Women Entrepreneurs 5/5: We get an insight into the food industry

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We find out how Sarah-Jane Baxter, founder of TooFood, made it happen

TooFood was set up by Sarah-Jane Baxter in 2010. Previously a buyer at Ralph Lauren, Sarah’s vision to combine her skills honed there with her love for food inspired her to create a gourmet food company; importing the most equisite European foods. Every item has been personally selected from her extensive travels across Europe. TooFood has put a modern touch to the finest artisan produced foods with it’s young and enticing brand. Her products include olive oils, balsamic vinegar, pasta, sauces, chocolates, panettone and more.  The range is currently available through the TooFood website, as well as being stocked through notonthehighstreet.com and select delicatessens across London and the South-East.

Why did you want to start your own business?
TooFood was inspired by my great love of food and travel, combined with a growing frustration of working tirelessly for another company, and making such a small impact. I set about with the sole objective of sourcing the absolute finest foods possible and what better place to start my search, than Italy?

What challenges did you come up against?
Initially the biggest hurdle in setting up TooFood was trying to convince myself that in the long run it would be worth giving up on my flat, my job, and at times my life to move back in with my parents and start a business up on very little funding. Learning to deal with and understand all the official legals, and seemingly endless paperwork, is undoubtably the most mundane and perhaps challenging part of a business start up and it feels like there is little help available to ease this. Still now tax returns are a total mystery to me!

How did you overcome these?
A strong belief in the quality of my products and in the strength of the TooFood brand was paramount in the first, most challenging 6-8 months of its life. The thought of giving up on products which I was so passionate about and a business I knew that had great potential kept me going. Help from others who have started up their own business was also hugely important at this time; even if just to keep me sane when I felt like I had been on my own too much.

What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The payment for all those hours of hard work comes in the rush of adrenaline I get every time I deliver an order to a new customer; in the excitement of seeing my own branded products on shelves in stores and in seeing the enjoyment people get from the food I have provided.

Is it successful?
People constantly told me when starting out that a new business is never profitable in the first two years of its life, so as soon as the business went into profit, for me I judged this as my first success. But along the way it is about marking the small achievements and learning from the inevitable mistakes. In the first 6 months of working for myself I learnt more than in the 4 years of being employed in the West End. With this knowledge it becomes easier to see in which direction you should be taking the business to make it more marketable.

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Setting up your own business is certainly not for everyone; it does test your character at times. However, if you love your business idea and have a real passion for the concept or product behind it, it can the most fulfilling job in the world. You really can make it what you want; it can become your life or, as I have seen with a number of women, you can fit it into your life. There is a great flexibility in running your own business, which is one of the major perks.

What would you say are the benefits?
The biggest benefit of working for myself, for me is greater job satisfaction. It is all very well succeeding in your chosen profession, but when you are working for yourself every success is magnified, so everything matters that much more. There is such a massive sense of achievement when things go well.

And the cons?
What struck me when starting up TooFood was how much I missed the everyday human interaction you get from an office environment. It has definitely felt very lonely at times, especially as I do not have a business partner to bounce ideas off. I had become so used to working in a big team and was surprised by how much I missed people, and the everyday office prattle.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up their own thing?
It is not enough to be unsatisfied in your job and to think that doing something on your own would be the easier option, as you quickly learn this is not the case. The first thing I would do is to make a list of all the pros and cons of starting to work for yourself. Speak to other people your age who have done so. You need to work out if this way of life would suit you before you embark on it. However great your business idea is, if you are miserable doing it, it will not succeed.

If you only do one thing this week… Buy Local

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words by Madeleine Shaw

Going to your local farmers market is quite a treat. The buzz of the growers, the ray of colours and smell of fresh food leaves you salivating. Not only do you save your pennies but also the environment and your body’s overall wellbeing.

4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SHOP AT A LOCAL FARERS MARKET

Nutrition 
We live in a society that is over fed but undernourished. We may think that going to our local super market we can get good quality produce however most food has been grown thousands of miles away. Research shows that the average carrot has travelled 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table. The most important factor when it comes to nutrient value is how long it is been out of the ground before it is consumed.  Food can take day’s maybe evens weeks to be picked packaged and trucked to the stores where it sits shelved. Due to this long journey food is sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals to reduce germs, bacteria and preserve the food. Once a food is picked its nutrient content begins to deteriorate. Buying locally ensures maximum nutrient content of food, dosing you up on those needed vitamins and minerals.

Support your local Economy and the Environment
Supporting your local economy is essential, as it puts money into the pockets of your neighbors. It increases the economy of everyone around and creates a great friendly community. Locally grown food travels a shorter distance, so less carbon dioxide is emitted into atmosphere. The further away the food is grown the farther it has to travel to you, leading to more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.  So buying local you contributes to your economy and help save this wonderful planet of ours.

