issue 2
ISSUE 002 | JUNE 2025 Who can you spot at THE NATIONAL INFLUENCER AWARDS MEET JENNIFER THE LIVERPOOL LADY ON A MISSION SUMMER FASHION AND must haves T H E F E M A L E YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS, STYLE AND STRATEGY
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Lindsey Stephens Welcome to Issue 2! Surpassing expectations An interview with Nathalie Morrison – Astrea London A tale of true resilience Katherine Jones: ThinK Wine Overcoming trauma to keep building a business Interview with Caroline Gowing – Pink Spaghetti The Golden Pill An interview with Elissa Corrigan, founder of Elle Sera Unique & Beautiful 23Rex London Bag review Svante Changing the world, one garment at a time The power of standing out Why your unique voice is your greatest asset National Influencer Awards At The Crown Plaza From Delhi dreams to boardroom battles Summer must haves With summer now here, it’s time to get your on-the-go essentials sorted Making time for screening tests The benefits of being proactive Helly Hansen Get your sport on this summer How to make your LinkedIn profile sell you LinkedIn is the networking cocktail party of the professional world Ladydragon Tequila An interview with the JC Cortez & Heather Ann, founders of tequila producer Ladydragón Craft Tequila When you wish upon a star Providing wishes for children A woman with a gift An interview with Amal Loring, CEO / Founder of MBD and Yugen Wisdom The RejuvaLux HIFU Product review Property Girl Why I’m betting on the ‘Basic Bitch’ strategy that’s changing women’s lives Power in feminine energy The #1 skill that changed my love life forever as a high achieving woman Contents 7 32 34 36 40 42 44 46 48 8 14 10 16 20 18 22 24 26 30 28 4 The Female Boss
The Female Boss 5 10 8 36 16 20 24 46 32
We also attended her first National Influencer awards hosted in her (and my ) home city of Liverpool – the pictures are on pages 24/25. We have a new columnist Nidhi Kapoor – read all about her on pages 26/27, there will be much more to come from her in the coming issues too. One to watch from this issue is Jennifer Donnelly – not only is she a lovely person but she is on a mission to change how we think about our children’s clothing with her new brand Svante. There is a Kickstarter campaign live – details in the article if you want to support. We have all things summer, fashion and other must haves in this issue too. Already working on issue 3 and it’s coming together nicely, we women really are amazing!! Until next time, Lindsey xx Wow! It’s June!! And here we are with issue 2 of The Female Boss, we have really enjoyed talking to yet another brilliant bunch of women! Putting this magazine together really is a joy not a job. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the lovely Kath from ThinK wine, what a story of resilience – read all about it on pages 10-12, and don’t forget to treat yourselves to a bottle of their pink prosecco, it’s delicious. Putting this magazine together really is a joy not a job. Welcome The Female Boss 7 To help support you can email feedback to Lindsey.stephens@redcarpetconsultancy.co.uk And you can subscribe to the magazine here …. https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003PQWQTNBT
What jobs did you do before you launched Astrea? Before launching Astrea London, I built and led several successful businesses in the wealth management sector and in the wine industry. I founded Hay Hill Wealth Management, a boutique firm in Mayfair, which I successfully sold to a leading private equity firm. Prior to that, I launched Signia Wealth and grew it to £3 billion in assets under management. Earlier in my career, I helped co-found the Coutts Private Office, where I led the international proposition for high-net-worth clients alongside three senior partners. Each of these ventures taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, innovation, and building trust - skills that I’ve brought with me into the world of luxury jewellery with Astrea. What sparked the idea for the jewellery business? Firstly, I know the luxury market—my family and I own and run several Grand Ctu Classe vineyards in France (St Emilion, Pomerol) and South Africa. When a mum on the school run suggested I look at the lab-diamond world, it was something that stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t stop researching, and the more I learnt, the more I delved into the space. I spent over a year properly studying the diamond industry – and I saw a genuine opportunity to bring something new: a premium lab- grown diamond product that combined scientific brilliance with emotional meaning. I did my homework and I could see the shift coming – towards transparency, sustainability, and deeper connection. Nathalie Morrison is a Cambridge-educated, multi-award-winning business leader and the founder and CEO of Astrea London, a pioneering lab-grown diamond brand headquartered in London, redefining quality, sustainability, and responsible luxury since 2023 As a woman in business, I want other women wanting to launch a business to know that they may come across many obstacles. Surpassing expectations An interview with Nathalie Morrison – Astrea London 8 The Female Boss
Where did you get started and how? I launched the business with a co-founder in December 2023 and invested seven figures to get it off the ground. I brought with me the experience of advising and building businesses for high-net-worth clients - there are so many transferable skills. We surrounded ourselves with world-class experts, which was central to a successful launch – from gemologists and designers to brand ambassadors. As the business evolved, I bought out my co-founder, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built to this point. Once you're through the launch phase of any business, it's all about scale - and that's where we’re focused now. How was the process? I know how to build businesses – once you understand the formula, the key is discipline. You need the right people, the right capital, and a clear focus on value creation. But above all, you have to listen – to the market, to your team, and to your instincts. Then execute with consistency, without being distracted by the noise. Tell us more about getting into the hotels you have concessions in. They were all strategically picked—only the best of the best. For us, it’s about creating a family around the brand. The partnerships had to feel aligned with our values of excellence and authenticity. What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome? Probably, like many busy working mums, it’s been balancing time. I was so busy at work while the children were growing up - I wish I had spent more time with them. They grow up so fast, and it really is about treasuring those moments. So yes, work/life balance is definitely the biggest challenge, even to this day. How many people do you now employ? We currently have up to a dozen people across operations, design, sales, marketing and partnerships – and we’re growing steadily. Would you do anything differently if you were starting again in business? I always think that there are only lessons – no regrets, just learning curves. Every challenge has shaped the way I lead today. What’s the one piece of advice you would give someone wanting to launch a business themselves? As a woman in business, I want other women wanting to launch a business to know that they may come across many obstacles. It will be tough, at times you may feel alone, you will get knocked down, and you will need to pick yourself up – but that resilience becomes your superpower. Stay focused, stay passionate, and never stop believing in yourself. Who do you look up to and why? Fellow women entrepreneurs killing it in business, such as Cecile Reinaud or Marisa Drew.I admire women who take risks, build with heart, and lift others up along the way. What’s next? We’re growing, and we have big ambitions for Astrea – but we’re doing it on our terms. At the same time, we continue to support education in Africa through our non- profit, Sumbandila. For me, that balance – between business and impact – is the real goal. Astrea will become a global reference for conscious luxury and lab-grown diamonds – a brand people turn to when they want something beautiful, meaningful, and made with care. www.astrealondon.com The Female Boss 9
10 The Female Boss A Tale of True Resilience Katherine Jones, CEO and Founder of ThinK Wine Group, has a story that will inspire and motivate you to persevere—no matter the obstacles. At school, Kath didn’t know exactly what she wanted to be, but she always knew she wanted to own a business. She wasn’t sure what kind, but the desire was always there. Unlike those who jumped into business straight out of college, Kath decided to first gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. She studied business and moved from her hometown of Liverpool to Leeds at just 18. Even then, her love for travel, new places, and meeting people was evident. Her business course included a “gap year” for industry placement. While most students aimed for big-name companies, Kath chose a different route— working with The Marriott Group and requesting an obscure location. Her wish was granted, and she was placed in Kentucky, USA. It was there that she discovered the power of mindset. “Everyone could sell, upsell, and wanted to be the best,” she says. This mentality stuck with her and shapes her approach to business even today. “Back in the UK, I was shocked by the limiting beliefs people had,” she recalls. Being ambitious and driven seemed “uncool.” After graduating, Kath went to China. It was a challenging but valuable experience—language and cultural barriers tested her resilience, but she stayed for over 18 months. On returning to the UK, she sought a role in a forward-thinking American company and joined Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s graduate scheme—a highly male-dominated environment. Kath thrived, rising quickly through the ranks. But the constant undermining by male colleagues became tiresome. Despite her success, she left—taking with her unmatched sales results and self-belief. Recognizing her talent for sales and people, she took a role selling corporate training courses and excelled again. Yet the next chapter would be a turning point. Katherine Jones: ThinK Wine
A call from her sister changed everything. She heard about a job at a small startup managing talent— before influencers were even “a thing.” The salary was half what she was earning, but something clicked. She jumped in. During this time, the idea for Think Wine began to form. Regularly attending events, she grew tired of sugary prosecco. As she built the agency from 3 to 20 staff in just five years, the idea of a cleaner, low- sugar wine kept bubbling up. Feeling ready, she pitched the concept to her boss. A partnership was discussed, but things didn’t go as planned. Kath left the agency—jobless, carless, and income-less. In 2018, she launched We Are SN, using her strong network and just a laptop. It was profitable from day one. Still, the wine idea persisted. In 2020, she used profits from We Are SN to launch ThinK Wine. But her go-to-market strategy—events and hospitality— was halted by COVID. “We had to think outside the box,” she says. They pivoted to online sales, which took off—briefly. “That growth gave us a false sense of security. Once people could go out again, online sales dropped.” I’ve learned more than I’ve lost. The Female Boss 11
