‘I aim to inspire future female entrepreneurs’
A BUSINESS owner from Cheshire has been featured in a unique voluntary project celebrating female entrepreneurs.
Emma Semper-hopkins was selected from thousands of applicants to take part in #Shecan365, which told the stories of 365 female entrepreneurs over 365 consecutive days in exactly 365 words.
The original website has since received a ‘Best Blog’ nomination from the Single Mums Business Network Awards 2020, as well as being turned into a book following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Thirty nine-year-old Emma is the co-founder of Scholar Green-based Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors which she launched with her dad, Ian, in 2016. The company, based at the Old Kent Green Methodist Chapel, specialises in design-led, custom-made upholstery and industrial design handcrafted furniture. Emma said: “Out of all the female entrepreneurs in the UK, I am honoured to have been chosen to be included in the #Shecan365 project, which is a world first.” “Since I founded my upholstery and interiors business with my dad, there has been so much to celebrate. I have also learned some big lessons, such as the challenges of running a small business, as well as building bonds with my clients and listening to their needs.
“I hope telling my story will inspire all future female entrepreneurs – empowering them for success.” Former journalist Michelle Ewen, who started the #Shecan365 project with online marketing specialist Helen Pritchard, said: “Every contributor gave their time freely – discussing how they pursued their passion and purpose whilst managing everything from health and fertility issues to family life, identity crises and financial battles. The universal theme that emerged was one of resilience.”