2inspire Inspirational Woman: Claire Robinson, Co-Founder INGA Wellbeing

Claire Robinson co-founder of INGA Wellbeing started the business because she wanted to reduce the stigma and stress of ill health. Herself and her partners believe in the importance of empowering patients and making medical treatment less intimidating and believe our clothing solutions help with this. Read her inspirational interview below.

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

I’ve started a business along with two other 40-something women creating truly attractive, comfortable day- and nightwear for patients to help them keep their dignity, independence and confidence. Inspired by our own experiences of ill health and working closely with medical staff and patients, we have created stylish men’s and women’s designs that look entirely ‘normal’ and yet have discreet openings for IV lines, monitors and drains, enable patients to dress themselves even when hooked up to medical equipment and ensures they can stay covered for routine examinations. Our company is called INGA Wellbeing and I am so proud of it.  

Since the three founders are all women with young children to raise, a typical days is…well.. typically quite frantic. After getting the children ready and off to school, we head to our computers back at home or head to meetings.  We all work from home and do most things by email and text, but  we meet twice a week as a team to be sure we’re keeping on track.  Many days also involve visiting hospitals, patient groups, laundries or our manufacturers to progress our project.

At the end of the day we collect the children from school, prepare the family meal, get the children to bed and inevitably get back to a little work.  It is frantic, but our business is a real passion of ours, so we aren’t complaining.

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

The idea was inspired by my business partner, Nikla’s mother Inga and my mother Di’s  experiences during their battles with ovarian and breast cancer respectively. Having to wear the hospital gown or ill-fitting and awkward home clothes, they struggled to find clothes that enabled them to keep their dignity, independence and sense of self. Nikla and I committed ourselves to ensuring that patients had clothing that they want to wear, that they feel good wearing and that is fit-for-purpose in a medical setting. 

Our determination to find a solution was made possible by the skills of talented fashion designer and co-founder, Fiona.  Having had her own experience of ill-health in the form of chronic depression, and the wisdom and understanding that came with that experience, Fiona wanted to use her talents to help people feel better about themselves. She knew that feeling good on the outside can help you feel stronger on the inside, and so help you face life challenges with greater courage.

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

Just last week we were really proud to discover that INGA Wellbeing was this year's winner of the international PRoF University of Ghent Chair Award, a €10,000 prize  awarded to an early-stage project/innovation in healthcare. 

Dressed in prototype back-opening (night) dresses and a cowl-neck top, we received the large cheque and golden gnome (!) after having presented our patient clothing designs to the jury. The award, which is given for the project that most embodies the values of comfort, privacy, respect and flexibility, has given us a welcome boost ahead of the our first test sale this month!  It’s an important moment as we have our first stock --  the women's back-opening nightdress and men's pyjamas and long-sleeved top – and are going to test demand, price and our selling method.  Patients or their loved ones can buy the garments on our e-shop www.ingawellbeing.com or via several partner specialist retailers in Belgium. As I move back home to the UK in July we will also be selling via  UK specialist retailers.  

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Having a great idea is all very well and good, but making it happen is a huge challenge. Each design was challenging as we tried to balance functionality with beauty. But maybe our greatest challenge is changing the way patients and the medical world think about patient clothing – getting them to see that something other than the status quo is possible!

This is a real communications challenge! Once people see the clothes and try them on, they become real advocates, but right now, people don’t really know that anything else is possible other than the hospital gown or a great deal of nakedness and awkward clothing struggles! We need to get the word out to patients via their various support groups that they not only deserve to be able to dress ‘well’, but can now actually do so.  Having brought our concept to the brink of going to market we now have a big communications challenge ahead of us! But, I think that once we get going and a few people are wearing our clothes on the wards or as out-patients, then our biggest ally will be word of mouth/personal recommendation!

What are your future plans for the business?

To de-stigmatise ill-health and patients.  To turn the notion of ‘patient clothing’ from that of the unisex, shapeless, institutional hospital gown into a realisation that patients can look ‘normal’ albeit wearing clothing discreetly adapted to their needs!

In addition, working with European consortium SmartPro, we hope to create patient clothing with integrated sensors to measure the body’s parameters, as well as a localiser to help care for dementia patients given to wandering. We believe that by integrating such technology we can further de-stigmatise ill-health.