Today, ThinK Wine has reduced its debt, and is on for its first profitable year, and growing fast. This marked the start of the grind: getting into venues, building a presence in a male-dominated, tightly held industry. “There was so much to learn—licensing, duty, tax,” she recalls. But she pushed on. Then disaster struck. An Italian wine agent she’d worked closely with—a man who negotiated on her behalf and had become a friend—vanished after receiving a £60,000 payment. “He just disappeared,” she says. “Three years of trust, gone.” Mentally exhausted but undeterred, she reordered the wine to avoid disappointing customers— plunging the business into debt. Most would have given up. Not Kath. “I’d already invested too much time, energy, and money to quit.” She turned to LinkedIn, sharing her story and asking her network for investment. An American businessman responded, promising help. He claimed to be redeveloping an island and looking to invest. “I thought, thank God—he’s going to save us.” But it was another blow. He was a fraudster, conning small businesses with fake investment promises. Kath shared this too—her honesty and transparency resonating with people once again. This time, a real investor came forward. Today, ThinK Wine has reduced its debt, and is on for its first profitable year, and growing fast. In just five years, Kath has experienced extreme highs and lows. Through it all, she remains grounded and positive. “I’ve learned more than I’ve lost,” she reflects. ThinK Wine continues to expand—offering low-sugar, vegan pink and white prosecco in full bottles and cute, venue-friendly cans. Their signature pink VW pop-up is a hit at festivals, weddings, and events— and there’s more to come. Kath is a true powerhouse. If you’d like to try ThinK’s low-sugar vegan prosecco, you can order online at www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk. Or better yet, ask for it at your local bar—and if they don’t have it, ask them why not? The Female Boss
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14 The Female Boss Caroline started her career in IT consulting in the retail sector. While she quite enjoyed it, there was always a desire to work for herself. In 2009, she met fellow swimming mum Vicky while their daughters attended swimming lessons. They became very close and often discussed launching a business together, though they were unsure what it would be. Shortly afterward, an opportunity arose when Caroline came to the end of a contract—she was ready to take the plunge, and Vicky had just been made redundant. They decided to go for it! They used their shared strengths—organization, processes, and administration—to help busy business owners, and their virtual assistant (VA) business was born. The name was a sticking point. They didn’t want something obvious or boring. Since their daughters had brought them together, they looked to them for inspiration. At the time, the girls’ favorite color was pink and their favorite food was spaghetti. And so, the now-unforgettable name “Pink Spaghetti” was born. It also perfectly represented their ability to untangle the mess many small business owners find themselves in, making a VA or admin support essential. Within the first few months of trading, they knew they’d never go back to working for someone else. They adored the self-employed life. By 2011, it was time to expand, but they weren’t I had the amazing opportunity to chat with Caroline Gowing, CEO and Founder of Pink Spaghetti. It was both moving and inspirational sure how. “Trying to employ people all over the country seemed unrealistic,” said Caroline. So they explored franchising—something they knew nothing about. They attended The Franchise Show in Birmingham and spent hours consulting with experts to see if their business was franchise-ready. By the end of the day, exhausted but inspired, they knew it was. Overcoming trauma to keep building a business Interview with Caroline Gowing – Pink Spaghetti
The Female Boss 15 However, they didn’t have the £40,000–£50,000 many people said was needed to get started. In true entrepreneurial fashion, they decided to do it themselves. They wrote all the manuals, training, and processes from scratch. It wasn’t easy, but they made it happen. The only thing left was a franchise agreement. Here, they caught a lucky break—a lawyer was willing to defer payment until they had secured their first franchisee. This took away the financial risk and allowed them to focus on marketing and recruitment. Their first two franchisees were essentially pilot runs. They used this time to refine and improve the model. As the business grew rapidly, Caroline and Vicky took a well-earned mini-break in Spain three years ago. Walking and talking, they shared ideas and made plans—until the unthinkable happened. Vicky began stumbling over her words. Caroline acted immediately, getting her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. Everything changed. Together with Vicky’s family, they worked to adapt. Vicky helped recruit someone to take over her responsibilities. By then, she and Caroline had discovered their different skill sets and had divided and conquered the business accordingly. Sadly, in 2023, Vicky passed away at just 51 years old. The past two years have been the most difficult of Caroline’s life—losing a business partner and best friend, all while trying to stay strong for the team and the business. Now, two years on, Caroline is more determined than ever to make Pink Spaghetti a success. “We currently have 55 franchisees and we’re still growing,” she told me. The goal? Let’s start with reaching 100 franchisees. There could even be Pink Spaghetti Global. Who knows? The world is their oyster. Caroline emphasizes the importance of recruiting the right people. “These individuals need resilience as well as skills to be successful,” she says. “We take our recruitment process very seriously. That’s why we have a brilliant and successful team.” Pink Spaghetti offers PA services to business owners. It’s a relationship-focused business with upfront and transparent pricing. Learn more here: *Retainer Agreements*. Interested in flexible working and becoming your own boss—with the support of a bigger business? Check out their franchise opportunities here: *Pink Spaghetti – Virtual Assistants – Franchise Opportunities*. Within the first few months of trading, they knew they’d never go back to working for someone else. They adored the self-employed life.
An interview with Elissa Corrigan, founder of health and wellbeing brand Elle Sera Tell us what Elissa want to be when she was at school? Little Elissa wanted to be everything – from an actress to a writer to a fashion designer. I was endlessly curious and always dreaming. But deep down, I think I always wanted to create something meaningful and be a bit of a rebel in my own way. I was always enterprising and loved story telling. What jobs did you do before you launched Elle Sera? I’ve worn a few hats over the years! I worked in journalism and then became a professional writer, before I had a stint in the wellness world, running retreats. All of which gave me such a broad understanding of people, products, and the power of a strong story. Each role taught me something I’ve now poured into Elle Sera. The Golden Pill 16 The Female Boss
The Female Boss 17 What sparked the idea for the product? Honestly? Frustration from a friend of mine. She was looking for something to help with her moods and feeling sexy again. Her spark had vanished. I started researching natural ingredients and testing combinations. When I saw the transformation, in her I knew I had to share it. Where did you get started and how? Did you get any investment? I started at my kitchen table, quite literally. Research, late nights, endless samples. I self- funded everything in the beginning – every penny went back into the business. It was scrappy but real. It still is a bootstrapped business. How was the process of launching a brand new product? It was exciting, exhausting, and emotional – like birthing a baby made of botanicals and branding! Getting the formula right took months, and launching something so personal into the world was nerve-wracking. But the first messages from customers saying, “This changed my life” made it all worth it. Have you considered going into retail outlets? Yes, we have been in Selfridges before and we’ve had some really interesting conversations. But I’ve been quite protective of the brand – I want it to land in the right places. Right now, we’re focused on deepening the direct relationship with our community, but retail is definitely on the horizon. What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome? Self-doubt. That inner voice that says, “Who are you to do this?” I’ve had to learn to quiet that voice and trust my gut. Also, navigating a wellness space that’s often dominated by big players, male investors or flashy marketing can be tough when you’re building something from the heart. Would you do anything different if you were starting again in business? I’d trust my intuition sooner and not worry so much about ticking all the “should” boxes. You don’t need permission to build something meaningful – you just need the guts to start and the grit to keep going. What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone wanting to launch a business themselves? Don’t wait for perfect. Start messy, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who lift you up and have been on the journey before you. Your passion will be your fuel when things get hard – and they will get hard. If you don’t feel like you want to vomit a couple of times a month – you’re probably not pushing the needle hard enough. Who do you look up to and why? Jackie Collins, hands down. She was bold, brilliant, and completely unapologetic — a woman who wrote fierce female characters that owned their power, ambition, and sexuality without ever asking for permission. I love that. She made glamour gritty and female empowerment sexy way before it was cool. In many ways, she captured the kind of energy I wanted to bottle with Elle Sera — that fearless, feminine fire. Total icon, total inspiration. What’s next? We’ve got big plans – new product development, community events, and something pretty exciting that’ll take Elle Sera beyond just a supplement brand. I want to build a space where women over 30 feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated. The golden era is just beginning! You don’t need permission to build something meaningful – you just need the guts to start and the grit to keep going.
