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2inspire Network blog is one of the mediums the Network uses to empower and inspire individuals. It is used to share knowledge and messages that will make a positive impact in people's lives and is also used as a platform to promote the products, services and events of the Network and external organisations.
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
2Inspire Network Business Profile: Sophie Hannah Contemporary Houseware and Accessories
In this business profile we meet Sophie Walker, the founder of a lovely new business called Sophie Hannah which specialises in creating "Items of Loveliness". Read her inspirational interview and be motivated to follow your own dreams!
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| Sophie Walker |
Please tell us what is a typical business day for
you?
I get up at 7.00 and then get my children ready,
have breakfast together and take them to nursery for 9.00. I then go home, tidy
up the kitchen while I make a cup of tea and then head upstairs to my workroom.
I try to make my day as efficient as possible so I will start by doing any
gluing or fabric printing so this can be drying while I work on making other
items. I spend two or three hours working on products. At the moment it is some
suede envelope purses. If there is time I like to photograph them before lunch
so the pictures can upload while I grab a quick sandwich. That gives me an hour
or so after lunch to do admin such as ordering materials and working on my
website before I collect the children at 3.30. We spend some time playing, I
get them fed, bathed and into bed. Then I will often go back to work for an
hour or two to finish off any loose ends.
What made you start the business and how did you
get started?
I previously ran a business making handbags. I took
a break to start my family. We moved to a new house on the other side of the
country five weeks before my son was born, when my daughter was two years and
three months old. I was still registered as self employed and knew my maternity
allowance would finish before I knew it. I had very little budget to work with.
The handbags I make can be intricate and time consuming and I didn’t feel ready
to return to it with a new house, a toddler and a newborn. I also realised when
we moved that I had a lot of fabric, a lot of haberdashery and a sewing
machine. So I decided to turn what I have into lovely items for sale, so I set
up Sophie Hannah’s Items of Loveliness. It allows me to make anything I like as
long as it is lovely! This gives me a greater variety of products and I can
work when the children are in bed and at my own pace. I started by making a
small range of items, set up a website myself using a template and opened a
Folksy shop. I have also sold through a couple of local retailers.
What would you say has been your greatest
accomplishment in the business world to date?
It is very early days for Sophie Hannah but my
website is a big achievement for me as it was a challenge to do and took a lot
of hard work and late nights! www.sophie-hannah.co.uk
What has been your biggest challenge in
business so far?
Juggling work and childcare. My son is
now 13 months and has just started nursery. So for the last year I have been
working with him at home with me. I have also been extremely sleep deprived and
it is hard not to feel guilty about catching up on an hours sleep here and
there when I think I should be working. There is a tendency to overdo it and
push myself too much.
What are your future plans for the
business?
I would like to keep steadily growing
the business; by finding more shops willing to stock my work and other selling
opportunities online. We live in Yorkshire, near my husband’s family, which is
great, there are many options for me to explore here. My family are in south
London, so I would like to be able to combine work and London so we can spend
more time with my side of the family too.
If you had to do it all over
again, what would you do differently?
I would have believed in myself a bit more.
It is very difficult to have confidence in your work when you are your own
biggest critic. It is hard to effectively market your work and I would have
undertaken more advice or study in that area.
Why is it so important to inspire young
women in particular to follow their dreams?
It can be difficult for other people to
take you and your ideas seriously. It is easy to give up and think you need to
do something that isn’t what you love but offers you more financial security.
Sometimes it is necessary to do both. Dreams take a long time to come true,
businesses don’t make money overnight and when you are young it is hard to see
the bigger picture.
What advice would you give to somebody
who wants to start a business in your industry?
Against much of the advice I have been
given I would say: Do what you are passionate about and what you love and want
to do. Your work will be better; if you try to do what you think other people
want, you will lose your passion and it will show in your work. - It look me a
long time to realise this.
What or who inspires you in business
and why?
I know a very inspirational lady called
Zoe Humphries. She is based in Liverpool and runs a company called Networking
Mums. It’s a monthly networking session with selling opportunities, a lot of
fun networking and goal setting activities, and a crèche. It is for all women,
but especially caters for mums and is something of a lifeline when you work on
your own from home. It is so good to meet other women and promote your
business, knowing that your children are safely playing in the room next door. I
hope she expands to Yorkshire soon!
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“Success does not consist in never making mistakes
but in never making the same one a second time.” – George Bernard Shaw
Email: hello@sophie-hannah.co.uk
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
2Inspire Network: Neomi Bennett, Founder and Inventor of Neo-slip®
In this interview we meet the phenomenal, Neomi Bennett, inventor of Neo-slip®, a medical product that is gaining international acclaim for helping patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis to wear their hospital stockings, more easily.
