KENTWOMENINBUSINESS |
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# GIVETOGAIN # IWD2026 |
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“ As a Kent-based online business mentor, one of the biggest lessons I’ ve learned is that growth doesn’ t come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters. I spent years believing success meant working harder and pushing through exhaustion. Now I know real success is building a business that supports your life, your energy and your values. You’ re allowed to choose clarity, focus and a different way of working that gives you the life you want.”
Karen Davies, founder, Sell Your Brilliance Online
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“ One thing I wish I’ d learned earlier is that you don’ t have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Confidence grows through action, not perfection. I’ m most proud of building something rooted in Kent while staying true to my values. Trust your instincts, ask for help sooner and don’ t underestimate how powerful consistency really is.” |
Tanya Albin, clinic owner, The Derma Clinic Kent |
“ When I started a vineyard and wine business in Kent 10 years ago, I had no prior experience of farming, marketing, hospitality or retail, but sometimes it’ s enough to think‘ that sounds interesting and fun’ and jump right in. Confidence grows from action. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, who know more than you do, and enjoy learning from them.”
Susannah Ricci, owner / founder, Yotes Court
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“ Don’ t be afraid to do something different, and if you have a strong vision and clear idea then go for it, but never stay still. Always strive to improve, listen to feedback from guests, clients and the market so that you can continue to build on what works, and don’ t be afraid to shift away from what doesn’ t. Most importantly, create a wonderful team who share your passion and vision; we are stronger together.”
Georgina Fulton, director, Elmley Nature Reserve
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“ The best advice I’ d like to share to every passionate and careerdriven woman starting out is to find your network first; there is a huge amount of support felt in women empowering each other. One of my happiest achievements was winning the Kent Women in Business Award for Creative Business in 2025! Seeing a room brimming with strong and confident women, spurring each other along in such a male dominated world, was inspiring. Forget imposter syndrome; always believe in yourself and absolutely you will achieve what you aim for by keeping your determination roaring to succeed.” |
“ I acquired Knowle Grange Health Spa in 2020. It was not a planned business acquisition, but rather the result of a chance viewing in the property supplement of a London paper. I had no previous experience of the spa industry, but several decades of investment banking experience taught me the importance of high standards, attention to detail and the value of a team with good work ethics and a sense of pride in what they do. Winning a Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year award is the result!” |
Carol Barazzone, owner, Knowle Grange Spa
# GIVETOGAIN # IWD2026
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“ Since the age of 14, my career has been in hospitality; The Drawing Room, Locksbottom, simply made it intentional. Success in hospitality is how people feel when they leave. My parents taught me to‘ treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself’ and I carry that advice to my team, as well as to our customers. Trust in your skills and be you- you can’ t please everyone, but believe in your brand. Consistency is key, as is care and attention to detail. Know your numbers, so you can be confident in your negotiation skills and your kindness stays sustainable.”
Justine Manuel, owner, The Drawing Room
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“ When I discovered the art of millinery( hat-making), I fell in love. Following my instincts to start a business around a subject that I was so passionate about was the best thing I could have done. I can confidently say that authenticity, enthusiasm and a whole lot of graft is what has driven my business forward for all these years. I found out that I had cancer six months after I left my full-time job to start my business. Treatment left me exhausted, but I knew I was onto a good thing. Petershams Millinery Supplies is now in its 16th year and I’ m so proud that I fought through that huge obstacle to realise my dreams.” |
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Sophia Fish, owner / founder, Golden Feathers Interiors |
Michelle Osborne, co-owner, Petershams Millinery Supplies |
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www. insidekent. co. uk • 187 |