Since 1911, International Women’s Day has been celebrated on 8th March, recognising female achievements, raising awareness of discrimination and championing gender parity. To coincide with this year’s event, Fiona Stubbs meets some of Derbyshire’s inspiring female business owners
Helen Rowan
Chesterfield-based personal branding photographer Helen works with business owners across the Midlands and beyond, with a strong focus on supporting female founders. She is also co-founder of Loop Collective, a community of women supporting each other in growing small businesses and creative projects.
“I work with some amazing women across a wide range of sectors who are redefining leadership on their own terms. The women I photograph are often at a point of growth, refining their message, stepping into leadership or repositioning their businesses with greater confidence.
“They want to be visible in a way that feels natural, strategic and true to their work. When their imagery reflects that clarity, it gives them a powerful confidence boost, helping them show up more intentionally and consistently online.”
Natalie Burkinshaw
Natalie Burkinshaw is the founder of CRUSH, an award-winning Chesterfield-based branding, design and digital agency that works with start-ups, global enterprises and non-profits locally and around the world. As one of the remarkable 1% of creative agencies founded by women, Natalie is passionate about delivering high standards and pushing the boundaries of what is expected within the sector.
“When I started out as a young designer, I was in a sector dominated by male leadership. I began CRUSH at a time when female agency founders were few and far between. As a single mum in my early 20s, it certainly wasn’t easy but, 23 years later, we’re still here – with the same mission to deliver exceptional work that genuinely helps businesses to realise their full potential.
“I’m deeply driven by the people I work with – from our brilliant team (over half of whom have been with us for over 10 years) to our fantastic clients who trust us with projects that never cease to inspire us.”
Jo Dawson
Jo Dawson is the founder of Dawson Radford Solicitors, a niche law firm offering corporate, commercial and commercial property services to SMEs. Its small, but growing, team is led by Jo, who is well known for her expertise in buying and selling businesses, particularly in the social care sector. The firm also acts for property investors, landlords and owner managed businesses. “My reason for starting the firm is much the same as my reason for continuing to build it 10 years later – I wanted to create a nice life for my family. Our needs and circumstances have changed quite a lot over that time, but providing experiences and opportunities for my two boys has remained my biggest priority. By running my own firm, I get to work in my own way, with the clients I enjoy working with and doing the work I love.
“I love being lawyer, I love working on deals, but I also love running the business too. I enjoy working with my team and helping them to develop and grow. Seeing them work independently with clients and get the recognition they deserve for a job well done is always a special moment.”
Dr Fatima Eltinay
Dr Fatima Eltinay is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, doctor, and founder of aesthetic clinic Revitalyze.
“Serving as Derbyshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner alongside Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, while still practising as a clinician, is something I never take for granted. Both roles matter deeply to me, and both come from the same place, which is service.
“Working as part of this all-female team feels important – not because leadership should be about gender, but because visibility matters. When people see women at the table, it changes what feels possible.
“My career started in medicine, in anaesthetics and intensive care. You learn that what happens in a crisis is usually the final chapter of a longer story. Health and crime aren’t separate. Substance misuse, trauma, domestic abuse and poor mental health overlap. So, in policing, I bring the same mindset I use in medicine. I don’t just ask: “How do we respond?” I ask: “How do we stop this happening in the first place?” Prevention saves more lives than crisis response ever will.
“What motivates me most is working at that intersection – bringing together policing, public health, charities and local communities to tackle problems earlier and properly. Whether I’m in theatre with a patient or in a community hall talking about neighbourhood safety, it’s really the same job: protect people, reduce harm and give everyone a fairer chance. For me, it’s never been two careers. It’s one purpose, carried into different spaces.”
Mel Archbould
Mel Archbould is the founder of Chesterfield-based Cloud-Busting, supporting small and medium-sized businesses as they grow, transition or prepare for the future. With more than 17 years’ experience as Managing Director of her family’s manufacturing business, Mel understands the realities of leadership – the responsibility, the pressure, and the need to make tough decisions while carrying the weight of others’ livelihoods.
“Cloud-Busting grew directly from my own experience. After leading and ultimately selling the family business in 2022, I became acutely aware of how many SME owners find themselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed and isolated in their leadership roles.
“When everyone looks to you for answers, it can be hard to know where to turn. I founded Cloud-Busting to provide clarity, challenge and reassurance, helping business owners and senior leaders build organisations that are strong enough to grow, structured enough to be passed on and resilient enough to stand on their own.
“I am especially passionate about helping businesses to thrive by putting the right people in the right seats, regardless of title, age or gender. I believe strong businesses are built when talent, capability and values come first. For me, success is about creating resilient businesses, confident leaders and opportunities that endure for generations.”
Jemma Beagrie
Jemma Beagrie is the co-founder of Bakewell Bakery and co-owner of the Beagrie Group, which runs a collection of hospitality venues and guest accommodations across Derbyshire. The group is best known for its iconic Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Bakewell, widely recognised as the birthplace of the Bakewell Pudding. Jemma began working at the pudding shop as a student, progressing to assistant manager and, ultimately, co-owner.
“I am incredibly proud of our family-run business and the legacy we continue to protect and strengthen. Hospitality has always been at the heart of what we do, creating welcoming spaces, delivering outstanding food made from locally sourced ingredients and ensuring every visitor leaves with a memorable experience. We are dedicated to preserving the original, authentic and secret Bakewell Pudding recipe.
“I genuinely love what I do. I feel inspired by the business we have built at Beagrie Group and take immense pride in our team. We are passionate about employing local people and showing them that hospitality offers genuine, long term career opportunities. Developing talent, creating progression pathways and building confidence in our team is central to our vision for the future.”
