Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

Ever dream of setting up your own business? Marking International Women’s Day 2023, we&#8217;ve called on a few inspirational local female entrepreneurs that have already taken the plunge. Here, they share their highs and lows &#8211; and their advice for other new business owners and startups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiggy-bradshaw-access-care-and-o-p-boutique">Tiggy Bradshaw, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/access-care-nationwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Access Care</a> and <a href="https://www.oplondon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">O&amp;P</a> boutique</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care.jpg" alt="Tiggy Bradshaw women business owner Hampshire Access Care the O&amp;P Stockbridge boutique" class="wp-image-30175" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Tiggy-Bradshaw-Access-Care-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Pic: Gemma Brunton Photography</figcaption></figure>



Hampshire-based Tiggy is Managing Director of Access Care, a successful Live-In Care agency and owner of Stockbridge-based boutique, the O&amp;P.



“Access Care was established by my awesome entrepreneur mother Judie in 1994. She realised there was a real problem in the live-in homecare market having witnessed the difficulties her mother had finding help for her father following a hospital admission. Probably the biggest hurdle I’ve had to overcome has been the emergence of so many competitors. The constant challenge is to evolve and diversify. 



&#8220;Our boutique – the O&amp;P – began its journey when Judie retired from Access and ‘needed a hobby’. Good Lord – it’s far from a hobby these days! As a high street retailer, Covid was a major setback. We only started in 2019 so were shut before we knew it. The pandemic did push me to start O&amp;P London, the ecommerce side of the business, which is really starting to thrive.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“My advice to fellow business owners and entrepreneurs? Work on your business – and not in it!”</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isabelle Hung, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/xv-stripes-cowes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XV Stripes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes.jpg" alt="Izzey XV Stripes women entrepreneurs Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-21345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes-720x481.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/02/Izzey-XV-Stripes-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Inspired by the Isle of Wight, the ocean and a love of sailing, XV Stripes founder Izzey launched her vibrant, sustainably sourced linens and home accessories range in 2020.



“The idea had been on my mind for a very long time. I bought a lovely duvet cover from John Lewis and I wished they made it in blue and white. Then, one day, a good friend pushed me to have a go. 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">In the early days, we learnt as we went along and often, mistakes become opportunities.</blockquote>



The best advice I was ever given is, simply, that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be realistic – if you push through the three-year mark, you’re doing well. Be true to yourself and your brand, don’t deviate to other things.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Josephine (Josie) Latouf, <a href="https://www.josieswinecoffee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josie’s</a> cafes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1398" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies.jpg" alt="Josie Latouf, Josie's cafes Hampshire, female entrepreneur business owner" class="wp-image-30176" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies-800x746.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies-1000x932.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies-768x716.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Josie-Josies-563x525.jpg 563w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Partnering with her son, the hospitality entrepreneur has successfully opened four family-run coffee shops around Hampshire. The duo are now poised to open a fifth in Chandlers Ford.



“It was always my dream to own a café with my family. One of the first hurdles we faced setting up our first one in Bishops Waltham was to create a modern and functional space while being respectful to the building, which is one of the oldest in the county.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">We couldn&#8217;t have opened if it hadn&#8217;t been for the great support of the community. At the time the high&nbsp;streets were being deserted and there&nbsp;were six or seven empty premises so it was a big&nbsp;risk. People probably thought we were mad to open during this period but everything worked out really well.&nbsp;</blockquote>



“My advice to new business owners? Believe in what you do, work hard at it and with passion. Your dreams will remain dreams until you get your feet on the ground and roll up your sleeves. And always look after your&nbsp;staff and your customers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amy Langfield, <a href="https://www.growwithiris.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grow with Iris</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1629" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris.jpg" alt="Amy Langfield Grow with Iris women entrepreneurs business owner Hampshire" class="wp-image-30178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris-737x800.jpg 737w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris-921x1000.jpg 921w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris-768x834.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris-1414x1536.jpg 1414w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Grow-with-Iris-483x525.jpg 483w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Pic: Kelly Nicolle</figcaption></figure>



Amy Langfield from Crookham Village, near Fleet, established a range of plant-based growing up milks for toddlers in 2018 with her business partner, Sophie Paynter. She was one seven female entrepreneurs from the South East recognised by Innovate UK’s 2022 Women in Innovation Awards.



