Even in 2023 women still face challenges men have never had to contend with; whether that be representation, the gender pay gap or pregnancy discrimination, the list goes on and on. The onus is on all of us, men, women and everyone in between, as a society to encourage equality and in part knowledge to girls from an early age. The women of Portman Marylebone are stalwarts in their respective fields and offer their advice and insights into being a woman in business.
Eljesa: Zetter Townhouse
Eljesa is the Hotel Manager at the Zetter Townhouse. Like most women in her field, her role extends beyond managing the hotel day to day, Eljesa is also Zetter Hotels’ equality and female empowerment advocate. Her advice for women looking to enter her field is “to be fearless and persistent. Do not become a barrier for yourself, and when in doubt, reach out to others for support. You do not have to do it alone, find and surround yourself with people that believe in your drive and ambition. Aim to become a leader. Strive to believe in yourself as much as you do in others and give yourself credit for your achievements.”
28-30 Seymour Street
Marsha: Nobu Pilates
Marsha is the Creator, and Director of Nobu Pilates. When devising her pilates programmes Marsha always takes an elegant and precise, yet inclusive approach to the dynamic exercise.
Marsha believes that “authenticity and innovation are key attributes to success. If you have a deep love and passion for fitness and enjoy working with people, it will naturally shine through.” Her key piece of advice is to continue learning and perfecting one’s craft. “What sets someone apart from the rest is staying humble enough to know that there is no end game to learning and improving. The fitness industry is constantly evolving, so stay curious and continue to educate yourself.” She also embraces social media as a route to progress her career. “Social media is a powerful tool to promote yourself and it was something I was initially intimidated by. If you’re the same as me, get someone to help you and get your voice heard out there. I’m really happy I overcame this obstacle as it opened the door to women reaching out to me seeking advice on various fitness queries.”
22 Portman Square
https://london-portman.nobuhotels.com/
Alyssia: Grey Flannel
Alyssia is at the heart of the team of Grey Flannel fulfilling two key roles; Marketing Manager and Designer. An expert tailor, Alyssia has achieved great success in a field that continues to be dominated by men.
Alyssia believes in drawing knowledge from all aspects of running a business, not just her specialty. She suggests, “if you have to opportunity, do ask each tailor, artisan, or member of each department to shadow them for a few days or so, this will allow you to understand and appreciate each element of the process, as well as forming a strong relationship and shorthand with each maker. In addition, exploring different avenues of the business can sometimes spark interesting opportunities and paths you never thought about previously. The bottom line is to always remain in a state of play and show an eagerness to learn.”
7 – 9 Chiltern Street
https://www.greyflannel.co.uk/
Millie: The Chuffed Store
Millie Cowie is the Founder of The Chuffed Store. A self-styled magpie, she specialises in sourcing and searching for the greatest products, stories, people, places and experiences. Via the Chuffed Store Millie shares these finds with her customers. In The Chuffed Store Millie has found a way to put online shopping back into people’s hands. Buying from someone for someone, with everyone along the process feeling, well, chuffed.
Millie’s can-do attitude shines through her advice to women in business, “GO FOR IT!” she states. “Be brave and be bold. Keep on your toes, be willing to adapt and be flexible. Listen. Really think about where your time is best spent for the biggest impact – don’t get too caught up in the minute detail. Surround yourself with positive people and enjoy the process.”
16 Seymour Place (18-25 March)
Lil: Grandirosa
Lil Caldwell’s professional life is multi-faceted. Having trained as a lawyer, and happy living a fast-paced life in the City she later decided, with her best friend Mary Wood to establish their floral design business.
Lil’s words of wisdom are to have “a trusted partner or inner circle when starting your own business. It means you can commiserate the losses, but also celebrate the wins together and also draw on each other’s strengths when needed. Lil reminisces that she and co-founder Mary have “cried a lot together, but also had lots of laughs and I think sharing this has helped keep us both level!”
36 Chiltern Street