We also intend to create clothes for children, infants and teenagers to ensure that they too can dress ‘normally’, and feel confident and comfortable whilst undergoing medical treatment.

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

Iterate, iterate, iterate. Don't expect to be perfect. Start. And then learn from mistakes and triumphs and get better next time. Perfectionism puts the break on entrepreneurship!  If I had to start all over again, I would learn that lesson sooner.

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

I once saw a TED talk that highlighted how women are brought up to be cautious, careful, and boys are raised to take risks.  I think that certainly is the case but hopefully less so, with time.   It is so important that women have the courage to take the leap of faith and start the business they feel passionate about.  There have been many times we have felt like it might be a step too far to continue, but luckily we have been able to encourage each other forward, and the rewards for reaching our dream, fulfilling our passion – it is beyond words.   

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

Ask for help! Surround yourself with a network of well-informed, enthusiastic and energetic experts.  Whilst we are the founders of the business, we are where we are today thanks to the advice and support of a great number of people that have helped us.  That, and figure out how to clone yourself!!  Especially if you also have children, as we all do, and you must somehow simultaneously be an accountant, lawyer, designer, copy writer, marketer, web designer & analyst, and a Mum! Starting up on your own is a complex, hectic but incredibly rewarding challenge: Good Luck!!

What or who inspires you in business and why?

That’s easy – those people that inspired us to start in the first place.  Friends, mothers, daughters that struggled to see themselves or be seen as more than a patient; a person.  Our business is driven by a very personal passion to change the status quo and improve things for current and future patients.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Our business was inspired by the worst of times, but has resulted in something beautiful. 

Contact details:

Website – www.ingawellbeing.com

Twitter - @ingawellbeing

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INGA-Wellbeing-652539584846386/

Email:  Claire@ingawellbeing.com

7 Key Ways To Grow Your Tribe For Business Success

With over 40 years of experience, Kaya Singer, business owner, entrepreneur, mentor and author of the book Wiser & Wilder, says that success comes to those who focus on being authentic, in the right circle of people, in a balanced and actualized way, with a strong voice. It also means being willing to face the unhealed parts of yourself that hold you back. Kaya helps women to build businesses that feeds their souls by finding their tribes. Every one of us has a purpose and a mission. Building a business requires you to walk your soulful path and manifest your vision. Her new book is for is designed to help people who not only know their purpose and mission, but are ready to walk a soulful path and that manifests their vision with the right people.

“Finding your tribe is perhaps one of the most important steps to focus on in business,” she says. In this piece Kaya provides The 2Inspire Network some key ways to grow a tribe that everyone can put into action immediately.

Your tribe is made up of all the people who love your business, products, services, and you. It's your fans, current and potential customers and clients, and your colleagues. They enjoy hearing what you're up to, and they spread the word to others about your business. it's just as true now as it has been down through the ages: women thrive in circles with other women (Think quilting bees, knitting circles, etc., and now through businesses.)

To grow your tribe, increase your fan base, and continue to build your business, you need to connect with others. This may seem obvious, but not everyone does this strategically.

Here are seven important key ways to grow your tribe:

Search for Women’s Networking Groups and Business Clubs in your Local Area. 

You can do a Google search by typing in "women's networking groups" along with the name of your city or town, and see what comes up. Providing you get some results, scroll through them and see what and who might be appropriate for you to reach out to. Then plan to attend their next networking meeting, which is often free for first timers. When you attend, remember to be a good networker. This means be curious and learn about others and their businesses before you share all about yours. When you're a good listener, others want to learn about you.

Do online searches through the social media channels. 

For example, open up Facebook and inside the search bar at the top, type in the same words as in the example above. "Women's networking groups" and the name of your city or town. Notice what comes up here? Then, to get even more specific responses, look at the top of that page and click on the link that says "groups". The results should be good opportunities for you. If you don't get any responses, try changing the key words in your search until the information you want comes up.

Tap in and take advantage of your own networks. 

Who can you ask for suggestions or referrals? Make a list of people you think could be helpful, and then ask them if there are there any groups they know of that you should be a part of? Or do they know any individuals that they think you should get to know. Not only are you tapping into the wisdom of your own networks, but you are also allowing others to help you, and they will feel good about that. Ask them if they'd be willing to introduce you so that it is a "warm" connection. Be sure and return the favor when you find someone or an event that they would likely benefit from. This is called building social capital and it's networking at its best.