Tasty Goodness 
Seeing as the produce is grown close to home, it is FRESH. We all know that the fresher the produce the yummier it tastes. Produce looses flavor and freshness during refrigeration, shipping and while it sits in the warehouses along the distribution chain.

Penny-wise
In season locally grown produce is harvested in abundance, which means there is a surplus, so the cost is down. You can buy in season produce, and freeze it for a later date.

For your local farmers market ask around, ring up your council or just google search it.  It is a really nice weekend adventure and males you very inspired to get in the kitchen.

Time to Cleanse: We tried the ultimate Detox by Organic Pharmacy

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The Ultimate Detox Programme

reviewed by Sadie Macleod

How are you feeling? Tired? Bloated? Lethargic? Im guessing all of the above. It is estimated that the UK consumes 25 million Christmas puddings, 250 million pints of beer and 35 million bottles of wine over Christmas. On average we put on between 5-7lbs during the festive holiday. So, it is no surprise that we all feel in need of a bit of a detox.

January detoxes have had a bit of bad press recently. The British Liver Trust said last year that  cutting out booze for the whole of January is no better at restoring liver health than giving up alcohol for just a few days a week. But I disagree. Obviously a reduction in overall consumption of alcohol over the entire year, hell – the rest of your life (let’s be bold here!) is best but why not kick off with a dry January. Surely we should start as we mean to go on.

If you are thinking about giving your body a well-earned break this month then we have the perfect treatment that no detox in January should ever be without: The Organic Pharmacy’s Ultimate Detox Programme. I tried it once, and folks, I can tell you that it is fascinating and I have already booked myself in for another treatment.

We begin the treatment with a health assessment. But not just any health assessment, this one is done using a Quantum QX Machine, which reveals just about everything you could ever want or need to know about your body. I am asked questions as to how I feel and if I have any areas of concern as I put my hands and feet on the metal plates of the machine. Apart from a long standing issue with my skin, I have a sore ITB band (a result of running incorrectly most of my life) and a problematic digestive system. I then have two small patches applied to my head. These send electrical currents (entirely safe I am told!), which you can’t feel, through the body and takes a scan which is projected onto the computer screen in front of me.

The scan the areas which are not quite right in red and blue. My knee and ITB band are, as predicted, highlighted red, as is my small intestine – no surprises there. But what does shock me is the low level of serotonin in my body and high levels of oestrogen. Neither of which are in any way good! As I discuss this with lovely lady conducting the test, it unfolds that this may be a result of too much stress. As stress releases cortisol in the body which block’s serotonin and increases oestrogen. On the upside, my antioxidant levels are off the scale brilliant! I knew all those blueberries where worth the £3.99 per punnett.

I am then given the Organic Pharmacy’s detox supplements, liver support drops, essential fatty acids and some serotonin supplements to help restore my body to it’s former glory. And told when and how to take them. I am no stranger to supplements but I must confess that I find them terribly boring, however I am told that it will help my skin to clear up so I am willing to do it.

Now for the lymphatic drainage massage. Not only does it feel incredibly relaxing (I am sure I nod off at one point) but this is a massage that is doing even more good than that. It is helping the lymphs to rid the bod of toxins. I emerge looking glowing and feeling lighter than air. The whole treatment takes around 150 minutes and costs £230. And it is money well spent. Ten days later my skin is looking better than ever, the supplements are still boring but I am persevering and I have booked myself in for a follow up consultation.

Women Entrepreneurs 4/5: Its all about asking yourself “why?” says Vicky, founder of My Curls

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We talk toVicky Olubi, founder of My Curls

Vicky Olubi is a 25 year old entrepreneur from London. Her business, My Curls, manufactures and produces natural and organic hair care products for women with curly and Afro textured hair. My Curls has been featured in various media outlets including Prima Magazine, The Detour, Black Hair Magazine and This Girl Means Business. Vicky is passionate about young entrepreneurship and contributes her expertise to online publications such as CEO Blog Nation, Natural Pink Tree Magazine and The Entreprenette Gazette. Vicky was nominated for the Damsels In Success ‘Women Inspiring Women Awards’ for Overcoming Adversity and was a keynote speaker at Prospects 2012 Graduate Fair.

Why did you want to start your own business?
I started my business for several reasons. Firstly, after graduating from university I found myself unemployed and struggling to find a job. One day, after receiving another job rejection, I realised that I needed to follow a different career path. I then had a ‘aha’ moment whilst talking to some friends about hair care. I was frustrated at the lack of quality products for women with Afro hair and was committed to starting a brand that went against the status quo in terms of embracing all textures of hair and not just slick straight hair textures.