As founder and inventor of Neo-slip®, I don't have one specific job role, I have many, and this often makes each day quite varied. However, a typical business day can start around 5.30am. I begin my morning by tweeting my twitter followers and checking my Facebook. After I take my daughter to school, I try to arrive in the office for around 8:00am and begin with a stock check followed by my list of things to do. I fulfill orders received the previous day to prevent backlogs and to keep my customers happy. Sorting through paperwork is not my best part of the job but it is very necessary. My working day is pretty full on. My secretary Marlene responds to emails and organises meetings for me. This takes a great deal of pressure away from my workload. I’m responsible for creating new clients so I tend to make lots of telephone calls and visit hospitals and nursing homes. I take my lunch break late afternoon to coincide with my daughter finishing school. We grab a bite to eat and spend a few hours together. I head back to the office and I finish at around 8pm. I travel the UK promoting Neo-slip at conferences, exhibitions and on occasions internationally.
What made you start the business and how did you get started?
It all started when training to become a nurse at Kingston University and was given a risk assessment essay. I was asked to find problems experienced by nurses and patients in a hospital environment. The essay required me to identify and solve the problem.
I looked at the prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
After an individual has an operation for example a broken bone being repaired, he/she is prescribed anti embolism/hospital stockings, which should be worn for around 6 weeks after being discharged from hospital. These stockings prevent DVT by applying pressure to the lower leg. Within the lower leg is a pump called the peripheral pump, this pump is deep within the calf muscle and helps old blood return to the heart so it can be refreshed with new oxygen. So long as this blood is circulating efficiently and the velocity is normal the chances of DVT developing is reduced. When we walk this triggers the peripheral pump action so I also encourage patients to be mobile as soon as possible after an operation.
During my research I discovered 25,000 people die in the UK from developing (DVT) and it became apparent to me that due to the tight nature of the stockings, many people struggle to get them on and eventually gave up, this is more likely to be the case for elderly people. Nurses in the hospital also struggle to apply the stockings and the task is time consuming.
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I became very focused and determined to find a solution to this problem. Intuitively I felt that it was my responsibility to change this. At home I experimented with different materials alongside a variety of stockings, I eventually came up with my first prototype and conducted focus groups with nurses and patients and shortly afterwards Neo-slip was born.
Neo-slip®comes in 3 colour-coded sizes and is a low friction pouch that goes on the foot before the tightly fitted stocking. Neo-slip creates a lubricous effect and supports the smooth application of the stocking.
I applied for a patent, set about manufacturing Neo-slip®, sorting out packaging and other fine detail and now supply Neo-slip to pharmacies across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. I supply Neo-slip® to hospitals and I’m currently working with NHS supply chain with a view to expand.
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
My greatest accomplishment was actually receiving the finished product as a physical entity. It felt so good to actually have Neo-slip in my hand.
I have travelled to Taiwan, Spain and Austria with my product. In addition it was a great honour to be invited to meet the prime minister at 10 Downing Street. Mr Cameron said Neo-slip is a great product.
As a school drop out, a teenage mother and considering what I have been through and where I have come from, these experiences have been wonderful.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
I wanted to be a role model for my children so they could look beyond other people’s negative perceptions and stereotypes. Going back to education as a mature student was challenging because I didn’t do well at school, left without qualifications and was written off by teachers as a no hoper. I disliked maths and was fearful that this would prevent me from doing nurse calculations. However, because of my passion for people, wanting to help others and my children, I decided to face my fears and try my hardest to succeed.
It was whilst studying that I came up with my invention Neo-slip. In my wildest dream I never imagined I would become an inventor never mind become a nurse. Since developing Neo-slip, I have pitched my product to organisations such as the NHS and Universities. On one occasion I had to address a crowd of 700 people. The thought of doing these tasks was often terrifying. However the more I did them the easier it became, in fact I pleasantly surprised myself of my own abilities.
What are your future plans for the business?Our customers are asking for Neo-slip to be more widely available, in shops, hospitals and at airports. I’m working towards this by setting up a variety of strategies to implement more sales channels, seeking more distributors and bidding for tenders. Also working on new inventions to join my company
(Neo-Innovations UK Ltd). The new products are medical devices and services to support nurses and patients. In addition, furthering my knowledge by conducting research and writing on the subject.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Although a bit of a cliché, if I had to do it over again, I don’t think I would change anything because each new day is a learning process and a different challenge. It is overcoming these challenges that has eventually led me to my goal.
Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
This is the 21st century and it’s only fair that anybody who wants to should be able to follow in their dreams regardless of their gender.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Firstly research an area that you are passionate about. Once a need has been identified speak to friends and colleagues and get feedback on your ideas. This is where your business journey will begin. Thereafter take small steps and put in the work in order to succeed. Determination and perseverance pays off in the long run. What or who inspires you in business and why?
Mary Seacole a Jamaican nurse & businesswoman, travelled to London to help soldiers in the war. She went to all the military & nursing organisations but not one wanted her services. Mary decided to go independently where she went out onto battlefields to bring comfort to wounded and dying soldiers.