18 The Female Boss I have been using the Rex London travel bag as I travel around meeting all the fabulous women you are reading about in this issue, I have had the matching cosmetic bag and mirror and a perfect little notebook where I can write down everything I need to remember! I have loved using these items, I look stylish and its practical at the same time – the perfect combination. Product review Unique and beautiful 23Rex London Bag review
The Female Boss 19 The design is bright and beautiful and makes me smile, perfect for this time of year! Rex London has been around since 1981, the founders Rob & Eri began with items they had simply stumbled upon on their travels around asia. They found items they loved and sold them on a stall in London’s Portobello Road – how lovely is that! They were doing so well at the market they decided to expand and create designs themselves, they started with the jumbo storage bag – everything Rex is unique and colourful – colour is in their DNA. I discovered the floral design I’m using and loved it but was surprised and delighted when I realised these guys at Rex do Gifts, Toys, Homeware, storage and accessories! Lindsey x Here are the details of the items I used – Weekend Bag £29.95 https://www.rexlondon.com/weekend-bag-pink- and-green-daisy - Notebook £1.95 www.rexlondon.com/a6-notebook-pink-and-green- daisy - Wash Bag £14.95 https://www.rexlondon.com/wash-bag-pink-and- green-daisy - Pocket Mirror £4.95 https://www.rexlondon.com/square-pocket-mirror- pink-and-green-daisy There is a whole host of things I will be hoping back onto the website to order, its great for gift ideas but first I’m going to get myself a cute little mini travel case – perfect for earphones, jewellery etc and just £3.95!!! Go grab one ladies www.rexlondon. com/mini-travel- case-wild-flowers
20 The Female Boss Changing the world, one garment at a time After over 15 years working in the environmental sector — a space often dominated by men — Jennifer Donnelly made the decision to take time out to focus on her family after the birth of her second child. Her children, Hugo and Wren, are big fans of activewear and spend most of their time in it, especially as both are keen athletes. One sunny afternoon, while watching them play in the garden, Jen noticed how their clothes were clinging to their skin. Curious and concerned, she started researching what their sportswear was actually made of — and was horrified by what she found. Performance wear, as it’s often called, was loaded with synthetic fabrics, chemical dyes, and toxic finishes. None of this sat well with Jen, especially given her environmental background. She searched for better, healthier alternatives — ideally organic or natural materials — but quickly realised that very few options existed, especially ones that combined function, comfort, and style. While there were some organic cotton pieces on the market, they were limited and often plain or unappealing. As a proud Liverpudlian with a passion for fashion, Jen wasn’t prepared to sacrifice style — and she knew her children wouldn’t either. That’s when the idea for Svante was born. Svante is the world’s first natural activewear brand for young people — fusing regenerative materials, ethical practices, and seriously cool designs. The debut collection includes leggings, sports crop tops, shorts, t-shirts, hoodies, and more — all designed for both girls and boys. Jen’s goal wasn’t just to create another organic clothing label. She wanted Svante to go further — to prove that kids’ sportswear could be high- performance, stylish, and good for the planet. Every piece in the Svante range is made using hand- selected, regenerative natural materials, designed for comfort, breathability, and movement. Svante A Natural Movement
The Female Boss And crucially, they’re made with identity and self- expression in mind. All Svante suppliers must pass a strict environmental audit. “If it’s not safe for our kids — it’s not Svante,” says Jen. “We want to leave the world in a better place than we found it,” she adds. And the details don’t stop at the clothes. Svante offers full ingredient transparency, so parents know exactly what’s touching their children’s skin. There’s also a take-back scheme, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to environmental and social impact. One of many standout features is the Take-Back Initiative. Svante invites customers to return outgrown clothing items, which will be recycled, upcycled, or repurposed — ensuring nothing ends up in landfill. “Parents are becoming more conscious,” Jen explains. “It started with the food we eat, but now they want to know everything — including what their kids are wearing.” The Svante journey has been a true family affair. Both Hugo and Wren have been hands-on — testing, reviewing, and shaping the range with their own feedback. Nearly three years in the making, the brand is now ready for launch. That journey begins with a Kickstarter campaign, and Jen is inviting conscious families, ethical shoppers, and sustainability advocates to be part of the movement. If you want to support a revolution in kids’ fashion and help bring Svante to life, now’s your chance. Let’s raise the standard — not just for comfort or performance, but for the planet, too. Svante is the world’s first natural activewear brand for young people — fusing regenerative materials, ethical practices, and seriously cool designs.
