Hazel Chawapiwa Founder of The 2Inspire Network Nominated For STAR Award

Hazel Chawapiwa has been nominated for a STAR Award for her work with women and teens across London. The ethos of the STAR Awards is to recognise how women across the world are using their gifts to make the world a better place. The Awards are a global recognition amongst 100 women making an impact in their communities internationally and locally, awarded to those individuals that have made a real difference by helping others become great.

Hazel Chawapiwa was born in the UK in the mid-70s but originates from Zimbabwe. She is a passionate business woman who started her first business in 1999 whilst studying at University. Hazel often says the financial strains of being a young single mother and a student was the motivation for her to start her own business. A redundancy and the need to raise a deposit to get on the property ladder led to her becoming involved in a number of business ventures one of them being an events company which she started with an old time friend. It was a successful venture and it was during this period that she realised that working full-time was suppressing her entrepreneurial spirit. It is an honour, therefore to have her hard work recognised by The STAR Award Committee.

Hazel launched The 2inspire network in May of 2012, “Empowering individuals and helping them to realise their potential is something that I am passionate about. I believe that women should work together and support each other on their journeys, this belief is the foundation of the network, an organisation that provides forums and platforms that help to empower, promote and inspire women” says Founder Hazel Chawapiwa. In 2013 Hazel also launched the social enterprise The 2Inspire Academy; a personal development and life-skills programme for young people aged 16-21. The 2Inspire academy has been established to help young people focus on what's important for them now and in the future, to learn the mindset and life-skills for success, and to help them set and achieve personal targets.

The STAR Awards will take place during The Extraordinary Lady Speaks Conference on Saturday 18th June 2016 hosted by LiftEffects.

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Georgina Fihosy, Founder of Special Touch Designs

British-Born Nigerian Georgina Fihosy is the creative entrepreneur behind the African Inspired greeting cards company Special Touch Designs which seeks to celebrate the diversity of the UK. Her gift for designing and hand-finishing greeting cards, which merge bold African wax print fabrics and quality textured boards, was realised in the summer of 2015. Whilst on maternity leave from her profession as a Pharmacist she made the decision to nurture her creativity and create a brand that would celebrate her Nigerian heritage and culture, showcase her love for fabric and design and recognise the diversity of Britain. Read her inspirational interview below and be inspired!

Image By A-Picture Photography

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

I wake up at 5am everyday, I have two children under four years so everything
has to be carried out like a military operation. I currently run the business
alongside my full time job as a pharmacist so before I set off for work, I start
by checking my emails for orders and queries that have come through. I get all
the orders packaged and ready then set off for work. I usually post the orders
during my lunch break. Most of the design aspect of the business is carried out
after I have put the children to bed, since they are earlier risers, they're
typically in bed by 6.30pm which means I can spend my evenings putting designs together for the new range and sorting out the business administration. People always ask me how I do it and my response is always the same, my mother was a single parent with five children, she worked full time, made sure the house was tidy, that we were fed, ensured that we were never in want of anything, therefore I have no excuses.

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

I remember trying to find a card for a Nigerian friend who had just had a baby.
Cards are so personal, so I wanted to give her a unique card that upon opening
she could really identify with. I searched for a cards that had images of black
families or new born black baby but could not find anything in the major
mainstream card retailers. I was so disappointed that I decided to make the card myself and that was basically how the business began, out of pure frustration for the lack of diversity in the British card industry. 
We are such an ethnically diverse population, and I believe that consumers need to feel included as opposed to segregated when making purchasing choices in any type of industry. Retailers need to think about expanding their range of cards to be more inclusive. I wanted to be able to go into a card shop and see a diverse range of cards for all ethnicities.

I have always had a creative spirit, l made all my own stationery for both my
own and my sister’s wedding. I love the beauty and vibrancy of African fabric
and wanted to infuse this into my card designs. I started by making cards for
friends and family and found that the feedback was amazing and demand started to increase. So it was whilst I was on maternity leave with my son that the concept of Special Touch Designs was born.

Image By A-Picture Photography

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

Making the move from being a retailer to a trade supplier had been a major
achievement for me. I knew that I had tapped into an amazing market, but getting my cards into an independent retail store and then hearing that they had sold out within the first few weeks definitely confirmed that I had a unique product that could sell. 


