THE BUSINESS: These girls did - inspiring stories from women in business

Heather Myers, director, South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce 

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
Not in a straight line! I’ve sort of ended up here as a result of a redundancy in 2011. Following a 20-year career in town planning, urban regeneration and organisation strategy in the public sector, I was forced to rethink my career. Since then I’ve really been the custodian of three small, but high profile businesses – a youth charity in Merthyr, the CEO of Abergavenny Food Festival and now director of the Chamber of Commerce. 

What inspired you?
Small businesses are what inspire me. SMEs are the backbone of the Welsh economy and it is their agility, resourcefulness and resilience and downright tenacity that moves me. Running a small business takes long hours, diverse skill sets, its often a lonely and anxious place however, the rewards are huge; creating a marketable service/product, taking it to market, creating a workforce, closing the deal, that is what motivates and inspires. Being able to offer support, connections and advice via the chamber of commerce to help businesses to grow is my dream job. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Always value and recognise all the skills you have and realise that most of them are transferable, so don’t limit your career horizons by pigeon-holing yourself. Work hard and get noticed. Always keep a sense of wonder because it’s infections and it breeds innovation, energy and fun. 

Lanleigh Payne, property valuer, Paul Fosh Auctions, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
My mum is a property developer, and her passion for property passed down to me. We lived in Spain during most of my childhood, so I started my career in Spain, which then continued when I moved back to Wales in 2005. I took a five-year gap from the property industry to start up other businesses in different sectors which continue to run successfully to date. It’s fair to say I enjoy a challenge.

Who inspired you? 
My mum, starting her portfolio back in the 80s, being a single mum who took risks and worked so hard, so she’s certainly been my inspiration throughout every path my life has taken.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Start your career from the bottom, to gain experience in all aspects of your field. Knowledge is power! Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Iona Callaghan, accountant, Ivy Wood Bookkeeping & Accountancy

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
During those awkward teen years I didn’t have a set career in mind and would very often change my ambitions. I decided I wanted to pursue accountancy during my A-level Business Studies class – I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and it seemed like the obvious choice.

What inspired you?
I was never inspired by anyone at the beginning of my career. However after being self-employed for the last six years and running a successful business that I never thought would last, I have to say the people who keep me going are most definitely my clients. Watching my clients grow and succeed on a daily basis gives me all the inspiration I need to do bigger and better things. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Never give up. It can be really tough at the very beginning finding a suitable job role, I had to work voluntarily for two years to gain the experience required. But, there are opportunities out there you just need to keep looking.

Cerys Roberts, sales and lettings manager, Kingston Newell Estate Agents

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I’ve worked in sales since my late teens and in 2014, I got the opportunity to work for Kingston Newell via a recruitment agent who felt it was a role made for me. 

Who inspired you?
My mother, upon learning of my new career path, said she couldn’t have tailored a better career for me. Four years later and I haven’t looked back! 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Bear in mind that it’s nothing like you see on TV! It involves a lot of hard work and long hours so to thrive it must be something you are passionate about. To see my clients’ smiling faces upon the completion of their sale/purchase makes all the hard work worthwhile. 

Victoria Morris, director, Foxwood Recruitment

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I actually studied psychology during my time at university and always envisaged a career in fighting crime in the police. However, after I completed my degree I decided to go travelling for six months and on my return was suddenly faced with the cold reality of gaining full time employment. Eager to start my working life I walked into a recruitment agency and that was it, the following week I was a trainee recruitment consultant. 

What inspired you?
No one in particular springs to mind and I thought it would be a temporary move but after a few months I fell in love with the fast-paced, bustling and crazy world of recruitment. Thinking about why I continued, it was more down to the candidates I met and the pleasure I got from helping them fulfil their career aspirations. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
You must be prepared to put in the hard work and recognise that persistence pays off in the long term. Daily highs and lows are part and parcel of the job but if you consider yourself resilient, like a challenge and love dealing with people then it’s a great career choice. Leaving a salaried job to start Foxwood Recruitment with my business partner presented a series of new challenges. It was daunting but we had the confidence in our abilities and experience to identify how we could be different to our competitors. You need to be confident in the abilities of all your team to succeed in business and not be afraid to make decisions that might be unpopular with everyone but will be beneficial to help you achieve the business’s objectives.

Karis Jones, associate solicitor at Howells Solicitors 

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I first became interested in law in my early teens. I shadowed a Crown Court judge for my two week work experience while at Monmouth Comprehensive School when I was 16. I knew instantly I wanted a career in the legal industry. After completing my law degree and legal practice course in Swansea and getting my first job, I knew I wanted to specialise in family law and I haven’t looked back.

