The exciting, challenging world of entrepreneurship was the subject of the first event in this year’s Woldingham Talks programme on Tuesday 12 October. Five Woldingham alumnae who have founded, or co-founded, businesses spoke to students, staff and parents about the highs, the lows, the hard work and the rewards they have experienced by turning a personal passion into a successful venture.

We are extremely grateful to our panellists, Ele Osborn (class of 2001), The Nourish Shed; Diana Greenhalgh (1999), My Bespoke Room; Lizzie Collins (1994), Zuleika Gallery; Jenny Lane (2006), Juno Weddings; and Alice Whiteley (1995), Yawn, for giving up their valuable time to share lots of great advice with potential Woldingham entrepreneurs of the future. There were many common themes, including the importance of building strong relationships through networking, the value of experience gained in the “safety” of employment in other business, the need to understand how a business and its finances works, and the ability to build and manage a great team as a business grows. The panellists didn’t gloss over the challenges that entrepreneurs, particularly female entrepreneurs, face but for all of them the pluses far outweigh the minuses. As Diana said in her concluding words, “I wouldn’t change a thing”.