Tag Archives: businesswomen

Quitting My £60k Job Was the Best Decision I Ever Made. Karen Holden Interview

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businesswomen , succeeding in businessKaren Holden is one impressive woman. She was a solicitor at an international practice but saw how female colleagues were ostracised during pregnancy. It made her fear for her career.  Karen also knew that the big corporate firm, would not support her need for a healthy work/life balance and Karen is a woman who wants it all.
Taking matters into her own hands, Karen launched A City Law Firm in 2008, when the UK economy was on its knees and lived off credit cards to survive.
Despite almost going bust in the first year, Karen is now celebrating 10 years in business, has an army of high profile clients and £1m plus turnover.

What was the catalyst that made you quit your job and start your own business?

Three things

  1. I wanted a family at some point in the future and I realised that a women in this sector , having a baby and family, would be difficult. I saw women passed over and treated differently and yet I knew I could still do everything as I have now proven
  2. Clients were becoming numbers and bottom line figures , whereas I still believed in delivering personal service and results
  3. So in short I was becoming disillusioned with the industry and wanted to see if I could do it differently

How do you make it a success?

I deliver what I genuinely believe in and aim to ensure all my team are on board and do the same. We are personal, supportive, specialist and experienced, but friendly and approachable service

I embrace change, disrupt the old fashion traditions, work hard and at the same time enjoy my family time

What have you learned along the way?

To never let anyone or anything stand in your way, learn from your mistakes and be proud of your battle scars.  Having good advisors, mentors and people around you is essential to success – you can never do it alone.

What advice can you give other women?

If you work hard and pick yourself up if a door closes in your face, you can have it all and succeed.  You can earn far more, have quality family life, a nice team to work with and achievable goals if you persist.

How important do you think work/life balance is?

This is fundamental and for me there is no point doing what I do if I cant have quality time with my family and friends.

I work late some week nights, so those nights I can get home early, I spend reading to my son and weekends are precious for us spending time together. Running my own business means I am fortunate to work the hours that suit my family.  If I leave early I can always pick up the work when my son is in bed as flexible working enables me to have it all

Do you think women who want families are still discriminated against? How could we fix this?

Its actually just as bad for men, trying to take paternity leave or time off for their families – we need as a society to embrace family life far more than we currently do in the UK. Likewise though, those with children do need to prove they can work just as well as those without so they don’t put on their colleagues or disillusion employers making it harder for others next in line. Working together employer and employees can often find a good balance that energises both of you which in turn is good for business.

What is your biggest tip for becoming successful?

Never take no for an answer , find another route to where you want to get and fight onwards – BUT always know you will make mistakes and learning from them is essential

Rise of The ‘Returners’ Women Over 30 Starting Their Own Businesses Increases

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feminism, working women, equality, Naomi West is at the front of a trend: Women over 30 taking the plunge and starting their own businesses.

Naomi West, 32, worked in digital marketing for a Financial Services company before her first son, Jacob, now almost 3, was born. She no longer wanted to be on conference calls at 6am with her colleagues in Australia and Skype meetings at 9pm with her American team. She freelanced for a while but still found it difficult to juggle family life with deadlines and client commitments. The peaks and troughs of work made planning childcare difficult and when her second son, Benjamin, was born with a heart defect, Naomi knew she needed to find a new way of working that would enable her to be there for her family.

 

Having enrolled both her children in Baby Sensory classes, Naomi waited for an epiphany about her future career. It came when her Baby Sensory class leader told her she was recruiting for a new class leader and Naomi got the job, gaining valuable experience. When the opportunity to take on her own franchise came up in her area of Bromsgrove, Worcester, she jumped at the chance, borrowing £15,000 in two loans from Startup Direct and launching her first classes in January this year. She now runs 11 classes per week, with up to 20 babies in each class.

 

“When the opportunity to start my own franchise came up, I felt instantly it was something I could make a success of”, said Naomi. ”I had experience with the business as a client and class leader, and had the skills from my career in digital marketing to set up and market the business in my own area. I now have regular class hours doing something sociable and creative, which fits brilliantly around family life. What’s not to love?”