What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Managing a full time career alongside motherhood and the business is a great
challenge. My days are extremely long, but I truly enjoy what I do and it really
never feels like work. I try and make sure that I manage my time efficiently and
so prioritising workload is key. When you first start out, you can be so
overwhelmed with excitement that you may begin to neglect the other important aspects of your life so It’s important to try and find the right balance.

What are your future plans for the business?

I am working on increasing the trade side of the business and getting the cards
into larger retailers. I really want to celebrate the ethnic diversity of the
nation through my cards and believe that they have a place in larger stores. I
would also like to move into other gift stationery products such as gift bags
and wrapping. It’s amazing how much you can do with paper!

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

I probably would have started a lot sooner, fear and self-doubt was such a big
hindrance at the beginning. I wondered whether anyone would by the cards and
worried about not having enough money or time to sustain the business. After
facing my fears and writing a business plan, I realised that there was always a
solution to any problem I thought might arise and the process was a lot easier
that I had initially thought.

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

As women we are so quick to pigeon hole ourselves into thinking that we can only be one thing, whether it be a mother, a wife, a career woman or an entrepreneur.
We choose and then dedicated ourselves to that one thing and subsequently
sacrifice our dreams. Young women need to be surrounded and inspired by women who are making positive changes in their chosen industries and who are wearing many hats and making it work.
Every day brings a windfall of choices that have to be made, so each day I
choose to be the best wife for my husband, the best mother for my children and
the best person I can be for me. My business is an extension of my personality
and expression of my creativity, It is one of the marks I hope to leave in this
world as the part I played in the promotion of diversity. Women need to know
that they can be leaders in their field and that being a women should never be a
hindrance to success.

Image By A-Picture Photography

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

Join an association that represents your industry. I joined the Greeting Card
Association and it was one of the best early business investments I made. They
have members at every stage of their business from start-ups to those who have been trading for 20 years or more and have a wealth of knowledge about the industry and plenty of insider information about the greeting card market. I was able to network and source quality specialist printers and supplier which
definitely helped me to keep costs down.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I have to say that my family inspire me and a lot of my card designs are based
on my children and husband. My mother is also a huge inspiration to be and I am always encouraged by her strength and resilience. Her children have been her business and I use the teaching she has given me through every aspect of the business.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

‘The creative adult is the child that survived’ Ursula K. Le Guin

Visit: http://www.specialtouchdesigns.com/

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Miranda Brawn – Business & Diversity Leader, Barrister and Founder of the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation

Miranda Brawn is an award winning business and diversity leader. Named one of the Top 30 most inspirational women by Brummel, featured in CityAM’s WomenInTheCity Powerlist, BE Mogul Winner and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Miranda drives companies to achieve strong financial performance and public engagement, built upon her extensive experience working for some of the world’s biggest companies.  With a background as an investment banker and a barrister, over 15 years’ experience in philanthropy and diversity work, Miranda wanted to go the extra mile and founded the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation. This provides future BAME leaders with opportunities and incentives. She has recently partnered with The Prince’s Trust to provide one of her scholarships to a young BAME person from the Trust. The aim is to help increase race diversity and equality in Britain.

She has co-founded General Counsel Diversity Leadership Forum and Color In Tech to help increase race and gender diversity. She is on the committee board for City Women Network that helps to increase gender diversity. She is also part of the Thomson Reuters Legal In-House Advisory Network and Business Law Consultation Advisory Board. Miranda is on the board as Vice Chair of the Black Cultural Archives, Patron of the Black British Academics and board adviser for other organisations. Read our inspirational interview with her and be motivated to live your best life too! 

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you? I do not have a typical business day. It varies on a day to day basis. It may include board meetings, drafting and negotiating legal agreements, mentoring, networking events, photo shoots, commentary on television, public speaking plus much more.

