Her Story: Edition 8
Be inspired and uplifted by Her Story, a weekly series of articles about courageous and powerful women leaders who are living life on their terms.
Hello, Denyse here, and a very warm welcome to We Are Mimosa, a space for ambitious female founders building brands aligned with their purpose and values, and who care about making the world a better place.
How was your week? Last week, following Rosy Hardy's expert advice, I was planting spring bulbs in my garden - a reminder that meaningful change requires both vision and careful groundwork. It got me thinking about another milestone we're approaching: the first time in British history that a woman will deliver the UK Budget. But will Rachel Reeves' appointment translate into real change for women?
In today’s edition of Her Story, I’m going to:
Explore whether the upcoming autumn budget will work for women and small businesses?
Delve into Willow Crossley’s inspirational female founder story;
Shine a light on leading woman, Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman who has become the Democrat’s most prominent conservative surrogate;
Reflect on a topical story relating to women;
And share what’s been inspiring me this week. And yes, there will be an allotment reference!
Read: My Summer Business School series about business planning which includes a piece about marketing on a shoestring and my new series on how to build an unforgettable brand.
Will Women Finally Get a Budget That Works?
Today, we're talking about the 2024 Autumn Budget which marks a historic moment - the first time in British history that a woman will stand at the despatch box to deliver this crucial economic statement. While Rachel Reeves' appointment as Chancellor breaks another glass ceiling, the real question remains: will this translate into meaningful economic change for women across the UK?
The statistics tell a stark story: women make up just 17% of UK entrepreneurs, despite evidence showing that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap could add £250 billion to our economy and create 1.1 million new businesses. The proposed measures - from corporation tax freezes to potential NI changes - will significantly impact women-owned businesses, yet women's voices remain notably absent from budget discussions.
A truly equitable budget would need to go further. It would include targeted investment streams for women-owned businesses, particularly in high-growth and green sectors. It would reform our social security system to better support women entrepreneurs, especially those with caring responsibilities. Most importantly, it would embrace gender-responsive budgeting - analyzing how every fiscal decision impacts women and men differently, then adjusting policies to promote equality.
As we approach this landmark budget, we need to ask ourselves: are we ready for the transformative change needed to create an economy that truly works for everyone? Will these measures help or hinder women entrepreneurs? And how can we ensure that as we transition to a green economy, women's businesses aren't left behind?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. What changes would you like to see in this budget to support women entrepreneurs?
Female Founder Spotlight
Willow Crosley, founder of Willow Crossley Creates
This week's Female Founder Spotlight shines on Willow Crossley, whose journey from fashion journalist to celebrated florist and lifestyle brand founder offers powerful lessons in following your passion and building a purpose-driven business that celebrates nature's beauty while championing sustainability.
What makes Willow's story particularly inspiring is her willingness to embrace unexpected turns. After a successful career in fashion journalism at prestigious publications like Tatler and Harper's Bazaar, life took her in a new direction when she moved to France with her husband. It was here, away from the fast-paced fashion world, that she discovered her true calling. Starting small with Willow Rose Boutique, selling handmade items from her kitchen table, she laid the foundation for what would become a thriving lifestyle brand.
The pivotal moment came while writing her second book, "Inspire: The Art of Living with Nature." This project led her to discover her passion for floristry, prompting her to enroll in the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers. What began with designing flowers for a friend's wedding has blossomed into a comprehensive lifestyle brand, with a client list that includes luxury names like Dior and Ralph Lauren, and even the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Perhaps what's most inspiring about Willow's brand is how she's turned her environmental values into a cornerstone of her business practices. She prioritizes locally sourced, seasonal flowers, minimizes plastic use, and actively seeks alternatives to traditional floristry materials. "Sustainability isn't just an add-on," she explains. "It's fundamental to everything we do."
The personal side of Willow's story adds another layer of authenticity to her brand. As a mother of three boys, she's been open about her struggles with postnatal depression and how working with nature became her sanctuary. This experience inspired "The Wild Journal," her book about finding solace through connecting with the natural world, and continues to influence her approach to business and life.
Willow has grown her brand organically, expanding beyond floristry to encompass workshops, online courses, books, and brand collaborations. Her latest venture, "The Seedling" on Substack, shares intimate insights about gardening, interiors, and style, fostering a thriving community of nature enthusiasts and aspiring florists.
Discover Willow's full story here.
Shine a light
Which women-built brands do you love and would like to put in the spotlight? Help me to support and uplift amazing businesswomen by sharing the brands you love in the comments box below.
Leading Women
Liz Cheney, former US Republican congresswoman
This week, we're shining the spotlight on Liz Cheney, who has emerged as an unexpected voice for democratic principles across party lines. The former Republican congresswoman, once the third-ranking GOP leader in the House, has transformed from conservative stalwart to the Democrats' most prominent conservative surrogate, demonstrating that principles can—and should—transcend party loyalty.
