Welcome to the April 2018 edition of the Sarah Ellis Coaching Career Inspo Blog!
This is a monthly interview with someone who has followed their passion, dreamed big and now has a successful and exciting career. Whether you are searching for your passion or looking for guidance and insight from those in your chosen industry, the Career Inspo blog will have something for everyone. From Chief Executives, to inventors, from property moguls to artistic entrepreneurs, the 2018 line up is certainly set to provide plenty of inspiration and motivation!
This month I interviewed the lovely Elle Terry-Dawson. Elle is an experienced bra specialist, having owned her own lingerie boutique (Gorgeous Boutique), and has many years of experience in the field – especially in fitting post-surgical bras. Following her own experience with surgery, Elle recognised the need for a much improved design of post surgery bra and became determined to create a solution that could be used for all women, following all types of breast surgery. This led Elle to design the Hospital Bra.
HospitalBra is now a non profitable business donating to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, working alongside top UK leading surgeons Miles Berry, Adrian Richards and Prashant Govalkar.
Sarah Ellis: Elle, thank you for taking the time to be interviewed for the Career Inspo Blog! Can you start by sharing with the readers what led you to create Hospital Bra?
Elle Terry-Dawson: Through my own personal circumstance (with surgery and the long recovery) and working with many women post breast surgery; surgery can be an invasive and traumatic experience in itself, followed by the early months of recovery which can involve discomfort, soreness and tenderness. It became very evident that there was a great need for a better quality post surgery bra. It also gave me a great sense of fulfilment knowing I was helping others.
SE: How did you get started with creating the Hospital Bra and starting the business?
E.T-D: I spent a lot of time listening to the needs of breast surgery patients and worked closely with surgeons to ensure I was creating the most comfortable post surgery bra. The knowledge I gained also meant I could learn about the best anti-bacterial and eco-friendly materials (Hospital Bra is made from eco-friendly bamboo!)
SE: What are your favourite things about what you do?
E.T-D: It’s definitely the knowledge that I am helping others. In addition, I like knowing that I’m raising money for charity.
SE: What reignites your passion on the tough days?
E.T-D: I have learnt to remind myself that for every negative moment I may experience, there are always twenty more positive moments around the corner!
SE: What have been your most memorable experiences since creating Hospital Bra business so far?
E.T-D: Being Nominated for the MyFaceMyBodyAwards and Pride of Dacorum awards for which I was a finalist in the ‘Inspire a Generation’ and ‘Service with a Smile’ categories.
SE: What key strengths do you have that make you great at what you do?
E.T-D: I’m passionate about my work, I’m creative and have a positive attitude.
SE: Do you have a role model? If so, what have you learnt from them that has helped you in your business?
E.T-D: My fiancé – his passion and energy keeps me strong!
SE: What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
E.T-D: Work hard and be prepared for the tough days; it takes a lot of no’s to get to a yes, but that one yes is worth a million no’s!
SE: What are the top 3 things to consider when choosing and pursuing a meaningful and exciting business idea?
E.T-D: Ask yourself these three things and become clear on your answers:
- What is the unique selling point of your product?
- Is there a gap in the market/need for your product?
- Who is your target audience?
If you would like to read more about Elle’s product, Hospital Bra, you can go to www.HospitalBra.com, or visit her Facebook page and Twitter!