What made you start the business and how did you get started? With over 15 years’ experience in diversity, philanthropy and community work, I wanted to go the extra mile and launch the ‘Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation’. This is to provide the next generation of Black, Asian and minority ethnics (BAME) future leaders with incentives and opportunities via scholarships, work experience, lectures and mentoring/coaching programmes. The aim is to help increase race diversity and equality in Britain and beyond.  There will also be a tailored scholarship in association with the Prince’s Trust to help young BAME people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into jobs, education and training.  The scholarships will be awarded at the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Annual Lecture where Dame Jocelyn Barrow will deliver a keynote address prior to my diversity leadership lecture.  Further information can be located via

http://mirandabrawn.com/diversity-leadership-foundation-scholarship/

http://bcaheritage.org.uk/black-cultural-archives-announces-the-miranda-brawn-diversity-leadership-scholarship/

http://bcaheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Miranda-Brawn-Diversity-Scholarship-application-form.pdf

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?  My greatest accomplishment is being in a position to be able to give back to society in many ways which include the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far? There have been many challenges however one has been underestimation. If others underestimate me or lower their expectations because I am a woman of colour, that just means they are all that more disadvantaged or ill-prepared when they inevitably see and experience how much more capable I am than them. If some people correlate low expectations with me because I am a woman, there is no question that I will over-deliver, and that is always highly satisfying.

What are your future plans for the business? I would like to expand on a global level.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would have started at an earlier age.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams? I think it is very important for young women to be inspired and see successful females following their dreams to help them achieve their own.  After my motivational talks, it is highly refreshing to see young women believe they can really do anything that they set their minds to.

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

Believe in yourself and exercise confidence.

Exercise persistence and determination when things take longer than expected.

Sky is the limit so aim high.

Authenticity is important for relationship building and leadership.

Focus on your own goals.

Expose yourself to your comfort zone challenges.

What or who inspires you in business and why?  I am inspired by those who rise above their challenges like a phoenix through strength, determination and courage to reach a successful place.

What is your favourite inspirational quote? This is a tough question because I have so many favourite inspirational quotes. That said, one that comes straight to my mind is Napoleon Hill’s “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

You can follow Miranda Brawn on:

 www.twitter.com/brawnm

 www.facebook.com/MirandaBrawnEsq

 www.mirandabrawn.com

2Inspire Network Inspirational Woman: Lauren Moss, Founder of Vivimoss

Founder and designer Lauren Moss has turned her love for health and fitness into a growing business. In October 2015 her company vivimoss is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 20% from the sale of their ladies hot pink shorts and tees. Read about Lauren and her journey to business success in our interview feature with her.

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

I typically start my day at around 7.45am, when I check my emails, and have a quick coffee before taking my dog, Chewie, for a play in the park. There-after each day is different. I tend to try and split my day between social media, sales calls, manufacturer research and keeping on top of the financial side of everything. I work from home, and vivimoss is a ‘one man band’ at the moment, so there’s a lot to keep on top of! I’m a great believer in work/life balance, so I always make sure I make time for a trip to the gym when required, and try to switch off (as much as possible) each evening!

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

I had been working in finance in Edinburgh for close to 10 years, and although I loved my colleagues and clients, I just did not find the job fulfilling. At the same time, I was rediscovering my love for health and fitness, but could not find the type of clothing that I wanted to train in. In a moment of madness, I decided to take the leap and try to create my own. Since then I haven’t looked back!

I fortunately have a very supportive, patient partner who has helped my immensely whilst I’ve been setting up the business!

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

I think that simply launching the range was a huge accomplishment for me, it was a long process and a bit of a leap of faith!

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Moving into a totally new industry was a big challenge, it was a terrifying leap. I have to say though, that it has been so worthwhile. It is such a supportive, friendly industry - the majority of people want to see you succeed and are happy to offer advice and support.

What are your future plans for the business?

It’s still very early days for vivimoss, but what I would really like to do, is move the production to somewhere in Europe. When I began searching for suppliers, Taiwan was at the forefront of technical sportswear fabrics so it was a no brainer! I’ve recently found a potential supplier in Portugal that I hope might be suitable, so watch this space!

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

Thats a tough one - obviously I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but if I hadn’t made them, I would never have had that experience - its always easy with hindsight!

When I first launched my site, I was really keen to use ‘regular’ people for models, in regular locations. I’m a keen supporter of promoting body confidence, and thought that it would be a great way to promote the clothing. I’m not sure that the industry is quite ready for this just yet though, and in the future will probably have to move towards using fitness models!

