8 Te Good Life Events & International Women’s Day


Women who mean business


This International Women’s Day, inspiring female entrepreneurs share advice for future generations. Words: Evelyn Richards


sphere, with few opportunities afforded to rise to the top. However, recent years have seen a


W


rise in female entrepreneurs breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for others to follow. Two such women, Krissy Cela and


Jessica Lancaster, have built thriving brands from the ground up, proving that resilience, confidence and collaboration are all key to success.


Taking the leap Both Krissy and Jessica launched their businesses at a young age, 21 and 23 respectively, driven by the belief that if they didn’t start then, they never would. Krissy, now the founder of fitness


app EvolveYou and workout clothing brand Oner Active, recalls how her idea for the app came from a glaring gap in the market. “Tere was no app designed by women, for women, to help them in strength training,” she says. Having no roadmap to


omen in business have long faced challenges that come with being in a male-dominated


follow didn’t hold her back. “Tere’s no perfect time, no perfect product: perfection in business doesn’t exist.” Jessica echoes this sentiment. She


and her best friend, Charlie Stagg, started lifestyle accessories company Coconut Lane with no business background or clear plan. “We both had corporate jobs but dreaded the ‘Sunday Scaries’. We wanted work be something we felt passionate about,” she says. “We kept waiting for the perfect time but, eventually, we just took a leap of faith.”


Challenges faced Despite their success, both women have encountered obstacles. Krissy has seen first-hand how women in the fitness industry are treated differently. “To show fitness results, you have to post images of your body — but that leads people to assume I’m less intelligent than I am,” she explains. “Male fitness influencers don’t experience that same scrutiny, but every woman has been underestimated.” Jessica, too, has faced scepticism,


particularly in the early days of her business. “People saw two young girls and assumed we didn’t know what we were doing,” she says. “Now, our success speaks for itself but, back then, we had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.” One of the most intimidating


aspects of business, she says, is seeking investment. “Te investor world is overwhelmingly male, and entering that space was daunting. We ended up self-funding to ensure control of our business.”


Krissy Cela IMAGE: ONER ACTIVE


Lifting others up Both women are passionate about changing the narrative for future


Jessica Lancaster (right) and Charlie Stagg IMAGE: COCONUT LANE


female entrepreneurs. Krissy believes one of the biggest mistakes women make is seeing each other as competition. “Business is a boy’s club — but you rarely see women supporting each other. We’ve been taught there are limited seats at the table, but that’s not true. Te most powerful thing you can do is give opportunities to other women.” Jessica has seen a shift in the


industry, with more female founders choosing to collaborate rather than


compete. “Previously, it felt like women had to fight for their place. Now, there’s a sense of community,” she says.


Advice for future generations Krissy and Jessica agree: success starts with self-belief. “Women worry about being bossy, but men never have those concerns”, says Krissy. Jessica’s advice? Just start. “We had


no business plan, no investors, just belief in our vision.”


Promotional Content • Saturday 8th March 2025


Climate anxiety is real: careers that help build a sustainable future


With climate change an urgent global issue, now is the time to consider a new career that contributes to food security, ecosystem restoration and a greener future. The past decade has been the hottest on record in the UK according to the Met Office and, as climate anxiety rises, many are looking for ways to take meaningful action


T


raining for a sustainability-fo- cused career can help drive real change both locally and globally.


Here are five career paths that support environmental solutions and a more sustainable future:


1. Urban food planner As cities become more crowded and food insecurity rises, urban food plan- ners play a vital role in ensuring sustain- able food systems that promote healthy living and environmental wellbeing.


2. Soil scientist Soil is the glue that holds it all together. Te quality of soil is directly linked to the food you eat. Soil scientists are integral to the work of finding solu- tions for food security and maintaining ecosystem balance.


3. City and park ranger Rangers play a role in preserving urban parks and natural reserves, helping to ensure that wildlife thrives and that ecosystems are maintained in a way that supports environmental sustaina- bility. Tey also educate the public about conservation and leading initiatives that foster sustainable use of natural spaces.


4. Rural land consultant A rural land consultant guides land- owners and organisations in sustain- able land management, ensuring agriculture and natural landscapes support biodiversity while balancing conservation and development.


5. Vineyard analyst Did you know viticulture is the fastest growing


agricultural industry in


the UK? As the demand for vine- yard managers, sustainable wine importers/exporters and viticultur- ists continues to grow locally and internationally, this is a career path that promises both fulfilment and future opportunities. Tese roles offer the opportu-


nity to be part of the shift toward a healthier planet while building a fulfilling career. Not sure where to start? Join a campus in the heart of a national park, just one hour from London, that offer workshops, part- time training, CPD and degrees in subjects including land and environ- ment, animal and veterinary studies and wine studies. Visit the website to book a visit to Plumpton College, or join a webinar to find out more.


THE LEADER IN LAND & ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION plumpton.ac.uk T: 01273 980454 instagram.com/plumptoncollege


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