Female Founders share their mantras for success

SUZANNE BROCK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, NUTRIMENT 

Winner of the 2015 NatWest everywoman Artemis Award for an inspirational woman trading for between 18 months and three years.

My mantra: “Everything with be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.” The quote has been attributed to various people in differing forms, including John Lennon. 

What it means to me: I started using it when my husband left and I found myself with two small, confused and scared children. I had no money and no idea what was going to happen to us. It was a simple way of helping the children understand that we would be okay. Starting Nutriment was truly terrifying with so much debt and worry to deal with every day. I’d repeat my mantra on those difficult days when I didn’t know how to go on with the hours and the stress. I haven’t had to say it in a good while and that feels pretty fantastic too! 

POPPY MARDALL, FOUNDING DIRECTOR, POPPY’S FUNERALS 

Winner of the 2015 NatWest everywoman Demeter Award for an inspirational woman trading for between three and six years. 

My mantra: “Tomorrow the sun will rise and set. The rest is up for grabs.” (I read it in a book and it stuck with me!)

What it means to me: I’ve been using it since I started making plans for Poppy's Funerals and needed to really grab life by the pants and go for it. It resonates with me because I find allusions to nature reassuring and meaningful. I also enjoy life most when I take it one day at a time. The day has a cycle and I'm just going to do the best I can to make the most of it. It's good to see the big picture, but it can also be intimidating. So don't think about all the things you need to achieve long term. That's terrifying and depressing. Just think: “What can I do today?” Then life becomes really exciting. And this is not just about achieving success; it’s also about having fun, giggling with your family and make the most of today. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the future and all I want to achieve, this mantra reminds me that this is all a huge adventure I’m choosing to pursue.  

GILLIAN PEARSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, NEWBERRY INTERNATIONAL PRODUCE AND SMOOTHEELICIOUS 

Winner of the 2015 NatWest everywoman Hera Award for an inspirational woman trading for more than 12 years. 

My mantra: “We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.” 

What it means to me: I lost my father when I was 10 years old and I knew my life was about to change very drastically. He was the sole breadwinner and I was one of six siblings. I had to keep faith that I was in control of my future; that circumstances were not in control of me or my destiny. Times were unbelievably tough financially and I was forced to give up the opportunity to go to University where I dreamed of studying law. Instead, I found a job as an office junior at a local firm, which helped provide for my family. But I always held onto the fact that I was in control of my path and I decided I was going to be the best office junior around. This determination, ambition and vision paid off as I went on to take over the whole company, grow it, and win the NatWest everywoman Award by the tender age of 32.