What I wish I knew: a note to my younger self

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As the we announce the finalists for the 2015 NatWest everywoman Awards, we get up close and personal with our former winners as they reveal what they wish they knew when they were young. It’s easy to feel unsure without the benefit of hindsight – but now, as these business owners revel in success, they share their advice to their younger selves.

Garner some motivation from these ambitious entrepreneurs who tell us what they’d tell their 20 year old selves.

It is okay to be the best you want to be. You cannot help how people react, you are lovely just the way you are. Never be ashamed of what you see in the mirror. This is you Karen! Scars and all. Do not take any notice of the naysayers, the hurtful ones who put you down. You have a lioness in you, she is just hiding waiting for you to face your fears and pounce on life.”

Karen Kirby, Founder, InBuild

“Worry less about what people think – as a young person trying to forge a career you can make the mistake of comparing yourself to more successful people around you. Making those comparisons can leave you feeling inferior. The best thing you can do is look up to those people and embrace all your great qualities and demonstrate what you can do to those around you. Time you spend worrying could be spent working hard on that end goal.”

Lesa Bennett, Co-founder, Olivia Burton watches

“Always approach everything with a smile. Starting out in the fashion industry can be tough – it’s competitive and the entry positions aren’t as glamorous as you would expect. Filing, making tea, photocopying and opening post are part of your day to day. Do it with enthusiasm and a smile and you’ll get noticed.”

Jemma Fennings, Co-founder, Olivia Burton watches

“My advice would be to do what you love. Not necessarily what others would love you to do. That thing you’re passionate about, the thing you really care about, that will have you working hard, up early eager to start and working late with mind racing and enjoying it.”

Emily Brooke, Founder and CEO, Blaze

“What are you waiting for? Just jump in!”

Cleopatra Browne, Founder and Managing Director, Celtic Quest Coasteering

Academia isn't the single most important thing in life. I always thought that I had to go through school, college and then university if I was to have any chance of landing a high paid job, but after being a business owner and talking to my peers, it's clear that most entrepreneurs start following their business dreams instead of going to uni. There are so many good schemes set up at the moment for apprentices and young entrepreneurs. I am now a mentor and motivational speaker, aiming to encourage those who have innovative ideas to go for it and pursue a life in business. I understand that some jobs require certain grades, so university is essential for those career paths, but companies now are looking for experience and fresh (practical) ideas, not just letters on a piece of paper.”

Julianne Ponan, Creative Nature, Owner and CEO

“Dream big but don’t expect anyone else to make those dreams come true.  It’s down to you to make it happen.”

Helen Pattinson, Montezuma's Chocolate’s, Co-founder

“There’s lots I’d tell my younger self, be bold, be brave, be passionate; failure can be a blessing in disguise, as long as you see the lesson and use it for growth and finally, worry only has the force that you give it.”

Kate Hersov, Co-founder and CEO, MediKidz

“I wish I knew that you can be creative and strategic at the same time, as for many years I approached everything like a scattergun. As a naturally creative thinker I change my mind all the time, and I used to find unwillingness and inability to change frustrating. I’ve grown into a business woman, I now also appreciate and respect there is a need for structure and planning if you want to develop an international brand.”

Karen Betts, Managing Director, Nouveau Beauty Group

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