Words Of Wisdom From A Person I Trust Implicitly

After running a hair salon for 25 years in Bristol, and a delicatessen for 17 years in Devon, Mum and Dad are enjoying their new life in Portugal. After telling them about our decision to move here, within 10 minutes Mum said “We can do that too, can’t we?” Within 6 weeks they’d sold their house, moved to the Algarve and beat us to it by 3 months!!!

I haven’t lived near my Mum and Dad since I left home, so it’s a brilliant treat to be able to see them so often and the simple but most special times of being able to ‘pop round’ for a coffee, have a chat and a cuddle! Before we moved here, we used to live 6 hours away from each other.

Funny we had to move countries to be closer!!

Today, we’re celebrating Mum’s birthday. First a manicure, then lunch together.

I do remember Mum saying this to me…
“If it feels good, do it, and if it doesn’t, don’t”

So, I had to ask Mum for more words of wisdom at 77 years of age!!!

What has been your secrets of success Mum? “A social outlook and a good sense of humour. We worked every day together for 42 years, so being tolerant of each other and having a laugh to lighten the mood certainly helps!”

What has been your biggest challenge? “Looking after two children, general every day tasks, and working in the salon was hard to juggle, so a successful business needs foresight and planning.”

After twenty-odd years in hairdressing (too many to remember!) we changed direction and moved to the coast, embarking on a new venture. We bought a deli & sold all local produce. Clotted cream, honey, cheeses, cakes & all things yummy! However, an eight-hour day in a cold shop was harder work, albeit enjoyable. The shop door was always open to welcome customers. Sea breezes whipped up the High street but the enticing aromas from a bake-off system offering hot bread, pasties etc. brought good custom every day.”

Did you have time off together? “We worked 5 and a half days a week but we made sure we always had Tuesdays off. Decisions to expand our business were always made on our afternoon off, over a light lunch. We took time-out together to work through our ideas to expand our clientele.”

What advice would you give your 30-year-old self?

“Enjoy what you do & do what you enjoy”

What advice would you give to women in business today?
“Make sure you have a bit of ‘me’ time to gather your thoughts. Take a break & work out your next plan of action. May all your efforts be well rewarded, good luck to you all”

Thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom Mum. Happy Birthday!

If you have a question about your business, why not book in a skype power hour with me. Or if you really want to get clarity and focus on your business, in the sun, why not think about joining me and other business owners on the AmberLife Retreat, full details can be found here.