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

Life is simply more fulfilling if you are doing something that you are passionate about. It’s easy to settle into a job that is just ok and that pays the bills, and it’s tough to break away from that. There are opportunities out there though that will help you follow those dreams - and I think young women need to be made more aware of them.

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

Do your research! Possibly my way of entering the industry (with absolutely no experience) was not the most sensible! There are lots of businesses in the industry that welcome interns, and that would be a great way to start. If that’s not possible, make sure you talk to as many business owners as you possibly can. Other business owners are a great source of information, and you can benefit hugely by learning from their mistakes!!

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I have met a few owners of very successful businesses of late. And I was totally blown away by their generosity of both their time and their advice, despite them clearly being ridiculously busy. I’d like to be one of those people!

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Oooh, thats a tough one. This would change regularly depending on my mood, but my current favourite would be:

“The best advice I’ve ever received is, ‘no one else knows what they’re doing either’ “ Ricky Gervais

For more product information please visit www.vivimoss.co.uk.

The 2Inspire Network Meet and Greet at The O2

The 2Inspire Network had a fantastic evening at The ALL BAR ONE VIP Showcase on September 17th 2015. We were asked to extend our exclusive invitation formally to the network and it was a great chance to meet you all.

It was a chance to network at a great location in All Bar One and to meet fellow members. There were at least 300 other delegates from a variety of sectors at the event so it was great to 

The 2inspire Network Founder Hazel Chawapiwa and the organisation's PR & Marketing Consultant, Ronke Lawal were there to meet some amazing women in a great space!  

We had some great feedback with people saying that it was one of the best networking evenings that they had ever attended. High praise indeed.

Here are some pictures from the evening!

Please tweet @2inspireltd #2inspiremeetandgreet if you attended.

Hazel With Eveline of Blow Fast Beauty

Fabulous

We recruited a new member! 

The Ice Bar

Happy Networkers!

Caught in conversation

Ronke Lawal and The Editor of African Dazzle Magazine, Gold Ola

Photo-bombing fun!

Gorgeous

Unlimited Baileys!

Golden!

All that glitters is gold!

 2Inspire Network Members

Cocktail Shaking

Cocktail making! 

Beautiful ladies!

Card From Divine Goddess Greeting Cards

2014 END OF YEAR MESSAGE

As 2014 is swiftly drawing to an end I thought it only fitting to put out this final post for the year. I would really like to thank ALL those who have worked in partnership, volunteered or helped to develop 2inspire Network and 2inspire Academy in one way or another. 

I am extremely grateful to have connected with some amazing people this year and truly humbled by the support which has led to an array of possibilities for 2015.  

I must say I have been encouraged and truly inspired by many to keep going, develop myself and to build on my vision. If there is one thing that I have learnt this year is that regardless of what you are going through the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you is make the most of yourself and strive to reach your full potential. This mindset not only keeps you focused but inspires, motivates and empowers those around you.  

It is sad how there is so much undeveloped, wasted potential in this world, granted in some cases it is because the resources and opportunities are not available, but for many of us it is because of insecurity, self-doubt, fear and other negative phrophecies about what we are and are not capable of that holds us back.

Anything worth doing is not easy, if you want to develop your potential and succeed at being all you can be, keep your eyes on the prize and press on, it won't be easy but it will be worthwhile.

So on that note I would just like to add: Remember, circumstances can be over come with determination and faith, don't dwell on the bad, focus on the good. Life is too short to be any thing but happy. Bull doze your way into 2015 with a pledge to make the best of yourself and see what will manifest.

Wishing you all a magnificent New Year and the ability to rise to the top in whatever you endeavour to do.

PRESS RELEASE:The 2Inspire Network Ladies Day Event Celebrates “The Strength of Women”

The Founder of the 2Inspire Network, Hazel Chawapiwa is proud to announce the return of the 2inspire Ladies Day which will take place on June 28th at The Novotel Greenwich, a stone’s throw away from the famous Cutty Sark. Much like the Cutty Sark, many of the women in business who will be showcasing at the 2inspire Ladies Day have overcome adversity to become even stronger and more successful.