Data released by Startup Direct shows that the number of women over the age of 30 seeking start up finance and mentoring increased by a third in 2014.

 

In 2013 women over the age of 30 made up just 25% of enquiries to the Government start up loan provider, but this grew to 57% in 2014, an increase of one third (32%). This trend is being driven largely by ‘Returners’; women who have taken a break from the workplace to have a family and are motivated to start their own business by the challenges of finding flexible and stable employment which is well paid enough to cover the cost of childcare.

 

They are starting predominantly internet-based micro businesses, employing fewer than 5 employees, which they can run part-time from their homes and are undeterred by the challenge of juggling home and family commitments with the demands of a new business.

 

James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “A growing number of women are disillusioned by the difficulties of combining family life with a traditional 9 to 5 job, not least the inflexible hours, lack of well paid part time work and the cost of childcare, which continues to spiral. The internet has made it easier than ever to start up a business from home and women are drawn to the prospect of being their own boss, choosing their hours and cutting childcare bills by working flexibly around family life.”

 

Startup Direct is encouraging more women to follow their dream of launching their own business by running a series of workshops aimed specifically at women, offering advice on all aspects of entrepreneurship as well as practical advice on childcare and time management. In particular it is targeting ‘Returners’, those are want to start businesses following a period of maternity leave or a career break after having children.

To apply for a start up loan, visit www.startupdirect.org

 

 

 

Jacqueline Waggett PacaPod Founder Interview

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We interviewed Jacqueline Waggett, founder of the amazing PacaPod changing bags. A must for all parents.

PacaPodfounder sketch

How did you come up with idea of the PacaPod?

I never even had a baby bag, I created a mock-up first PacaPod with different bags inside and thought this was a really good solution to getting out the house quickly when you had a precious window of opportunity between feeds, sleep, changes!

 

What makes it different?

PacaPod bags contain a unique ‘baby organisation system’ with two detachable pods to store feeding and changing items which keeps them hygienically apart and organised so there’s no panic rummaging for lost wipes or dummy. All three elements can be used on their own, clip onto a buggy and great for sharing with a partner, travelling or dropping at nursery – it’s very versatile and more than a bag it’s a toolkit for parents.

 

Was it hard getting the design right?

I held “focus groups” – basically having a bunch on my new found NCT friends around for a coffee and asking them to bring their changing bags with them and tell me what they loved and hated about them. The passion these ladies had about their bags just blew me away and I realised that everyone had the same frustrations as me and that I was really onto something. My background as an outdoor clothing designer for high profile brands meant that I had the tools to and knowledge to bring a product to market, so from those early discussions I designed a bag that would incorporate all the requirements necessary for the perfect baby bag – basically the PacaPod 3 in 1’ baby organising system’  was born.  Using my previous experience and contacts I sourced some factories to make bags, made samples, and held more focus groups, field tested and amended the bag again and again until the feedback from parents was just right.

pacapod

Do you have a favourite bag?

I use a PacaPod everyday even though my children are not in need of a baby bag as it makes a great work bag. I use the parent section for paperwork and laptop, the feeder pod for my lunch and the changer pod for all my odds and ends, make up and so on. So it depends when you ask me – right now I love the Sydney leather messenger.

 

How hard was it getting the business off the ground?

When I spoke to nursery retailers about the concept to gain industry feedback and I was told there were too many bags out there already!  But my gut feeling and the response from other mums told me it would work – so I took the plunge and booked a stand at the Harrogate nursery trade show in 2008, ordered the goods, set up a website and started selling! From the first idea to the launch at Harrogate it took just one year. Looking back it’s hard to believe I achieved so much, especially as I had a one year old and I was pregnant with my second child at the time.

 

What was the biggest challenge?

The early days and the legalities of launching a brand and protecting the copyright, patents, trademarks and testing standards required for the nursery industry on such an unusual product was a real education because there was nothing like it before in the market! Just to give you an idea the lining in the feeder pod alone is tested to the same degree as a dummy. It has taken years and a good deal of financial investment to ensure the product is protected worldwide and when you are self-funded re-mortgaging your house twice with two small children certainly takes its toll on the nerves.

