The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for us as a small business and a big part of that has been winning some much admired awards, including Best Planet Friendly at the 2023 Female Business Awards. Setting up Eco-Able, I really wanted to do some good in the world and to help others, I’m really passionate about what I do and I hope that I can spread the message that sustainability can be for everyone, even in a really small way. When I entered the Female Business Awards, it was a really great way for me to tell my story and to shout about all the things I do as part of my business. It can feel a little scary if you have never applied for an award, however, I’m a big believer in looking at it as simply telling your business story and letting the world know about all the incredible things you are doing! Small business owners work incredibly hard behind the scenes, so it’s great to occasionally tell everyone!
The Female Business Awards
When I applied for the Female Business Awards, one of the things I really loved about this one in particular was the physical event during the day. This was a really great event and I went along on my own, which was a little nerve wracking. I needn’t have been nervous though, as everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it was great meeting lots of new people and learning about their businesses too. I learnt so much and met so many amazing and incredible small business owners there, I highly recommend it as part of the whole awards process. What I also really valued was that there was a judging process to the awards, which means that the awards are judged fairly to a criteria. Taking part in awards is a really great way to connect with other businesses and to share what you’re doing with other people, it can really help with reaching new customers and could also lead to collaborations with other brands too. I spend a lot of time working by myself, so it’s always great to have a reason to get out there and meet people!
Become your own cheerleader
I was lucky enough to win Best Planet Friendly business at the Female Business Awards and to be runner up for Overall Business, which I have to admit, was a real shock and surprise! I still view my business as relatively new, although we will have been running for 5 years this year and our physical shop will be two years old this May!
Since winning, we’ve shared our news and the feedback from people has been amazing. People pop into the physical shop just to say ‘well done’ which is really lovely. Awards are a really great way to show people how good you are, and whilst we might not always be great at being our own cheerleader, as business owners it’s something we really need to get more comfortable with. After all, how will anyone know what we do if we don’t tell them!
Part of what I love about running Eco-Able is the ability to help people and support them in living their best sustainable lives, whatever that looks like for them. I’m hugely passionate about taking care of this incredible planet we live on and in protecting it for future generations, so the little things we can do now, all make a difference. Sharing my story as part of these awards has had such a positive impact on the business and my confidence in running it too.
You can find out more about us by visiting our website www.eco-able.co.uk or by finding us on social media, I’m often on Instagram www.instagram.com/eco_able where I spend time chatting about all things sustainability.