When did you start it?
I launched My Curls in October 2010 after spending a few months mixing natural ingredients together in my parent’s kitchen. I then put everything together and decided to create a website to see if the idea was was viable.

What challenges did you come up against?
Where do I start? I was a young entrepreneur and had no prior business experience. I had no connections within the hair and beauty industry, no venture capitalist or investor to back me. Furthermore, I didn’t fit the criteria for funding from agencies like The Princes Trust. My only resources were my family, my friends and myself.

How did you overcome these?
I quickly learnt that whilst I had very little experience in the world of business, I was a quick-learner. I used my ability to learn things quickly as much as possible. For example, I taught myself how to design a website, I read hundreds of business books and I prayed every night. Of course not everything went to plan but a lot of great things happened- for instance Prima Magazine ran a feature on my business and I managed to get my products into the hands of a few celebrities. Those trickles of success gave me the motivation to keep going despite the many obstacles that I faced.

Is it successful? 
It’s funny because I used to think the term successful meant having loads of money but now my perspective is very different. To me, my business is successful because it makes a difference to the lives of women across the world. I have customers who’ve sent me thank you notes and who’ve said that my products have helped them to fall in love with their natural curls again. Success to me transcends money, status or being the biggest brand out there. It’s about making a genuine impact in other people’s lives and I know that My Curls has the ability to do that.

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Absolutely! I’m incredibly committed to seeing women succeed in business and fulfil their dreams. As women we have so many strengths that come naturally and that can actually help us to advance in the world of business. It’s important to leverage our innate talents and use it to our advantage. Of course, running a business isn’t for everyone but if it’s a dream of yours then go for it!

What would you say are the benefits?
Being in control of my day, having the ability to essentially create my own career path based on my vision for my future.

And the cons?
Fighting procrastination and being accountable for your successes and failures is definitely a difficult aspect of entrepreneurship. However, I see it as a learning curve and it’s definitely made me more aware of my own weaknesses.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
One big piece of advice that I’d give is to do what Simon Sinek calls, ‘starting with why.’ If you’re thinking about starting your own business, knowing the reasons why you’re driven to start it and keeping those reasons in mind constantly is really important. The minute you lose sight of why you started the business is the minute things can start to go down hill. Always surround yourself with things that motivate you to keep going even when times are tough. Another big piece of advice is to surround and align yourself with people that share the same values and vision as you do and always follow your intuition even if it goes against what everyone else thinks is right.


Women Entrepreneurs 3/5: Full time job and business on the side? No problem, says Mariella Tandy

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We talk to Mariella Tandy, Retail Editor of Tatler and founder of Wardrobe Connect

I am half English Half German and grew up in Gloucestershire until I moved to New York to go to university. I ended up working at a variety of magazines out there before moving back to the UK to work on Vogue and now Tatler. Wardrobe Connect launched just a few months ago and is a vintage resale website designed to connect buyers and seller directly with one another and cut out the middleman when it comes to reselling your clothes. You can request to be a seller or just buy from the site and register for updates when you favourites post new items. You can sell everything from Vintage pieces, deisgner brands or even your old wedding dress!

Why did you want to start your own business?
It was a natural progression for me as I was always selling on my pre-loved clothes to my friends and organising sales at home where friends would come and swap and sell their items to one another. Taking it online was just something I knew I had to do.

You run your business alongside full time employment – how do you fit it all in?
Yes! That is the challenging part, luckily I have a great admin team helping me and so that makes it easier. During the building phase I spent many early mornings/ late nights and most weekends working on it. It was actually fun as the people involved in it were friends who shared the same ideas.

What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
Having total control over something and watching it grow, hearing what people think and being able to change things as and when I see fit.

Is it successful?
Time will tell!

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Yes, if you are that way inclined. I think you need huge amounts of energy and being level headed and realistic helps. I come from an entrepreneurial background. Everyone in my immediate family set up their own businesses. I grew up watching my father build his and saw all of the incredibly hard work that goes into it first hand. My boyfriend also has his own business, it must just be something I am drawn to!

What would you say are the benefits?
The major benefit is being to act immediately on an idea when you have one. You can implement it without having to go through a chain of command.