 

When did you realise you had gotten it right?

Probably at that first trade show when we had such amazing feedback and great orders!

 

What is the high point so far?

When I see the bags out and about and people take the time to let us know how they love their bag.

 

For me it’s about people and places, helping people with babies to go places!

 

Our PacaPod review will be up soon. They are available from johnlewis.com and mummyandlittleme.co.uk

 

Calling The UK’s Female Entrepreneurs: Enter The NatWest Everywoman Awards

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beyonce_super_bowl_The UK’s longest-running programme for championing female enterprise, the NatWest everywoman Awards is welcoming entries for 2013. These awards, in their eleventh year, differentiate themselves by recognising business success at every stage of maturity – from embryonic start-ups demonstrating promise to established enterprises that are making a significant contribution to the British economy.

The search is now on to find the female entrepreneurs who will join the ranks of past winners; Chrissie Rucker MBE, Jo Malone MBE, Cath Kidston MBE, Hilary Devey and Dame Mary Perkins as well as the dozens of other women of all ages, household names of tomorrow, who are leading successful businesses the length and breadth of the country.

The number of people setting up their own businesses has jumped by 367,000 since the start of the downturn in 2008*, demonstrating how while necessity may be the mother of invention, a recession can be the mother of innovation. Every year, these awards demonstrate how women from all backgrounds are turning to entrepreneurship to realise their career ambitions. The NatWest everywoman awards raise the profile of pioneering, innovative, inspiring women whose journeys serve to encourage others to join the existing 4.2 million business owners in the UK.

The NatWest everywoman Awards are free to enter and individuals can be nominated or can enter themselves. The core award categories are:


Artemis – given to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 25 or under.

Demeter – awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 26 and 35.

Athena – presented to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 36 and 49.

Hera – for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 50 or over.

Specialist categories include:

Iris – presented to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a technology business that makes a difference provides real solutions in the world today and, ultimately, is instrumental in building a smarter planet.

Hestia – for the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business in a remote rural location and makes a contribution to the local community.

Gaia – awarded to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business with a clearly defined social and/or ethical purpose at its heart.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder and director of everywoman comments: “These awards recognise that starting and building a successful enterprise does not come with an instruction manual. We understand that business success is driven by women of all ages, from all backgrounds, across industry sectors. Over the years we have recognised hundreds of women who exhibit diverse skills and characteristics that have helped them succeed. Enterprise has never been more popular, and it is encouraging that so many more women are pursuing this route. We want to search out and identify the country’s hidden female entrepreneurs, whether they are just a year into their journey or are growing an established business turning over millions of pounds. By spreading the word about the triumphs of these trailblazing women, others will appreciate how rewarding owning a business can be, and have the confidence to follow in their footsteps.”

Nominations are made online at http://www.everywoman.com/ewawards until 8 July and will be judged by a panel of accomplished businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on 4 December 2013 attended by hundreds of the UK’s leading businesswomen, politicians, media and VIPS. For further information and for table bookings, please contact everywoman directly on 020 7981 2574.

RED MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF RED’S HOT WOMEN AWARDS 2012

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RED MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF

RED’S HOT WOMEN AWARDS 2012

in association with euphoria Calvin Klein

 

LIVIA FIRTH CHAMPIONS ETHICAL FASHION & LIVING

 

STARS OF LONDON 2012 NICOLA ADAMS, ZOE SMITH AND CLARE BALDING AWARDED FOR THEIR OLYMPIC CONTRIBUTIONS

 

DIGITAL ENTREPRENEUR KATHRYN PARSONS LEADS THE WAY FOR WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY WITH TWO AWARDS

 

 

Red magazine is delighted to announce the winners of its annual Red’s Hot Women Awards 2012, in association with euphoria Calvin Klein. The awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate British women in the workplace.

 

This year’s awards see an impressive range of inspiring working women being recognised. Livia Firth, Creative Director of eco-age.com and co-founder of The Green Carpet Challenge, is presented the ‘Eco’ award for using her profile to give ethical fashion a celebrity platform.

