After 16 years working as a flight attendant, mostly in First Class for BA, I love offering the first class service on my courses and workshops.
I started my business from my kitchen table out of the desire to be sustainable and fill old candle vessels. My business pivoted in lockdown to offer 3 online courses from beginners to build your own candle business to help wannabe entrepreneurs create their own brand. I also create my own luxury branded candles as well as Private Label candles for luxury hotels across Scotland and London.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I come from an art background working in an advertising agency after I left school. I have always been incredibly entrepreneurial. When the recession hit I was offered a job as an air hostess and flew for 16 years flying all over the world to over 50 countries and 190 cities. I left flying to have my son and thought what on earth will I do now. My current role is running a luxury vegan candle business in Scotland, I started creating as a hobby and the business grew to encompass my own brand, Private Labelling for Luxury Hotels across Scotland and London. I run in- person workshops and pivoted the business during lockdown to run 3 online courses which have now been taken by people around the world.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Not once did I plan my career, I plan my personal life goals but not my career, I feel it has been planned out by my customers.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
Daily challenges are all part of running a business, I love a challenge and also embrace change, I think these are important attributes. Home schooling and running the business during lockdown was a huge challenge.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
In the business transitioning the in-person courses to online courses were definitely an achievement, serving over 1000 people and teaching them candle making. Personally learning to swim to become a triathlete then go on to swim the 22 mile distance of the Channel in the North Sea over 2 months was a big achievement.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
My discipline, drive and the ability to take action is a major factor in my success.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
I mentor the attendees on my build your own candle business course. I’d love a mentor!
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for Gender Equality, what would it be?
Empowering women to step up and have a voice, I believe it has to be taught in schools. If the current statistic is anything to go by – 10 generations to gender equality, it needs to start now.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
Be bold, take action, and ask!
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