TGt Meets... Helen Rich - IWD Special

In honour of International Women's Day, we caught up with Helen Rich, Founder of Taste of Bath, about the importance of this day and why it's no longer a man's world!

Name: Helen Rich

Location: Bath

Occupation: Founder at Taste of Bath & Winner of the Bath Life Award 2019 

Which woman would you compare yourself to?

I was bought up to never compare yourself to others- I believe in owning your own self- literally all the good stuff and the bad. Compete against yourself to make yourself better, never compete with others. This ambition and confidence comes from believing in your self, I guess that's what being an entrepreneur is.

What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?

My ability to get on with others, I love being with people, I love hearing about peoples lives and skills- helping them and engaging with them. For me in business, if your ambassador for others, they are ambassadors for you. I would say I am also a bit of a dab hand and sales.

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

I think Women need to focus on improving themselves and their own lives. I think teaching out daughters, nieces and mentoring young women to be their own advocates, having a day where collectively encourage each other is super positive. Plus women so quickly put each other down, International Women's refocuses our collective goals.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

Something we all struggle with! I surround myself and consider myself an ambitious woman, a perfectionist, my own worst critic- I work far too hard especially at Christmas, so the rest of the year I focus on a bit of self care. I would argue that everyone struggles with something, work life balance is my crux. 

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career?

When I was in my twenties I travelled a lot for work, I missed out on family time, spending time with my hubby and creating a support network, for the sake of my career. Bottom line is, working for someone else I gave up everything to further their business. This is why I run my own business, if your going sacrifice something, do it for your reasons, nobody else. Now when I sacrifice work time for family time, I know I am prioritising and don't feel guilty at all. Meeting my Mum for a long lunch on a Tuesday, that is rewarding.

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the workplace because of your gender?

Yes, I find sometimes people don't take you seriously as a woman, I have been ignored or spoken down to. Bottom line, that is their issue- I am delighted when people underestimate me... it makes the smile when I prove them wrong a lot bigger. Never let someone put you down due to sex, race or age- that is their issue, it is up to you to show how capable you are. I try to be squeaky clean, don't give anyone any ammo to use against you, judge me on ability and capability only- if you judge me on something out of my control, well that's your issue.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?

The only thing that is holding you back is you, the rest is smoke and mirrors, your own doubts and fears holding you back. You're not going to be perfect, you're not going to be incredible at everything, you are going to make mistakes- it doesn't mean you shouldn't do your dream. Oh and if it's not working, change something. Customers only buy what the want or need- just because you believe in it doesn't mean it is going to work- put your customer at the heart of everything you do and you won't go wrong.

If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be?

I get my inspiration from my family, I'm not focused on women in history, politicians or business leaders- I get my inspiration from my Mum, my sisters, my gutsy and formidable best female chums and my gutsy niece who is going to be a total ball buster. Sitting around a table with them inspires me every day.

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

I see myself with hampers in at least 5 cities, I see myself working with a passionate and motivated team who share in a common goal- to share the best of local artisan food. I would also like lots of loyal and faithful business clients who rely on our service to blow their customer's minds.