Posted: by Jo Thursday, 7 December 2017 @ 11:10
I was absolutely thrilled
and very honoured to win a NatWest Everywoman Award yesterday. It is the 15th
year of the awards, given to recognise female entrepreneurs across the country.
Each award is named after a
Greek goddess, and mine is the ‘Hera’ award, given to a business which has
been established for 10 years or more.
When Maxine Benson MBE and
Karen Gill MBE set up Everywoman, 20 years ago, it was to boost the profile of
women in business, and provide role models for girls and young women, to
encourage them to think bigger. The Awards themselves launched in 2003, and Nat
West has been a sponsor for most of that time, showing their commitment to
female entrepreneurs.
It was a wonderful and
hugely inspirational event, held yesterday in the glamorous surroundings of The
Dorchester – looking truly amazing at Christmas.
Prue Leith and CharlotteTilbury were both honoured for their contributions to business, and Dame Mary
Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, presented their awards. Judges included Cath
Kidston MBE, Chrissie Rucker MBE, and Amanda Wakeley OBE – so we were in very
illustrious company!
I was genuinely delighted
and very surprised to win. The judges recognised how hard we have worked to
continue evolving our business over 12 years, moving from being a pure
retailer, with ‘Fabulous’, to now also being a designer, manufacturer and brand
owner, with ‘Mantra’.
They were very excited about
Mantra Jewellery, completely grasping that it is jewellery which can change the
way you feel – and recognising its future potential.
So, I would like to say a
huge thank you to my team here at Fabulous and Mantra, who have made this all
possible and supported me all the way; and to all of you wonderful, loyal
customers, who have been with us throughout our Fabulous journey.
Thank you!
Jo xx