We’ve all heard it “You need to stand out!” especially as women in business trying to carve out our space. But let’s be honest, in today’s saturated markets where everyone seems to be doing the same things, the real question becomes: How? Here’s the truth that I’ve come to know through my years as a PR specialist, coach, and fellow female boss: You already have everything you need to stand out, it’s you. Your story, your voice, your approach, your energy. That’s the magic. Why Blending In Doesn’t Work For a long time, I did what many of us do, I kept an eye on what others were doing. I’d scroll through Instagram, LinkedIn, read industry news, look at peers, competitors… and with every scroll, I’d feel the pressure rise. I would panic. I would compare. I would overthink. And then? I’d try to do all the things. But trying to be everything to everyone will burn you out and blur your message. It dilutes your brilliance! Eventually, I realised that the more I tried to fit in, the more invisible I became. That’s when everything shifted: I stopped looking sideways and started looking inward. So, What Makes You You? When I work with clients, whether it’s through my PR Concierge Service or during one of my PR LIKE A BOSS! eCourse sessions, the first question I ask is: “What do you want to be known for?” It sounds simple, but this question is the compass for everything you build. Your brand, your messaging, your visibility strategy, it should all stem from your unique essence. Maybe you’re the expert who brings humour to complex topics. Maybe your strength lies in creating deep emotional connection with your audience. Maybe you bring elegance, boldness, or vulnerability Why your unique voice is your greatest asset to the table. Whatever it is, that’s the spark. Own it, amplify it, and lead with it. And if you’re still figuring that part out? That’s okay. Start by asking yourself: • What do people consistently come to me for? • What part of my work truly lights me up? • What do I do differently, even if I don’t always realise it? Clarity comes through action, not overthinking. Your Brand Is Your Vibe Standing out isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about being memorable and authentic. It’s about building a brand that feels like you, not like a templated version of what you think you “should” be doing. This is especially important for women, because we’re often taught to play it safe, to not be too bold, not too opinionated, not too much. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: too much is exactly what breaks through. When you show up fully and unapologetically, you give other women permission to do the same. That’s why, when I launched my podcast PR LIKE A BOSS!, I didn’t wait until everything was “perfect” (and it still isn’t) I knew I had something to say, and I knew people needed to hear real stories about real people navigating PR, visibility, and business with heart. It became another way for me to show up, connect and share my unique voice with the world. The same goes for you, your voice matters and there are people waiting to hear it. The power of standing out 22
The Female Boss 23 There’s Only One You! Standing out doesn’t require a reinvention. It requires a return, to your voice, your purpose, your truth. The biggest trap I see women fall into is believing they have to be more like her to succeed. But what if the thing that sets you apart is actually the thing you’ve been hiding? The more you own who you are and share it, the more your brand, your business and your message will flourish. So here’s your reminder: you don’t need to compete. You need to connect. With yourself. With your audience. With your purpose. Because in a world full of noise, your clarity is what cuts through. Let’s keep standing out together. Patrizia Galeota PR Specialist | Coach | Podcast Host @patriziagaleota @prlikeaboss Standing out isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about being memorable and authentic. 1. Get Clear on Your Message Ask yourself what your brand stands for. Not just the services or products you offer, but the feeling, the mission, the legacy. What change do you want to create for your audience? Your message should be easy to articulate and instantly make someone feel connected. Clarity builds confidence and confidence builds visibility. 2. Show More of You Let your audience see the person behind the brand. Share your story, your challenges, your personality. People are drawn to stories, they remember how you made them feel more than any marketing copy. Authenticity isn’t a trend. It’s the foundation of connection. 3. Focus on One Signature Strength Instead of trying to do everything, hone in on one thing you do incredibly well and make that your standout signature. When you become known for one specific thing, everything else becomes easier; referrals, media coverage, content ideas, and brand loyalty. 4. Be Consistent and Visible You can’t be a best-kept secret and a go-to expert. Visibility is a long game and it requires consistency. Whether it’s posting on socials, pitching to media, speaking at events, or being a guest on podcasts, show up and speak up. Make sure people know you exist and what you stand for. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, I get it... but how do I actually do it?” here are some steps you can take right now: 4 Practical Ways to Stand Out Today
24 The Female Boss On Friday 16th May Liverpool was host to the first National Influencer Awards – brought to us by ThinK Wine group. The event was held at The Crown Plaza and was a magnificent night celebrating influencers across many genres and supporting The Azaylia Foundation. NATIONAL INFLUENCER AWARDS Photos: @foura_studiohq Above, Mia Marsh. Left, Safiyya Vorajee
Poppy Vasco Chet & Ashley Cain Ben Williams Wayne Lineker & Jodie B Kath Jones Louise – owner of Prima Lash Leanne Campbell Ella and Esther from Think Wine The Female Boss 25
I arrived in the UK in 2004 with two suitcases and a few phone numbers scribbled on a notepad. I had just walked away from a small business I’d built from scratch in Delhi in my early 20s — a business I poured myself into. But deep down, I knew I wanted something more. A bigger life. And that meant starting all over again, on my own. There were no handouts. No family safety net. Just me, a few part-time jobs, and an unshakeable belief that I could make it. My first “office” in the UK? A pizza counter. I worked at Domino’s. Then came long shifts in call centres. I answered phones with a smile, sometimes while swallowing tears — of exhaustion, of missing home, of doubting whether I’d made the right decision. But I didn’t stop. Because I knew I wasn’t meant to stay there. I knew there was something more I was being prepared for. And slowly, I began to climb. Year by year, role by role, I worked my way into the corporate world — not just into it, but through it. Eventually finding myself in boardrooms, holding leadership roles, making decisions that mattered. But here's what most people didn’t see.That in nearly every one of those rooms, I was the only woman. And always — the only woman of colour. I’ve smiled through comments that weren’t okay. I’ve been interrupted, talked over, questioned twice as hard. I’ve had to prove myself three times more than some of my peers — just to be seen as “equal.” And while I played the part — delivering results, keeping up the energy, hitting every target — inside, I was tired. Not just physically. But emotionally. There’s a unique kind of loneliness in being the “first” or the “only”. Especially when you’re also fighting a private battle at home. In 2011, after years of pouring into my work, I met the man who would become my husband. And that’s when another chapter began — one filled with six long, painful years of fertility struggles. From Delhi dreams to boardroom battles — and back to myself 26 The Female Boss
Imagine that: managing teams, attending strategy sessions, travelling across the country to manage teams — all while quietly slipping into clinics for tests and procedures. With hormones raging. With hope rising and crashing. Over and over again. On the outside? I was composed. Professional. Driven. On the inside? I was unravelling. I questioned everything. My worth. My body. My future. But what pulled me through wasn’t just strength. It was the moment I started to listen to something deeper — the whisper of my subconscious. The part of me that had been quietly guiding me all along. That’s when I started learning about the subconscious mind — how our beliefs, often shaped in childhood, run the show beneath the surface. How they influence how we speak up (or don’t), how we lead, how we love, and what we believe we deserve. And once I opened that door, I couldn’t shut it. Because the more I understood the subconscious, the more I understood myself — and the women I had worked alongside for years. High-achieving. Hyper-capable. Brilliant on paper. But holding themselves back in subtle, invisible ways. I saw it in the women who wouldn’t apply for the next role unless they ticked every box. In the leaders who downplayed their brilliance to seem “nice.” In the ones who overworked to make up for feeling like they weren’t “enough.” And I realised: I wasn’t alone. In 2023, I walked away from the corporate world — not because I couldn’t hack it. But because I was ready to create something even bigger. I had spent over 15 years learning how to lead in rooms where I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. I’d survived the subtle exclusions, the internal sabotage, the late nights and early mornings where I questioned whether I really belonged. Now? I help other women unlearn those same patterns. I help them stop waiting to be chosen — and start choosing themselves. Not by adding more to their plate. But by shifting what’s underneath it. Today, I work with high-achieving women who are brilliant at what they do — but are secretly struggling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to be perfect. Women who are ready to lead boldly — not just in boardrooms, but in their relationships, their boundaries, and their sense of self. What makes my work different is that I don’t just help you rewrite your LinkedIn bio or tweak your strategy. I help you rewire the beliefs that got you stuck in the first place. Because that’s where the real shift happens — from the inside, out. I’m just here to tell you: if you’ve ever felt like you had to work harder to prove yourself, like you’re tired of performing confidence and ready to actually feel it — I see you. I’ve been you. And you’re not broken. You’re just carrying beliefs that were never yours to begin with. And once those shift? Everything changes. If any part of this resonated with you, I’ve created something to help — a free guide to uncover the 5 hidden blocks that quietly hold brilliant women back. You can also find me on LinkedIn. The Female Boss 27