 

The prestigious ‘Fashion’ award goes to Caren Downie, ASOS Buying Director, for her remarkable vision for the ASOS brand. Fashionistas Erin O’Connor, Debra Bourne and Caryn Franklin are recognised in the ‘Pioneer’ category for their campaigning work with All Walks Beyond the Catwalk.

 

Flying the flag for London 2012 are Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams, Boxer, who is awarded ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ and Zoe Smith, Weightlifter, who is acknowledged in the ‘Woman to Watch’ category for sport. Clare Balding wins the ‘Media’ category for captivating the nation with her BBC Olympics coverage.

 

Kathryn Parsons, co-founder of Decoded, is the first winner to receive two awards in the ‘Digital’ and ‘Start-Up’ categories for her visionary digital business aimed at demystifying the world of computer coding.

 

In addition, Martha Payne, a 10-year-old blogger, is awarded ‘Woman to Watch: Blogger’ for Never Seconds, the blog she set up to report on her school dinners, and which has so far raised over £120,000 to provide school meals in Africa.

 

The awards ceremony also recognises impressive female talent in the restaurant scene, with Monica Galetti, Chef at La Gavroche, winning the Rose Gray Food Pioneer Award and Florence Knight, Head Chef at Polpetto, being awarded ‘Woman to Watch: Food’

 

The ‘Community / Charity’ award this year goes to Doreen Lawrence for the inspiring legacy she has created in memory of her son Stephen Lawrence. Christie Watson comes top in the ‘Creative’ category for her award-winning second novel Tiny Sunbirds Far Away and Helen McGinn, author of the Knackered Mothers’ Wine Club blog, is awarded best ‘Blogger’. Further accolades for truly impressive women include geneticist Dr Pia Ostergaard, the ‘Power Part-Timer’ who has made ground breaking discoveries to identify life saving gene mutations – and done it while working flexible hours. Shabana Mahmood, Higher Education Shadow Minister, is also recognised in the ‘Woman to Watch: Politics’ category for being one of the first Muslim Asian women in Parliament.

 

The categories were judged by some of the most inspirational professional women in Britain including; Red magazine Editor-in-Chief Sam Baker, Public Relations Director for Coty Prestige UK Kirsty Dale, Vice-Chair for West Ham Utd FC Karren Brady, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, CEO / Chairman of Shine Group Elisabeth Murdoch, Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, bestselling author India Knight, founder of Timewise Jobs Karen Mattison MBE and Chief Merchant for Harrods Marigay McKee.

 

The winners were announced at a champagne reception hosted by Lauren Laverne at One Marylebone.

 

Sam Baker, Red Magazine Editor-in-Chief, said:‘‘We are thrilled to be celebrating the achievements of some this country’s most inspiring working women. This year’s Red’s Hot Women Awards, in association with euphoria Calvin Klein, have recognised some truly amazing women and I congratulate everyone on their success.’

 

 

Why have they won?

 

Blogger

Helen McGinn, 39, Knackered Mothers’ Wine Club – What started on a whim has now become a popular blog and a book deal – proof that a love of a glass or two of wine is never a bad thing.

 

Community / Charity

Doreen Lawrence, 60, Founder, Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust – For challenging the British legal system and inspiring a nation with her vision of a community-based legacy for her son.

 

Creative

Christie Watson, 35, Author & Resuscitation Nurse – For winning one of the most coveted and respected awards for new writers, whilst also holding down a day job in nursing.

 

Digital / Start-Up

Kathryn Parsons, 31, Co-Founder, Decoded – For championing the agenda of women in technology, specifically encouraging women to be code-literate, in a way that is manageable and practical.

 

Eco

Livia Firth, 42, Creative Director of eco-age.com – For using her profile to give ethical fashion a platform and proving it’s a good business to go green.

 

Fashion

Caren Downie, 51, Buying Director ASOS – At a time when the retail sector is struggling, Caren’s vision has resulted in triple-figure sales growth.

 

Media

Clare Balding, 41, TV presenter and Olympic anchor – For her widely praised TV anchoring of the BBC’s London 2012 coverage and making her mark as a female sports broadcaster in a field that remains stubbornly male-dominated.

