5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Ellen Wakelam is the co-owner and director of In the Welsh Wind Distillery, a small but ambitious craft distillery on the west coast of Wales. She founded the distillery with her partner Alex Jungmayr in January 2018. A former teacher, she quit the profession and then spent three months walking and wild camping around Wales with Alex. On their return, they setup in business together and inspiration for the distillery came a couple of years later. The distillery, and the gin produced there, are multi-award winning.
What would you like to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
“Creating something that is yours and can be run how you want it to be, is hugely satisfying. There are definitely challenges starting a company and running a business but there is always help and support available if it’s needed. I knew I wanted to remain in Wales, where I grew up, so starting a business here was a matter of practicality as there were very limited employment opportunities.
Having made the decision that west Wales was where I wanted to be, creating my own business was the only sensible option. I was also inspired by the idea of creating opportunities for other young people so that they could choose to stay in this area rather than moving away to find work as I had had to.”
What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?
- Find something that really inspires you
- Show up every morning
- Work with good people who share your vision
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – just learn from them when they happen!
- Always think about how to be better
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand Prime Minister)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (US Representative)
Alexandra Pritchard (Best friend)
Sophie Power (ultra-runner)
My mum
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
“If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. It’s much easier to apologise than it is to get permission.” Grace Hopper (American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral)
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