Tiny Box Company Founder's Journey from BBC Dragons' Den to it's 'Most Successful Female Entrepreneur' - Rachel Watkyn
05/23/23 • 37 min
2 Listeners
Tiny Box Company Founder's Journey from BBC Dragons' Den to it's 'Most Successful Female Entrepreneur' - Rachel Watkyn Diaries of Badass Bosses is hosted by Penny Joyner-Platt (the-plattform.com) and Tigz Rice (tigzrice.com). Guest Rachel Watkyn (rachelwatkyn.com) of Tiny Box Company (tinyboxcompany.co.uk) and (knowtheorigin.com). Produced by Connor Wells (connorwells.com). Welcome to Diaries of Badass Bosses, the podcast series that explores the journeys of entrepreneurs and businesses who have made waves in their industries. In this series, we'll dive into the stories of people who have overcome obstacles, taken risks, and blazed their own trails to success. From startups to established companies, we'll hear from founders who have built their businesses from the ground up, and from CEOs who have taken the reins and transformed their organisations.
In this episode of "Diaries of Badass Bosses," the podcast features an interview with Rachel Watkin, CEO of the Tiny Box Company and Know The Origin. Rachel shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges she's faced and her resilient spirit. She reflects on her early years, witnessing extreme poverty in Sierra Leone, her health struggles, and her successful businesses. Rachel also emphasises the significant impact of her early experiences and the importance of resilience in business, serving as an inspiring example of overcoming obstacles and giving back to aspiring entrepreneurs, following her experiences on BBC's Dragons Den, and being labeled as 'The Most Successful Female Entrepreneur' on the show.
Key Takeaways:
Traumatic experiences and early challenges can significantly influence one's vision and drive in business
Perseverance and determination are crucial when facing health struggles and fierce competition in entrepreneurship
Seeking support and offering mentorship to struggling entrepreneurs can make a significant impact
Resilience, mentoring, and nurturing young talents are essential in the business world
Empowering female entrepreneurs and helping them realise their potential is a valuable pursuit
Chapter Breakdown:
0:56 Rachel Watkyn is introduced as the CEO of the Tiny Box Company and Know The Origin, and her remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and business leader is described.
1:15 Rachel's traumatic early years and experience working in Sierra Leone during a military coup strongly influenced her vision for a fair trade business.
3:00 Despite facing severe health challenges, including a traumatic appendix operation and a slow recovery, Rachel initiated the Tiny Box Company as a part-time venture to fit around her health struggles.
4:00 With perseverance and determination, Rachel participated in Dragon's Den despite not being well enough to work full-time, successfully gaining investment without revealing her health struggles.
8:15 The challenges faced in the packaging industry, such as fierce competition, inflation in pricing, and the need for constant innovation, are discussed.
31:31 Rachel encourages struggling entrepreneurs to seek support, offering free clinics through her website for those facing difficulties and contemplating giving up in the world of business.
You can also find us on Instagram @diariesofbadassbosses, Facebook at ‘DOBB Podcast’ and LinkedIn at ‘Diaries Of Badass Bosses’.
Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts and all other audio streaming platforms for new episodes on Wednesdays.
Contact us:
Penny Joyner-Platt – [email protected] Insta: @the.plattform Facebook: The.Plattform LinkedIn: Penny Joyner-Platt
Tigz Rice – [email protected] Insta: @tigzrice.branding @tigzrice Facebook:
Tiny Box Company Founder's Journey from BBC Dragons' Den to it's 'Most Successful Female Entrepreneur' - Rachel Watkyn Diaries of Badass Bosses is hosted by Penny Joyner-Platt (the-plattform.com) and Tigz Rice (tigzrice.com). Guest Rachel Watkyn (rachelwatkyn.com) of Tiny Box Company (tinyboxcompany.co.uk) and (knowtheorigin.com). Produced by Connor Wells (connorwells.com). Welcome to Diaries of Badass Bosses, the podcast series that explores the journeys of entrepreneurs and businesses who have made waves in their industries. In this series, we'll dive into the stories of people who have overcome obstacles, taken risks, and blazed their own trails to success. From startups to established companies, we'll hear from founders who have built their businesses from the ground up, and from CEOs who have taken the reins and transformed their organisations.
