Email to a FriendTo celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we are shining a light on our fabulous members and their stories.
Each and every single one of them has an inspiring story about starting their own business. So read on to find out more.
Elizabeth Pearson, owner of Simple Successful Stocks
What first drew you to starting your business?
I started my own business because I have always worked for someone else and wanted a challenge! I also felt that giving women knowledge and confidence about money and investing was where I could make difference at an individual level and the climate crises.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
What I love about being my own boss is the freedom and choice about where, when and how I work. I am really glad not to be in an office environment where I often felt trapped. I can balance what needs to be done with things of sparkle - fresh air, cold water swimming and cinnamon buns - amongst others! I also really enjoy seeing the people I have worked with get over their fears about investing and empower them to experience that it is something they can do themselves.
What's your advice to other women going into business?
Running a business requires a lot of different and additional skills. A lot more than the services or products you offer. There is no right way to do it and it really helped me to have some training and support to focus. It has taken time - longer than I thought - and I was really glad to have some financial resources behind so I was not panicking about money. As this can really stifle creativity.
What is your top tip for success?
Know that there will be times you may question what you are doing and think about giving up. Hold on and remind yourself of the bigger purpose of what you're doing and the difference are making. Be open about your challenges and ask for help. You do not have to do everything on your own.
Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?
I used to drive an ice cream van! I drove around rural Essex selling deftly sliced blocks of Wall's ice cream in cones and gave all my customers free whipped cream, flavoured sauces and 100's and 1000's!