National Business Women’s Week falls the week of 19th – 25th October. To celebrate National Business Women’s Week, we wanted to speak to some of our clients, that are also women in business, to get their thoughts. In this blog post we speak to Helen Rome of Elite Weddings and Events, Donna Young of Locks and Shades, and Erica Cave of Save with the Caves. These are three very different women in business, within very different industries, with very different experiences.
Here at Creative Content Company, we are a women owned business. Hazel started the business back in September 2013. There was definitely a divide in women and men in business. So much so, on taking Dan to help at a business exhibition stand one year she found people walking past her to speak to Dan, as he was the male and clearly the business owner. In fact, Dan was just there at the time to cover Hazel’s toilet breaks and entertain people while others were talking to Hazel. Things have moved forward, but there is still a long way to go, in our opinion.
So, what did Helen of Elite Weddings and Events have to say?
“2017 saw the transition from being employed to becoming a business owner. This was one of the most challenging yet transformative experiences of my life. In a structured job, there’s a certain safety in knowing what’s expected and having a consistent pay cheque. But stepping into entrepreneurship meant stepping into the unknown—taking on risk, wearing every hat, and learning as I went. Suddenly, every decision fell on my shoulders, from finances to strategy to building a team. There were moments of self-doubt, financial strain, and sleepless nights. But there was also incredible growth. Through it all, I’ve come to appreciate the freedom, creativity, and purpose that come with building something of my own. The challenges were real, but so is the reward.
Being a woman in business has been both a challenge and a deeply rewarding journey. I’ve had to learn to trust my voice, own my space, and lead with both strength and empathy.
Every obstacle I’ve faced has shaped me into a more resilient, thoughtful, and empowered leader. It is one of the reasons I am a volunteer business mentor. Sharing my journey and lessons learned can help others navigate their own paths with more confidence and clarity than I had starting out.”
Donna of Locks and Shades, a hairdressing salon in Yaxley was very open and honest with her thoughts for National Business Women’s Week.
“I believe there is still a divide between men and women, and this seems to be an unconscious bias. But, maybe I see this more due to my trade and industry. I think within our industry, a majority of winners and those that take it further are men. Why is this? Is it because they work harder and deserve it? Is it because women are still the ones that have to take the breaks for having children, looking after kids, managing school holidays and such like?
While things have moved forwards, there is a long way to go. But what the answer to getting there sooner is – I don’t know.”
Then we have thoughts from Erica Cave, who runs Save with the Caves, a Utility Warehouse partner. This is what she had to say:
“When I look back, my career has been anything but ordinary, and I wouldn’t change a thing. From working as a County Sports Development Officer and Regional Development Manager in disability sport, to setting up and organising Race for Life events that brought communities together. My passion has always been about empowering others and making a difference. These roles, however, didn’t come without challenge as much of this work was in an arena dominated by older males. These challenges shaped me. They taught me resilience, confidence, and how to make my voice heard with professionalism and purpose.
Having moved into education, as a teaching assistant and then qualified teacher, my challenges shifted as I juggled my career with raising two sons. Was this easy? No. There were many difficult times, but these taught me resilience, patience, and the power of adaptability.
Becoming a partner with Utility Warehouse has opened a new chapter for me. It has given me choices. UW has enabled me to take control of my future. It gave me the flexibility to reduce my teaching hours, eventually retiring early, on my own terms. It showed me that business isn’t just about numbers: it’s about freedom, confidence, and creating opportunities for yourself and others.
To other women navigating their own paths in business, I would urge you to trust your journey. Every skill, every challenge, and every pivot along the way adds up to something powerful. You are capable of building a life and career that truly reflect who you are. Reach out and support other women, become each other’s cheerleaders. Because when women support each other, they thrive and thriving women don’t just make things happen, they make life better for everyone around them.”
So, like we promised – some very different takes and thought about women in business, to mark National Business Women’s Week. What are your thoughts? Will you be doing anything different to support business women or women-owned businesses?