"Brick to Brick We Stand Firm Together Building Walls to Inspire Others" (Zara-Shola Odeniyi @cocoacabin).  These powerful words are central to this year’s theme of 2inspire Ladies Day which is “The strength of a Woman”. It is an event which is set to bring hundreds of women together from across London.

The event will be a free entry event which will include a children’s fashion show hosted by Isossy Children, free NHS Health Checks, a business clinic hosted by Lorna Stewart and a variety of workshops. Workshop topics will cover health, personal development, branding, sensuality and more.  Workshop facilitators on the day include Yvonne Thompson CBE, Noreen Makosewe, Valley Fontaine, Gail Reynolds and Lillian Ogbogoh.

The event will house up to 40 exhibitors, whose products range from fashion to beauty to artwork, making the event an ultimate one-stop shop for ladies seeking inspiration, shopping, pampering and entertainment all under one roof.  Not only does the event offer a platform that promotes and celebrates the creative talent of women in business, it also provides an arena that empowers and supports visitors in creating a crystal clear vision for both the personal and professional aspects of their lives.

The 2inspire Academy, Young, Gifted and Talented (YGT) musical showcase will also host an entertainment segment as part of the Ladies Day event. This showcase has been integrated into the Ladies Day program to kick start fundraising for the YGT project, which aims to produce a compilation album featuring  the Young, Gifted and Talented performers.

“Empowering individuals and helping them to realise their potential is something that I am passionate about. I believe that women should work together and support each other on their journeys. This belief is the foundation of the network, an organisation that provides social media platforms, events and training that help to empower, promote and inspire women. The strength and uniqueness of a woman can be compared to no other and I salute every woman out there.” says Founder Hazel Chawapiwa.

For more information log onto www.2inspirenetwork.com
marketing@2inspirenetwork.com
@2inspireltd
#2inspireladiesday
Registration link: http://2inspireladiesday4.eventbrite.co.uk

Events photogallery:www.2inspirenetwork.com/eventsgallery

Notes to Editor

In October  2013 the 2Inspire Network celebrated the creativity of women at its 3rd Ladies Day in Stratford with just over 400 attendees and a range of creative performances, businesses showcasing their products and services and workshops for attendees. Free entry to this 4th edition of Ladies Day permits access to the shopping arena, the entertainment and the fashion show.  There is a one-off payment charge of £8 for attendees who want to attend any of the workshops or the business clinic being held on the day. This event is an opportunity not to be missed.

  

Attend The 2Inspire Network Ladies Day on Saturday 28th June 2014 at The Novotel Hotel Greenwich

Register for your tickets here: https://2inspireladiesday4.eventbrite.co.uk 

  Media Partners

 

2Inspire business profile: Samantha Mercer, Makeup Artist and directer at The Dollz.

Samantha Mercer is a professional makeup artist and founder of TheDollz, a website that offers online bookings for freelance hair and makeup artists. She offers a service that years in the industry showed her many young women were in need of,read her motivational story.

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

As Dollz is based online, our location for most of the day is the computer(s)! We have orders to process, emails to answer, live chat, website maintenance, blogging, social
networking…basically anything with an Internet connection we have open.
We also like to keep in touch with our ‘Dolls’ and find out what they have been doing, admire
their latest work, share it with our customers and hand over any jobs we have. 
As we are in the beauty industry things change all the time so we have to keep on top of all
the latest products and trends. Social networking is a big part of Dollz as a lot of our clients
connect with us through Facebook and Twitter. Let’s face it, this is where all the big news hits
first nowadays!
Being a Mum too, I also have the school run to do in the middle of the day. You can usually find me in the school playground on my phone making sure I don’t miss any emails or
tweets…or my daughter coming out of school!
Our days rarely end at usual office hours. We can usually be found up beyond the early hours
researching and networking, it’s a little quieter then too!

What made you start the business and how did you get started?
 I had previously been a sole trader and I loved it but always knew I wanted something a lot
bigger. When I started off as a makeup artist I was very computer literate and knew the online fashion and beauty industry inside out which really helped me build up contacts and find jobs. I acquired 90% of my clients online, providing access to my portfolio and CV at the click of a button worked really well and the shots I had worked tirelessly to achieve had the clients sold before they even knew my prices.

