International Women’s Day is a United Nations–sanctioned global holiday that aims to celebrate women’s contributions to society and raise awareness to the areas of society that need to improve to reach gender equality. At No.1 Media we use it as way to amplify women’s voices and however you choose to celebrate it, we are here to listen and learn. This week we are spotlighting some of our most beloved businesswomen and entrepreneurs. Hair, beauty and oral care is such an intrinsic part of celebrating ourselves.
What does IWD mean to you?
International Woman’s Day gives us a fantastic opportunity for women to come together. It is a time where we can all celebrate our achievements as women and support each other. Through celebrating success, it helps us to not only become more appreciative of the role women play in society, but it also helps raise awareness and expectations that women will not be discriminated against whilst ensuring women’s rights for equal opportunities.
What does your role entail?
I am the Founder of Polished London, so I am heavily involved in every aspect of the business, however, the focus of my day is on product development. I am always working on new concepts and product ideas which often means you can find me on zoom calls to our designers or the laboratory who bring my ideas to life. I am also the person behind our social media accounts. I like to keep a hands-on approach to this aspect of the business and run them myself because I love interacting with our customers and the influencers we work with. I have tried to pass this role over, but I struggle with that as I’m so hands-on. I never want to lose the personal friendly touch to our business.
What have been some of the biggest struggles and triumphs as a woman in business?
I am doing what I love to do. I love building the Polished London brand and bringing fun to the Oral Care industry with healthy safe ingredients. I have made many mistakes along the way, but you learn from them! I like to class my mistakes as valuable lessons rather than mistakes if I don’t make the same mistake twice!!
What skills are important to have in your sector?
Organisation skills are the biggest for me, you need to be organised and apply yourself! So much planning goes into running a company especially a brand, as you need to time your product launches correctly. There is so much to plan and think about, it is tough-going! Although well worth it in the end, it is such a special moment on a product launch day when it all comes together and there is no better feeling when all your hard work and creativity comes to life from the months of creating the product from an idea to a physical object being on the shelf! Although it is quite a nerve-racking day, you hope & pray your customers and followers like what we have created.
Describe the 3 characteristics about yourself that you believe led to your success in business.
I am a very driven hardworking person. I always have been! When I was at college many years ago, I juggled a full-time college course, an apprentice day position and 3 other part-time jobs. I have always worked hard; I’ve always been that way. I believe if you love what you do then everything else will come with it. You must find your passion and stick with that.
What woman has positively impacted/inspired you in your career, and what is one lesson she taught you?
I am very inspired by Maria Hatzistefanis, the Founder of Rodial Beauty. I enjoyed both of her books as well as her social media and podcast where she regularly gives business advice and tips. Having followed her for quite some time now, I realise the importance of having a good healthy morning routine. The first thing I used to do upon waking up was to check my phone, I try to not do that now, it is just breaking the habit.
What do you do on a regular basis to celebrate your woman self?
I love to pamper myself. I will often give myself a home facial, have a lovely relaxing bath with candles and maybe a glass of Rosé wine. It is so important to find ‘you’ time and switch off from the daily stresses of the day.
What is a daily or weekly ritual you have that contributes to your ongoing success?
I love podcasts! I tend to walk the dog and listen to something positive or uplifting which helps to switch off as running a business is a 24-7 job. It is extremely difficult to not think about work, but I find this helps me.
What is something interesting you are currently working on? Personal or professional.
I have just signed off on our latest campaign for our newest product launch which is a collaboration with top Irish Influencer and Businesswoman Louise McDonnell. We have worked together for many years as Louise was one of our first Brand Ambassadors and Irish Influencers to work with us. It is an extremely exciting product, and we can’t wait to launch it as we have both worked extremely hard on it and are both proud of it.
by Mary Jane O’Regan