must haves! Summer Boost of Freshness for the moments that matter! Whether you’re out for drinks with friends or jet-setting across the globe, a burst of refreshment is a must-have for any woman looking for an extra dose of self- confidence.Smints provide long-lasting freshness and a lingering cool flavour – all in a convenient tin that slots perfectly into your handbag. www.smint.co.uk Limited Edition Grooming Kit The NEW Limited-Edition Grooming Kit by Avant Skincare features full sized products to create a complete skincare regime at home or when travelling; beautifully packaged in an understated recycled cotton cosmetic bag. • Blue Volcanic Stone Purifying & Antioxydising Cleansing Gel • Eight-hour Anti-oxidising & Retexturing Hyaluronic Facial Serum • Hydra-bright Collagen Eye Restoring Pads • Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face & Eye Night Cream. £90.00 www.avant-skincare.com Mixed Organic Prosecco & Sparkling Rosé Vegan and organic sparkling wine and Sparkling Rosé canned winecrafted with care. Our ThinK vegan Prosecco features reduced sugar and calories while maintaining a fresh, satisfying, and luxurious taste. ThinK Pink is made from the finest Pinot Grigio grapes from the heart of Treviso, North-East Italy. We have developed a Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé that is fresh, satisfying and luxurious. ThinK Pink tastes ‘just that little bit better’. With summer now here, it’s time to get your on-the- go essentials sorted. £55 for 12 cans www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk 28 The Female Boss
Preventing tree pollen getting up your nose this summer Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen. It is a result of our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous particles such as pollen. HayMax is an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm – celebrating its 20th anniversary this year – that helps prevent pollen getting up your nose. Less pollen, less reaction, and for many none at all. Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, a stuffed up nose, itchy and watery or streaming eyes, nasal congestion and a general stuffed up feeling in the nose and throat. Some people also experience itching around the face and mouth including an itchy mouth, itchy roof of mouth, and a burning sensation in the throat. Headaches and wheezing can also occur. Symptoms may also include an overall achy feeling, or build-up of pressure in the entire face area. The sinus area is often the most painful. Constant nose rubbing and blowing can also leave sufferers with skin irritation and sensitivity. All of this can lead to tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion. Hay fever can also affect how you sleep and cause sleep disturbance and difficulty getting to sleep. These symptoms can in turn zap your energy levels leaving you feeling low and sluggish. Chronic hay fever sufferers may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms. HayMax is a 100% natural, organic drug-free allergen barrier balm which was developed by hay fever sufferer Max Wiseberg in his own kitchen over 20 years ago. Having suffered with hay fever since a child and unable to find anything that relieved the symptoms for long, Max decided to try to make his own. When he perfected something that worked for him, he found some willing volunteers to try out his balm. When all respondents who had the opportunity to try it during their allergic season reported that it worked, and gave it a mark of 3 or better out of 5, Max decided to launch it as HayMax in 2005. HayMax has been trapping allergens for 20 years, helping prevent the symptoms of hay fever for many happy sufferers. 80% of hay fever sufferers say HayMax works, according to an independent survey by Allergy UK, the leading national charity providing support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease [1]. And 94% of people find HayMax quick to be effective; 44% say that it works immediately and a further 35% say that it works within an hour or two [1]. HayMax works on the prevention principle. This is different from most other hay fever treatments and remedies, and seeks to stop pollen getting into the body before it can cause a reaction, rather than attempting to treat the symptoms or the effects of the pollen once they occur. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen in their body without reaction – known as the ‘trigger level’. When the amount of pollen rises above the ‘trigger level’, hay fever symptoms start. When the allergen barrier balm traps enough pollen that the trigger level is not reached, symptoms don’t start. HayMax is not invasive, is incredibly easy to use and can be applied as often as necessary throughout the day and at bedtime. It is applied topically with a finger (or cotton swab), to the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes. Independent university studies show that HayMax traps all types of grass and tree pollen [2] and that HayMax traps over a third of pollen before it enters the body, in addition to dust mite allergens and pet dander [3]. As HayMax is natural, organic and drug free, it’s suitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, drivers and machine operators to use. HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balm has an rrp of £8.49 per pot and is available from independent chemists, pharmacists and health stores, Holland & Barrett, Ocado, selected Superdrug and Boots, on 01525 406600 and www.haymax.biz. The Female Boss 29
30 The Female Boss My mammogram appointment plopped onto the doormat yesterday. I picked it up and wrote the appointment in my diary with something akin to pleasure. How can I not be happy that the NHS, despite all its pressures, is looking after me? There are so many benefits from health screening. Being proactive allows cancer to be detected earlier and gives us all a better chance of early detection and a more successful treatment outcome. Not attending the appointment gives us exactly the reverse. This month, I thought I would use this column to remind all you busy working women of the need to make time for health screening. Too many women are failing to attend these vital appointments. And tragically, many cancers are slipping through the net. Please don’t let it be you. Cervical cancer screening The NHS sends a postal invitation for a cervical smear, every 3 years from age 25 to 49, and every 5 years from age 50 to 64. Having a smear test saves around 5000 lives a year in the UK. Cervical cancer has a long preinvasive phase of 10 years or more, during which abnormal cells – which are not cancerous but precancerous cells – can be identified. If abnormal cells are present, they can be treated and prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place. The smear is also tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is the major cause of cervical cancer. Despite these impressive statistics, around one-third of women who are invited, never attend for their cervical smear. This might be due to fear, embarrassment, difficulty getting a convenient appointment or administrative issues. I would urge anyone reading this who knows their smear is due to make an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t delay. You can do this at the GP surgery, or at your local Sexual Health Clinic. Many GP surgeries now offer evenings, and Saturday morning appointments. Breast cancer screening The NHS sends an invitation for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. You will be offered this, every 3 years from age 50 to age 71. Having a screening mammogram saves around 1300 lives a year. Detecting breast cancer at an early stage gives the best opportunity for treatment and survival. Very sadly, 46.2% of women invited in 2022/2023 did not attend their first screening mammogram when invited. That’s nearly half! There are many myths about breast cancer screening. Let’s look at the facts - - Breast cancer can affect anyone and may be present even if you have checked yourself for lumps and not found anything. - You are still at risk of breast cancer even if there is no breast cancer in your family. - The procedure is uncomfortable but the discomfort Making time for screening tests
The Female Boss 31 is short lived and it’s well worth the benefits. - Try not to be embarrassed – the radiographers who do it are professionally trained and will do their best to out you at your ease and maintain your dignity. - The tiny amount of radiation used to perform a mammogram does not significantly increase your risk of developing cancer. If you have missed a mammogram or think yours is overdue, contact your local breast screening service via - https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other- health-services/breast-screening-services/ Bowel cancer screening The NHS will invite you every 2 years to send a poo sample in the post to look for early signs of bowel cancer. Screening is offered between the ages of 54- 74 years. You can continue to have bowel cancer screening over age 74 but you need to phone the bowel cancer screening hotline and request the test. The poo test is called a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test which detects blood in the stools. It is simple, painless, quick and easy to do. Very sadly, 32.4% of those who were sent a FIT test in 2023/2024 did not send back their test. This is tragic because bowel cancer screening saves around 10,000 lives a year in England. Detecting polyps in the bowel means they can be removed before they become malignant. If bowel cancer is detected, the earlier this is diagnosed, the better the chance for treatment and survival. People may not do the FIT test for many reasons. They may find the process of producing the test embarrassing or disgusting. Some do not think they are at risk, are scared of the diagnosis or prefer not to know. I would urge anyone reading this to rethink. Clinical experience shows that participating in bowel cancer screening is a good thing. We are all at risk of bowel cancer, doing the test is not pleasant but only takes a few moments, and the sooner the disease is detected, the far better outcome you will have. If you are overdue for a poo test, call the bowel screening hotline at 0800 707 6060. STI screening In 2022/243 there was a 5% increase in STI diagnoses in England and Wales. Although chlamydia diagnoses in 19- to 24-year-olds remained stable at 9.6%, there was a 2.1% fall in those being tested. Don’t think STIs only affect young people – rates of STIs in the over 50s have doubled in the past 10 years. This means all STIs - including HIV. Women in mid to later life may find themselves in new relationships due to separation, divorce or bereavement, meaning many women are in new relationships and may not appreciate the need for STI protection with condoms. If you have never been screened, have any genital symptoms, have had a new partner in the past 3 months, multiple or overlapping partners, or had high-risk sex - such as sex with a bisexual man, an IV drug user, anal sex, sex on holiday with a casual partner or sex with a sex worker - it’s highly advisable to get tested. STIs are most often asymptomatic - so neither you nor your partner knows they are there. Untreated they can have serious long-term consequences including painful sex, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and even some types of cancer. You can request an appointment for a full STI screen at your local Sexual Health Clinic https://www.nhs. uk/. The service is free and confidential. Your GP does not have to be informed. The staff are highly professional, discreet and will do their best to pout you at your ease. Menopause Although there is currently no specific menopause screening in place, the British Menopause Society (BMS) recommends every woman should have a menopause appointment around the time of her 50th birthday with their GP or other health professional. You can make an appointment with your GP, or Sexual Health Clinic for a menopause consultation at any time – usually, this will be from age 45 and above. You can look online for your nearest BMS- registered menopause specialist at https://thebms. org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist/.
