Stories

Danielle Wathes is the founder of Discovery Journal. Read her story to learn about her frustration about how OCD is perceived, and why her journals stand out in a flooded market.

Emily Hughes is the founder of The Parent Guide to GCSE. Read her story to learn about receiving an ADHD diagnosis late in life, how she had to reconfigure her business when the pandemic threw the UK education system into chaos, and why her dad’s garage-based business is her greatest inspiration.

Carly Cannings founded The Happy Business School in 2022. Read her story to learn how she left corporate burn-out to set up her own business, how she was inspired by her interest in a positive mindset, and what’s the biggest misconception about living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sally Pierse is the owner of Y Beic Chai/The Chai Bike. Read her story to learn about how a study trip inspired her business, why she thinks being self-employed is an act of self-care, and why the moment of connection we get from a paned (aka a cuppa to non-Welsh speakers) is something we all need.

Chrissie Henson founded her own business, Counselling with Chrissie, after qualifying and working as a therapist. Read her story to learn about writing her own book, and why being told ‘no’ spurs her forward.

Helen Todd founded Impact People Consulting to help organisations achieve their objectives through the power of their people. Read her story to learn how migraines are more than just headaches, how she’s focusing on being happy in her career, and how advocating for her son taught her how to advocate for herself.

Jen Smith founded The Curious Mentor to inspire curiosity and bravery in everything her mentees do. Read her story to learn how she set up her own business for someone who “needed a bit of help for a couple of weeks”, and how, 14 years later, she’s found the joy in her work.

Sarah Kingston founded In Good Company with the mission to power the growth of ethical, sustainable businesses. Read her story to learn about her journey to identifying as disabled, how she’s tackling toxic narratives, and how even small gestures can make a huge difference to disability inclusion.

Alice Hargreaves was part of the founding team of social enterprise Sick in the City CIC. Read her story to learn why the pandemic was the first time she identified as disabled, why she’s inspired by her network, and how her face ended up on a building at the University of Warwick.

Nikki Butler has two businesses - The Autistic Joyologist and The Nikki Butler Skin Clinic. Read her story to learn how she’s repeatedly pivoted her business and her life, and why she wants to smash outdated stereotypes for future generations.

Hayley Kellard opened Dotty About Braille in May 2023, specialising in braille greetings cards, labels and letters. Read how a passion for braille led to her setting up her business and how she learned to accept herself and her disability.

John McDonald is a Disability Consultant/Specialist with over 20 years’ experience working within the healthcare sector. Learn how he’s using his professional and personal experience to help businesses to overcome obstacles and embrace a more diverse and inclusive workforce.