Who inspired you?
I have been with Howells Solicitors for five years now and with their backing my career has gone from strength to strength. Each day is different and I have a real sense of achievement in helping people. Being a solicitor is extremely rewarding in many ways. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Do something each day that you don’t think you are quite ready to do, I believe that’s how you grow and become more confident in the job you are doing. 

Liz Maher, director, Centurion VAT Specialists Ltd, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I joined Centurion VAT having decided to leave one of the big four accountancy firms where I’d been the corporate VAT director. I started my career in VAT accidentally when I passed the civil service entry for graduates and ended up being assigned to HM Customs & Excise and into the VAT section. I spent five years as a civil servant and while it was invaluable VAT technical skills grounding, the potential for career development was, and I think remains, limited, if that is your goal – it was mine. There was a fair degree of challenge as a woman but that may have been the nature of the revenue department – there were a fair number of men in leather jackets in the investigation team side and, as a woman, I was not encouraged to join, shall we say!

What inspired you?
I loved VAT and after 30 years I still do. It’s not about numbers, we are not accountants – it’s about problem solving for clients. It’s about saving money for charities trying to deliver their services, helping business start-ups or exporters get VAT right to avoid challenges and bills from HMRC. My working day is diverse and uses up a whole range of skills – delivery advice, listening, sharing knowledge when training, challenging HMRC on technical points, writing articles and helping to run what is now our own business with a team of seven.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Choose a career that fits your skills and interests and never try to be something you are not. You will have to be flexible and open to change in any career path but recognise your strengths and you’ll find a place in life that works for everyone.

Antonella Mariani, architectural assistant, Richard Andrews Architects, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
I am from Rome, Italy. I chose to attend La Sapienza University of Rome because it had a five-year architecture programme. After I completed my studies I decided to move aboard and it was a definitely a huge challenge. Once I settled down in Cardiff, I looked for a job and the company I work for was advertising for a position as architectural assistant, also offering the opportunity to work alongside its team of architects. I decided to apply and during the interview I met the director, Richard Andrews, who gave me a chance despite a language barrier and different building standards I needed to get used to. It was and it is definitely a great experience because I have learned a lot I am now responsible for the whole architectural process: draw the design, then estimate it and think through the process of building it.

What inspired you? 
I have always been passionate about drawings and graphics. Imagination, creativity and ability to express ideas to people through paper form are my main skills and having these three qualities is very important to build a career in the architectural field. Also growing up in Rome gave me the opportunity to be always inspired by one of the world’s main centre of classical and contemporary architecture.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
If you have design talent and creativity do not waste but develop them! Do not forget to be always motivated and never give up because the architectural career will be hard but satisfactory.

Gemma Sandhu, St David’s Hospice Care, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
After nearly eight years working in a local primary school and before that working as a performer in Disney Land Resort Paris, I decided it was time for a career change. I wanted to work with people and do something that could really make a difference to the community.

Who inspired you?
For a number of years I worked with an incredible teacher, she was sparkly and bright and always a true inspiration. After a cancer diagnosis she used the services of St David’s Hospice Care and managed to return to work fighting fit and even managed to run the London Marathon. After a few years the cancer returned again she managed to return to work but after barely six months she lost the fight and very sadly passed away. She was my inspiration, my reason to do all I can to raise the funds to ensure more people like her get the same high levels of care and support.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Do it! I always thought working with children was the most rewarding thing I could do, I have since changed my mind. Making a positive difference in an adult’s life is hard especially at the time of a diagnosis, while going through treatment or after the passing of a loved one. Knowing the money I bring in goes straight to helping those people and making the days a little easier is a wonderful feeling of achievement and something everyone should aim to feel at some point, whether that’s working for a charity or giving up some time to volunteer.

Kirsten Tuck, solicitor and partner, Everett Tomlon Lloyd and Pratt, Newport, Pontypool and Usk

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
A teacher suggested I would make a good lawyer. I didn’t even know what that was, but when I looked into it I thought it sounded interesting. I got a place on a four-year sandwich degree at Nottingham Trent University which involved a years work placement at TS Edwards solicitors in Newport. I feel this practical experience at an early stage really benefited me, and I was offered a training contract at the same firm, where I returned having completed the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. After I qualified I got a job at Everett and Tomlin in Pontypool and became a partner in 2002. During the 20 years I have been with the firm we have undergone a number of mergers, doubled in size and bought a new office in Gold Tops. It’s been challenging, exciting and rewarding time.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
My advice to anyone who wants a career in law is to try and get plenty of practical experience while you are still studying. There are numerous ways to qualify as a solicitor these days so keep an open mind and consider all the options. Finally, I advise all our trainees to watch Suits. While it’s hardly a true depiction of life in a Newport high street practice, and my office unfortunately bears no resemblance to Jessica’s, it’s an exciting job with no two days the same, and real life opportunities to close a deal like Harvey Spector.

