The power of failure, being open to opportunities when they come along and the importance of aligning yourself with people who share your values and vision were key themes to emerge at January’s Make It Your Business, Tunbridge Wells. Hosted by Sharp Minds’ Managing Director, Siobhan Stirling, the audience of the sell-out event took inspiration and encouragement from the personal business stories shared by the panellists.

The latest Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells event brought together local businesswomen from around Kent at The Finance Hub for an inspiring morning of networking and learning. While many women already run their own businesses, countless others are held back by a lack of networking opportunities and mentoring. Make It Your Business aims to change that with regular events that foster connections and empower women.

January’s Tunbridge Wells event featured an impressive line-up of speakers: keynote speaker Julia Elliot Brown—a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and founder of Enter the Arena; Jodie Claridge, founder of Dentalbox; Danielle Friend and Jane Hodge of Create Balance; and Nell Mellerick of Arty Farty Retreat.

Failure is something to embrace

Julia Elliot Brown discussed the power of reframing failure. She shared her experience with Upper Street Shoes, a venture where women could design their own shoes. Despite raising capital and attracting celebrity clients, the business ultimately collapsed. For a while afterwards, Julia said she felt like a failure. She was devastated and needed time to lick her wounds and consider her options. Which she did. Looking back now, instead of viewing this experience as a failure, Julia sees it as a pivotal moment. 

Her three tips for bouncing back after failure. 

1. Take time off: Julia needed time to reflect; she took time off to give her brain time to unravel itself and work out where things went wrong.
2. Look out for problems that need solving: During her time out, Julia thought about her own struggles to raise investment. She had many women coming to her to ask for advice during her time running the business and this helped her formulate the idea for Enter the Arena. “When you’re stuck, look at the problems you see around you,” says Julia. “Very often those are the sparks for a great business idea.”
3. Don’t listen to the naysayers: Because there will be many. For Julia, it was mostly men saying her idea was too niche. However, she went for it anyway. “Don’t let others define your limits.”

Ultimately, Julia’s advice to other business women was not to be disheartened if it’s hard. Failure doesn’t define you, see it as a stepping stone and don’t be afraid of it.

Be curious and observant

Jodie Claridge is the founder and owner of Dentalbox, but her journey to being a successful business owner wasn’t an easy one. Forced to leave home at 17, Jodie’s career path was shaped by curiosity and keen observation. She stressed the importance of learning from one’s surroundings and using every experience as a springboard for growth.

In just two years, Jodie has taken The Dental Box from a standing start to a turnover of £350,000. Her work ethic centers on sticking to one’s values, continual learning, and maintaining a clear vision.

Have the right people around you 

Create Balance burst onto the Tunbridge Wells business scene a year ago – but it’s a business that was 12 years in the making. Business partners Danielle Friend and Jane Hodge highlighted the significance of surrounding yourself with the right team. Their business, 12 years in the making, flourished once they found the right partnership dynamic. 

They advised entrepreneurs to be careful about who they choose for their inner circle, emphasising the need for people who can challenge and spur you onward, rather than simply agreeing with everything.

The importance of community 

Nell Mellerick of Arty Farty Retreat discussed how community involvement contributed to her business growth. After running art classes at charities Peppenbury and Hospice in the Weald, Nell was inspired to make art accessible to everyone through her retreat.

Nell not only runs the Arty Farty Retreat but also manages Southborough Street Community social pages and organises large annual events. She emphasised that being a trusted figure in the local community significantly helps in growing a business.

Key points from the morning:

Be a part of your community and build connections

Be curious and observant in your early career

The importance of keeping yourself open to new opportunities

Find the right team that shares your values 

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Based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Sharp Minds Communications offers brand development, digital marketing, offline marketing, and public relations to businesses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Greater London.