Yesterday I read something that, to be honest, I normally avoid....the Metro. It's not that I don't like the newspaper, it's just that I would rather spend my time reading something more substantial, or spend my time plain old thinking (I think a lot as an entrepreneur - sometimes resulting in severe brain-ache).

However, one article caught my eye and it was that regarding Richard Branson's Centre of Entrepreneurship. This is going to be based in Montego Bay and the man (one of my true inspirations), yet again, is pioneering for young entrepreneurs to follow their creative juices and set up on their own.

Being an entrepreneur isn't easy - many people ask me how I manage to fit everything into a working day/week/month/year. Half the time I don't know how I do it! I guess being motivated is a start, and believing 110% in what you are doing. Branson advises that although we all make mistakes, will that/those errors 'bring the house crashing down around you?' The answer is normally 'no'. So in short, learn from your mistakes and plough on. I think you have to be a certain character to do what I and countless other entrepreneurs do. Firstly, we are all slightly mad (not in a scary way, obviously, just so motivated and driven it is quite strange.....), we have guts, we think strategically about everything and we constantly mull over how to better ourselves and our business; we never miss an opportunity. This then begs the question again of being slightly mad - running a business and getting credit for it can take years and years - it is a long, drawn-out process that can cause a lot of frustration and pain along the way, but is so 100% worth it, in my opinion.

Branson includes a wonderful example of how his help and assistance brought life, money and a career to one lucky man. By offering intense mentoring and direction Branson helped a young designer to go from owning a tiny fashion design operation to being a big brand label showing at LFW and opening a string of retail outlets. I am salivating with awe and amazement. This is what this country needs (Branson, if you are reading this, please do contact me, Claire Watt-Smith!!), and indeed every country needs; mentors who provide a strong network of support for young talented business people. Without it, in this highly competitive and easily accessible global world, how can one young person do it on their own? We all need people to look up to and to contact when needed. Heather Wilkinson at Striding Out is a fantastic business coach. I was lucky to have won the Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire, so see the talented Kate Bostock. Lastly, Craig Martin from DediPower is a true inspiration to me - my network might be varied, but I think that is the best way. Don't forget also your friends and family; they provide something so special, it is beyond words.

Running a business may be far from easy, but as Lesego Malatsi Mzansi quotes: "If entrepreneurs are well-equipped, well funded and supported then they will be able to contribute to the growth of the country by paying taxes, helping alleviate unemployment and fighting poverty". I think let's start - heck, we could all do with some mentoring! Cameron (and Mary Portas), come on!!

Claire Watt-Smith

Founder, BoBelle London

Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire and M&S

This past few weeks have been super crazy, so apologies for the late update; I shall get back to normal this week!

The mentoring with Kate Bostock has really taken off and is charging at super speed which is amazing, I couldn't have asked for anything more. We had a lovely feature on Marie Claire's website, see HERE for details. The inspire and mentor is just that, inspiring me and mentoring me to achieve my aims for BoBelle. Growing a business is such hard work, and sometimes when opportunities arise like this one has for me, you grab hold of it with all of your might and do not let go. It hasn't been easy though, you have to constantly put yourself out there and work, work, work.

I entered for the competition months and months ago now. I didn't hear anything and supposed I was unfortunate and not won. Little did I know that they just had a mountain of entries and so had to sieve through them all with a fine tooth comb! Marie Claire actually called me in July and asked if I could go for an interview as I was in the final two for winning Kate Bostock as a mentor. The interview was on my boyfriend's birthday at the Blue Finn Building in Southwark. Although nerves clearly kicked in, I was in awe of Kate Bostock and Kasie Davies; they have both achieved so much and are so talented, I was fascinated. They loved the BoBelle London brand, loved how I had grown the business and loved the potential the brand has for the future. I had won!! I couldn't believe it and was over the moon!

My first meeting with Kate took place at the HQ of M&S in Paddington. Kate wanted to crack on with achieving my objectives and we devised an action plan straight away. More will be revealed in the next month, but in the meantime, it is HUGE!

I have been desperately trying to get ready for Christmas now....our new Apollo iphone case has just launched, and we have the matching ipad case coming soon. Rich Mocha, stunning Ravishing Red, classic Black and a splashing of Turquoise and Purple hit BoBelle this season. Register your interest now by contacting the Sales Team - we shall send you out a newsletter on where to get yours from, or to order online. Elys of Wimbledon, Fenwick Brent Cross and Fenwick Newcastle are all going to be stockists of this limied edition accessory - ideal for Christmas gifts!

Sneek a peak here....

We have a busy week now as we have taken part in the Yummy Mummy event with Fenwick Brent Cross and have a meeting about another marketing collaboration with a certain superstar....

Have a good rest of the day and do contact us if you have any questions or comments!

Best wishes

Claire