6 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Stephanie Taylor is the Managing Director and Founder of Kegel8, the brand of pelvic healthcare products most recommended by UK GPs and gynaecologists for treating conditions associated with a weak pelvic floor.
Having spent her 20s working as an air stewardess for Gulf Air in the Middle East, the 90s saw Stephanie set up her own business: Passion8 – a female-friendly mail order catalogue – during which time, she learned that many women didn’t feel any sexual sensation after childbirth, or in older age. As such, she strived to find out more, and her research, combined with having a child of her own, led her to realise that pelvic floor muscles played a huge role, yet these muscles were a relatively ignored area of the body!
Although clinical products to strengthen the pelvic floor were available in hospitals and clinics, they were not available to ‘consumers’, and any that could be purchased were unappealing and inadequate. Stephanie decided to improve and re-brand these products herself, selling them to women who could use and benefit from them in the privacy of their own home. Thus, her new company was born, Kegel8.
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
It doesn’t matter what you choose to do as a business, if you have a genuine passion for something it will shine through every time. True passion will always find a way, and with the internet, e-retail, and social media networks there has never been a better time to let your passion shine. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, a successful business mentor will be invaluable. You’d be surprised how many established business women want to share with, support and nurture other women coming into business.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
‘Comparison is the thief of Joy’ – Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t compare your business to other businesses! Be unique, stand out for all the right reasons.
Your business will evolve as you go along on your entrepreneurial journey, learn from your mistakes and take advantage of opportunities.
If your business needs strengthening in certain areas, hire the best. You can’t do everything.
Never underestimate how hard you will have to work, but if you have ‘passion’ this will fuel you along.
Learn to read a balance sheet and keep your eye on the numbers. Always.
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Karren Brady – Syco Entertainment (Co owner with Simon Cowell & Sony Music). I have so much respect for KB, level headed, clever strategist and consummate business woman.
Deborah Meaden – Aside from her business successes, her Twitter account tells it how it is!
Jacqueline Gold – Having taken Ann Summers out of the tacky 70’s and made the industry female friendly and women centred. Never underestimate how har this must have been for her. Respect.
Jo McEwan & Ann Stephens From Positive Pause – they embrace all things for a positive menopause and their ‘passion’ is infectious! A must for all women.
Amanda Savage – A Specialist Physiotherapist. Not only is she expert at treating pelvic floor problems, she’s helped us here at Kegel8 understand more about the treatment journey from a patients point of view which we have replicated in our home use devices.
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
‘Comparison is the thief of Joy’.
Website & Socials
@kegel8 (Twitter)