And the cons?
The time! In the beginning it is hard to see friends and have a social life. You are never ‘off’ there is always something to work on.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
Go for it! If you have an idea run with it. If you are passionate about something, it won’t seem like work.

www.wardrobeconnect.com

Women Entrepreneurs 2/5: We talk to Wool Wonder Woman Kathryn about her retail business

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We talk to Kathryn McCormick, founder of Lily & Albert

 

The idea for a knitwear brand that provides hand-made pieces for men and women developed after Kathryn saw fishermen’s wives knitting cardigans for their husbands on a beach in Portugal. Captivated by the expertise involved in this age-old tradition and the quality produced, she bought her first fisherman’s cardigan from the artisans. With an interest in fashion from a young age, Kathryn could often be found trawling through her Mother’s wardrobe in the hope of finding that unique piece with a bit of history to it. When she discovered this ongoing traditional craft she felt she had found just that. At University this hand knitted fisherman’s cardigan became her most borrowed item, which solidified the belief that there was a market for this original craftsmanship in modern fashion. So she pooled the savings from her GAP year work and took out a small loan to buy some stock, and Lily & Albert was born.

Since then Lily & Albert has gone from strength to strength; it has been featured in magazines such as Tatler and national papers such as The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail; been on the BBC, exhibited at high profile shows including Britain’s Next Top Model Live, worked with Green lifestyle organization Global Cool and DJ Gemma Cairney, as well as opening the Fuze fashion show alongside Jack Wills and Reiss. It has also have acquired lots of high profile customers from stars of E4’s Made in Chelsea and Radio 1 DJs’ to International Supermodels.

Why did you want to start your own business?
My friends and I used to dream up all sorts of enterprising ideas when we were at school. We would find gaps in the market and devise a plan to fill them. The appeal to this was the freedom to create something new and exciting and to be in control of the whole process. With Lily & Albert, rather than it being a decision to start any business, it was a case of stumbling across a product that I loved and a craft that I felt needed to be kept alive and embraced. I don’t think there was a defiant moment where I said ‘I’m going to start a business’. The more I investigated and researched the market, the more the idea developed. When I met the small, family run manufacturers, I wanted to start the business to bring these incredible products to a wider audience and I knew I wouldn’t be the only one who loved the fact that each item has been individually hand knitted. Having studied Drama as my degree, finding an audience was something I had practice in. I suppose I approached the branding of Lily & Albert like the devising of a play.

What challenges did you come up against?
Learning how to make a website! That was the first challenge. It took time and patience but I am so glad I did it myself as I now have a real understanding of e-commerce. Self-discipline – When you work for yourself, you don’t have anyone patting you on the back or telling you how well (or not) you are doing. It is a labour of love. I am a sociable person but also enjoy my own space but working for yourself and working from home is a challenge. You miss the every day people, the day-to-day goings on of a work environment. I also found it extremely difficult to delegate at first.

How did you overcome these?
When I worked from home I created a separate workspace. I needed to at least feel that I was ‘going to work’ and it’s important to make a distinction between work areas and living spaces. I’m now working in a shared office in Soho with other young entrepreneurs. There is so much going on and a real buzz about the place. Although our businesses are different, our ultimate aim is the same. We can all relate to each other and it’s great to be able to share experiences and have that support. It’s really important to be surrounded by a working environment. I also quickly learnt that it is impossible to run the whole show entirely on your own and have recently realised the benefits of outsourcing certain projects and have enjoyed collaborations.

What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The best thing about running Lily & Albert is that it is constantly evolving, providing opportunities to meet such a wide range of people. Every day is different and I love seeing my ideas come into fruition. It is so satisfying when I get an email from a customer personally thanking me for their new cardigan and telling me how much they love it. I have always enjoyed trying new things and running Lily & Albert gives me that element of variety.

I visited my manufacturers and knitters last month – I always enjoy going back to where it all began. Over the past two years we have established a really close working relationship with them and it is amazing to meet the artisans and see how they make each piece from start to finish.  I love the fact that the entire process is eco-friendly, using recycled wool, natural dyes and no electric machinery. Each piece is made by hand and therefore truly unique.

Coming up with storyboards for our photo shoots is another part of the business that I really enjoy. It’s such a great feeling when the vision you have created in your mind is being played out in front of you.

Is it successful?
Yes. We’ve had great success online through our own website www.lilyandalbert.com and the well-known online marketplace notonthehightstreet.com. This season I have already had to put twice as much into production due to the demand! We have exhibited at lots of fashion shows, fairs and events and so we got to know our customer really well and have learnt so much along the way. The business is growing organically in collaboration with up and coming photographers, stylists and models and we are now in talks with potential stockists. A Spring/Summer Cotton collection was introduced into the range in 2011 and Winter 2012 will see the launch of the Childrenswear collection ‘Lily’s Lambs’.

