Startup Spotlight: Anna Powell on Being Determined to do Business with Purpose

Anna continuing to work on her business from New Zealand, where it is currently Winter.

We are introducing a new series of Q&As with local business owners, getting under the skin of what it’s like to set up and run a small business and hopefully inspiring the next generation of business owners.

First up is Anna Powell, who is a certified coach, advanced nutrition scientist and clinical exercise specialist. Anna specialises in supporting women at all stages of life to invest in their health and wellbeing through positive, achievable daily habits. Her approach is genuinely unique to each person and their own lifestyles and circumstances. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution with Anna.

Let’s hear what she has to say about her entrepreneurial journey, made all the more unique by coinciding with an incredible physical journey to the other side of the world to travel in New Zealand.

Why did you choose entrepreneurship over an employed role?

Anna: “I actually currently do the two alongside each other, eventually I would love to have the flexibility to work remotely on my own time which is a big appeal towards entrepreneurship but it was mostly because I am so passionate about what I do and found that I couldn't resonate with the approach of employers working on a similar thing - there was either too much red tape or I didn't feel employers were actually in it for the people that they were helping, didn't truly care - it was more a business than being 'in it for the people' if you like.” 

What's been your biggest challenge on your entrepreneurial journey? How did you overcome it?

Anna: “My biggest challenge, has been, and still is to some extent, getting my message out to the right people and encouraging them to believe in what I do as much as I do.”

What have you achieved that you are most proud of?

Anna: “Having the bravery and tenacity to continue to try and grow my business whilst travelling to the other side of the world! It is a journey - not an easy one for sure, but here we are, still chipping away!”

Which of your personal attributes do you think have contributed to your success as a business owner?

Anna: “I will never ever give up on something I truly believe in at the time and will never go against my values, even if it means not making the 'best' decisions from a financial perspective. I will always, always stay true to myself and while that can be tricky short-term, I think long term that is the only way to business and life success/happiness!”

What's the biggest lesson you have learned on this journey?

Anna: “Just keep going - it will pay off...eventually!”

How do you create work-life balance?

Anna: “I diarise 'me time' - for my physical activity, ensuring I have time to make optimal nutrition choices and for 'out of head' activities too away from work, exercise and life things, to take my mind away from it all. That goes in the diary BEFORE any work commitments, like non-negotiable meetings with myself.” 

If you could give three pieces of advice to someone starting up, or considering starting up a new business; what would they be?

Anna: Be relentless, resilient and curate the lifestyle that you would like to lead right from the beginning - if you create a culture within your business whereby you work all the hours that God sends etc. it's very hard to dial back on that and feel like you are still doing enough. Boundaries!! 

Anna received fully-funded support from the Get Started & Grow scheme run by Staffordshire County Council in late 2023. The support was provided by Kathryn Hyde and included a multi-pronged approach addressing who exactly her target market was, website content rejuvenation and social media content to align with this, a whole new social media channel being utilised, Search Engine Optimisation and direction on blog topics as well as how to get her content published in magazines and blogs.

Anna said of the support, “Kathryn genuinely cared about my business and gave me a far more in-depth drive into the progression of my business than I ever expected. Our conversations put me at ease around something I truly felt quite clueless about. Even in our brief time together I learned SO much and am excited about the future.”

For more information about the Get Started and Grow support visit Staffordshire County Council’s website to apply here.