Celebrating female entrepreneurship this International Women's Day

This International Women’s Day 2023 we are launching the Women’s Business Forum to empower our female entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, build networks and maximise their impact on their chosen industry. The forum is delivered through our Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Lewisham programme. We caught up with some of the programme’s fantastic female ambassadors: Jennifer McLean, Fiona Wedderburn-Graham and Esther Jacob. 

Amaze Associates

Founders: Jennifer McLean and Fiona Wedderburn-Graham

Tell us about your business

Amaze Associates is a coaching company. Our mission, especially in these uncertain times is to help individuals and staff in organisations to overcome what may be holding them back so they can successfully navigate their careers. We also coach those who want to improve their professional performance and work with new and emerging managers to develop their leadership confidence.

Tell us a bit about yourself – what led to you starting your own business?

We’re fortunate to have known each other over 25 years. Working together was always on the cards; but our lives went in different directions and we couldn’t seem to find the right time to make that shift. Then the pandemic hit. It proved the tipping point for us. Against that tumultuous backdrop, we stopped making excuses, got focused and asked ourselves some serious questions. Did we want to do this? Did we have the skills, experience, knowledge and ability? Could we make a difference?  And could we make a living from it? The answers to all were a resounding, yes! We also knew that while the coaching world is a little crowded, the percentage of black women successfully operating in the arena was low, so we wanted to make sure we had chairs at the table.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Seize opportunities and make your reasons to try, bigger than your reasons not to.

What are you most proud of?

We are, of course, proud of ourselves for having the courage to do what we do. But more importantly we are proud of our clients who have trusted us enough to be their coaches and part of their learning journey.

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is ‘embrace equity’. How do you think we can create more opportunities for women to pursue a career as an entrepreneur?

We think providing more targeted business and entrepreneurship programmes is a good starting point. Running your own company offers women the opportunity to collaborate with and hire other ambitious, like-minded women and that fosters a new generation of women entrepreneurs; as well as creating pathways for women to close the pay gap, and rise to leadership positions, on their own terms.

Women have an enormous amount of economic capital which can and should be leveraged. We should be encouraging regular gatherings of women founders and those who want to pursue entrepreneurship. That's why we are so excited to be part of the Women's Business Forum. As BIPC Lewisham Ambassadors we already offer our support to local founders of all genders. But this event is about bringing women together with the intention of connecting, collaborating and supporting each other.

Which woman (or women) are your biggest heroes?

Our heroes are close to home. For Jennifer, it's her mother who had incredible drive, was multi-talented and taught her how to embrace change and pivot before pivoting even became a thing. For Fiona, it's her brilliant daughter for her passion for supporting those who are marginalised and persecuted in society.

Visit the Amaze Associates website.

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Authentic Worth

Founder: Esther Jacob

Tell us about your business

Authentic Worth is a diverse book publishing company. We support aspiring and existing authors to write their stories and get them published. We provide a variety of services including monthly virtual and in-person seminars, online courses, memberships, bespoke 1-2-1 support and group activities to help our authors find their unique voices and write with ease and confidence. We take pride in publishing authentic, original work that inspires the community and helps bring about social change.

We’re proud to have received Social Value and Christian Book of the Year awards.

Tell us a bit about yourself – what led to you starting your own business?

I set up Authentic Worth Publishing in 2018 following a family bereavement. I’d found publishing two of my own books to be cathartic and felt they were a great way to leave a unique legacy. I wanted to share this experience with others by providing a platform for them to overcome their challenges through creativity. It’s about making a positive impact and building confidence in the lives of those that are willing to share their story.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To enjoy the process and be patient. It’s about the journey, not the destination; that’s how character, integrity, tenacity and resilience are developed. It’s also important to appreciate and celebrate the wins – large and small – but also to reflect on the things that haven’t gone so well to make sure you’re learning the lessons along the way.

What are you most proud of?

Writing and publishing six books in six years is right up there. As is having been able to support 17 first time authors in publishing their books – building connections with their readers and leaving a legacy of stories behind for the community.

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is ‘embrace equity’. How do you think we can create more opportunities for women to pursue a career as an entrepreneur?

It's really about creating platforms for women entrepreneurs to share the stories behind their businesses and connect with other business owners. That might be 1-2-1 or group sessions to promote the benefits of starting your own business or side hustle. Lewisham Council is doing this through their Women's Business Forum, which happily kicks off on International Women's Day. I do think providing opportunities to network and find like-minded people is key to a business' success.

Which woman (or women) are your biggest heroes?

All authors who are incredibly strong and driven women and have inspired countless others. Sarah Jakes Roberts, Maya Angelou, Keeley Stephenson, Bernardine Evaristo and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Visit the Authentic Worth website.

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For more details of our Women’s Business Forum or any other BIPC Lewisham events visit the Lewisham Libraries website or email BIPC@lewisham.gov.uk.