From boss duties to business top tips, CEO and founder of Its By Willa LTD, Ebony Maude gives an insight into being your own boss, the pressure of running a small business and how to take the leap of faith when it comes to launching a brand. Ebony's small business grew over 5,000 Instagram followers and over 20,000 Tik Tok followers in their first year of trading; she speaks about how important social media is for small business growth and how you can contribute to supporting other small businesses by doing something as simple as liking and sharing their social media posts.Its By Willa is a small UK business ran by Ebony and her mum Sascha Maude. The mother daughter duo began by creating their first design in January of 2021 after seeing a similar bag online for a hefty price and being interested to see if they could recreate it themselves. They enjoyed the process of making their first bag so much that Its By Willa was born. Their creative process includes taking basketballs, American footballs and NFL team balls and adding a lining, zippers and straps and handles to them to create their unique bags.
BEING MY OWN BOSS
Q: Have you always wanted to own your own business?
A: Owning my own business was never something i thought I'd do at my age, but I also never imagined not working for myself, having been self employed since a really young age! I think I always knew I was going to be my own boss.
Q: What's it like being your own boss?
A: It's hard work! Realistically I'm the only person accountable for the amount of effort I put in, and therefor how much I get out of it. Not necessarily monetary, but also enjoyment. Everything being on my head has it's pressures, but alsi it's a huge freedom to be able to do stuff I'm passionate about.
Q: What would you say to other women wanting to launch a business?
A: Be prepared for anything and take risks. You will always get something out of taking risks, whether it's an achievement or a lesson. You'll never know if you don't try!
WHY WILLA?
Q: Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew prior to launching Its By Willa?
A: I wish I knew more about everything to do with running a business in general, I only knew the basics! And I'm still learning new things everyday. As much advice and help benefit me along the way, learninh by doing is always going to be my favourite.
Q: Are there any other female CEOs that inspire you?
A: I've always admired Conna Walkers story of how she built House Of CB from her bedroom. Starting with dropping a few items on eBay and now being a global brand. She has a super interesting CEO story!
Q: What does the future hold for Its By Willa?
A: Hopefully everything imaginable, speaking things into existence, I wouldn't wanna specify one thing, because I wanna achieve everything I think Willa could be!
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
Q: You're undoubtedly busy, how do you take care of yourself and maintain a good mental health?
A: Maintaining a good mental health is something I'm always working on, as I feel everyone should! Ensuring I have time to do things that make me happy whethers it's work related or personally is a big deal.
Q: How should women support other women in their organisations?
A: Supporting other women's organisations in our generation can vary anything from a follow on social media, purchasing from their store, donating to their cause... speaking up or out for them when they need it!!!
Q: What advice would you give to the coming generation of female CEOs?
A: Again, take risks!! Sometimes the only person standing in the way of what you want is the voice inside your head, do what makes you happy and go for goals without fear. Females have had too many years of not being the loudest voices in the room!
Q: How do you balance work and life responsibilities?
A: I juggle!! I wouldn't say it's always the perfect recipe, but it's what I'm used to. I like to have time to switch off from work mode, which is hard for me, but I surround myself with people who are similar in mindset in and out of work ao the juggling always feels easier.
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