#74 – The Power of Three – Sisters, Business and Parenting with Fiona Ross, Hazel Allan and Laura Davidson
Introduction
In this podcast episode of Tag Lab, our host Laura brings a unique twist by featuring her sisters, Hazel and Fiona, who are both successful entrepreneurs.
The episode explores their entrepreneurial journeys, family dynamics, and the insights they’ve gained from balancing business with personal life.
The discussion highlights the rarity and significance of their achievements, given that less than 1% of women-run businesses with employees last over eight years.
The conversation covers key topics such as scaling businesses, family influence, and maintaining motivation, offering a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and practical tips.
Key Topics:
- Family Influence on Entrepreneurial Success
- Starting and Scaling a Business
- Balancing Family and Business
- Maintaining Motivation and Resilience
- Support Systems and Collaboration
- Challenges in Business and Overcoming Them
- Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Future Goals and Aspirations
Family Influence on Entrepreneurial Success
Laura, Hazel, and Fiona attribute much of their entrepreneurial spirit to their upbringing. Their parents, while risk-averse, were extremely supportive and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
This encouragement was paired with a strong work ethic and the necessity to figure things out independently.
The sisters recall instances where they had to work hard and problem-solve from a young age, such as Hazel saving up for dance auditions and Fiona starting a small beauty business as a child.
This blend of support and independence helped them build the confidence and resilience needed to start and run their own businesses.
Starting and Scaling a Business
Hazel and Fiona share their experiences of starting their businesses.
Hazel founded Glasgow Dance Academy after missing dance while doing her teacher training. She began with a small group of students and expanded to four locations with hundreds of students.
Fiona started The Aesthetics Club after seeing potential for a better approach in the industry while working for a large company in London.
She began by renting a clinical space part-time and quickly grew her client base, leading to multiple clinic locations across the UK.
Both sisters emphasise the importance of just starting, even if you don’t have all the answers initially, and learning as you go.
Balancing Family and Business
Balancing family life with running a business is a recurring theme. The sisters have eight children between them, making time management and flexibility crucial.
They discuss the challenges and rewards of being able to control their schedules, which allows them to be present for their children while managing their businesses.
They also reflect on the importance of instilling self-sufficiency and resilience in their children, similar to how they were raised. The ability to balance work and family life is seen as both a motivating factor and a significant achievement.
Maintaining Motivation and Resilience
The sisters talk about their motivation and resilience, which are critical to their long-term success.
Hazel finds motivation in her passion for teaching and the satisfaction of seeing her students succeed. Fiona is driven by the growth of her business and the positive feedback from her team and clients.
They both emphasise the importance of showing up consistently, even on difficult days, and the value of taking painful feedback and using it to improve.
Their upbringing, which encouraged problem-solving and hard work, plays a significant role in their ability to stay motivated and resilient.
Support Systems and Collaboration
The sisters highlight the importance of support systems and collaboration in their entrepreneurial journeys.
They benefit from a close-knit family and a network of friends and colleagues who provide advice, support, and encouragement.
They regularly discuss business challenges and share solutions, benefiting from each other’s experiences. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in navigating difficult decisions and maintaining their businesses’ growth and success.
“We’re honest with each other, even if it’s hard to hear. You’re vulnerable to be like, I’m finding this hard or I need help with this and then unwavering support.”
Challenges in Business and Overcoming Them
Hazel and Fiona discuss specific challenges they have faced in their businesses.
Hazel found it difficult to make all decisions independently and recently benefited from targeted support specific to her industry.
Fiona struggled with hiring the right people to maintain high standards and found a solution by launching a training academy to train passionate individuals in-house.
Both sisters have learned to navigate these challenges through problem-solving, seeking support, and continually adapting their strategies.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The sisters offer advice for those thinking about starting their own businesses. They emphasise the importance of just starting and not waiting for everything to be perfect.
Both sisters encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to work hard, seek help, and continue learning and adapting.
Highlighting the value of having professional experience in their respective fields before starting their own ventures, which provided a strong foundation for their businesses.
“If you’re in any industry where you think, I love this industry, but I feel I can do better, then you probably can give it a go.”
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Fiona aims to continue expanding The Aesthetics Club across the UK and internationally. She envisions opening more clinics and potentially exploring international markets.
Hazel plans to keep growing Glasgow Dance Academy, focusing on maintaining the quality of education and experience for her students.
Both sisters are committed to their businesses’ long-term growth and success, driven by their passion and dedication.
Conclusion
This podcast episode offers a deep dive into the entrepreneurial journeys of Laura, Hazel, and Fiona, highlighting the influence of their upbringing, the challenges they’ve faced, and their strategies for success.
Their stories are a testament to the power of support, resilience, and hard work.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can draw valuable lessons from their experiences, particularly the importance of starting, seeking support, and maintaining a passion for their work.
The episode ends on an encouraging note, celebrating the progress of women in business and the potential for continued growth and success.