Sally Goodwin
Sally Goodwin Private Midwifery Services is a compassionate and holistic private midwifery service, offering tailored care for parents-to-be. Sally also offers specialist care in lactation, infant feeding and tongue tie assessment and release.
“My journey into independent midwifery was inspired by a desire to provide relationship-centred care where women and families feel genuinely known, heard and supported. After many years working in the NHS, I realised I wanted to offer something different: the chance to truly get to know the families I work with.
“What drives my success is the privilege of walking alongside families during one of the most significant chapters of their lives. I support all birth and feeding choices without judgment, using evidence-based guidance to help families make informed decisions that feel right for them.
“I’m also passionate about expanding community support through initiatives like my monthly Mama & Baby Cafe, which provides a welcoming space for new mothers to connect and receive some gentle guidance from an experienced midwife, something they often need during those early months.”
Megan Layfield and Vicky Westall
Megan Layfield and Vicky Westall are founders of flower farm and floristry business Greystone Flowers. They grow British Cut Flowers on two acres in the Holmesfield countryside and are about to take over nearby Millthorpe Nursery. Their work is rooted in garden-inspired floristry, using sustainable mechanics and remaining foam-free in all floral designs.
“Our business grew from a passion for gardening, which led us both to grow flowers for our own weddings. What began in our gardens and allotments soon blossomed into a desire to grow flowers on a larger scale, giving couples the chance to enjoy British-grown flowers on their special day, whether through thoughtfully curated DIY wedding flowers or beautifully arranged designs.
“From our Seasonal Flower Club to gift bouquets, there are so many opportunities to celebrate the beauty of seasonal British flowers. There’s no greater joy than the scent of a sweet pea, the iridescent frills of a butterfly ranunculus, or the endless variety of dahlias.”
Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd
Dawn-Elizabeth Rudd is a consultant specialising in marketing, communications and business strategy with experience across various industries and particular recognition for her expertise in the hospitality sector.
“I returned to consultancy a few years ago after gaining valuable insights from the corporate world. This role allows me to work with multiple clients while also prioritising my family commitments and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“The impact of human connection inspires me daily in my efforts to develop effective and strategic solutions for my clients. I believe that effective communication is essential for achieving the best outcomes for brands, as well as for resolving issues in the workplace.
“I am engaged in a professional environment that is heavily influenced by digital and social media. While I acknowledge the significant advantages of these platforms, I also believe that face-to-face interactions and authentic expressions of kindness are invaluable and profoundly impactful. The realm of communication is perpetually evolving, and it is essential to ensure that our voices are not diminished amid the overwhelming noise and distractions characteristic of modern media.”
Holly Johnson
Holly Johnson is founder of LumiOx, a science-backed wellness and recovery clinic in Bakewell, offering therapies including infrared sauna, cold water immersion, red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen, all designed to support inflammation reduction, pain relief and energy restoration alongside traditional healthcare. The space also functions as a community hub, hosting talks, workshops and coaching with healthcare professionals.
“I spent years living with undiagnosed pain, fatigue and mental health challenges, often being dismissed by practitioners and given treatments that didn’t help. A later diagnosis of ADHD, followed by lupus and fibromyalgia in my mid-30s, was a turning point.
“I realised that if I had felt so unsupported in my own health journey, others likely felt the same. I left my career in finance, invested my life savings and built something I wish I’d had when I was struggling: a place where evidence-based therapies and community meet, where people can regain a sense of control over their bodies and wellbeing.
“What drives me every day is seeing clients walk through our doors with hope – and knowing that this space, these services and the community around them are making tangible differences in people’s lives.”
Anne Hyde
Anne Hyde is co-owner of Delightful Living, in Eyam. After a 25-year career in local government, Delightful Living grew out of Anne’s creative talents for making handmade wooden signs and personalised gifts. Her original business started in 2008 and she now co-owns and runs the award-winning lifestyle store with her partner Paul McGreevy.
“After working in a corporate environment since leaving school, I decided, aged 42, to pursue a more creative lifestyle. I set up Delightful Living to indulge my passion for making and creating, something I’d always enjoyed doing but hadn’t previously considered a viable way to make a living.
“I started the business making and selling personalised gifts online with my partner, Paul. We saw substantial growth over the years and, in 2023, we opened a retail space incorporating a studio and workshop area. We still make and create our own range but also find a lot of pleasure in sourcing beautiful products to sell in the shop.
“We get a lot of satisfaction from creating a warm and welcoming retail space and have expanded the business to incorporate two more stores. Having just turned 60, it goes to show that age is not a barrier to pursuing your dreams.”
Kate Wall
Kate Wall is a former nurse turned nutritionist and coach who helps people improve their nutrition while addressing emotional eating, guilt, shame and feeling out of control around food. She often works with women experiencing menopause or PCOS through her clinic and online nutrition community.
“I started my business after seeing how often people were given poor-quality, surface-level advice about food. Most people already know what to eat; what they need is support to understand why they eat the way they do.
“I offer compassionate, evidence-based guidance to help people navigate the emotional side of eating, build healthier coping strategies and step away from the exhausting diet cycle. My vision is to help people think differently about themselves and food, rediscover the joy of eating and recognise their worth is never defined by a number on the scales.
“What drives me is seeing the life-changing impact of this approach. As “food noise” quietens, people gain confidence, feel healthier and thrive. I believe no-one should struggle alone and that meaningful support must be accessible, empowering and sustainable.”