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
I think it’s a great time to be running your own business. With so many graduates coming out of university and with the job market being tougher than ever, running your own thing gives you the opportunity to put the skills you’ve learnt into action straight away. If you’re willing to take a risk and throw yourself in the deep end then I would say go for it and you won’t look back.

What would you say are the benefits?
It may sound clichéd but although it is a big responsibility, the rewards are tenfold. Once you get to grips with managing your time, it’s great to have the flexibility.

And the cons?
It can be very stressful running a business on your own. Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day and I do tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. The 9-5 does not exist and I find myself working at the weekends and evenings on a regular basis, but again, it’s something I enjoy and I think you have to live and breathe it to reap the rewards.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up there own thing?
I would suggest that they meet as many young or established business owners as possible. Advice before you start is gold dust as although you will of course make mistakes along the way and learn from them, it helps to at least have a heads up on what battles you will be facing before you start. It’s so important to look to the future and hope that all the hard work will pay off. I made use of a free ‘Women in Business’ workshop run by Business Link when I had just set up the website and it was so beneficial to speak to other people in the same boat and get advice from some experts. I would also say that you have to be prepared to adapt and remember that there is always a way around any obstacle, you just have to be creative!

www.lilyandalbert.com

Stop Smoking, Look Gorgeous, Feel Free: Sound Appealing? Read about how this woman made it her reality

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Holy Smoke… I did it… I Quit Smoking

words by Sarah Clark

I know quite a few smokers, and they all firmly fit into two categories – those who enjoy a weekly cig with a glass of wine, or those that are confirmed smokers with a daily habit… sadly I used to fit into the latter category with my own routine. So, when I was offered the Allen Carr Easyway stop smoking clinic I naturally jumped at the chance, having wanted to give up for almost the last year but failed. I’ve heard great things, and know people who have quit successfully using Allen’s book so I accepted with arms open.

What surprised me the most on my arrival (each session has approximately 15 people) was that it seemed I was one of very few who was excited about the prospect of walking out the session as a non-smoker. Other attendees offered their feelings of fear, worry, even sadness that after the session they would miss something that has become a big part of their life.

The session started with an ice breaker for us all to feel comfortable, with the session leader going round each of us introducing our names, and why we’re here. Lots of different answers were given, such as ‘I want to do this for the sake of my children’, ‘I can’t afford it anymore’ or simply, like myself ‘I just don’t want to feel dependent on cigarettes’.

Our session leader then started on a series of talks about the act of smoking – surprisingly little health issues are included in this. The thing is, as smokers, you know the health risks. You don’t need someone preaching these at you. The session leaders are all ex-smokers too, so know the patronising effect this would have. Instead, it’s more about turning the act of smoking on its head. Why is it that some associate a cigarette with a moment of relaxation – after a big meal, or with a glass of wine… whereas others associate a cigarette with the complete opposite of this, that of stress. For me, I think that was the most difficult realisation. I think I knew I could forgo my cigs when it came to the fun times, but if I have an argument with my boyfriend, or a looming important work deadline for the boss then that’s usually when I have my little nicotine itch. However, our session leader explained that as complex, intelligent human bodies we are obviously more than capable to handle stressful situations on our own accord – and need no assistance, especially in the form of nicotine.

After lunch, and even a cig break, we came back for the more relaxing part of the relaxation session, which must have taken an hour or so. The lights are then turned down, you are given a blanket and the session leader began talking again. You were recommended to close your eyes, and I know I drifted off… I can’t speak for the rest of the class but it would have seemed that way when the lights were turned back on! What I took from this, when both awake and subconsciously, were the words the leader was saying, which were a repetition of the main points we had learnt in the morning, as well as the little saying we could repeat to ourselves, that “we were now free of nicotine.” Once awake, you say your goodbyes, and head off into the big bad world… as a non smoker.

As I write this, it has now been almost three months since I have had a cigarette. I cannot describe the feeling of elation I have every day over this. In fact, those situations where I have the boyfriend argument or the hostile conversation with my boss I can now say I handle them better than I ever did as a smoker. Not to mention the extra cash, fresher breath and clearer skin. I now walk past smokers on the street and look at them with pity, and want to inspire those around me to give up too – which is just as well – as I was given a few Allen Carr discount vouchers that will go to very good use.

