As I celebrate six years in business, I’ve been reflecting on how far I’ve come and all the incredible people who inspired me along the way. Six years ago, I took a leap of faith from a successful career in marketing and events managament to start something entirely my own. It wasn’t easy—especially launching just before COVID hit—but it’s been the most rewarding, transformative journey of my life.
To mark this milestone, I reached out to some of the incredible women in business who inspired me when I was just starting out. These are the coaches I followed or worked with at the very beginning of my entrepreneurial journey—women who are now busier than ever, making waves in their businesses. I’m so grateful they took the time to support me by answering one simple yet powerful question for my business birthday blog, sharing their wisdom and insights to celebrate this special occasion!
The question was :
“Looking back now, what is the one thing you wish you’d known before starting your own business?”
Their responses were honest, thoughtful, and full of wisdom. These answers remind me of the challenges so many women face as entrepreneurs—and how investing in yourself, your growth, and your vision is the key to creating something meaningful.
So today, I’m sharing their answers with you. Whether you’re just starting your business or years into your journey, I hope their words inspire you as much as these ladies have inspired me over the years!
Niyc Pidgeon - The Power of Slowing Down
Niyc is a Positive Psychologist, Business Mentor, keynote speaker, and Hay House author—aka the Queen of Coaching—and she has been a source of inspiration to me since I began my journey. She was one of the first coaches I followed online. This summer, I had the privilege of meeting her at her book launch, and listening about her incredible journey firsthand has deepened my admiration for her work even more. As a leader in coaching and positive psychology - plus being such a genuinely ‘lovely human’ Niyc resonates deeply with me personally, and I’m always grateful for her wisdom.
Here’s how Niyc answered :
“I wish I’d known that you do need to take action, but there’s no need to rush. The consistent work you put in every day will add up to big results, and you can actually get more done when you move slower and more strategically with a reverse-engineered plan rather than a reactive one. You’ll wind up living a reality that is beyond your original vision because you’re always expanding and growing. Your business plan evolves and is never ‘done’!"
Niyc’s advice is a reminder that growth isn’t a race. By moving with intention and strategy, you create a sustainable foundation that evolves with you, rather than chasing every shiny opportunity in a rush to grow!
Casey Paul - Quality Over Quantity
Casey Paul is a Positive Psychology Coach and Speaker. Casey was my very first business coach, and I owe her so much for guiding me onto the path of coaching myself. She recognised the potential in my experience and encouraged me to channel it into building a business that supports others as I do now in personal branding, marketing and business. I’m grateful to still be in contact with lovely Casey today, and we even met up this summer when she was speaking on the Wellbeing Stage at CarFest. True to form, she looked effortlessly glamorous (unlike me)—even with the typical rain of a UK festival!
Here’s what Casey said …
"I wish I had known that less can mean more and to focus on quality over quantity. My first business was a clothing brand in a department store in Windsor, and I was so keen to expand quickly. The more I scaled, the thinner I spread myself. It would have been better to focus on really optimising fewer quality stores than looking at scale so quickly. Just because you can do something and have the opportunity doesn’t mean you should!"
Casey’s wisdom is a valuable guide for anyone feeling pulled in too many directions—prioritise what truly matters, invest your energy there, and you’ll see greater impact and results.
Donna Elliott - Run Your Own Race
Donna Elliott, co-founder of Now Is Your Time Too , author, and TEDx speaker, is a true powerhouse of mindset and manifestation. I first attended one of Donna and Chery's earliest online mindset sessions through Casey, back when they launched their business about the same time as me. It was during that session that I gained a deeper understanding of how to overcome imposter syndrome and truly own my space as a leader. To this day, both Donna and Cheryl continue to inspire me with every post they share and every event they lead. Plus they are THE super kind and have a way of connecting authentically with people that is truly magical.!
Here’s how Donna answered …
"You’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked, so you have to pace yourself! When you’re passionate, it’s easy to run like it’s a sprint, but business is more like a series of marathons. Don’t compare yourself to what others are doing because you’re never seeing the full picture. It takes most of the fuel to get the jumbo jet off the ground and into the air… and it’s going to be the same with your business. Relax. Enjoy the journey. Celebrate every success and milestone along the way; otherwise, you’ll wonder why TF you started and won’t succeed. Focus on your vision and know that your business is a Divine assignment."
Donna’s words resonate deeply. In a world filled with everyone else’s highlight reels, her reminder to focus on your own journey is a grounding truth. She reminds you that success isn’t just about the milestones you achieve—it’s about the fulfillment, purpose, and growth you experience along the way.
Kate Redmond - Boundaries and Self-Worth
Kate Redmond, Director of the Style Coaching Institute, is one of the kindest and most supportive women in business you’ll ever meet. Kate and Tracey trained me as an accredited Style Coach™, a unique blend of image and life coaching designed to help clients transform from the inside out. Today, I have the privilege of working regularly within the International Association of Style Coaching™ community, supporting coaches globally through workshops and training. Kate’s insights on self-worth and boundaries, shaped by years of experience and personal growth, continue to inspire and guide me.
Here’s how Kate answered…
For anyone starting their own business, my advice is this: The number one asset in any business is the people behind it. Without self-care, an entrepreneur’s business can crumble like a house of cards. And if your business were to collapse tomorrow, who would you be then? What would you be left with? What would remain strong and resilient within you? Yes, be passionate about building your business! But also be passionate about building your own self-worth beyond your business.
Success isn’t just measured by what you achieve in your work but by who you become in the process and the lives you touch along the way. When you prioritise your health, happiness, and relationships, your business will be built on a strong and resilient foundation. Ultimately, your greatest asset isn’t just the work you do, but the balanced, fulfilled version of yourself you bring to it every day."
Kate’s journey is a powerful reminder that you are our business’s most valuable asset. Without self-care and boundaries, it’s easy to burn out and lose sight of what truly matters. Her words inspire you to balance your drive with self-compassion and to build a business that supports your life, not just the other way around.
And, of course, here's my own answer to the question too:
Janine Coney - Growth, Resilience, and the Power of Connection
"Looking back, the one thing I wish I’d known before starting my business is just how empowering—and demanding—it would be. My best friend told me early on, “You’re going to have to dig deep,” and she was right. Resilience, more than anything, has been key to my journey.
I’ve learned that mindset is everything. Motivation can fade, but building a strong, determined mindset has been what keeps me moving forward on the toughest days. I’ve also realised it’s OK not to do it all. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Surrounding myself with inspiring people—mentors, peers, and a supportive team—has been essential to my growth and success.
The biggest lesson? Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the business you build; it’s about the person you become. Trust yourself, embrace the challenges, and never stop investing in your own growth. That’s how you create something extraordinary."
Reflections and Moving Forward
Every year, I continue to invest in myself, with mentors and coaches who challenge me to step up and evolve. Investment in personal growth has been my key to building a business that’s not only impactful but also fulfilling. And as I celebrate my business birthday, I’m so grateful for the journey, the lessons, ‘ups and downs’ and the powerful women who’ve walked with me along the way.
So here’s my message to you - invest in yourself. Seek out mentors, surround yourself with people who motivate you, make you move, inspire you, and remember that every step of this journey is a part of your growth. Build a business that aligns with your life, values, and vision - after all it’s your business, not someone’s else’s!. And as you grow, I hope these words of wisdom guide you.
Here’s to courage, kindness growth, and celebrating every milestone along the way (with champagne )—no matter how big or small!
Here's to you ...
Janine x
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