So, we were thrilled to chat with Frazer on the Work Life with Google stage at Stylist Live, where she revealed some of her greatest lessons on smashing barriers, creating a network and setting up a business. Here’s what she had to say.

On the barriers that women face in business, Frazer highlighted that she hears the same stereotypes time and time again. “We’re emotional so we can’t stay cool under pressure or we’re unable to be leaders because we might want to start a family. But for me, those things are positive.

“If we’re more emotional then we’re more thoughtful and reflective in our decision-making,” she says. “If we’re seen to lack a work-life balance and have care responsibilities, then we’re going to foster environments that are more beneficial for us – and everyone else – to be able to do the best work.”

Having connections can be an important part of progressing your business, but Frazer says there are many ways to find these connections. “When it comes to fostering a network, I always tell people to just go out and find it. When I was first starting out, I would go on Eventbrite and search for any free business or start-up pitch events and go into all these rooms and just listen to people. And I then built up the confidence to go up and introduce myself to business leaders and started to form a network of my own.”

Frazer also touched upon the importance of exchanging gifts. “I think it can be such a useful business tactic, especially among women. All of us have something to offer someone else, and vice versa. So, it can be bold to ask people the question and see if you can do an exchange of gifts (ie skills).”

On sourcing funding for your project or business, Frazer recommended searching for grants that are widely available for many entrepreneurs and business leaders. “There are loads of organisations that are willing to give you money for your idea. I started my business with a £4,000 grant from the Prince’s Trust, and I went from there.”

She added: “There’s also the option of getting a bank loan – but please read the terms and conditions beforehand and never take out a personal loan! A business loan is what you should be looking into if you’re going ahead with this option.”

And the most important tool or skill that we should all know about? Knowing when to let go. 

“My shoe business wasn’t my first choice. My first business was an online magazine, and I held on to it for such a long time because it was my baby. But it got to a place where I had nothing else left to give, and I had to let it go. Failure is an inevitable part of life, so it’s important to try out your ideas but recognise when it’s not working out and move on to the next thing.”

Images: shot by Farheenxo