Michaela Vaux, Tropic Diamond Executive at Tropic Skincare

What first drew you to starting your business?

5 years ago I was looking to find ways of detoxing my life. In 2005 I was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour and told I would never walk again. After 14 hours of surgery I eventually learnt to walk again but relied heavily on a wheelchair and stick and took 72 tablets of Oxycontin a day for pain!! I was determined to get better and off all my medicine and detoxing was the obvious route to go as the Dr’s could do nothing more for me. At this point I discovered Tropic natural skin care and make up and immediately bought their healing balm for the very big scar on my back and the deodorant as changing my products was high on my list of things to do. I simply fell in love with everything Tropic stood for, I decided to get more involved as it was something I could do on the days when I had energy, as I really wanted to spread the work about how important it is so make these changes. 5 years on I no longer take any medication or use a wheelchair. Detoxing has been key to my recovery.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

It has to be the flexibility to work when I want and where I want. In the early days that was often whilst laying down on the sofa or in bed as my back was so painful. These days it means it is all on my terms, around a yoga class, seeing family and friends or even a trip abroad. I went out to New Zealand to see my son two years ago, got stuck out there as my husband needed surgery (!) and it wasn’t a hassle as I could simply work there for the extra 3 weeks we had to stay on.

What's your advice to other women going into business/entering your career?

Just do it! Do your research, take a deep breath and go for it. If I had a £1 for every time someone said to me I would love to have my own business, I would be a very rich woman. Find a supportive network, a good mentor and go for it. In 5 years time you will thank yourself you tried. Whether you success or not if you want to give something a go then your time is NOW.

What is your top tip for success?

That A + B will always equal C. A is the effort you put in, B is the business minded focus, be professional and consistent and C is the cash. Do A and B and C will always follow! BUT note I haven’t put time into this formula as sometime business success can take a long while. Dont be hooked up on timescale and feel you have failed if things haven’t taken off in a month, three months or a year. Good things can take time but consistency will always win in the end.

Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?

I won £10,000 on a television programme in 2007, with a one-minute presentation. I spent a lot on my 40th Birthday party, as life is to be celebrated.