Get your sport on this summer Women’s Tofino Solen Short Sleeve Dress This short sleeve T-shirt dress is a cute yet functional option for spring and summer activities such as hiking or traveling, featuring 50 UPF for solar protection in both wet and dry conditions. Made from a lightweight and quick-drying fabric with 2-way stretch and breathability. It includes two open pockets and a relaxed fit, with a high neckline for added protection from the sun. The semi-technical fabric is a blend of polyamide and elastane, making it lightweight, comfortable, and cool to wear. This dress contains recycled material. See composition for more details. RRP £80 32 The Female Boss
Women’s Siren Towelling Dress Women’s Navy Dress Women’s Archboard Shoes Enjoy casual summer comfort in our Women’s Siren Towelling Dress. The terry cloth feels soft to the touch and dries quickly. The dress also features a removable belt as well as our classic HH® logo embroidered on the sleeve. This button-up shirt dress is made with high quality threads and organic cotton. See composition for more details. RRP £100 With their protective rubber cupsole and grip technology, our Women's Archboard Shoes are designed for comfort and stability. They have a vulcanized construction, breathable Mesh ventilation,and synthetic leather overlays for a classic marine look. Plus, they feature our HH signoff on the side. RRP £50 The Thalia dress is casual, chic and incredibly comfortable. Inspired by life by the sea, it’s the summer dress you want to put on every sunny day. It has a breezy fit with a slightly accentuated waist and an above-the-knee length. This dress contains Ocean Bound recycled materials, which are sourced within 50km of a coastline or main waterway in regions at risk of plastic pollution RRP £65 The Female Boss 33
34 The Female Boss LinkedIn is the networking cocktail party of the professional world, except no-one’s holding a drink, the lighting is fluorescent, and you’re expected to talk about yourself a lot Whether job hunting or seeking more clients, your profile is your own sales booth in the online trade show. Many profiles read like a dry obituary or a confusing word salad. Let’s fix that. Here’s how: Banner You have about 6 seconds to grab attention and communicate your value in that banner. Truth is, your logo isn’t important. Here are some useful ideas: • The benefits of working with you • Your phone number • A clear call-to-action (download my freebie, join my event, etc.) Your banner should be a billboard for what you offer, not just another photo of you. The majority of people only ever view LinkedIn through their phone where your headshot will obscure some of the writing. So keep writing over to the right-hand side of the banner. Anything less than font size 28 (minimum) is too difficult to read via a phone! *Your Headline* This is the place for a pick-up line, not just your job title. Don’t just write “Marketing Manager at X Company.” Use this space wisely – especially the first 40 characters. State the benefits of working with you. Instead of “Marketing Manager” you could try “Telling Your Brand Story for More Sales”. Remember, you’re trying to catch attention, not lull someone into a nap. *Your Photo* No, your profile photo shouldn’t look like you’re about to argue your case in court. Nor should it be By Pam Case How to make your LinkedIn profile sell you
The Female Boss 35 you at your cousin’s wedding, cropped awkwardly with someone’s arm still on your shoulder. Wear what you’d wear to work. Smile like you’re vaguely pleased to be alive. Look approachable rather than stern. Bonus points if your background isn’t your laundry. Look directly at the camera, without your sunglasses on. If you were in a face-to-face networking room, sales meeting or interview and the person you were talking to was looking over your shoulder or at the doorway – you really wouldn’t feel very engaged with them. * “About”* This is where people often get weird and start talking about themselves in third person. “Sally is a results-driven, highly motivated, strategic thinker with a proven track record of results” Imagine saying that out loud to a potential client or an interviewer! “Madam, are you okay?” Instead, write like a human. Show people that you understand the problem they may have, and prove you can solve it for them by adding a testimonial or story. Remember that facts tell, but stories sell. Be clear about the benefits of working with you. Vary the lengths of your paragraphs. No-one likes reading a huge block of text. Try some bullet points or side headings. Use the word “you” much more often than the words “I” or “we”. Be the kind of person someone would want to work with and not immediately mute in a Zoom call. End with a call to action. What do you want people to do when they have finished reading this? Don’t make them search for how to contact you – add your number and email address. *Experience* Lists of official responsibilities are for HR records, not humans. Instead, highlight real achievements. Show off with numbers when possible ("Increased engagement by 300%" sounds way better than "Managed social media"). When entering the names of the companies you have worked for, you link to their page – so that you get their logo on your profile. It looks far more professional. *Recommendations* Ask your colleagues, clients or tutors for recommendations. Go to their profiles and click ‘more’, then ‘ask for a recommendation’. On the request form, ask for a few seconds of help to enhance your profile. Remind them of something great they said about your work and request that they please put it into a recommendation for you. *Featured* Add this section to showcase some great things about you. You could add a video, a testimonial, a certificate or award, or a link to a lead magnet downloadable from your website. *Services* Set up a services page and be sure to populate it with 5* reviews from clients, colleagues or tutors. A great 5* reviews page DOES attract incoming requests for how to work with you! *Other Sections* You can add sections to showcase patents, honours and awards, publications, and courses. Even the sections for ‘causes you care about’ and ‘voluntary work’ can have impact. People are drawn to doing business with people who give! *In Conclusion* Your LinkedIn profile should whisper sweet nothings to potential clients, future collaborators, recruiters, and hiring managers. It should tell them: “I’m great to work with.” “I’ll bring you the results you want.” “I have evidence of that”
36 The Female Boss Tell us how you 2 met Heather and I met at our kids' school in London. We hit it off right away, chatting about wellness, self-care, and dancing. Before we knew it, we were good friends. What jobs did you do before you launched Ladydragón Tequila? Well, before we launched Ladydragón Tequila, I (JC) worked as a hotel interior designer. I spent 15 years living in Asia, working on many fabulous 5- star hotels and resort projects. Heather, on the other hand, has a strong background in fashion. She studied at Parsons in New York City and later owned and ran several fashion boutiques in NY. We are both creatives but in very different ways. This is what makes us such a great team! What sparked the idea for the product? My Father and family are from the tequila region in Mexico, where we have land and grow agave. When my Father passed away in 2020, it fostered a reconnection with my heritage and roots. I soon saw tequila as a legacy for my dad and my An interview with the JC Cortez and Heather Ann, founders of female led tequila producer Ladydragón Craft Tequila Ladydragon Tequila
The Female Boss 37 Mexican heritage. It became so important to me to showcase our beautiful culture and protect the tequila region where it all started. So, I shared my idea with Heather about creating a brand that focuses on authenticity, wellness, and the craft of tequila making. Heather was on board right away and became an essential part of creating Ladydragón Craft Tequila. Where did you get started and how ? Did you get any investment? Heather and I both live in London and feel a strong connection to England. Heather is American, but she has English heritage, and I'm married to an English man, so my children are half English. So it made perfect sense to make London the home of Ladydragón Craft Tequila, we proudly say, 'London Based, Craft Made in Mexico!'. Heather invested in my idea and has been a creative force, best friend and co-founding partner. I'm incredibly grateful for her friendship, fearless attitude, and passion for female empowerment. How was the process for launching a brand new product? With both Heather and I being creatives, we embraced the branding process immediately. We both had a similar vision for the brand; we knew we wanted it to be different than what was out in the market. Most, if not all, tequilas have a very masculine look and feel, even though women make up a large portion of tequila consumption. We had a clear vision that we wanted our tequila to speak to women and reflect their preferences both in taste and aesthetics. Ladydragón Craft Tequila is women-owned and women-led, and we wanted this to be at the forefront of our brand. We always say we are unapologetically feminine, and we try to project that throughout all aspects of our brand. It hasn’t been all roses (pun intended), though. The spirits industry in general is dominated by large commercial brands and distributors, which makes We had a clear vision that we wanted our tequila to speak to women and reflect their preferences both in taste and aesthetics.