 

Media (Posthumous)

Marie Colvin, 56, award-winning journalist – Killed in Syria whilst reporting from the frontline, the judges created a special award this year to honour Marie’s groundbreaking journalism.

 

Pioneers

Debra Bourne, Erin O’Connor & Caryn Franklin, 48, 34 and 53, Founders of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk – For using their collective experience in the fashion world to campaign for a more diverse representation of women.

 

Power Part-Timer

Dr Pia Ostergaard, 42, Geneticist – After taking a career change, Pia has made groundbreaking discoveries to identify gene mutations, which will help save lives. And she’s done it whilst working part-time hours.

 

Rose Gray Food Pioneer

Monica Galetti, 36, Senior Sous Chef at Le Gavoche – For her unflinching resolve to make it to the top and to be treated as an equal in a male-dominated industry.

 

Sportswomen of the Year

Nicola Adam, 29, Boxer – For winning her way into the history books as the first ever female gold-winning Olympic boxer. Next stop Rio.

 

Woman to Watch: Food

Florence Knight, 26, Head Chef of Polpetto – For climbing the ranks in a male-dominated industry to run the kitchen of one of London’s leading restaurants, at only 26.

 

Women to Watch: Sport

Zoe Smith, 18, Weightlifter – For setting a new British record in the women’s 58kg at London 2012 and overcoming Twitter critics with her brave blog posts.

 

Woman to Watch: Politics

Shabana Mahmood, 31, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood – As one of the first Muslim Asian women in Parliament, Shabana is an inspiring force for more diversity amongst our MPs.

 

Woman to Watch: Blogger

Martha Payne, 10, Blogger – For inspiring hundreds of children in Britain to create their own blogs, scrutinising everything from fashion to their school sports days, and for raising over £120,000 for charity

Enter The Natwest Everywomen Awards.

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ONE MONTH TO GO TO ENTER NATWEST EVERYWOMAN AWARDS.

2012 MARKS A DECADE OF CELEBRATING THE UK’S LEADING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

If you are a female entrepreneur then enter into the Natwest Everyomwn Awards. During the ten years since inception the NatWest everywoman Awards have attracted thousands of entries and celebrated Britain’s leading female entrepreneurs. This inspiring programme has commended both household names such as Karren Brady, Hilary Devey, Dame Mary Perkins, Chrissie Rucker and Cath Kidston, along with a multitude of extraordinary women whose businesses both large and small support Britain’s reputation as one of the best countries for enterprise.

In this, their 10th year the NatWest everywoman Awards are reaching out to women in enterprise across the country to put themselves forward. Supported by government and big business alike, the awards acknowledge the drive and tenacity required for successful enterprise, symbolising UK’s best business success and inspiring and motivating the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

The NatWest everywoman Awards are free to enter and nominations can be made by business owners or those connected to them by 20 July 2012. The core award categories are:

Artemis is Goddess of the Hunt and Protector of Youth. This award is given to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 25 or under.

Demeter is Goddess of the Harvest. The Demeter Award will go to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 26 and 35.

Athena is Goddess of Wisdom. This award is given to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 36 and 49.

Hera is Queen of Goddesses and her wisdom and ability to inspire provide the basis for this award. This award is given to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 50 or over.

Other award categories include:

Iris is Messenger of the Gods, and is awarded to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a technology business that makes a difference, provides real solutions in the world today and, ultimately, is instrumental in building a smarter planet.

Hestia represents the hearth and home and is presented to a female entrepreneur who runs a rural business contributing to the local economy.

Gaia represents the earth and is presented to a female entrepreneur whose business has a clearly defined social and/or ethical purpose.

Karen Gill MBE, Co-founder and Director of everywoman says, “SMEs make up over 99% of the total number of businesses in the UK* so in terms of our economic health it is vital that we support and acknowledge their contribution to Britain plc. If we do not take steps to champion female enterprise so that future generations see it as a viable career choice, we will risk irreparable damage to our already fragile economy.

“Over ten years the NatWest everywoman Awards have done just that, recognising scores of women who have achieved business success through hard work, determination and passion and who are role models for future generations of female entrepreneurs.”