Women Entrepreneurs 1/5: We found out how Carie made it happen. Get ready to feel inspired

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We talk to Carie Barkhuizen, Founding Director, Seymour PR

 

Carie Barkhuizen, 27, is the Founding Director of Seymour PR, the ‘No Coverage, No Cost’ media relations agency. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Carie immigrated to the UK at 12 years old. She finished school in and around London before studying English Literature and Classical Studies at Royal Holloway University, with ambitions of becoming a reporter. Like many who wanted to become journalist, Carie fell into PR when she realised the prohibitive entry-level salaries journalism had to offer at the time. She started as a PR assistant at London-based agency Rain Communications where she learned her trade, reaching Account Manager level in three years. Carie then moved to a coveted in-house role at Debenhams Retail PLC where she worked across all areas of the business and helped the team to win an industry award for best in-house team. Having been frustrated throughout her career with PR agencies who work on an outdated model of talking a lot, charging a lot and delivering very little, Carie was inspired to set up on her own and challenge the way many PRs work.

Seymour PR prides itself on being straight talking and offering value for money. The ‘No Coverage, No Cost’ offer means that every pound clients spend on PR is based on tangible coverage. The agency specialises in news generation; creating conversation about brands by working collaboratively with journalists and understanding what consumers find engaging.

Why did you want to start your own business?
I have always wanted to run my own business – I love the idea of building something from nothing into a business that makes money and provides employment. I also saw an opportunity of offering a new model for the PR industry which inspired me to go for it!

When did you start it?
I have formally been up and running since June this year.

What challenges did you come up against?
One of the biggest challenges in the early stages is distancing yourself from the brand. You have to remember what your potential clients want to see and hear and not just what you like or feel personally. Communicating what your business stands for in a clear and concise way, is very important right from the start.

How did you overcome these?
I think everyone starting their first business needs a mentor. I was guided through this and many other challenges by mine, who has built a successful business of his own and recognises the pitfalls. Whether we like it or not, everyone needs someone to tell them when an idea is rubbish or needs development. However, I have also learned that you shouldn’t always act on other people’s advice. When you feel strongly enough about something, go with your gut.

What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The future! When you start out you have no idea how things are going to develop. Yes, you have a plan but it’s exciting to think about the possibilities and what the future will look like for something you have built.

Is it successful?
You can’t really reflect on success of a start-up until two years in, in my opinion. Yes, we are doing very well for such a young business, but there’s plenty more work to be done.

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Absolutely. Especially younger women. People think they need to get to a certain stage in their career before they will have the confidence, experience and contacts to step out on their own. But the further down your career path you go the more responsibility you accumulate – suddenly you’ve got a mortgage and maybe a couple of children. The stakes become that much higher and the risks no longer just affect you. While waiting till later life works for many, I don’t think young women should be put off if they have an idea and are ready to work hard.

What would you say are the benefits?
I love that my time is mine to manage. For the first time in my life I can fit regular workouts into my week! I always get the work done, if it means working all night or over the weekend, but I’m not chained to a desk.

And the cons?
At the beginning you might have a few sparse months on the money side of things. Worry about cash flow and keeping the business moving forward can be emotionally draining. You no longer just leave work at the end of the day, so while you are free to be flexible physically, your mind is always on your business. Also, the concept of a weekend no longer exists.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up their own thing?
Before you do anything, write a business plan. Even if you are not trying to get investors on board, get a template online and work out the details of what your business will be and how it will grow. It took me weeks to finish mine and despite feeling it was low on my list of priorities at first, the process helped me to define what I was working towards and gave me real focus.

www.seymourpr.co.uk

Image by Holly Wren

Challenge Yourself in 2013 The Inca Trail in Peru

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I was working as the Director of Development at Chelsea Academy in London, when I decided to sign up for Walk The Walk’s Inca Trail Peru. My work-life was based around fundraising, encouraging support for a school in the centre of London, so I decided I could use these skills to raise money and support for a charity I knew could help so many people. It had been an ambition of mine for over ten years, to make this trek and in that time I had become well aware of the fantastic work Walk the Walk was doing in the fight against breast cancer, a cause dear to my heart.

I had previously supported and sponsored several of my friends as they took part in Walk The Walk challenges and knew that this was a charity I would support in every way I could. The Inca Trail Peru was a mixture of a unique experience and above all an opportunity to  challenge oneself, physically and mentally.

I remember the amazing feeling as we finally reached the Sun Gate and looked over the incredible Machu Picchu – so much had brought us to this point and not just the four day trek, but the preparation and hope that we would achieve our goal. Now more than ever it all seems poignantly worthwhile, every woman on our team had and has since, in some way, been affected by breast cancer and I am sure we all felt we had played our part in fighting against it.

Even at the start of the trek when we paraded in our Walk the Walk bras in a village that had never seen such a spectacle, we were told by some of the local women and the Major, that by doing this there were women and families in Peru who would know just a little bit more about how to watch for the signs for breast cancer. Most importantly it triggered curiosity – what were these crazy ladies doing?! To travel so far from home and still to be able to bring awareness was a huge encouragement at the beginning of what was to be an incredibly challenging four days.