Denise Lovering, director, Glenside Commercials Ltd and chairman of Caerphilly Business Forum

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
In 1993, the family bought a small business (employing four people) repairing and maintaining commercial vehicles. My background was accounts/admin so I took charge of the book-keeping and general admin duties. During the intervening years, the business has grown enormously and with it my areas of responsibility, I became commercial director. We now employ more than 90 people.

Who inspired you?
My father had his own business, which I joined on leaving college; from him I learnt that if a job is worth doing, whatever the job, you must always give it your best shot. I started at the bottom and worked my up, and as the “boss’s daughter” had more to prove. From him I also learnt that you need to be flexible, understanding yet firm when dealing with staff. My maternal grandmother had brought up three children on her own and worked as a weaver in a cotton mill, she also taught me a lot about work and respect. I credit both with my strong work ethic.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Know your product/service offer inside out.Know the competition, do your homework thoroughly. Know your own limitations, accept that you can’t do everything. Never be afraid to ask for help.

Jennifer Vile, operations manager, Quote Detective, Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
When I graduated from Chester University where I was studied animal behaviour I couldn’t find any jobs in that field, so I found a job at Quote Exchange (an IT company) on the support desk. Over five years I worked my way up and ended up running the testing department. The company was sold and I worked briefly in Bristol before I was offered the opportunity of starting Quote Detective with some ex-colleagues. We started with a team of four of us in a tiny office in Llantarnam but we have grown progressively over the last two years and now employ almost 50 staff.

Who inspired you?
Craig Dunkley, the MD here, is my true hero!

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Work hard, have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace new ideas. You tend not to regret the things you’ve done but really regret opportunities you didn’t take!

Claire Broome, designer/owner, Parade Design, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
Having studied A-levels in school, I knew the only thing I really had a passion for was art-based, so I completed a foundation diploma at Swansea College of Art so that I could dabble in multiple areas of the subject before realising that visual communication was the route I wanted to go down. From there I completed my BA(Hons) in Graphic Design in Blackpool and The Fylde College of Art and Design. I then freelanced in a number of agencies, but was lucky enough to land a junior designer position at Icon Creative Design in Newport where I spent 11 years with a great team of creatives. Having had two children I wanted the flexibility to look after them but still continue my career in graphic design. I set up Parade Design in 2013.

What inspired you?
It was the love of doing what I was doing that made me continue to follow my career path. It was while at my second year in Blackpool that I knew how much I loved the creative industry. Mixing with other creative people, photographers, illustrators, tutors, taking on work experience in some fantastic agencies in London and Manchester and visiting some of the world’s most recognised agencies in New York was all inspiration for choosing a career in graphic design.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
I feel very lucky that I love my job and that’s purely because I followed my passion. I would advise anyone looking for work to start with a genuine interest in something and you’ll probably find it has a knock-on-effect in your career. Don’t settle in a job you dislike. You spend so much of your life working, I would recommend striving for happiness as a career goal.

Stephanie Taylor, HMO Heaven, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I was appalled by the poor quality of much house share accommodation and felt compelled to do it better. Property businesses are sometimes too focused on profit and not people. I wanted to bring better service and more beauty to affordable homes.

What inspired you? 
Before launching HMO Heaven with my sister Nicky in 2016, I worked as a project contractor in financial services. I was inspired to really make a difference to the way people live. I believe house shares don’t have to be hellish. And now creating beautiful and affordable homes is my job and my passion. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Just do it! Taking risks and achieving goals outside of our comfort zone is the ultimate fulfillment. Within each of us are special talents which we can use to change the lives of those around us for the better. Find yours and unleash it on the world! 

Sarah Case, director at MHA Broomfield Alexander

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I joined MHA Broomfield Alexander not long after qualifying in 1998 to manage the Newport office. I took every opportunity that was available to me, learning what I could and absorbing the environment around me, becoming an associate partner in 2001 and, in 2010, the firm’s first female equity partner. Eight years on, I’m now joined by one other female partner and two female directors. 

Who inspired you? 
Having been with the firm for 20 years, I recognise that it has a fantastic culture in training people. From day one, I was able to look up to senior managers and create a vision of exactly where I wanted to go. There were plenty of role models at partner level which made the firm a great place to grow professionally. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
I don’t believe there is a 'glass ceiling', nor do I believe that there is a 'free pass' to success. The simple key is to adopt a culture of hard work, know where you want to be and how to get there, and to keep on learning new things. That way, you’ll be sure to have opportunities crop up – which you can either seize or let pass. I seized my opportunities and shaped them into what I wanted them to be. 