Set up coffee or tea dates with women you meet and feel a connection toward.

When you're together, look for ways you can collaborate with one another through your businesses. You may come up with some great ideas, and if not, you've at least made a new friend. Magic happens when you show up, but first you have to ask. Make a list: Who would you like to get to know better? And then reach out and ask.

Start your own Meet Up group and invite people to come. 

Think about the kind of group you would like to be a part of, and the kind of women you want to attract. What are your interests? What are you values? Make a list and imagine the kinds of people you like to know. Go to meetups in your local area. Experiment with the best key words to use, and when others search using those words, your event will come up. Don't stop there though. Invite people on your email list, or in your address book, and be sure and post it on your favorite social media channels too. Creating a group is one of the best ways to be seen as a leader and an expert in your field.

Go to a local tea shop or cafe with your lap top and work from there. 

You may not know anyone personally, but just being out with other people can make it feel like you're a part of a larger community. Eventually you will see the same faces and you'll start to get to know others. Be open to others; You never know who you're meeting until you talk to them and get to know them. You just may find your next partner or best friend.

Build a community on social media. 

Your tribe members are not limited by geography. Through the Internet, your tribe can be anywhere in the world! It's important to do a little research and find out the platform that your clients and tribe are more likely to be on. Simply ask them through an email, or as you're meeting people, find out which platform they are on the most. Track the top places where your tribe likes to hang out. Then, you'll need to make some decision. You will likely not have the time or energy to focus on every platform your tribe mentions. It's better to pick one or two social media channels, and do a deeper dive with them. You can have a presence on more, but really get to know and understand just one or two of the channels, preferably the top two where most of your tribe hangs out.

Join groups on social media. 

This is so you can meet more people and they can also get to know you. A good place to begin is Facebook groups because so many people are using the platform. In the Facebook search bar at the top, type in the topic or focus that interests you. Join a group and get involved by making comments, posting and liking other people's comments. Notice who stands out to you and why and then reach out to them. You can comment on their posts, or send an invitation to connect outside the group. This is another good way to get to know others. You can also start your own FB group and invite others to join you. It is easy to do. Simply go to what looks like an upside down triangle at the top, right side of your screen, and click on "help". Type in, "How do I start my own Facebook group?" and you will get a step-by-step guide. Once you set up your group you can invite all your FB friends or select certain individuals. Beyond being seen as a leader and expert in your topic area, a side-benefit of Facebook groups is that it's very easy to build real relationships without reading tons of posts you don’t enjoy.

Start Your own small Mastermind Group. 

A Mastermind Group is a fabulous way to offer and receive support from others. Many women want this, but they wait for a group to drop in their lap rather than initiating one themselves. Don't fall into that trap. If there isn't a group for you to join, create the kind of group you want. Be selective and choose 3-4 people who are at a similar level as you are and are also looking for support. These might be colleagues you have met a local groups or even met online. A group can be local or you can meet on phone or Skype. Begin by writing out an intention with your own culture and values and then you will attract women who want something similar.

Look for ways you can promote others. 

This key is huge and may be the most important one of all. Building good relationships means being there for other people and sharing help and resources when you can. Refer people to an awesome massage therapist or tell people about a web designer who is good. Promoting is giving in the highest way for entrepreneurs as it helps them to build their tribe. Gifting to others builds positive energy and expands your community too, so It is a win-win.

Connecting with supportive people not only helps build your business, but it builds real community, plus it helps you to grow personally as an individual; this is particularly helpful if you tend to be more introverted.

Kaya Singer’s book, Wiser & Wilder, goes beyond the usual how-to business advice and instead places its focus on HOW TO BE. It contains over 150 pages of heart-centered personal stories, purposeful activities, and inspiring wisdom to encourage women entrepreneurs to invest in themselves so they can become who they are meant to be in this world. Included are illustrative drawings that are creative and engaging. The book encourages readers to access guidance from their soul level in order to come out of hiding and overcome obstacles that are holding them back. With over 40 years of experience, Kaya has seen again and again how creating clarity and confidence around life purpose empowers women to manifest the prosperity they need to carry their visions far and wide.


For more information, visit www.awakeningbusiness.com

About Kaya Singer

Kaya Singer is a Wise Woman entrepreneur, mentor, artist, and writer. Having never fit into a traditional business box, Kaya’s been self-employed for over 40 years, beginning with her first business selling pottery on orange crates.