I will never forget the breath taking view over the tops of the Peruvian mountains, the pink sky just sitting on top of them as the sun started to rise and the cloud sitting low on the peaks. I was on my own for just a few moments, exhilarated and feeling quite literally on top of the world.

The next challenge is to the arctic…. sign up here to find out more and find out what you’re made of: www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges

words by Sophie von Maltzan

 

Pilates Covert: One woman reveals how she fell in love with something she thought she’d hate

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words by Francesca Londono-Brasington

For me, it’s all about the sweat. I love it. Unless I sweat, working out seems pointless. I want to feel the burn and my blood pumping.  For that reason I’ve always concentrated on high intensity cardio training like swimming, running and spinning. Although truthfully, I’m envious of those yoga types with their long, toned limbs and dancer statuesque. I can’t deny it, I want to look like that! However I’ve tried yoga numerous times, attempted all kinds of classes but to no avail. The honest truth is; I find it the most mind numbingly boring exercise in existence. I wish I didn’t, I really, really do. There is nothing I’d like more than to experience that Zen like feeling people tell me about. But truthfully, the only time I feel vaguely Zen, is lying down on the mat at the end of the class thanking my lucky stars it’s all over. It probably doesn’t help that I’m embarrassingly inflexible (i’ll admit it, I can’t even touch my toes) and therefore every movement involving my hamstrings is a struggle and not enjoyable.

I was incredibly excited when Bikram became all the rage, I thought I may have finally discovered a joy for yoga; the heated room covered my love for sweating and the exercise would fulfil my limb lengthening, body beautiful ambition. Sadly, after many classes and parting with many of my hard earned pounds, I still found myself clock watching and my mind wandering. It was not to be. Although I loved the heat of the room and I had grown especially fond of snoozing on my mat before and after the class (the warmest place to be mid winter), the exercise itself was just too repetitive and I knew I couldn’t continue. I didn’t take it lightly, I am not a quitter. I just had to admit yoga was not for me.

In recent months, I’ve been plagued by lower back pain. A result of years of competitive swimming (butterfly being my main stroke, which is terrible for backs although ironically is the only bit of me which is flexible) coupled with sitting at a desk all day long. I complained constantly about my back and time and time again Pilates was heralded as the solution. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Pilates, I wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about it. Yoga had always hogged the limelight in the press and I assumed Pilates must basically be the same and I’d hate it just as much. Plus the only people I knew who did Pilates were my mother’s friends which led me to believe it must be easy and therefore pointless. How very wrong my initial view would prove to be!

My first foray into Pilates was at my gym and luckily for me, the teacher, Alison was fantastic taking the time to explain the breathing and how to do each movement. Despite thinking I had a strong core, I quickly realised I hadn’t been using all my small internal muscles correctly, if at all. Of course, we all hear about the importance of pelvic floor muscles but actually engaging them and using them properly makes a huge amount of difference to every movement, especially balance and also helps to protect the back.  As well as the core, we worked on our arms doing various push ups and squats for those all important glutes. Amazingly, I wasn’t bored, I loved the strengthening element as well as the lengthening and really felt my back loosen. And it certainly wasn’t easy! I’ve since been back each week and have been raving about it to anyone who will listen.

Since becoming such a Pilates convert, I’m making it my mission to try out different types. Yotopia have just opened in Covent Garden and together with Boutique Sport they hosted an event last week in which they invited 50 people to attend Hot Pilates. Of course, I jumped at the chance, my new love of Pilates coupled with a lovely hot room to sweat in – fantastic!  And I wasn’t let down, it was definitely hot (the room reached 53degrees) conducive for the all important sweat. As per my usual Pilates, the movements concentrated on the core muscles with variations of the exercises according to whether you’re a beginner/intermediate or advanced. I really liked the fact it catered for all levels and I found stretching out my legs with a band at the end of the class particularly useful for my tight hamstrings. The heat helps for a deeper, more intense stretch without the risk of injury.

I also managed to try out Reformer Pilates at the Fulham branch of Bootcamp Pilates.  The reformer machine looks a little like a torture device with pulleys, springs and ropes but do not let that put you off.  It was the hardest but most effective class I have tried yet!  It works every single muscle in the body.  I still ache all over!

 

 

A Hip and Healthy Cornish Retreat

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What a delightful surprise, after a five hour journey from London, to find The Llawnroc Hotel, a luxurious boutique property located in the tiny harbour village of Gorran Haven, a little known corner of Cornwall. If you’re looking to rest and revive post-party season this January, this tranquil weekend break has to be it.