In this episode of "Diaries of Badass Bosses," the podcast features an interview with Rachel Watkin, CEO of the Tiny Box Company and Know The Origin. Rachel shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges she's faced and her resilient spirit. She reflects on her early years, witnessing extreme poverty in Sierra Leone, her health struggles, and her successful businesses. Rachel also emphasises the significant impact of her early experiences and the importance of resilience in business, serving as an inspiring example of overcoming obstacles and giving back to aspiring entrepreneurs, following her experiences on BBC's Dragons Den, and being labeled as 'The Most Successful Female Entrepreneur' on the show.
Key Takeaways:
Traumatic experiences and early challenges can significantly influence one's vision and drive in business
Perseverance and determination are crucial when facing health struggles and fierce competition in entrepreneurship
Seeking support and offering mentorship to struggling entrepreneurs can make a significant impact
Resilience, mentoring, and nurturing young talents are essential in the business world
Empowering female entrepreneurs and helping them realise their potential is a valuable pursuit
Chapter Breakdown:
0:56 Rachel Watkyn is introduced as the CEO of the Tiny Box Company and Know The Origin, and her remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and business leader is described.
1:15 Rachel's traumatic early years and experience working in Sierra Leone during a military coup strongly influenced her vision for a fair trade business.
3:00 Despite facing severe health challenges, including a traumatic appendix operation and a slow recovery, Rachel initiated the Tiny Box Company as a part-time venture to fit around her health struggles.
4:00 With perseverance and determination, Rachel participated in Dragon's Den despite not being well enough to work full-time, successfully gaining investment without revealing her health struggles.
8:15 The challenges faced in the packaging industry, such as fierce competition, inflation in pricing, and the need for constant innovation, are discussed.
31:31 Rachel encourages struggling entrepreneurs to seek support, offering free clinics through her website for those facing difficulties and contemplating giving up in the world of business.
You can also find us on Instagram @diariesofbadassbosses, Facebook at ‘DOBB Podcast’ and LinkedIn at ‘Diaries Of Badass Bosses’.
Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts and all other audio streaming platforms for new episodes on Wednesdays.
Contact us:
Penny Joyner-Platt – [email protected] Insta: @the.plattform Facebook: The.Plattform LinkedIn: Penny Joyner-Platt
Tigz Rice – [email protected] Insta: @tigzrice.branding @tigzrice Facebook:
Previous Episode
Luxury Empowerment Photography for Confidence & Body Positivity - Tigz Rice
1 RecommendationsLuxury Empowerment Photography for Confidence & Body Positivity - Tigz Rice Diaries of Badass Bosses is hosted by Penny Joyner-Platt (the-plattform.com) and Tigz Rice (tigzrice.com).
Produced by Connor Wells (connorwells.com). Welcome to Diaries of Badass Bosses, the podcast series that explores the journeys of entrepreneurs and businesses who have made waves in their industries. In this series, we'll dive into the stories of people who have overcome obstacles, taken risks, and blazed their own trails to success. From startups to established companies, we'll hear from founders who have built their businesses from the ground up, and from CEOs who have taken the reins and transformed their organisations. Penny Joyner-Platt interviews her co-host, Tigz Rice, a luxury empowerment photographer who helps clients reconnect with their bodies and feel confident after life-changing events. Tigz has gained a reputation as one of the world's most sought-after empowerment photographers, publishing an award-winning book, STRIP/TEASE, showcasing over a decade of work in the burlesque community, as well as receiving recognition from various organisations such as in 2021 being named as one of 40 Digital Women To Watch, making the shortlist for Digital Woman of the Year, In 2022, being shortlisted for Digital Creator of the Year, and in 2023, being named as one of the UK's most inspirational and dynamic female entrepreneurs by the f:Entrepreneur '#ialso100' campaign, in partnership with Small Business Britain.