Heidi-Louise Griffiths, founder, Maykher

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I went to university and studied design. I started with graphics which evolved into fashion as I took up new opportunities in my career. I’m now an owner of two businesses and do both, Dirty Little Serifs is focused on brand, digital and print design, while Maykher is very fashion and textile led.

Who inspired you?
No who or what specifically, I’ve always been a very creative person and I like to be able to exercise this in different types of projects. I remember being a small child and designing (terrible!) clothes; design was always a very natural path for me. I’ve also had some fantastic teachers and a great support network who have always encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone, that’s important for anyone’s personal and professional development.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Practise your craft, work hard and don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities that scare you a little, they’ll probably be the ones you’ll learn the most from. Make a plan and make it happen.

Carole-Anne Davies, chief executive, Design Commission for Wales

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I had an excellent education from inspirational teachers at Brynmawr Comprehensive School who always encouraged ambition and an expansive outlook. I was one of very few girls to swap cookery class for metalwork and craft, design and technology, as well as visual art, English language and literature. I believe the humanities provide a sound base for a rounded education and employability because they stimulate critical thinking. Of course, my family are hugely supportive and excellent role models; a solid work ethic and a sense that there were no limits to potential were key values.

Who inspired you?
In business, I was fortunate to have a very sound chairperson and board in my first executive role, and my private sector experience in Thorn EMI, then a global company, was invaluable. Competitive sales training, strategy and a people focus are useful skills when you’re promoting design quality in a construction industry to the benefit of end users, occupiers and the public purse. Other key influences were Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and David Bowie – all game changers who helped inspire my generation as to what we could be if we worked hard, strived for excellence and resisted pigeon-holing and prejudice. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
My advice to other women would be that we need you! A large chunk of half the population isn’t fulfilling its potential and we can’t continue at such a glacial pace, failing to benefit from that talent. Don’t compare yourself to others, be true to yourself and your own strengths and place yourself in the way of opportunity. Take a leaf from the pages of timeless children’s classic Pippy Longstocking who always said ‘I’ve never tried that before so I think I’ll definitely be able to do it.’

Anne Williams, Henry Howard Finance

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
Through a mixture of hard work, not being afraid to ask questions and quickly learning how a business operates. Making the most of opportunities to develop my skillset and expertise was very important to me – even if that meant taking a sideward step rather than a promotion.

Who inspired you?
There isn’t one person – I’ve worked with many people over the years who have helped me to develop my skills and inspired me to go further in my career. I made it my mission to identify what I thought were the best traits in these people, so that I could focus on building them into my skillset. From this, I felt I had a good grasp of what success looked like and best how to achieve it.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Work hard, be inquisitive and treat people with respect. You should use every interaction with an individual as an opportunity to learn and surround yourself with those who have more experience and knowledge, so that you can improve yourself and become the best businesswoman you could possibly be.

Katie Parsons-Young, owner, www.NewportAsbestosServices.com

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
I always worked in retail. When the recession took a hold I had to exit the industry. My father was retired, and I persuaded him to train me in contracting. People had stopped buying and selling properties, but they still had to maintain them. I saw this career path as a more stable choice through the difficult years.

Who inspired you?
My father. He looked after us all and made his living from the asbestos removal industry. I wanted to be like him and do similar for my son.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Supply chain bullying is real. You’ll be starry eyed at the prospect of working for a big corporate but watch out. They show no mercy. I’d recommend looking after clients equally, regardless of the size of contract. It makes sound business sense to spread your risk. 

Natalie Strange, operations manager, RPS Technology Solutions

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
After graduating, I worked in the video industry for a few years but eventually found I wasn’t enjoying it that much anymore. It was then I decided I wanted a career change, so I went looking for something that could combine my passion for technology and project management. I was informed of a new operations role at RPS Technology Solutions and the rest is history. 

What inspired you?
I guess I’ve always been intrigued by the unknown. From a very young age I’ve always wanted to investigate new technology and see what I can do with it. Among friends and family I was the go-to person for any technical problems (and that’s still the case to this day), so it became habit to find out as much as possible about everything. There’s always something new to learn within the technology industry and I love that every day offers a challenge. 

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Always value yourself and your colleagues around you. I worked part time as a receptionist during university and I once got called into a meeting for telling a customer I was ‘just a receptionist’. My manager at the time made me realise every role in a business plays an important part, regardless of the position, and that’s stuck with ever me since.

