6 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Kristina was born in Denmark and moved to Kent aged 11 due to her father’s work where she studied at Highworth Grammar School for Girls until leaving after her A Levels. Following her education, she entered into the business world where she gained 14+ years’ experience in commercial sales working primarily within the FMCG Market. Kristina’s previous roles include being a National Account Manager for companies including COTY UK, Burtons Biscuits and Premier Foods, dealing in both the Independent retail sector as well as the Major Multiples and managing portfolios up to £70m. In 2008 Kristina set up an exciting diversification project to have the fleeces for the family farm’s sheep transformed, and in July 2011 she gave up her full-time role as a National Account Manager to focus on the family business Romney Marsh Wools.
In 2018 the farm further diversified and sited two bespoke made Shepherds Huts to tap into the Tourism industry and further diversify on the farm. Today Kristina is a Company Director of Romney Marsh Wools and manages Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts. She has two children Oliver (11) and Sophia (10) whom she hopes may follow in her footsteps in the future. Just last week, Romney Marsh Wools won the ‘National Best Rural Creative or Artisan Business Award’ at The Rural Business Awards 2020/21.
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own company?
I think that if you have innate leadership qualities and want to help yourself and others to be better, then don’t be scared to take on a leadership role. Pleasingly we’re living in an era right now where there are lots of opportunities for women to lead the way and be recognised for their achievements. If an opportunity comes your way, be self-confident and tenacious, and go for it. Don’t be scared to exceed or break expectations, stay true to what you’re passionate about, have a clear focus for your business with key goals, and set about breaking down any barriers ahead of you. Don’t worry about trying to balance personal and professional life as having your own company will allow you more flexibility in this area. Working from home has been brilliant for me as it’s allowed me to be around for my children while also working hard to grow my two businesses.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Do your market research and use system tools available to analyse and measure your outputs
Do lots of networking as you will meet inspirational entrepreneurs this way
Believe in what you do
Don’t be scared and take the opportunities whenever possible
Be tenacious and be prepared to put in the hours
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Michelle Obama
Serena Williams
Greta Thunberg
Frances O’Reilly (Kristina’s old boss at Burtons Biscuits)
P!nk
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
Audrey Hepburn: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!”
Website & Socials
Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts
Website: https://romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.ukFacebook: @romneymarshshepherdshuts (https://romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk)Instagram: @romneymarshshepherdshuts (www.instagram.com/romneymarshshepherdshuts)
Romney Marsh Wools
Website: https://romneymarshwools.co.uk Facebook: @RomneyMarshWools (www.facebook.com/RomneyMarshWools)Instagram: @romneymarshwools (www.instagram.com/romneymarshwools)Twitter: @Romneymarshwool (https://twitter.com/Romneymarshwool)