“My daughter, Iris was diagnosed with numerous allergies when she was four months old.&nbsp;Fed up and frustrated by the lack of choice for nutritional milk alternatives when Iris was growing up, I worked with my friend and co-founder Sophie to develop Grow with Iris, a fortified plant-based growing up drink that’s free from dairy, soya, gluten, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.&nbsp;



“Starting the business was a big learning – I’m an Art teacher by trade and Sophie is a designer. We have had to learn about nutrition, formulations, IP, legal requirements, investment, bid writing, marketing, finance and more.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The best advice I was ever given was to take things one step, day or task at a time. Our project is bigger than we ever imagined and is incredibly overwhelming at times. Sophie and I have been building Grow with Iris while juggling our day jobs, kids and IVF. Each task is part of a giant jigsaw puzzle and every little piece is essential. It feels good when that picture starts to come together.”</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Legg, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/duxmore-botanics-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duxmore Botanics</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1464" height="1734" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics.jpg" alt="Char Duxmore Botanics entrepreneur women business owner Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-30177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics.jpg 1464w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics-675x800.jpg 675w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics-844x1000.jpg 844w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics-768x910.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics-1297x1536.jpg 1297w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Char-Duxmore-Botanics-443x525.jpg 443w" sizes="(max-width: 1464px) 100vw, 1464px" /></figure>



A qualified aromatherapist, cosmetic scientist and massage therapist, Isle of Wight-based Char used her experience working in cosmetic product development and sales and marketing to launch her own ethically sourced, botanically-scented skincare and home fragrance ranges.



&#8220;As a one-woman entrepreneur with no initial investment, I have had to do almost everything myself – product development and manufacturing, web design, accounting, supply chain and operations, content marketing and so, so much more. I work with a freelance designer to create all our beautiful designs and illustrations and a local videographer for our new seasonal features on the farm – but that&#8217;s it.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Starting out on my own is the best decision I have ever made. But I’ve had to learn a lot on the go.</blockquote>



“The best advice I was given was to&nbsp;concentrate on what you&#8217;ve got and do it really well. There&#8217;s always the temptation to add more, but then you’re just diluting the choice. Focus on your bestsellers.&nbsp;Also, pay for the things that you really can&#8217;t do yourself and focus on what you do well. This all comes with time but when you can afford to, start reaching out to those that specialise in the areas you struggle with.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shirley Leader, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/velvet-rose-petersfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Velvet &amp; Rose</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1852" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min.jpg" alt="Shirley Leader Velvet &amp; Rose boutique Petersfield Hampshire business women entrepreneurs" class="wp-image-30179" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min-648x800.jpg 648w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min-810x1000.jpg 810w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min-768x948.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min-1244x1536.jpg 1244w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Shirley-Leader-Velvet-Rose-Boutique-min-425x525.jpg 425w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Pic: Trevor&nbsp;Matrix, Photographer</figcaption></figure>



The Petersfield-based boutique owner left a corporate career and followed an ambition to become an independent high-street retailer, growing her online presence in response to the covid pandemic.



“I’d always wanted to have my own little shop selling jewellery. When I left my corporate job my goal was to create a welcoming boutique that anyone can walk into and find something special. In the early days footfall was low and I quickly learned that you have to reach customers outside the area while you build your reputation. Within six months I was online.&nbsp;



“As business&nbsp;grew, Brexit and Covid hit. Our website helped – we gained many new customers after finding new ways to connect with them.&nbsp;We’re on social media and our videos are popular (even though I&#8217;m super shy doing them). 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">&#8220;Starting out, the best advice I was ever given was to be agile and look after cash flow. My advice to other women entrepreneurs and business owners?&nbsp;Do your homework and prepare yourself for a lot of grafting.&nbsp;No business is easy – you have to put in the hours. Surround yourself with support and don&#8217;t be afraid to ask for help.&#8221; </blockquote>

Hampshire and Isle of Wight women entrepreneurs talk shop

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