Cheney's journey is remarkable. After voting to impeach Donald Trump and serving as vice chair of the January 6th committee, she knew she was likely sacrificing her political career within the Republican Party. Indeed, she lost her House seat in Wyoming's primary. But rather than retreat from public life, she's chosen to speak out even more forcefully, crossing traditional party lines to support Democratic candidates who champion democratic institutions.
Her actions exemplify rare political courage. Despite coming from a conservative dynasty (she's the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney) and having a voting record that aligned with Trump's policies 93% of the time, she chose to stand against what she saw as a threat to democracy. "There are moments when we all have to stand up and defend our republic," she's said. "This is one of those moments."
The impact of her stance has been profound. As a conservative voice speaking to moderate Republicans and independents, she's helping build bridges across America's political divide. Her willingness to put country over party has earned respect from former opponents and demonstrated that political integrity isn't about agreeing on everything—it's about defending fundamental democratic principles when they're under threat.
Liz Cheney reminds us that true leadership often requires making difficult choices that may cost us personally but serve a greater purpose. Her story shows that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is stand up for what's right, even when - especially when - it means standing alone.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you stood up for your values, even when it meant doing it alone? Share your stories in the comments below. Remember, every voice adds to our collective strength.
This week, we’re talking about…
... courage in the face of systemic barriers, and one woman's determination to speak truth to power. Like Liz Cheney's stand for democracy, Gisèle Pelico's recent testimony demonstrates how a single voice, raised in defense of truth, can challenge entrenched systems of power.
The statistics are sobering. Women who come forward to testify about abuse often face a secondary trauma in the courtroom itself. They're questioned about their behavior, their choices, their credibility—while their abusers often face far less scrutiny. It's a pattern that has historically discouraged many women from seeking justice through legal channels.
But Gisèle Pelico chose to stand up. Despite a system that often seems designed to silence survivors, she stepped forward to tell her story. Her powerful words—"it's not for us to have shame – it's for them"—echo beyond her individual case, challenging the very narrative that has kept so many women silent for so long.
The impact of her courage extends far beyond her individual case. By speaking out, she's illuminated the urgent need for reform in how our judicial system handles cases of gender-based violence. Just as Liz Cheney's testimony helped safeguard democratic institutions, Gisèle's testimony serves as a powerful reminder that change often begins with one person willing to stand up and say: this is not right, and it needs to stop.
As we witness more women like Gisèle coming forward, it's crucial to recognize that their individual acts of courage are part of a larger movement for systemic change. They remind us that while the path to justice may be difficult, every voice raised makes it a little easier for the next woman to speak her truth.
What are your thoughts on how we can better support women navigating the judicial system? Share your insights in the comments box below.
Inspiring Me This Week
This is what's been providing me with creative inspiration this week:
Regenerative Gardening with Bloom & Branch Farm's brilliant YouTube channel. Their herbal garden plan inspired me to create an apothecary garden on my allotment! I'm excited to see how this blend of practical and medicinal plants will develop over the coming seasons.
Sarah Raven's pumpkin cornbread recipe. You might remember Sarah from my recent Female Founder Spotlight where I explored how she's built an unforgettable brand that's transformed gardening in Britain. Her autumn recipes are as inspiring as her planting combinations!
And finally, inspired by both Sarah Raven and Bloom & Branch Farm, I've been mapping out next year's plans for my plot. Their peachy cutting garden has me dreaming of summer blooms! There's something powerful about planning for growth, whether in our gardens or our businesses. Sometimes the seeds we plant today create the most unexpected and beautiful blooms tomorrow.
I hope you've enjoyed this eighth edition of Her Story? I'd love to know what and/or who has been inspiring and empowering you this week? Share with us here what's been working for you. I'd love to hear from you in the comments box below.
Until next time!
Denyse
About me
If you’re new to my work, it might be helpful if I explain who I am and what I do!
I’m Denyse Whillier, a former Chief Executive with more than 25 years of business experience under my favourite Sézane belt. I upcycle my skills and experience to provide business mentoring and strategic support, reimagined for female founded businesses.
My mission is simple. It’s to make it easier for women to build thriving brands which are aligned with their purpose and values and to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship, one female founder at a time.
I’ve always worked for organisations with a strong commitment to DEI and was part of the team which led the implementation of the MacPherson Report to address institutional racism in London's public services.
To find out how I can support you on your business journey, check out this link. And if you’d like to know more about the results my clients get, here are some of my case studies.
One-off advice | 3-hour intensive | Ongoing monthly business coaching | Done-for-you business audit