*Federation of Small Business, November 2011

Anne Mcpherson, Managing Director, Diversity in Business, NatWest says, “We are delighted to support the NatWest everywoman awards for the 10th year running. Over the years the awards have been a great encouragement to women entrepreneurs. At NatWest we have certainly seen an upturn in women owned businesses in the past few years and we are committed to encouraging more female entrepreneurship. Our 200 Women in Business ambassadors across the country share and understand our customers’ ambitions and provide the coaching and mentoring that helps them fulfill their potential and build successful businesses”.

Nominations are made online at www.everywoman.com/ewawards until 20 July and will be judged by a panel of accomplished businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on 5 December 2012 at The Dorchester in London attended by celebrities, VIPs and major figures from the worlds of business and politics. ­

Faiza Seth: Businesswomen, Socialite and Charity Founder.

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Frost has interviewed the glamourous businesswomen, Socalite and Charity Founder Faiza Seth. She has worked in the city, set up charities and started her own business. Definitely an inspiration women. The charity she founded is called Soham for Kids.

 

Faiza founded the Soham for Kids School in Hyderabad, India in 2010 because she believes that educating the impoverished is a long-term solution to alleviating poverty. This strategy requires self-enabling individuals to permanently break the cycle of poverty and eventually provide for themselves and their families. Faiza developed the holistic concept of establishing this completely free school that not only delivers a well rounded education, but also provides food, clothing and healthcare to 100 children across four grades ranging from pre-school, lower kindergarten, upper kindergarten to first grade. The charity aims to expand the school one grade each year. Soham for Kids is one of a few charitable schools in India that is non-denominational promoting a culture of acceptance and open-mindedness.

What can people do to help? People can donate or if they do have teaching experience, volunteer. There is always a need for clothes, blankets, books and toys, so people can donate these for the Soham for Kids students as well.

You used to work in the city, but now have your own business, was the transition scary? It is always scary to start your own business, because this has greater risk associated with it, and less job security. However, starting small and adding overheads slowly as business grows is a way to mitigate the risk.

Tell us about Casa Forma

Casa Forma Limited, a London-based architectural and interior design company specialising in creating bespoke luxury, turn-key properties. Casa Forma was founded in 2007 to develop properties in super prime locations of London and also offers its interior and architectural design services to third parties. Since inception, Casa Forma has successfully completed over 60 luxury residential and commercial projects in London as well as internationally. Our international practice provides a comprehensive interior design and architectural design service for residential, commercial and hospitality properties.

Our award-winning team of over 15 interiors designers, several of whom are qualified architects, can help you turn a space into a bespoke luxury living environment of impeccable quality by improving the functionality of a space thereby improving the value of a property both intrinsically and commercially. Casa Forma’s experienced team of interior designers and architects is led by world-class experts from the fields of decorative and structural design place absolute importance on understanding the particular needs and wishes of their clients for a professional service delivered to an uncompromisingly high standard. We are firm believers that the home is an extension of the homeowners’ personality, personal style, lifestyle, and tastes.


What is big in interior design right now? Currently, art deco, handmade products, and Asian influenced decor seem to be the prevalent trends in interior design.

Do you think women can “have it all”? Women can have it all, but not at the same time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and women can only balance so much. Sometimes work, family, or other commitments take different priority at different stages in a woman’s life.

How do you relax? I relax by watching TV, watching movies, getting a massage, spending time in nature, and yoga. Also just spending time with my Yorkies Dopey and Fizz automatically makes me smile and relax.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever had? ‘Think different, think Smarter. Otherwise, if you’re trying to be like someone else, the best you’ll ever be is second best.’ which was given by my husband Pallak Seth.

What’s next for you? I want to expand Casa Forma into the hospitality and commercial sectors. I also want to expand Casa Forma geographically into the emerging markets. I want to increase the class size of Soham for Kids so I can help some more impoverished and underprivileged children.

Girlie question now; what is your favourite beauty product? I love MAC Smoulder eyeliner. The eyes are the most expressive and beautiful feature on ones face and I think eyeliner really is the one product that can impact your look most.