Ellea Whamond envisions the significance of Women’s Day in today’s society as a reminder for everyone to continue striving for
gender equality and inclusivity. She believes that Women’s Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges still
faced by women around the world and to advocate for change.
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A MODERN-DAY WOMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR?
It’s the most wonderful journey. People often say it’s a rollercoaster and it really is. Building a brand as beautiful as 100 Acres
is incredibly special, knowing we’re bringing so much wild, fragrant botanical joy to homes across the UK every single day. But it
can be lonely and a bit exhausting sometimes, too. One day you’re on top of the world having lunch with industry leaders – the
next day your website has crashed and you can’t take any orders. But it’s all part of it and I wouldn’t change it. The best thing is
the amazing customer feedback and knowing how much joy our products bring to people. Knowing you give them a blissful escape
in a bottle is a such a good feeling – whether it’s a long Sunday bubble bath or a 5 minute
Monday morning shower before a work commute!
HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THE BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS AND PERSONAL LIFE
AS A WOMAN IN TODAY’S WORLD?
It’s inevitable that the two cross over when you’re running a business. Plus, in a super creative, product-based business like 100 Acres,
this is even more likely because the brand genuinely stems from my own creativity. But I’m fairly good at balancing it these days. I do
find it hard to be present sometimes because in a growing business there is always so much you could be doing (and when you’re
not working, there isn’t really anyone else taking up the slack!) but I’m getting there. I think there’s huge
wisdom in working smart, not hard.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATES THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN GLOBALLY.
WHAT DOES THIS DAY MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY, AND HOW DO YOU ENVISION ITS SIGNIFICANCE
IN TODAY’S SOCIETY?
It’s a truly fantastic day. On the whole I think women are instinctive, have excellent judgement and remarkable emotional intelligence,
all of which are crucial aspects to succeeding in business. I find it absolutely fascinating that while less than 5% business funding goes
to women-led businesses, on average the returns are 50% higher and I think this is largely down to those typical female traits. I do
feel strongly too though that we must not create any further division – no ‘us’ and ‘them’. We’re all humans at the end of the day with
our own unique traits, but with business in the UK being so male dominated, we do need open-mindedness from both sides.
International Women’s Day is a fantastic way of proving to the majority that women are just as capable and must be taken
just as seriously in the world of business.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES WOMEN FACE IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE,
AND HOW CAN WE WORK TOWARDS OVERCOMING THEM?
It’s obvious but I think parenthood is the biggest challenge for women. After having had a baby, it seems women are viewed
as weaker, less competent and are often left out of the more important work. Whereas men, on becoming fathers, seem
to be viewed as more authoritative and established. I’m generalising of course and to be honest I don’t think there’s a
simple solution – childcare is a huge part of it – it feels like we’re getting there very slowly.
100 ACRES EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING WITH NATURE AND EMBRACING SELF-CARE RITUALS.
HOW DO YOU THINK RECONNECTING WITH NATURE CAN EMPOWER WOMEN IN THEIR
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?
I feel that connection to nature is absolutely critical to a fulfilling life. I think as a race we often think we are here “on” earth and
forget that we *are* earth. For me, running through the fields, swimming in a lake or relaxing in a beautiful garden is totally rebalancing.
I find it very empowering, too – it brings you instantly back into the bigger picture and the sentiment that life is to be enjoyed above all else,
and so the things that were stressing you out anymore either don’t seem so big, or they’re still stressful and therefore need changing or
removing from your life. In the Summer months I try to do as much as possible outside – I’ll eat all three meals out there if I can
(I have been known to work out in the garden with my laptop in a cardboard box) will always go for a long meadow walk
after work at golden hour. A cliché but it’s true!
CAN YOU SHARE ANY ADVICE OR WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ASPIRING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE NAVIGATING
THEIR OWN PATHS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD?
Two key things I’ve learned that used to go very much against my nature (and maybe go against our nature as women
(to generalise of course!) but that I’ve found to be fantastic lessons so far:
80% is good enough. Generally, 100% – i.e. perfection – means you’ve wasted time. Whether it’s marketing content, an
important email – release or send it at 80%. The only time we will painstakingly tweak and tinker and revise to get something to
100% is with our products – these do have to be 100% perfection. Your ability to execute and be consistent is far more important
than any brilliant idea or strategy.
Your first one of anything will probably be bad. Again whether it’s an Instagram reel, a TikTok, a newsletter – the only way to
genuinely improve is to start. I cringe hugely when I look back at the first newsletters, blog posts, Instagram reels that I
created (and still learning – I’m by no means perfect at any of these things!). But, if you know that your first few will
be bad, you can sort of just put your head down, get through the first few and look forward to welcoming the
lessons and improvements with open arms.
Thanks so much to the gorgeous Really Wild for having me and I look forward to running wild through the countryside together soon
– even if it is through a bottle of 100 Acres!
