about to sell it to a publisher; and, last but not least, to deliver more inspirational talks as they are not only fun to do but also enable me to help a lot of people in one go whilst also being great publicity for me.

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

Oh boy where do I start! There have been so many massive learnings throughout the years – and some I do believe I had to learn in person. I wouldn’t change things massively because I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I suppose these four things would be on the top of my mind as my best learnings:

·         Have a signed contract with every talk/workshop/coaching client. That means everyone is clear on the Terms and Conditions, cancellation policy and payment terms. I did struggle with some of these things in the beginning so I would recommend newcomers to have this in place right from Day 1.

·         Make anything you can automatic. For example, people can see all the details about my coaching packages on my website, and if they decide to buy they immediately pay, view and accept the T&Cs, and then get access to my calendar to book their first session in. This is all done with zero effort from me and it enables me to focus my energy on what truly matters: delivering the transformative coaching sessions.

·         Learn to say no. Again and again. There are going to be so many tempting offers and so many people telling you what to do and how to do it. In the end, however, you know what you’d rather not do so don’t. It’s your business so you should run it how you want to run it. That way you will also clear your calendar to the things you actually want to say yes to.

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

I think it’s important to inspire everyone to follow their dreams! In today’s world it’s hard for us to go after what we want because we lose sight of our own dreams. We get strongly influenced by what we think the society tells us we should do, and also by the desire to please people. We don’t want to let our partners, family or friends down, and sometimes going after our dreams makes us feel that way. Which is bonkers!

In the end your loved ones want you to be happy. They want you to go after your dreams, not theirs. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of that.

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

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, take a step-by-step approach to starting a business. Rather than diving in head first into the deep end, take small steps forward in the shallow water. That way you keep your security net whilst also starting to explore this new idea you have. Then, once you’re sure you want it, and you want to make the switch, make a plan and stick to it.

Start by reading everything you can about the industry you’re curious about. Connect with people in it and invite them for coffee. Take weekend training courses in it. Go to industry events. Then, when you feel sure, commit to making the switch. For me, after doing introductory training days for both coaching and positive psychology, I signed on to do them fully. I did a six month coaching accreditation to gain the skills to coach and I did a 12-month full-time Masters of Science in Applied Positive Psychology. I also signed-up to an incredible online business school called B-School (by Marie Forleo), which really helped me to get my head around the business side of things.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I’m most inspired by people who have worked hard to make their businesses succeed sustainably (rather than overnight success stories). Marie Forleo is definitely a big inspiration when it comes to the business side of things. On the other hand, I love Shawn Achor for his beautiful, positive energy and how he uses that to share his happiness message in the corporate world. After all, he is the one who inspired me to get into the field!

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

This is a quote I found somewhere online but it wasn’t attributed to anyone so not sure whose it is. But I love it so much I got it printed on my Oyster card holder so whenever I take the tube in London I’m reminded of it. Here it is:

“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “ This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No. This is what’s important.”

Sign-up to free happiness updates at Happyologist.co.uk and you will receive the first two chapters of Screw Finding Your Passion for free.

For daily doses of inspiration, follow on twitter @SuskyH, instagram @SuskyH, and Facebook.com/Happyologist.uk.