After three years I found myself stepping away from the fashion side of things, as I wanted to work on weddings and events. That’s when I discovered what I wanted to do with my training and talent. I met my partner who is an amazing web designer (and not because he is going to be reading this!) and as I went on more and more jobs I found that clients had the same problem over and over again. They couldn’t find their perfect makeup artist, beautician, etc.…anything for that matter. I had brides booking in with me last minute due to makeup artists cancelling and a recent bride having three previous wedding makeup trials that she felt weren’t up to scratch. I kept going home and telling Jonny (my partner) about my clients problems and after listening to me a thousand times (well he listened the first few times) he said "lets do something about it then" followed by "or just give it a rest!". From the start we had in our heads what we (well…I) wanted. An online service, no matter where you live in the UK you can log on, select your treatments, tell us when and where you want them, pay (by card unlike with most freelancers), job done! We researched all over the web for something similar and nothing exists, yes there are directories but this is not what I wanted. I wanted people to have the security of booking with Dollz in knowing that the quality of work was amazing. Not just choosing somebody from a directory because they had paid to be at the top of the list. From the customers’ point of view, they shouldn’t need to worry about anything.

With Dollz being Internet based, the website was key. We like to think it sells itself with the modern day generation. I used to go to bed at 2am and wake up in the morning to find the website had transformed and there was another cool animation or artwork on a page.
Unfortunately there is no website fairy, the bags under Jonny’s eyes every time I saw him gave it away. Kind of like when you learn the tooth fairy isn’t real! I found he'd been working till 7am through the night by the time on the emails he would send for me to read in the morning! 

I like quirky things and being different, looking across the board especially when it comes to makeup artists’ websites. The same black, white and grey colours are everywhere so I knew Jonny would have to pull something out of the bag with this one. I drove him mad with examples, colours and animations but now looking at the website it is everything I had in my head, with a little persuasion of calming certain aspects down! And somehow we have managed to stay together!

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

As we are fairly new what we feel are our greatest accomplishments will most probably be small to other people but as I keep saying… 'baby steps'!  Seeing the website up and running after 5 months of graft is the biggest accomplishment so far. To hear the incredible feedback from industry professionals and clients makes the hours spent on the little details worthwhile. I still get giddy reading the comments.

Also, we have 65 girls on our books who are all truly talented. To have secured the best
creative from each region in each area of treatment is no mean feat and I can tell you the number of portfolios I have vetted to get there would be pushing 4 figures. Originally, they had nothing to go off but my obsession with the Dollz business idea. Their enthusiasm was refreshing and told me I was onto something.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Our biggest challenge has been the 5 months of research and development in developing the website. It’s the heart of the business. We have had to learn a lot along the way and being the first of its kind in the UK we didn't really have anything to go off except for other businesses’ shortcomings and a lot of trial and error. Things you don’t even see as a customer take a lot of research like the web hosting (not my favourite part) and choosing the right payment gateways. Covering the whole of the UK we also had to look into the pricing of treatments It’s shocking the gulf between what somebody can charge around London compared with up North.
Press releases and media distribution is our next big challenge, we have to make sure we target the right audience and brand Dollz in our own enthusiastic, excitable way! 

What are your future plans for the business?
Our future plans for Dollz is to grow the business sustainably making sure we never compromise on our impeccable standards. Beyond that, who knows! One thing for sure is that my enthusiasm and drive will not change. There is something special about starting a
business. You almost consider it your baby and each milestone gives you a feeling of satisfaction like nothing else, whether it be the smallest thing like your first booking (even if it
was just £40...get the bubbly out!) or securing lucrative contracts with brands you see daily on the television.
 If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! Genuinely.


Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
I didn't know what I wanted to do for so long. That’s why I left school and went straight into full-time work. Then I had my little girl fairly young which meant my career had to be put on hold. I was (semi) happily plodding along in an administration role for 5 years and changes at work gave me the shove I needed to start afresh in something I loved. I have always been
obsessed with makeup but never thought about becoming a makeup artist. After meeting the owner of an academy in Manchester I then knew that was what I wanted to do. It's going to turn a little cheesy now! Becoming a makeup artist was the best thing I ever did.
Not only am I doing my dream job everyday, it’s changed me as a person too. I was forced into situations I had previously avoided (meeting new people being the biggest) and now when I meet new people everything just comes naturally. I would encourage anyone not to rush into anything. Have time out, travel, research, then when you are ready take the plunge and do the job you've always dreamed of. If you want something enough and are prepared to work for it, it will happen. There really is no better feeling than loving what you do. Granted my Dad, being a stereotypical tradesman thinks I just paint faces all day but showing him my name in his favourite newspaper one Sunday made me smile from ear to ear. Even if he does still think I just socialise all day!


