Emma Wimhurst
Emma became a self-made millionaire from the success of her biggest
enterprise to date: Diva Cosmetics, which was founded after she spotted a
gap in the market for colour cosmetics at the height of The Spice Girls fame in
the late ‘90s. Following a 10 year career in-house at Revlon, Emma seized the
opportunity to nurse her entrepreneurial itch and Diva Cosmetics was born. The
business rapidly became the leading supplier of own labelled colour cosmetics
to the majority of high street chains. The business was sold late 2003.
Not surprising, for Emma is a natural entrepreneur, another exciting
enterprise was born not long after the birth of her third child, Empwr.
What has been key to your success? Any words of wisdom for those starting out in
Name: Emma Wimhurst
I truly believe that the reason I have been business?
successful so far in my life is because I really want I would say to all fledging entrepreneurs that the
Career Highlights:
it! I am extremely passionate about everything I secret of success in business lies in clarity – clarity
• 10 years in-house at Revlon.
do. I also stick to my fundamental belief that you of purpose, planning and direction. Every business
• Started Diva Cosmetics, turnover peak
need to plan in order to achieve – and you need must have clear and defined business goals and
of £2.3 million.
to review, review and review everything you do. ambitions in the form of a strategic plan: a vision
• Sold Diva Cosmetics in 2003.
My seven business disciplines have worked in my statement that encapsulates what your company
• Founded Empwr.
business life. does, who your customers are, what you want
• Featured in BBC series Beat The Boss
your business to achieve, how you are going to
• Released first book Boom! this year
Bearing that in mind, what big achievement achieve it and over what time-scale.
stands out?
The highlight of my career so far has been that What company stands out as an influence or
I took a simple idea and created a £1m turnover inspiration?
business within just 12 months – rising to several I admire many businesses but one which
“Every business must have millions within 3 years – with extremely good profit particularly stands out is Apple. Not only
clear and defined business
margins too! because of their product innovation but simply
because they have honest, core values which
goals and ambitions in the Anything that didn’t go to plan? are reflected throughout their business: knowing
form of a Strategic Plan.”
I have made many mistakes in business – the their customers inside and out, consistently being
biggest mistake would be not to learn from each innovative and at the forefront of technology and
error made and make the same mistake again! delivering outstanding, uncompromised quality.
Every situation is a learning situation even if
you learn what not to do. I can’t really identify What does the future hold for
Hall 4 – 11.00-11.30
one particular huge error – the key lesson is to Emma Wimhurst?
Thursday
recognize that you have made a mistake, blame My main focus for the next 6 months relates to
no-one other than yourself – in other words be Boom! 7 Disciplines to Control, Grow and Add
Seven Ways To Make Your Business
accountable for your actions, and actually do Impact to your business. The marketing and
BOOM!
something about it. Quickly. promotional activity we have lined up for Boom! is
Millionaire entrepreneur Emma Wimhurst will
going to keep me extremely busy – however, there
share her 7 business disciplines which are
are plenty of new developments on the horizon...
proven to have transformed a broad range
Watch this space!
of businesses across the UK and overseas.
“Business succeeds when passion, energy
and opportunity meet” - BOOM!

BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304

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