5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Erin Parnell started her business Eternally Cherished in 2018 and made the finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020 awards. She began creating unique jewellery made with intimate keepsakes after having her daughter. The business has gone from strength to strength, and continued to thrive during the lockdown, Erin was also a finalist for 4 Hampshire Women in Business Awards and won the Woman Who Achieves’ awards in 2020. Her products have been featured in Vogue, Tatler, Closer, London Life and multiple times on That’s TV Hampshire.
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
Being part of a community of businesswoman I have learnt the importance of being part of a tribe that acts as your cheerleaders, your advocates, your customers and your advisers. I have found that women have found this niche area in business where they are making things work for themselves, around family and being incredibly successful. it is the true definition of success, being able to actually have it all. Not being stuck in a 9-5, not being forced to abide by someone else’s rules.
I often get asked how I can encourage other businesswomen and I say be bold, be confident, just try. There is no harm in trying, if you have something that you are truly passionate about other people will love that too. After all, I started a business from £0 which has grown 25% year on year after I had a hormone-induced idea about jewellery, if I can do it anyone can.
What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?
Don’t give up, keep going nothing good ever came easy
Be brave, send that pitch, drop that email, it might be a no but at least you did it!
Take time to reflect, what went well and continue to do it, what didn’t go so well then stop and find something else.
Do not stop, be present, be there day in and day out and be courageous.
Remember why you started this venture, keep that at the centre of what you do day in and day out and the passion will shine through.
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Kelly Holmes, despite many setbacks, physical and mental, ultimately achieved her goal after such hard work and dedication.
J.K Rowling single mother on benefits to a millionaire, got rejected a lot but persisted and look how much that paid off.
Freya Lewis, survived the Manchester Bombing and went from a wheelchair to run the Great Manchester Run and raised thousands for the hospital that saved her life.
Nadiya Hussain I loved watching her on GBBO and to see her thrive and do so well despite the trolls is amazing.
Vivienne Westwood, just because she is amazing!
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
My favourite saying/quote has a bit of a back story. Whilst working in the corporate world everyone seemed to have an “inspirational” tag line on their email signature so I took one from Star Wars, ” There is no try, only do” Yoda.
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