A true chic retreat, the stylish design of the hotel contrasts perfectly with the majestic, almost magical setting of the coastline sweeping before your eyes from your contemporary suite. With just 18 bedrooms, each room has been individually designed and lavished with attention to detail; expect fluffy bathrobes, crisp white towels and possibly the best mattress you will ever have the pleasure to sleep on. After a long journey and the peaceful surroundings of the hotel calling us, it was an easy decision to hibernate and rejuvenate in the hotel’s restaurant, Gwineas Bar and Bistro, leaving the outdoor exploration for another day. A modern Cornish bistro, the menu is based on locally sourced produce, is freshly prepared, beautifully presented and clearly a firm favourite with the locals who we spotted arriving throughout the evening. We can highly recommend the fish, all caught by local fishermen, especially the grilled Mevagissey scallops lovingly dressed with fennel, lemon and homemade bread on the side; a light and healthy starter. Although we certainly didn’t hold back and indulged our every gourmet whim, we were not at all shocked by the bill – a luxurious yet affordable meal.

As we discovered the next day, this particular part of Cornwall has a lot to offer the active traveller, with sailing, surfing, coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking all on offer and even a chance to see the countryside at a unique angle: flying on Europe’s largest zip wire through a disused quarry – there are many activities for the adventurous to turn their hands to. However, after exploring the rugged Cornish coastline and the maze of fishing villages it was a relief to escape the drizzly, grey weather and come back to the comforts of The Llawnroc. It was at this point that we must admit we longed for a spa or treatment room to greet us, and although the hotel does not currently offer this service we were thrilled to hear that their spa will be launching in 2013 – a perfect excuse to come back next winter.

Another great reason to return are the hotel’s extremely popular Yoga holidays. A weekend break with a difference, this is the perfect combination of yoga and indulgence – all in an incredibly unique setting. Upon arrival you will be shown to your sea view room, a chilled bottle of champagne waiting, before being whisked off to  enjoy six hours of yoga classes in total over two days. But it doesn’t end there, the hotel also provide maps and a picnic for the intrepid to hike across the cliffs before returning to a three course bistro dinner to round off the day. We just missed the last retreat but the hotel informed us that as these breaks were so popular they will be running several in 2013. Make sure you call and book your place early to guarantee a spot.


Overall we were more than suitably impressed with what the hotel has to offer; the service was excellent, the staff were attentive and friendly, and all clearly committed to helping you enjoy your stay. The ethos of the hotel ‘attention to detail’ was evident in every service and gesture; they even bestow guests a parting gift of a bottle of water and an apple for the journey home – a touch we really enjoyed. If you’re looking for a unique winter break, which combines tranquillity with excellent food in unspoilt surroundings, you will not be disappointed. Equally for the yoga fans (from beginner to experienced) you can revel in all this luxury while practicing the thing you most love. Heaven.

www.thellawnrochotel.co.uk  Yoga Weekends start from £400

 

words by Caroline Wilks

Vitamin C Beauty Queens

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Discover the benefits of applying vitamin C to your skin this year

We have all heard of the benefits of vitamin C when it comes to keeping colds at bay, but perhaps what is less known is the positive effect vitamin C also has on our skin. Not only does it work from the inside out (so keep on taking those super C supplements) but it also has fantastic results when applied topically. In fact, Pauline Hili, founder of Nourish Skin Range, has done research which reveal that vitamins applied topically to the skin have a much greater effect. Vitamin C is a great free-radical warrior helping to fight signs of ageing and protect against the environment. It also helps heal the damage already done (now you’re talking…) – it has been scientifically proven to reduce pigmentation (for all you sun worshippers out there) and encourages the fading of scars (for the spot squeezers amongst us) and stops inflammation in it’s tracks. Hili also says that vitamin C is also really important in collagen production. And with collagen being the core protein in skin, it would seem that this mighty vitamin plays a huge part in keeping our skin supple, young and all-round gorgeous.

See below for our Top 5 in Vitamin C Skincare: 

Ren Radiance Perfecting Serum, £35
(http://www.renskincare.com/p/3386)

Herbalife Radiant C Daily Booster Gel-Cream, £24.20
(http://products.herbalife.co.uk/personal-care/radiant-c/skin-booster#)

Nourish Protect Hydrating Moisturiser, £14.95
(http://shop.nourishskinrange.com/ProtectHydratingMoisturiser.html)

Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, £77
(http://www.aesop.com/uk/skin-care/b-triple-c-facial-balancing-gel.html)

Murad Essential-C Cleanser, £34
(http://www.murad.co.uk/essential-c-cleanser)