Female Founder Spotlight: Gaynor Humphrey

4 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder

Gaynor Humphrey, a retail buyer for high street stores such as Disney, Boots and Dixons until setting up her business in 2001 supplying eco, ethical or green toys to high street stores and museums. The recession of 2008 allowed Gaynor to realise the importance of having a niche business with a wide customer base and this experience has meant she has continued to grow all through the pandemic and lockdowns. 

What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own company?

You can do it! There has never been a better time to set up your own business. Digital tools and cloud computing mean that small businesses can achieve huge things without the need for massive budgets.

What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success? 

Big strides are great, but if you achieve a tiny bit every day it mounts up.·

Don’t have indoor meetings, go for a walk! It helps creativity and reduces tension·  

Always know your cash flow position.·  

Don’t tell people you’re a small business, tell them what you do. You’ll never find a man describing his business as small·

Excuse the language on this one, but Don’t Be a C**t. You can be successful without trampling other people, other businesses or your family.

Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?

Anita Roddick

Cath Kidston

Deborah Meaden

Laura Tennison 

My business partner Liz Cochrane, 

What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote? 

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it. ” — Estée Lauder

Website & Socials:

www.bestyears.co.uk

www.instagram.com/bestyearsltd 

www.twitter.com/bestyearsltd