Her wisdom touches thousands of women through mentoring, women’s gatherings and personal growth retreats, in both the United States and New Zealand, where she lived for 12 years. She has a BFA in Fine Arts from Ohio State University and an MS in counseling from the University of Oregon. Kaya’s mission is to support visionary women to wake up, stop hiding and invest in themselves so they can reach their true potential and make a bigger difference in the world. She knows that it’s time for women to show up!

Now growing into her Crone wisdom years, she’s come full circle and is has integrated her art and coaching business into one. When not working with clients, she paints in the studio she shares with her husband Wayne, plays with clay, dances to 60s music or spends time out in the forest or at the ocean in Oregon. She loves pure nature and this is where her Wild Woman thrives and reconnects to Mother Earth.

She lives in Portland, Oregon, USA.

2Inspire Inspirational Woman: Elaine Atherton, Sales Director of LiV for Beautiful Things

In this interview we meet Elaine Atherton who has recently launched a new concept called LiV for Beautiful Things, a party plan business based on beautiful homeware by British craftspeople and designers.  She is a two-time winner of the prestigious Direct Selling Association’s ‘Best Seller and Recruiter’, but the interesting thing is that she only joined Body Shop because she left her career in banking, in order to bring up her family.  She fit her party plan work around her family commitments, but made a massive success of it, being a top salesperson for the company and winning numerous prizes and rewards. Read her interview and be inspired!

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

This is one of the things I love about my job is that it is so varied!  A typical day can include many things such as registering new LiV Consultants, supporting our existing consultants in their LiV journey and helping them achieve their financial goals.  I am also constantly looking for those new designers out there in the UK that could be part of LiV in the future. I am also out and about sharing the LiV at events around the country, and sharing our beautiful products with others.

 

Starter Kit

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

I started with LiV for Beautiful Things Pre-launch in March 2015, when we were still in the planning stages and pulling all the range together. What drew me to LiV was the beautiful range of products we sell, and the fact we are focusing on British designers and manufacturers.  Part of my role was to write the training and our commissions plan.  I very much wanted this to be a ‘modern day world’ direct selling business, and everything has been done with that in mind. People like to have choices with regard to how they sell our products, and we will support our Consultants in however they choose to do that.

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

From a personal point of view, it was falling into the direct selling world as a stay-at-home mum 24 years ago, and 9 years later having a business that had a turnover of £4million in a year.  Despite this success, I had still been there for all the school events along the way.  Direct selling has been life-changing for me and my family.  At a professional level, my greatest accomplishment has been being recognised by the Direct Selling Association twice as the top person in my field, which is a huge accolade.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Tough question! I think it’s accepting that some things are not within your control, and you can’t do everything yourself!

What are your future plans for the business?

As we are still in our first year of business we have a fantastic future ahead of us. We have a great team who are working on making our business a household name and ‘sharing the LiV’ as we like to say! As we grow our business across the country, I am always looking for the next person who loves to surround themselves amidst beautiful things, whether that be as a customer, a host, or selling the products to earn some extra money, and receive a discount on their own purchases.

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

Great question!  No – one of my motto is ‘we don’t make mistakes, we just have lots of learning curves’. Sometimes you only know what will or won’t work once you have tried it.

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

I was fortunate enough to be encouraged to follow my dreams!  I guess I have always been a bit of a dreamer, as one of my teachers told my parents that ‘Elaine appears to daydream on occasions during my lesson.’ There are so many opportunities now for women to carve their own path, and with great guidance anything is possible.  I only came into Direct Selling after 14 years in banking, so it was a complete career change for me, at a time when I wanted something to fit around my children.

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

If you are looking to join the industry as a Consultant to earn some extra money, then I believe you should choose something you feel passionate about and you love selling! Support and training is also massively important and feeling part of a team is key.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

The late Anita Roddick was my greatest inspiration, and I was fortunate to meet her on many occasions. Her attitude to life and business taught me so much. Passion, enthusiasm and a love for what you do becomes infectious, and surrounding yourself with positive people is a must!

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

‘In the end we only regret the chances we did not take!’

Elaine Atherton

07871115259

FB - LiV for beautiful things

www.myliv.uk

Twitter @livfbt