38 The Female Boss it very hard for small batch authentic brands such as our own to get our product out to market. This is another area we would like to disrupt. It’s time to bring it back to the small producers making quality spirits. Where do you stock the brand? We are currently available exclusively in the UK at www.finewinesellers.co.uk We are always looking for distribution opportunities and plan to be ay your favorite London restaurants and Bars very soon! What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome? Honestly, the biggest challenge we've faced has been finding ways to get our product to market. As I mentioned, the spirits industry is dominated by the 'big guys,' and I think we all know who those major distributors are. They make it incredibly tough for small brands like ours to compete, often offering listing fees and even entire fit-outs to venues that agree to carry their products. This creates a kind of monopoly in the industry and just serves to line their pockets. Would you do anything different if you were starting again in business? The simple answer is, No. Ladydragón Craft Tequila has been born from a place of passion and authenticity and while many lessons have been learned, I wouldn’t change a thing. What’s the one piece of advice you would give someone wanting to launch a business themselves? I recommend researching thoroughly before launching a business. Talk to many industry professionals to learn from their successes and failures. The best advice often comes from those who made mistakes, so we should value their experience. I spent two years consulting with other tequila brands, trade professionals, agave growers, tequila makers, and drinkers. This input became integral to Ladydragón Craft Tequila. Who do you look up to and why? As a businesswoman, I think Gabrielle 'CoCo' Chanel was so ahead of her time. Her resilience and unconventional approach to business really speaks to me, as well as her perseverance. She disrupted the status quo in her time and challenged female norms not only in fashion but in her personal life, choosing to live her life on her terms. What’s next? Tomorrow. We definitely take it day by day! While we have big plans for expanding the brand beyond the UK and EU, we also want to take our time in choosing the right partners and making sure our brand stays true to its roots and purpose.
The Best Fit Tee We teamed up with Connie Simmonds, a busy mum, style guru, and champion of feel-good fashion, to create the ultimate t-shirt. Why? Because we were tired of tees that lose shape, cling in the wrong places, or just don’t work when you’re juggling school runs, work meetings and weekend chaos. This one’s different. It’s the perfect mix of premium feel, flattering cut, and throw-it-on ease. Crafted in the UK from heavyweight 100% cotton, it’s soft but structured, with a longer length, tailored sleeves and high neckline. It looks effortless. It feels elevated. And it goes with everything. Discover the range at wellfitactive.com
40 The Female Boss Every child deserves to smile: The charity providing wishes for children When You Wish Upon a Star has a simple mission, to grant the Wishes of children living with a life- threatening illness. The charity was founded in Nottingham by Barbara White who was so inspired by a seriously ill four-year-old with a dream to meet Mickey Mouse that she wanted to bring smiles to the faces of many more brave and courageous children and since 1990 we have proudly granted over 18,500 across the UK. Our Wishes have the power to transform the lives of the children and families we work with, giving children and their families something to look forward to through times of uncertainty and often financial as well as emotional strain. A wish allows the family to put their child’s illness to the back of their minds temporarily as they have fun and create precious memories. Alongside granting these special Wishes that are tailored to each and every child we also organize treat days. These days out mean we are able to take current Wish children and often others from local children’s hospitals on magical days out, giving them the chance to make memories with their families as well as meeting other children who have similar experiences to them. In previous years we have sent children off on the Polar Express with singing, storytelling and dancing throughout, most recently we held a huge, over the top Wish Ball up in Scotland that had every type of performance you could think of and also a big cinema day over in wish upon a Star When you
The Female Boss 41 Nottingham with sweets, laughter and the heaviest bags full of goodies to take home. One of our biggest treats is our annual, famous trip to Lapland. These days see us charter a flight and take a plane full of children off to Finland for a full day of magic in the snow and meeting the real Father Christmas. Throughout the day there is husky sledging, reindeer petting, singalongs and snowball fights. Unfortunately we have been unable to run the trip for the last few years with the pandemic ongoing and most recently, the uncertainty with the war in Ukraine with Finland neighbouring Russia. We have already started to plan our Lapland 2025/6 trips, and we are determined to make them our most special trips yet! We want to share with you some of the brilliant things Wish upon a star has done. A wish allows the family to put their child’s illness to the back of their minds temporarily as they have fun and create precious memories.
42 The Female Boss Young Amal wanted to be a vet, she had a deep love for animals which she feels came from her mothers view of the work. “ my mum was a very intolerant woman” she tells me. After a short stint in agricultural college she was put of the vet life forever having seen how animals were treated she quickly decided she didn’t want to spend her days putting down peoples beloved pets. Not one to stand still she managed to finish college and take up her first job in a local bank, she found this mind- numbingly boring. To her delight she was approached by Yellow Pages to work as a sales representative. This job at the time was hard-core but very lucrative!! She jumped at the chance to make a change and had a very successful time with the beloved directory. Her next few jobs she was headhunted for and they were in more IT based businesses, Amal worked with British forces and with AI before we even knew it was a thing. I had an interesting and enjoyable chat with Amal (also known as Debbie) Loring, CEO / Founder of MBD and Yugen Wisdom A WOMAN WITH A GIFT
The Female Boss 43 Whilst she was enjoying her sales roles, she was more fascinated by the psychology of people. Why? She thought did some sales people succeed and some fail when given the exact same tools. So this path took her to the USA for 6 months to study neurolinguistics psychology and Hypnosis. Following that stint in America she moved across to Dubai where she spent 20 years, privately educating her daughter, getting married and working. “the landscape in Dubai changed drastically whilst I was there” Amal tells me, so after a marriage breakdown she cam back to fulfil one of her life goals – to live in the beautiful Lake District. Having always loved being in nature this was the perfect place for her and her family, and she still lives there now. It was in 1999 when she set up MBD, her vision was simple, she wanted to help more people to get from where they were now to where they wanted to be, give them the happiness they all so very much desired. Amal put it simply, “if its 2 Bentleys you want on the driveway or to live off the land with minimal material items the process is the same “ Her huge point of difference is that she works with her clients on a few different levels – Counselling, Spiritual coaching and healing, the main objective is to get to the root cause of whats blocking a patient and help them deal with it. She knew from a very early age she had a gift when she saw a “ghost” aged 8, she told her mother all about their house guest but was told not to be so silly and the incident was squashed right there but Amal knew she had something, and she was able to hear her own and others spirit guides. She goes on to explain that whilst she understands some people can be sceptical about this she always makes sure she can tell her clients about their guide beyond any doubt by giving 100% categorical proof of who the guide is. The best part of her job she admits is when she hears a client say things like “ I feel lighter” “ that’s a burden off me” – she claims she can get to the root cause of their issue usually within 10 mins and her service is unique due to not having clients booking several sessions – her strategy is to move as quickly as a client will allow and get to the desired results fast. Although Amal has already achieved a lot in her lifetime there is still more to come, she allows her direction to be unfolded with the help of her spirit guide and right now her mission seems to be making workplaces happier – based around happiness, values and respect. But another life goal is again to be back working with animals in a healing capacity. Along with her spirit guide the other person she looks up to in life is her spiritual mentor, a man called John Hodge, a patient and tolerant man who lives a simple life and has taught Amal that patience is a lesson she has learnt much from. Amal’s book “lifting the veil” is available now on Amazon { LINK } You can get in touch here or here If its 2 Bentleys you want on the driveway or to live off the land with minimal material items the process is the same.
I’m not a fan of botox or having anything that invasive so when Gemma from RejuvaLux invited me in for a HIFU Facial I decided to take the plunge. What is HIFU you may be asking? A HIFU facial (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive, natural, anti-aging skin treatment that uses ultrasound energy to tighten and lift the skin—without surgery, What Does a HIFU Facial Do? • Stimulates collagen production deep beneath the skin • Lifts sagging skin on the face, jawline, neck, and brow • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles • Improves skin texture and firmness How It Works: • HIFU uses focused ultrasound waves that penetrate deep layers of skin tissue (SMAS layer) without damaging the surface. It triggers a healing response that boosts collagen, leading to firmer, more lifted skin over time. Key Benefits: • No needles, no downtime • Natural-looking results • Long-lasting tightening (effects can last 6–12 months) • Safe for most skin types The treatment itself took about an hour, it was quite relaxing with no pain at all. My face immediately felt tighter, I’m looking forward to session 2! HIFU is not just available for the face, you can have it anywhere on the body and Gemma tells us the most popular parts include “bingo wings”, stomach and neck. And get ready ladies you can even have a HIFU treatment for the vagina!! This helps tighten the area and has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress urinary incontinence or “stop you peeing your pants” as Gemma puts it. Doing these treatments has earned Gemma the title of The Vagician – read more about Gemma herself in the next issue !! If you cant wait until then and want to get yourself booked in contact Gemma at RejuvaLux. Lindsey x Product review The RejuvaLux HIFU So it’s getting to that time in my life... yes, age is taking its toll on my face! 44 The Female Boss
My face immediately felt tighter, I’m looking forward to session 2!
