women in business Louise Keenan, NatWest Wimbledon: NatWest have a ‘Women in Business’ proposition which was born in 2007 to support women in setting up businesses and encourage existing women owners to grow. Initially there were just 12 Women in Business Specialists and now we have over 200. Kimberley Salmassian, Bridget Salmassian Boutique: A mother-daughter team with over 17 years’ experience in the fashion business. We address the underlying confidence, emotional and practical considerations that women need to feel good in their clothes. We also contribute a lot to our Village community events to create a better environment for both customers and local residents. Maria Sotiriou, Teokath: My passion and love for bridal is what enables me to feel comfortable and tireless when at work, even after 6 years. My goal is to be part of every girl's dream, buying the most important dress of her life. Dedication and commitment comes easier to women when we love what we do. Julie Donabie, My Favourite Things: Owning a busy gift and card shop is very challenging and requires a woman's multi-tasking ability. There is a friendly atmosphere and an ambience created by the many colours and fragrances. Women love 'pretty things' and being creative and organised. The shop window and displays are regularly updated to enhance seasonal events.
Lisa Lamberti, The Pilates Clinic: The environment I work hard to create in my clinic is one of openness, friendliness and warmth. I want all our customers to feel liked and welcomed and we take great care to get to know each client in order that they would feel valued. As a woman, I understand the need to have a space that feels free from judgement. Shawn Stone, Radiance Health & Beauty: A lot of my beauty business is built on networking and women in business know its value instinctively. Our own Wimbledon Women in Business group is a very supportive group. Julie Eltham, The Athena Women’s Network: I run 8 women’s business networking groups in SW London, including Wimbledon. I am constantly amazed and inspired by how women communicate in business and are able to manage their kids, homes and various enterprises all at the same time. In my experience, dealing with over 100 members in my groups, I have noticed that they have also become ‘risk takers’ which used to be the domain of men.
The FSB surveys tens of thousands of small businesses each year, including the firms that ply their trade on a typical High Street: retail outlets, services such as hairdressers and dry-cleaners, cafes, bars and restaurants. In Helmsley there are some women traders who have been operating in the town for decades, but many more who have started up in the last few years. Some said the trigger was a failed marriage or the children leaving home, others that it was the desire to be their own boss or just a long-held ambition to run that sweet shop, traditional bakery or little tea-shop. The FSB data shows that women opening High Street businesses tend to be better educated than their male counterparts – a significantly higher proportion have a degree. And, on average, they borrow less to set up their company than men – £18,700 compared with £28,800. The last word comes from Liesl Smith of the FSB: “It is true that many more women are getting into business, joining the entrepreneurial ranks. There can be absolutely no doubt that we are seeing a big increase in the numbers of women running services for women on the High Street, and that must be a good thing.”
darlingmagazine.co.uk | april–may 2014
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