Key Takeaways:
Empathy and a natural ability to work with people can greatly influence one's career path
Creating a comfortable and safe environment for clients is crucial in empowerment photography
Advocating for being visible in photos can positively impact self-confidence
Adapting to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, requires innovation and a focus on one's core values
Self-confidence is a non-linear journey, and every version of ourselves deserves celebration
Chapter Breakdown: 00:03 Introduction to the podcast series 01:01 Introduction to Tigz Rice, Empowerment Photographer 02:28 Tigz's background and transition to photography 04:45 Transformative experience at the London Burlesque Festival 06:10 Influence of burlesque on Tigz's work and philosophy 08:16 Importance of creating a safe environment for clients 11:54 Effect of Tigz's photo experiences on her self-confidence 14:09 Handling COVID-19 impact and innovating with virtual shoots 19:47 Evolution of photography industry with AI and transparency 25:47 Joy of impacting people's lives through photography 30:47 Tigz's advice on self-confidence: be authentic 35:58 Recognizing self-confidence isn't linear; celebrating every version 37:59 Future plans: launching website and expanding brand reach
You can also find us on Instagram @diariesofbadassbosses, Facebook at ‘DOBB Podcast’ and LinkedIn at ‘Diaries Of Badass Bosses’.
Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts and all other audio streaming platforms for new episodes on Wednesdays.
Contact us:
Penny Joyner-Platt – [email protected] Insta: @the.plattform Facebook: The.Plattform LinkedIn: Penny Joyner-Platt
Tigz Rice – [email protected] Insta: @tigzrice.branding @tigzrice Facebook: Branding By Tigz Rice, B...
Next Episode
Building Hertfordshire's Top Sustainable Restaurant Chain, Lussmanns - Andrei Lussmann
1 RecommendationsBuilding Hertfordshire's Top Sustainable Restaurant Chain, Lussmanns - Andrei Lussmann
Diaries of Badass Bosses is hosted by Penny Joyner-Platt (the-plattform.com) and Tigz Rice (tigzrice.com). Guest Andrei Lussmann (lussmanns.com). Produced by Connor Wells (connorwells.com).
Welcome to Diaries of Badass Bosses, the podcast series that explores the journeys of entrepreneurs and businesses who have made waves in their industries.
In this series, we'll dive into the stories of people who have overcome obstacles, taken risks, and blazed their own trails to success. From start-ups to established companies, we'll hear from founders who have built their businesses from the ground up, and from CEOs who have taken the reins and transformed their organisations.
This week's episode features an interview with Andrei Lussmann, the owner of a successful and sustainable hospitality business, Lussmanns, located in Hertfordshire, UK. As an entrepreneur, Andrei has established five restaurants that are celebrated for their commitment to affordability and sustainability. The discussion delves into his background, the challenges and triumphs of the hospitality industry, and the philosophy behind his business. He reflects on the impact of events like COVID-19 and Brexit on the hospitality sector and his company's adaptive strategies to stay afloat during such times. Andrei shares his passion for the business, his future aspirations for growth, and offers advice for those aspiring to enter the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of knowing the field, understanding cash flow, being resilient, and maintaining a passion for the trade.
Key Takeaways:
Industry experience is crucial before starting one's own hospitality venture
Success in the restaurant business relies on attracting customers, providing good service, managing costs, and maintaining consistency
Sustainability in hospitality goes beyond food providence, encompassing staff management, waste management, and ethical sourcing
Resilience, hard work, and passion are essential for thriving in the hospitality industry
Continued evolution and empowering one's team are key to long-term success
Chapter Breakdown:
01:04 Andrei Lussmann's background as a self-made entrepreneur 02:01 Early career reflections: from service station job to finding passion in front of house 03:01 Inadvertent entry into hospitality and its impact on Andrei's career 04:46 Observations on happiness within the chef profession and industry evolution 05:11 The high failure rate in hospitality businesses and the importance of industry experience 09:01 Andrei's decision not to become a chef and his journey to learning how to cook 14:25 Pillars of a restaurant's success: customers, service, cost management, and consistency 21:43 Experiences with choosing restaurant locations and endearing to the locality 29:18 The importance of sustainability within Lussmanns' brand 42:12 Future plans for business growth, continued evolution, and empowering the team 48:19 Humorous anecdote about Andrei's chef clogs and insights into his personal philosophy 55:48 Advice for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs: knowledge, finances, resilience, and passion
You can also find us on Instagram @diariesofbadassbosses, Facebook at ‘DOBB Podcast’ and LinkedIn at ‘Diaries Of Badass Bosses’.
Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts and all other audio streaming platforms for new episodes on Wednesdays.
Contact us:
Penny Joyner-Platt – [email protected] Insta: @the.plattform Facebook: The.Plattform LinkedIn: Penny Joyner-Platt
Tigz Rice – [email protected] Insta: @tigzrice.branding @tigzrice Facebook: Branding By Tigz Rice,
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