It was a moment. A moment, I smiled to myself knowing everything would be ok, that life was good. I was on the island of Procida last summer, perched on a seat at a pretty cafe on one of the winding streets leading to the mediterranean, drinking a Caffe Americano and devouring a Lingue di Procida (IYKYK), reading my book in the sunshine, finally relaxing, and my phone pinged. The notification to let me know, the rent was paid. Rent paid whilst I did nothing but enjoy myself. Whilst I had a lie in, ate the most insane pizza and went swimming with my little girl. No trading my time for money, no hustle culture, and no stress. I smiled because investing in property was doing exactly what I’d set it up to do: support my lifestyle, Why I’m betting on the ‘Basic Bitch’ strategy that’s changing women’s lives build long-term wealth and most importantly, give me choices and allow me to live a life I love, without permission. My property strategy of choice? Buy to Let. Some say it’s vanilla. I say it’s the flavour of freedom. Buy to Let may be the ‘basic bitch’ of the property world, but she’s the one that shows up, pays out and doesn’t let you down. Despite what the headlines say, Buy to Let is alive, well and quietly thriving and interestingly after being seduced by shinier and complicated strategies, more investors are rediscovering the power of keeping it simple, especially when it’s done smartly. It remains one of the few investment vehicles where Property Girl 46 The Female Boss
you earn income (rent), you build equity (capital growth), you can leverage your money (via mortgages) and you hold a tangible, real world asset. It’s one of the most powerful wealth strategies available to women today, and it’s far more doable than you have been led to believe. For busy women like us, that’s gold. I’m a single mama, who works full time, lives to travel and wants to spend time doing the things she loves so adding something to the already full, plate-spinning schedule that is going to consume more time and energy feels impossible. I want easy, simple, but effective. And that’s the beauty and power of Buy to Let, if you buy right and set it up properly. It can be a low- maintenance, high-impact asset that supports your life, not disrupts it. But more than this, it’s the emotional return. Property actually gives you something that stocks and shares often can’t: a sense of control, security and impact. A property is a home for someone else to grow, thrive and make memories in and a tool for freedom for you. It’s transformational. It’s investing with purpose. The women that I work with are bright, capable, and wildly accomplished in so many areas of their lives, but when it comes to investing in property? Their confidence wavers. Not because they’re not up for it, but because the industry still feels a bit like a boys’ club. It’s wrapped in jargon, the old school intimidation. It’s the fear of getting it wrong, of making an expensive mistake, of stepping into a world we’ve been told, directly or indirectly, isn’t for us. And yet, interestingly and not surprisingly, we make better investors than our male counterparts. If you’re curious about investing in property, but don’t know where to start, breathe! It doesn’t need to be complicated or consume your life. Investing in a Buy to Let property isn’t about becoming a property expert overnight or burning yourself out watching YouTube videos at 1am. It starts with solid foundations. Too many new Landlords jump in without a plan, fingers crossed, winging it, focusing purely on the numbers, hoping it’ll all fall into place. But property works best when you work with intention. Laying solid foundations from the start is what sets you up for long term success. That means getting clear on your WHY (what do you want this investment to do for you?), your GOAL (monthly income, long term growth, time freedom) and your DREAMY tenant (because who you want to rent to will shape everything, from location to property type). This is where most people skip ahead, and why things start to unravel later. But when you take the time to build a strategy that aligns with you and the life you want, the rest begins to unfold with so much more ease. You’re not here to copy someone else’s playbook. You’re here to create your own. And just so you know, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. With the right guidance and support, this can be simple, smart and fun! So, pour yourself a glass of wine, light a candle, get comfy and take a moment to get honest with yourself, how do you really want this property journey to look and feel? rebecca@propertygirl.co.uk www.propertygirl.co.uk Rebecca Topham @Property_girl The Female Boss 47
48 The Female Boss The #1 skill that changed my love life forever as a high achieving woman– and how it can transform yours too If there’s one skill I had to learn to change the trajectory of my love life—and eventually go from heartbroken and exhausted in my dynamics with men to feeling deeply cherished and adored—it’s this: Respecting Polarity. Now, let’s be real for a second. All my life, I was the ultimate go-getter. A-type. High-achieving. Ambitious to the core. I was the woman who made things happen. Need a job? I’d apply to fifty. Need a raise? I’d ask—and get it. Need to move countries and build a new life? Done, before you could blink. It wasn’t just my identity—it was my superpower. And it worked. In the world of business and achievement, the more you push, the more you get. The more you control, the more secure you feel. The more you do, the more rewarded you are. But here’s what nobody tells us high-achieving women: That exact energy that builds your career— kills attraction in your love life. It wasn’t until I was knee-deep in heartbreak, wondering why the men I dated never planned the dates, never pursued me, never brought their A- game, that I had my big “a-ha!” moment. I realized that in my dating life, I was doing the exact same thing I did in business—leading, organizing, giving, proving, and working for connection. I was offering to pay the bill (even when I didn’t want to). I was texting first. I was making the plans. I was talking about my achievements and independence, hoping to impress. I was always “on”—in my masculine, doing energy. And guess what I kept attracting? Lazy. Passive. Men. Men who liked me, sure—but didn’t chase me. Didn’t step up. Men who let me lead—because I was leading. Men who leaned back—because there was no space for them to lean forward. This is where polarity changed my life and has changed the love lives of thousands of women I support as my clients. Polarity, in essence, is the magnetic dance between masculine and feminine energy. Power in feminine energy
The Female Boss 49 It’s not about gender—it’s about energy. We all have both masculine and feminine energies within us. But in romantic dynamics, especially if you desire a masculine man, your feminine energy is the invitation. Masculine energy is the doing, leading, penetrating force. Feminine energy is the receiving, surrendering, inviting force. When you’re in your masculine on a date, energetically, you’re meeting him at the same pole. And two masculine poles? They don’t magnetize. They repel or create a tug-of-war. So if you’re constantly leading, initiating, controlling the outcome, proving your worth—there’s simply no space for a masculine man to step in and do what masculine men love to do: Pursue, plan, protect, and provide. This was my biggest breakthrough—and the foundation of everything I now teach in my global 8 figure love coaching brand, Sami Wunder. I learned how to shift. Not by becoming less. Not by dimming my ambition or success. But by allowing myself to soften, to receive, to feel in my love life while still holding my badass masculine energy in my career. In love though I practiced holding my power differently—not through control, but through trust. And as I leaned back, let go of the need to make it happen, and embodied more of my feminine energy in dating—I attracted a very different kind of man. A masculine man. A man who adored me. A man who wanted to step up. And did. That man became my husband. Today, 12 years and two kids later, he still plans our date nights, opens the car door, and tells me how lucky he feels to have me. And he’s not intimidated by my success—he celebrates it. So if you’re a high-achieving woman and you’re struggling in your love life, let me offer you this truth with so much love: You don’t need to change who you are. But you do need to change how you show up in love. Put down the to-do list. Stop leading the conversation. Stop chasing, fixing, and proving. Let him lead. Let yourself receive. Because polarity is real. And the moment you respect it, everything begins to shift. Love is not a reward for effort—it’s a response to energy. And the feminine energy? It’s the one that magnetizes the masculine, naturally. More on this soon. Until the next column… Sami Wunder In love though I practiced holding my power differently—not through control, but through trust.
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