As 2012 draws to a close, it is safe to say the past year has represented an inspiring year of achievement and celebration for Great Britain. From the pride in British heritage during the Diamond Jubilee, to the summer Games showcasing the power of individual, we have seen some incredible moments to teach us to embrace and showcase our success.
We can be anything we want to be as long as we dream and believe in ourselves. Through hard work, determination and confidence we can achieve anything. Working as an ambassador of the GREAT Campaign with the UKTI has taught me, now more than ever, it's crucial that we continue to showcase and guide others to uncover their own potential.
I'm proud to have achieved so much in my career, but I am still so excited by new opportunities to take my business to the next level. I want to share this vision with the world, to demonstrate that success comes from a continued belief and passion for what you do. Listen to your gut, believe in your self and success will find you.
I am currently hosting a competition via my Twitter account, in an attempt to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit. I want to not only encourage conversation around entrepreneurism but also raise awareness for organisations like the Prince's Trust and PRIME, to support people who wish to start their own business venture.
Each day this week I will be asking a different question based around entrepreneurial spirit and will selecting two winners each day. I'll be giving away copies of Nicholas Scott White's inspiring book, Don't Put Diesel In Your Ferrari, an absolute must-read for anyone setting out on their own business venture. The proceeds from Nicholas' book also support the Prince's Trust.
I will also be sharing the insights of some of the design industry's top bloggers this week on my blog. These inspiring people share their stories of taking the leap of faith and investing everything in making their business work.
I am so inspired by their dedication, and feel they truly represent the confidence and self-investment necessary to realising your potential. Design Milk's Jaime Derringer discusses how passion helped her work harder than she ever knew she could, to create one of the world's most influential online design sites.
Similarly, Arianna, Carole and Daniel of Heart Home Magazine, reflect on their first year in business, and the evolution of the UK's top online publication dedicated to great British design.
Karine Kong , co-founder of Bodie and Fou, an award winning online interiors store and absolute favourite of mine, discusses the experiences and rewards of working in a family business.
Finally, Holly Becker of Decor8 is an influential design blogger who has gone on to release not one but two wonderful design books. Holly, alongside myself, is part of the Jacqui Small Publishing family and her most recent book, Decorate Workshop was released in October 2012.
Holly shared with me her experiences surrounding the release of her print book series, from having the guts to make the transition from digital to print to the fantastic rewards the transition has brought.
In sharing these stories, I hope to inspire others to take that leap of faith. Success stories showcase that with determination, drive and discipline, nothing is impossible. Working to support mature workers with PRIME, and mentoring Fay Martin with the Princes Trust 's Tomorrow campaign, continually allows me to help others in create a success story of their own.
I could not be more proud of my mentee Fay, and I'm incredibly excited to be unveiling our amazing product on QVC UK next week, Monday 19 of November. In the meantime, I hope you'll read my blogs this week and join my Twitter competition.