A business owner from Cheshire has been featured in a voluntary project celebrating female entrepreneurs.
Emma Semper Hopkins, 39, 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 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.
“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,” said Emma.
She is is the owner of Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors Ltd, which specialises in design-led, custom-made upholstery and industrial design handcrafted furniture.
“Since I founded my upholstery & interiors business in 2016 with my dad Ian, there has been so much to celebrate – including our move and renovations of our amazing workshop in the Old Kent Green Methodist Chapel Scholar Green in 2018, as well as fully rebranding the business and relaunching our website.
“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.”
The #SheCan365 project began when online marketing specialist Helen Pritchard challenged former journalists Michelle and Christian Ewen to publish a new, inspiring story online every day for an entire year.
Within 48 hours, Helen financed and built the #SheCan365 website in her capacity as host and the project officially launched on International Women’s Day 2019.
“From the thousands of female business owners who came forward, we chose an inclusive, diverse range of women at every stage of the business journey – from start-ups to seven-figure ventures,” said Michelle, co-director of Write on Time Ltd.
“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.”
In response to popular demand, the #SheCan365 team raised more than £9,500 through crowdfunding to publish the whole collection of stories in a coffee table-style book.
They are also proudly supporting CoppaFeel! – a national breast cancer awareness charity.
“The #SheCan365 book is about the nature of women who commit to showing up every single day, 365 days a year – and what CAN be achieved when success is a decision,” said Helen.
“When I told my story to be Day 1, I had decided I was going to sell £1m+ of my ‘LinkedIn Mastermind’ course – and I did.
“In 365 days, my business and I have evolved, grown and changed, and now new and exciting goals are being set.”
The #SheCan365 book is available at www.shecan365.com