What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Be prepared to graft! On my course there were around 12 students only 3 are still working in
the industry including myself! It’s a tough industry to crack but if you are dedicated you will get there. I worked for nearly 2 years with 80% of my work being unpaid. It's really hard for
people to understand why I, as a qualified makeup artist, and all others I know do that but it’s just the way it works in this industry. While working for free I built up my portfolio and a list of contacts. Every unpaid job eventually leads to a paid job!

What or who inspires you in business and why? 
This is the easiest answer for me. My Dad. I watched my Dad take a leap with his business growing up and it is still paying off to this day. He works super hard for everything he's got. Throughout the birth of Dollz I had concerns and worries and Dad was always there to tell me the same thing over and over again, "You don't get anywhere Samantha without taking a risk and working bloody hard". I want what my Dad has, not in a materialistic way but more to do with a sense of satisfaction and pride. I am patiently waiting for the day that he turns round to me and says "You did it". Some day soon…here’s hoping anyway!


What is your favourite inspirational quote?
"Screw it, Let’s do it!" Sir Richard Branson

Contact Details
info@thedollz.co.uk
07454 164 235

2Inspire Inspirational Woman in Business:Collette Registe - gold plating and customisation business

In today's interview, Collette Registe tells 2Inspire how she managed to overcome her fears and  start her gold plating business. She encourages other young women not to doubt themselves, but to go for it and start their businesses early. Read on and be inspired by Collette's story.

 

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

 I am lucky enough to have the flexibility to run my business around my family – that’s the beauty of being your own boss. Some days will be focused on customising products such as 24ct gold plated high heels or Swarovski embellished Converse trainers, other days I will be meeting new customers and attending networking events to build new relationships. Every day is so different which is what I love the most about having my own business.

What made you start the business and how did you get started? 
I’ve always been a very creative person and wanted to have a job where I could be inventive and try out new things. When I saw Laban Roomes from Goldgenie pitch his idea on BBCs’ Dragon’s Den for his gold plating and customisation company, I suddenly had lots of different ideas for products and felt really inspired. I ended up buying one of Goldgenie’s ‘Business Opportunities’ which has allowed me to set up my own gold plating and customisation company and start designing my very own unique product range. 

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date? I think receiving my very first order as it was a real achievement and boost of confidence for me. I was so worried about setting up my own business and getting the orders in, so I was over the moon, and relieved, to receive my first order.

 What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Without any formal qualifications, setting up my own business was overwhelming at times. Many people have degrees or higher levels of education to draw upon however I was lucky enough to have Laban from Goldgenie as a mentor who has helped me with all the processes of running a business, such as finances and accounts.

     
What are your future plans for the business?

I would love to grow the business and continue to develop my product range . I have lots of ideas, but with so many orders to meet, I often struggle to find the time to develop new ideas. I’d like to be in a position where I can employ a member of staff, and one day even a team, so that I can really grow the business. 

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

I would have done it sooner! Starting up your own business is never going to be easy, but I wish I had had the faith in myself and taken that leap of faith sooner.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams? I think so many young women probably see the idea of starting their own business as daunting and, like me, probably didn’t know where to start. I encourage others to follow their dream and start their own business as so many people out there just need that little bit of encouragement. I attend a lot of networking events, women in business seminars and have even set up my own Women Empowerment Facebook page to inspire other women, particularly young mums who are out of work. Of course you need drive and ambition to set up your own business, but I think if someone like me, with no qualifications, can do it – anyone can!

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

 Just go for it – but you need to be prepared to work hard and realise that success isn’t going to be handed to you on a plate.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

Karen Brady. She is a very strong and successful business woman and I think women can learn a lot from her.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

Contact Details

www.coatofgold.com

07956 225 807

Info@coatofgold.com