Emma Jenkins, owner and creative director, EJ Catering

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
I returned home from five years travelling and didn’t really fit into the routine of everyday life. A friend suggested that I start up my own business, so I sold my car and bought a van instead. I wrote a few menus which I hand-delivered and I had a phone line put into my bedroom. I then went to India for a month and on my return the answer phone was flashing, and I was off. This was 19 years ago and at the time people were ready for something different. I worked extremely hard and after three years I employed a second chef, after seven years I employed a head chef and now have a team of three chefs, two office staff and my own role continues to develop and change every day.

What inspired you? 
My love of food and travelling, tasting new and exciting cuisines while I was abroad. My clients are also a great source of inspiration, I’m an incredibly motivated person but without a doubt it’s my customers that have kept me going.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Go for it, work hard, and remember it’s a journey. Like any journey it has its ups and downs but just keep your eye on the end goal and it’ll all be worthwhile. 

Androulla Webb, owner, Icon Creative Design, Newport

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
Graphic design is what I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve been lucky enough to make a career and business out of it. Originally from London, I came to Wales to study at Newport College of Art. I loved my time at university and adopted the city as my new home, establishing my design agency Icon Creative Design in Newport. In 2018 we are celebrating our 20th year and many of our clients have become friends and longstanding partners. 

What inspired you?
I’m inspired by 'all things creative', three words that simply describe who I am and what I do. As creative director I work with a team of young, enthusiastic designers creating inspiring and intelligent design for clients such as Swansea University, Newport Unlimited, Janome, Friars Walk and the Kingsway Centre in Newport.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Graphic design is not just a career choice it’s a way of life. It is a profession that is creative and rewarding and where you can put your passion for ideas and design to daily use. The design industry is very competitive but smart businesses and organisations need skilled designers to help them communicate and connect with their target audience so there will always be a demand for good designers. So if you have the talent and the ambition I highly recommend a career in design!

Laura Emily Dunn, director, LED Media 

How did you get into the job you are currently doing? 
I started my digital and social media consultancy, LED Media in April 2014. I had always wanted to own my own business, and several consultancy projects came my way, propelling me to make that step! My background in blogging and political communications had helped me to hone my digital skills and build up a wide network of contacts. 

What inspired you? 
The attraction of building something from scratch, and the opportunity to work with clients in different industries inspired me to become a consultant. I’m fortunate to work with clients across Wales, the UK and the USA on a range of exciting digital and social media projects. Additionally, I work in the political space, providing advice and practical support for politicians and political parties in Westminster, Cardiff and Washington DC.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you? 
Starting a business is not an easy task. For those thinking of following a similar path I say 'do it!' Properly research the practicalities of becoming self-employed, and think about how owning a business will change your lifestyle. Fully embrace networking opportunities and build a digital presence that will help you market your services both locally and further afield. The early mornings, late nights and hard work will pay off!

Laura Gay and Kelli Aspland, directors of Solar Buddies in Cwmbran

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
(Laura): I’d like to say through knowledge and experience but that isn’t the case! We stumbled upon our jobs due an issue our children were facing in schools applying sunscreen. After discussing it between ourselves and finding nothing on the market that could help Kelli and I decided to join the world of product innovation, design and manufacturing and we love it!

What inspired you? 
(Kelli): Not your conventional answer I know but our children inspired us without a doubt. Without them there would have been no need to pursue the avenue Laura and I decided to travel down. We went in completely blind not knowing what was potentially ahead of us but always looked at our children to keep going when things got a little tough.

What/who inspired you to follow this career path? 
(Laura): Just do it! What can you lose initially but time, and that time will pass anyway so why not let it pass doing something that excites you. Ideas on paper don’t become real unless you make them real.

Tania Ansell, business and community fundraiser, St David’s Hospice Care

How did you get into the job you are currently doing?
Volunteering for charities both national and local was definitely key. This is enabled me to gain experience in both fundraising and event management. This combined with my sales background in the travel industry and 12 years as a medical secretary in the NHS certainly helped to open doors in the third sector and thankfully the hospice movement.

Who inspired you?
My dad! He has spent the last 30 years fundraising for those in Zimbabwe. Seeing the impact his work is having on so many has been extremely inspiring. There’s no better feeling than doing something you love and knowing you are making a difference. As the saying goes by Anne Frank 'no-one has ever become poor by giving'.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow you?
Now that fundraising is a recognised profession it has become a very competitive field to work in. Gain as much experience in volunteering as you can. This can be particularly rewarding if you focus your energy towards a cause that inspires you.