5 leading business women who will inspire you to start your own business, and they have one thing in common apart from business

Posted by Tungsten Management Group
Last updated 11th May 2020
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  • Here is your inspiration

    Getting inspiration is often the hardest task when you want to start something new, and we do not underestimate this challenge.

    So we've taken the time to look at some of the best and brightest female entrepreneurs, and showcase how they are making head way in business.

    Without further ado, our top 5 picks are (in no particular order).

    • Emma Clarke, Tungsten Management Group
    • Fearne McCann, Herbalife Nutrition
    • Cara Sayer, SnoozeShade
    • Ioana Hardy, Fast Forward Marketing
    • Kyla Neill, Succeeding in Heels
    Here is your inspiration
    • Emma Clarke, Tungsten Management Group

      Emma, the founder and sole director of Tungsten Management Group began her career after leaving Loughborough University in the hospitality industry. Her last role before moving into property full time was a Sales Manager in a large London conference and exhibition venue.

      In October 2018, Emma left her event job to start her maternity leave. Emma has not returned to her London based role and now runs a successful property investment company  and letting agent.

      From her 13 years experience in the event industry she has fine tuned her customer service plus organisational skills.  As a result Emma heads up the sourcing team and oversees the project managers as well as the business as a whole. Emma works closely with the builders, architects, building control, local council, letting agents and also manages Tungsten MG’s three single lets. After completing a number of property conversions the process of sourcing through to lettings is a smooth operation requiring less and less man hours. This allows Emma to build connections with investors and to continue to look for new locations for Tungsten MG to consider.

      As a new mum, Emma finds her family time very precious and to ensure the company’s growth has built a strong, and reliable team around her. Being able to leave the external teams to carry out their roles has allowed Emma to split her time between Kent and Devon where her family reside, but knowing that the business remains operational. It has not been an easy journey from full time event role to becoming a new mum and running a new business, but now 19 months into our journey i would NEVER change a moment. Emma is lucky to have a great family and friend support network plus her building team are integral to Tungsten MG’s success. Her advice is …. just go for it, it could be the best thing you ever did.

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    • Fearne McCann, Herbalife Nutrition

      Fearne joined Herbalife Nutrition when she was pregnant with her first child and feared she would be able to support them both. By joining this programme she was able to provide for her daughter and also look after her health.

      Being in the public eye can make the transition from a reality TV show to a face to face business very daunting. But Fearne has shown that whatever the barrier to your next career move, and how ever tough it may seem that you can accomplish this goal and better your life. You just need to focus on your why and the how, what, where and when will work itself out.

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    • Cara Sayer, SnoozeShade

      Cara Sayer, started SnoozeShade in 2008 after the birth of Holly. The design of this product was based on an issue she was having so she created a prototype of her own shade. After her first trade show she secured an order from JoJo Maman Bébé plus John Lewis and Mothercare. By 2013 the business turned over more than £250,000, selling more than 40,000 units to customers in 20 countries.

      Cara’s story shows that from a start-up idea you can create a product, a business and a lifestyle that suits you. With her passion and knowledge she was able to inform the buyers of her solution to a real everyday issue and make some money from it!

      Cara, said “Anyone who says juggling being a mother and primary childcarer with running a business is easy is either fibbing or has a full-time nanny. It’s a struggle to balance time spent on the business and time with Holly. However, as a businesswoman, I hope I’m setting a positive example for her. She’s very proud of her mummy and loves the fact she’s pictured on the packaging.”

      Fast Forward Marketing was founded when Ioana’s first child was born. She has created a brand strategy agency which aims to add value to your company by creatig a strong brand that stands out and catches the correct auidence. Ioana has done this whilsy looing afte two childen.

      She has some tips for creating a business and being a superb Mum …

      “Staying productive and hitting tight deadlines, while also making sure that our children get the attention they need hasn’t always been easy to balance.

      “I also try and involve my kids in the business whenever possible. They feel so proud of mummy and it’s a great way for them to learn some great skills for later.

      “It’s important to ask for help when you need it. Neighbours, parents, baby sitters and so on can all play an important role in helping you get the time you need.

      “Finally, when you are not working, make sure you enjoy quality time with your children so they don’t feel that your business is stealing from their play time. Time with the family is also good for you too!

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    • Ioana Hardy, Fast Forward Marketing

      Fast Forward Marketing was founded when Ioana’s first child was born. She has formed a brand strategy agency, which aims to add value to your company by creating a strong brand that stands out and catches the correct attention. Ioana has done this whilst looking after two children.

      She has some tips for creating a business and being a superb Mum …

      “Staying productive and hitting tight deadlines, while also making sure that our children get the attention they need hasn’t always been easy to balance.

      “I also try and involve my kids in the business whenever possible. They feel so proud of mummy and it’s a great way for them to learn some great skills for later.

      “It’s important to ask for help when you need it. Neighbours, parents, baby sitters and so on can all play an important role in helping you get the time you need.

      “Finally, when you are not working, make sure you enjoy quality time with your children so they don’t feel that your business is stealing from their play time. Time with the family is also good for you too!

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    • Kyla Neill, Succeeding in Heels

      Kyla’s story starts after having her first child and like most people she craved the ability to be on her own time and schedule. So in 2013 she launched ‘Succeeding in Heels’ which links women in business from all backgrounds so they can feel fulfilled in their jobs and also enjoy flexibility and freedom.

      And like many new entrepreneurs she did not have a great support network, so here are her tips on how to make the jump:

      “MAKE A PLAN. I found it helpful to talk my plans with my husband. We discussed what I wanted for my business: the calendar, when I would work with clients and what my week would generally look like. We discussed what we would do if the children got sick, and how we would share the load. Keeping a flexible mindset is key here – as with any plan that involves children there is always something that turns your well-made plans upside down!

      “CONSIDER YOUR CHILDCARE OPTIONS. There were really only two options for us: Nanny or Nursery. This is a completely personal choice, but we went with nursery. With a nanny, I knew I would still be too distracted by having my children in the house, even if there was someone else looking after them.

      “GET SUPPORT AROUND THE HOUSE. Yes, it costs money, but in the long run, it has helped me work on my business rather than worrying about the floors being mopped!

      “REMEMBER SELF CARE. Make sure you put self-care near the top of your list. It is so important for you to take time every day for yourself, even if it is just fifteen minutes of meditation, reading, or a bath; something where you can switch off. Remember that your health is everything in your business, without it your whole system will fall apart no matter how well organized you think you are

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  • What do you think of our list?

    Do any of the names above sound like a real winner for you? Any names that you think we've missed?

    Give some feedback below - it'd be great to hear your own favourite and how they've smashed it when !

    What do you think of our list?
  • Contact Us

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