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I began my career in media before moving to PwC, where I spent nearly ten years as a marketing manager. I learnt a huge amount, but there was always a part of me that wanted to create something of my own.
I remember sitting at an Entrepreneurs’ Forum event while I was still at PwC, watching a presentation about entrepreneurial traits and thinking, “That sounds a little bit like me,” before swiftly parking the thought at the back of my mind.
Then, in 2013, my dad died suddenly from a heart attack. He was 58. It was absolutely devastating, but through that grief, strangely, I also found an inner strength.
It gave me a huge nudge and that ‘now or never’ drive to set up my own business.
It was a pivotal ‘life is short’ moment. I remember thinking that I didn’t want to tell my children when I was older that fear was the reason I hadn’t tried.
So, I handed in my notice and started my first business, Walton Marketing and Communications, in 2014.
This was followed by my current business, Transforming Brands, which I founded in 2021 alongside my business partner, Sarah McCrady. We’re a brand transformation business, working closely with entrepreneurs and business owners to transform, realign and fully activate the power of their brand and marketing to support their next phase of growth. And we absolutely love what we do!
I have never looked back and I’ve learnt so much along this crazy journey.
So, what are those things?
Build your network because, as my lovely friend Maxine Fox says, “Your little black book is your balance sheet.” Stay true to your values and who you are. Open doors and help others where you can.
Ask for help and surround yourself with good people. Use your knowledge but trust your intuition too. Look after your mind and body along the way.
We always say that the real power of a brand, or a person, comes from knowing who you are, what you stand for and showing up consistently and authentically. It goes far beyond any logo, colour palette or typeface.
Fundamentally, it’s what you do and how you leave people feeling.
It’s also about accepting the dips and bumps in the road, taking the time to reset and trusting that most things are ‘figureoutable’.
Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine or immediately finding a positive lesson in something difficult. Sometimes it is simply about taking a breath, regrouping and working out the next step.
As I’ve got older, purpose has become more important to me too. Of course, I want Transforming Brands to grow. Sarah and I have exciting plans for its future.
We want to build further value in the business, create jobs and employ a couple of talented graduates. That would be an exciting next step.
This year, we ran a week of work experience for A-level students on a live branding project. The best bit was hearing that one of them has now changed direction and wants to study marketing at university.
As a mum of two teenagers, creating those opportunities and opening doors is incredibly important to me.
Success is not just about what you achieve for yourself. It is also about what you help other people recognise and achieve.
Alongside the day job, I am proud to be Vice Chair of The Whole Point Newcastle, supporting high-growth, women-led businesses to access the finance, networks and support they need to scale.
I have met some incredible women through the board, but there is still much more we need to do collectively to amplify their voices and ambitions.
Whether it is supporting women in business, building brands or giving young people a flavour of marketing, I have learnt how far a word of encouragement, an introduction or an open door can change someone’s direction.
So many people have supported me, and still do. It is something I will always be grateful for and endeavour to pass on.
Perhaps that is the biggest lesson my journey has taught me: there is always something to learn from the good and the bad. Some of the hardest experiences in my life have made me braver and reminded me that life really isn’t a dress rehearsal.
If there is something you want to do, don’t let fear be the reason you don’t try.
Ask the questions, trust your instincts, nurture good relationships and stay true to who you are.
Sarah and I have exciting plans for the next chapter of Transforming Brands. We don’t have everything figured out, but that’s entrepreneurship: keep believing, take the next step and continue learning from those around you.