2 years ago
This International Women’s Day we talked to some of the entrepreneurial women in Clapham about their businesses. Read on to be inspired.
Joanna, Nue Ground
What’s the biggest success you’ve experienced in your career so far?
Opening a new cafe was an achievement, but doing so during a pandemic brought a whole new set of challenges. The restrictions and closures imposed by governments and the economic uncertainty made it challenging for our small business to survive, let alone grow or establish ourselves as only open for 3 months. Starting a new business is always a risk, and doing so during a pandemic made it even riskier. The location had many failed businesses and was vacant for many months prior to us taking the leap.
We’ve also had our Instagram hacked for months which has been very detrimental to the business as it’s a big part of how we grow our community. Despite these challenges, I’m proud to say that nue ground not only has survived but thrived in adversity. Our small independent cafe has experienced remarkable organic growth. We’ve worked tirelessly to provide quality products and exceptional customer service, and as a result, our business has continued to grow. Looking back on this experience, I realize that it was one of the most challenging and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have started something new and exciting during a time when it would have been easy to give up.
What tips and tricks do you use to manage your time, and what do you do to unwind after a busy day?
I enjoy waking up early to do yoga and meditation before planning my day, it helps to increase my productivity and reduce stress. I’m also using reminders to stay on track with important tasks, it’s a helpful tool for managing time effectively. When I have a busy day, I find it helpful to unwind by spending time with my family. We might play a board game, cook together or watch TV. Just being around loved ones and enjoying each other’s company helps me to relax and forget about the stresses of the day. I also love to exercise as a way to unwind. Whether it’s cycling or doing some Pilates, physical activity helps me to release tension and clear my mind. Plus, it’s good for my overall health and wellbeing.
What would you say to a woman looking to become an entrepreneur?
I would encourage her to follow her dreams and pursue what she’s passionate about. Starting a business can be challenging, but if you have a clear vision and are willing to put in the hard work, it can also be incredibly rewarding. I would also advise her not to be intimidated by competition. While there may be others in the same industry, everyone has their own unique talents and perspectives to offer. Instead of worrying about what others are doing, focus on creating something that is truly your own. Finally, I would encourage her to try. Starting a business requires taking risks and being willing to fail. But every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s important not to let fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams. So, if you have an idea that excites you, go for it! You never know what you might achieve.
What are you hoping to achieve in the next year?
In the next year, I’m excited to share that I’m planning to achieve some major milestones with my wellness lifestyle brand. We’ll be expanding our events, offering more workshops, fitness classes and retreats to help people prioritize their physical and mental health. We’ll also be launching new wellness product that promotes a healthy lifestyle. I’m looking forward to collaborating with other like-minded individuals and companies to reach even more customers and spread the message of wellness. Our aim is to grow a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Josie, Rose & Crown
What’s the biggest success you’ve experienced in your career so far?
Managing the construction and refurbishment of the Rose & Crown during a global pandemic. I was the only woman, young and inexperienced, working with men much older than myself. I felt I had to be on the ball to be taken seriously, this meant Google became my best friend for looking up construction lingo.
What tips and tricks do you use to manage your time, and what do you do to unwind after a busy day?
To manage my time I always attack the least important tasks at the beginning of the day – it means I get through them extremely quickly, and have the rest of the day to focus solely on the really important items.
What would you say to a woman looking to become an entrepreneur?
Surround yourself with capable and competent women in the business you are trying to build. Women are an asset to your business, you will get much further with women on your team rather than being the only woman.
What are you hoping to achieve in the next year?
We will be working on the refurbishment of our second pub over the next year. Who would have thought a woman’s chosen career was saving derelict pubs from closing down by restoring them?
Jaz, Train Yard
What is the biggest success you have experienced in your career so far?
I think definitely opening Train Yard has to be my biggest success, but also going on to having a successful first year in 2022 and building a strong community which is not something I expected so quickly!
What tips and tricks do you use to manage your time and what do you do to unwind after a busy day?
I have a silly amount of to-do lists! I have a very short attention span so I tend to work in short bursts, I put my phone on do not disturb or silent for 30 mins and then have a break – I find for me this really helps. I am also a lot stricter with my diary nowadays, I know what I can and cannot do and try not to say yes to everything.
It’s so cold & dark at the moment it’s usually a long shower, cooking a nice meal and then relaxing with my boyfriend and our dog Casper. In the Summer it’s definitely a long walk and maybe a drink in a pub garden.
What would you say to a woman looking to become an entrepreneur?
I would firstly say stop worrying what everyone else thinks, not everyone is going to like you or agree with your ideas but I think channeling your energy into you and your business, rather than worrying about what people think is the best thing you can do. Also, I would say there is a certain level of ‘fake it until you make it’, you can do every course under the sun, read every book in order to feel ‘ready’ but ultimately getting out there and just starting is the best thing you can do and be prepared to make mistakes – lots of them!
What are you hoping to achieve in the next year?
I am hoping for a bigger and better year for Train Yard, with more events, more classes and to continue to grow the amazing community here!
Keisy, The Common Espresso Bar
What is the biggest success you have experienced in your career so far?
I consider my biggest success is that we have built a community within our independent coffee shop. Every day we are greeted by our Clapham locals and lots of familiar faces, we are a part of their daily routines and it makes us very happy. And I believe it’s due to my passion for customer service, the love I have for my business and the joy of bringing people together through the art of coffee.
What tips and tricks do you use to manage your time, and what do you do to unwind after a busy day?
I enjoy having my to-do list as it keeps my priorities in order and helps me organise my day-to-day. There is no better feeling than checking something off my list! Just as important as admin organisation, I find that having a clean and tidy working environment keeps me cool and relaxed throughout the day.
Relaxation mode at home starts by slipping into my fuzzy pyjamas and cuddling on the sofa with my dog Charlie, he shows me a lot of love as he misses me during the day.
What would you say to a woman looking to become an entrepreneur?
I say go for it and enjoy the journey it will take you on. There will be a few hurdles but it will all be worth it when you see how far you go and you’ll be so proud! I love the quote “don’t be scared to fail, be scared to not try”.I believe that if you want something you will find a way to make it happen with careful planning and the right support from those around you. Nowadays working life is flexible and versatile, it’s possible to put to work ideas and have different visions.
What are you hoping to achieve in the next year?
We do have exciting plans for 2024, we hope everybody will be ready for what we have in store! Until the reveal, we look forward to continuing to grow our Clapham community.