Mary remained focused & determined even though people refused to help her, perhaps because of racial prejudice, however she still did what she believed was right. A born healer, courageous and a woman of driving energy, she inspires me.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Be the change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)
Contact Details
http://www.neo-slip.co.uk/
@neoslip
 |
| Neomi Bennett |
Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
As founder and inventor of Neo-slip®, I don't have one specific job role, I have many, and this often makes each day quite varied. However, a typical business day can start around 5.30am. I begin my morning by tweeting my twitter followers and checking my Facebook. After I take my daughter to school, I try to arrive in the office for around 8:00am and begin with a stock check followed by my list of things to do. I fulfill orders received the previous day to prevent backlogs and to keep my customers happy. Sorting through paperwork is not my best part of the job but it is very necessary. My working day is pretty full on. My secretary Marlene responds to emails and organises meetings for me. This takes a great deal of pressure away from my workload. I’m responsible for creating new clients so I tend to make lots of telephone calls and visit hospitals and nursing homes. I take my lunch break late afternoon to coincide with my daughter finishing school. We grab a bite to eat and spend a few hours together. I head back to the office and I finish at around 8pm. I travel the UK promoting Neo-slip at conferences, exhibitions and on occasions internationally.
What made you start the business and how did you get started?
It all started when training to become a nurse at Kingston University and was given a risk assessment essay. I was asked to find problems experienced by nurses and patients in a hospital environment. The essay required me to identify and solve the problem.
I looked at the prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
After an individual has an operation for example a broken bone being repaired, he/she is prescribed anti embolism/hospital stockings, which should be worn for around 6 weeks after being discharged from hospital. These stockings prevent DVT by applying pressure to the lower leg. Within the lower leg is a pump called the peripheral pump, this pump is deep within the calf muscle and helps old blood return to the heart so it can be refreshed with new oxygen. So long as this blood is circulating efficiently and the velocity is normal the chances of DVT developing is reduced. When we walk this triggers the peripheral pump action so I also encourage patients to be mobile as soon as possible after an operation.
During my research I discovered 25,000 people die in the UK from developing (DVT) and it became apparent to me that due to the tight nature of the stockings, many people struggle to get them on and eventually gave up, this is more likely to be the case for elderly people. Nurses in the hospital also struggle to apply the stockings and the task is time consuming.
I became very focused and determined to find a solution to this problem. Intuitively I felt that it was my responsibility to change this. At home I experimented with different materials alongside a variety of stockings, I eventually came up with my first prototype and conducted focus groups with nurses and patients and shortly afterwards Neo-slip was born. Neo-slip®comes in 3 colour-coded sizes and is a low friction pouch that goes on the foot before the tightly fitted stocking. Neo-slip creates a lubricous effect and supports the smooth application of the stocking.
I applied for a patent, set about manufacturing Neo-slip®, sorting out packaging and other fine detail and now supply Neo-slip to pharmacies across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. I supply Neo-slip® to hospitals and I’m currently working with NHS supply chain with a view to expand.
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
My greatest accomplishment was actually receiving the finished product as a physical entity. It felt so good to actually have Neo-slip in my hand.
I have travelled to Taiwan, Spain and Austria with my product. In addition it was a great honour to be invited to meet the prime minister at 10 Downing Street. Mr Cameron said Neo-slip is a great product.
As a school drop out, a teenage mother and considering what I have been through and where I have come from, these experiences have been wonderful.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
I wanted to be a role model for my children so they could look beyond other people’s negative perceptions and stereotypes. Going back to education as a mature student was challenging because I didn’t do well at school, left without qualifications and was written off by teachers as a no hoper. I disliked maths and was fearful that this would prevent me from doing nurse calculations. However, because of my passion for people, wanting to help others and my children, I decided to face my fears and try my hardest to succeed.
It was whilst studying that I came up with my invention Neo-slip. In my wildest dream I never imagined I would become an inventor never mind become a nurse. Since developing Neo-slip, I have pitched my product to organisations such as the NHS and Universities. On one occasion I had to address a crowd of 700 people. The thought of doing these tasks was often terrifying. However the more I did them the easier it became, in fact I pleasantly surprised myself of my own abilities.
What are your future plans for the business?Our customers are asking for Neo-slip to be more widely available, in shops, hospitals and at airports. I’m working towards this by setting up a variety of strategies to implement more sales channels, seeking more distributors and bidding for tenders. Also working on new inventions to join my company
(Neo-Innovations UK Ltd). The new products are medical devices and services to support nurses and patients. In addition, furthering my knowledge by conducting research and writing on the subject.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Although a bit of a cliché, if I had to do it over again, I don’t think I would change anything because each new day is a learning process and a different challenge. It is overcoming these challenges that has eventually led me to my goal.
Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
This is the 21st century and it’s only fair that anybody who wants to should be able to follow in their dreams regardless of their gender.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Firstly research an area that you are passionate about. Once a need has been identified speak to friends and colleagues and get feedback on your ideas. This is where your business journey will begin. Thereafter take small steps and put in the work in order to succeed. Determination and perseverance pays off in the long run. What or who inspires you in business and why?
Mary Seacole a Jamaican nurse & businesswoman, travelled to London to help soldiers in the war. She went to all the military & nursing organisations but not one wanted her services. Mary decided to go independently where she went out onto battlefields to bring comfort to wounded and dying soldiers.
Mary remained focused & determined even though people refused to help her, perhaps because of racial prejudice, however she still did what she believed was right. A born healer, courageous and a woman of driving energy, she inspires me.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Be the change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)
Contact Details
http://www.neo-slip.co.uk/
@neoslip
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