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Celebrating IWD: A Momentous Honour as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur in the UK
Last Friday the 8th of March was an unforgettable day as I had the privilege of visiting the House of Lords at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. I was recently selected by Small Business Britain's F:Entrepreneur campaign as one of the top 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK and I was thrilled to have been invited for a celebratory lunch on International Women's Day. It was a beautiful occasion, filled with camaraderie and inspiration.
The atmosphere was positively electric as I mingled with many of my fellow #IAlso100 2024 winners. I cherished every moment of connecting with so many of these remarkable women, even if I didn't get a chance to say hello to everyone. But that will come. I've already got a few meetings scheduled in the diary through the power of communication and LinkedIn. On a number of occasions, I and my fellow winners could be heard saying something similar to the the tune of, "oh it sounds like you should speak with..." And that, I believe, is the power of this community. The connections and the support to lift each other up.
But back to the event itself. The sense of empowerment and solidarity in the room was palpable; a testament to the resilience and determination of female entrepreneurs. It made me reminisce about the humble beginnings of our brand, as so many asked about my story. It also reminded me of the many achievements that we've powered through over the years.
Reflecting on my journey, it's truly remarkable to acknowledge that our business has been powering strong for almost 17 years, despite facing numerous challenges including the credit crunch, global recession, Brexit, and most recently, covid. During a conversation with another female entrepreneur at the House of Lords, she expressed her astonishment at meeting someone who has been in business for 17 years, still entirely self-funded, and who has navigated through such challenging times. It struck a chord with me - I had never really thought of it that way before.
Being selected as one of the #iAlso100 for 2024 is truly an incredible honour—one that I humbly accept with immense gratitude. Cocorose London isn't just about creating footwear; it's about delivering happiness, confidence and comfort, whilst striving to make a positive impact on the world around us. From the very beginning, I've been driven by a desire to innovate, to challenge the norms, and to contribute meaningfully to my community.
On this note, please allow me to digress briefly; I read recently on Holly Tucker's Instagram grid that small businesses owned by women contribute £105 billion to the UK economy each year (research conducted by the FSB and the University of Portsmouth, 2019). That's no small number there! Remember also that so many of these women, including myself, aren't just business owners—we're also mothers, caregivers, and the main support for our families. This has to highlight how we are contributing not just to the economy but to our social responsibilities and community as well which, in turn, indirectly contribute to the economy. Wow, go female founders 💪👏💗
Ok thank you for letting me digress; I'm back in the room again! The event's highlight was undoubtedly the speeches delivered by Michelle Ovens from Small Business Britain, and the two speakers; Grace Graham and Nicola Threadgold. Despite the (very) free-flowing fizz, they managed to captivate and entertain over 100 women in the Cholmondeley Room—a feat that deserves applause. Michelle's remark about a "healthy amount of rage" regarding International Women's Day sparked a collective giggle, while Nicola and Grace's stories left many of us feeling deeply moved and inspired.
Amidst the festivities, I couldn't resist exploring the House of Lords Gift Shop—an unexpected but delightful discovery. And yes, I even had the opportunity to meet a Lord outside in the Royal Court—a moment that added an extra touch of sparkle to the day.
Of course, no celebration would have been complete without showcasing a touch of personal style. I opted for a pair of my favourite Hoxton trainers—the stunning navy and white leather adorned with gold studs. They not only felt amazingly comfortable for being on my feet ALL Day but they also added a dash of flair to the occasion.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the F:Entrepreneur team for organising such a fantastic opportunity. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of this esteemed cohort and celebrate alongside so many accomplished and inspiring women. This recognition is not just a testament to my journey as an entrepreneur but also a reminder of the power of community and support in achieving our goals.
As I look back on this very special moment - definitely one for the Cocorose Memoirs, if ever I get to write it! - I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue making a positive impact through my endeavours. Here's to embracing the challenges, uplifting one another, and forging ahead on our entrepreneurial journeys, knowing that together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
To discover the full lineup of the 100 amazing women featured in this year’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, please visit the official website. Join me in celebrating the achievements and contributions of remarkable female entrepreneurs who continue to shape the future of business in the UK and beyond.
Janan & Team Cocorose xx