Our founder Helen is due to turn 40 this year, so we thought we’d celebrate with an interview with the businesswoman herself on turning 40, and what better time to get her expertise as a gift buyer and get some inspiration for 40th Birthday gift ideas…
What are your plans for your 40th Birthday this year?
I will definitely be spending some time on my own and am hoping to visit a local lido with a group of girl friends. The Thames Lido is believed to be the oldest surviving outdoor municipal pool and took 3 years to restore. I love the ambience, it’s one of my favourite places to swim with a heated outdoor pool where the chlorine levels are kept as low as possible – you leave feeling so refreshed and energised which let’s face it we all need whether you’re turning 40 or not.
As a woman in business, what would your advice be for women who want to start their own business?
I started my business before Covid times when job roles were not flexible and did not cater for families and female wellbeing at work. I think there has been so much change in industry in the past 2 years but what I love about running my own company is the ability to choose when I work and the flexibility it offers. Women are great at connecting with each other and so for anyone thinking of starting a business I would start by looking for local businesswomen support groups. They will provide lots of free advice as you start up. It can be overwhelming, but talking to others helps you to navigate the ups & downs.
What should everyone do before they’re 40?
Having spoken to many friends nearing the big 40 I think the most important thing is not to put too much pressure on yourself to fulfil all your life’s ambitions before you are 40. I also don’t think it has to be marked in some huge way if you don’t want to. It can be a great excuse to prioritise yourself and catch up with old friends, but also it’s the perfect time to feel grateful for the people in your life and positive moments. This is more important than focusing on what you think you should have achieved by a certain birthday or what you haven’t done yet.
What are you most proud of in your Brown Paper Packages journey?
I love to read all the positive messages we receive from our customers as I’m really proud to help people express their support when others need them most. I think in the last 12 months my biggest achievement was becoming Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the year South East Finalist 2021 as this is an area I am really passionate about. We are also proud contributors to the charity Tommy’s through our miscarriage gift box which I created because of my own personal miscarriage journey.
What 40th Birthday gift ideas would you recommend for someone buying a gift box for women turning 40?
I would recommend something indulgent that promotes spending time on themselves. 40 is an age when often women have small or demanding children and are potentially trying to juggle it all.
Often the thing we lack is time or permission to take time out and look after ourselves. Most women feel the urge to pamper themselves on their 40th so some nice treats such as a face masks, nail varnish or bath soak could be a lovely place to start. It can be nice to gift a keepsake like jewellery or an experience. A wellbeing book can be a great way to help them focus on taking time for the things that bring them joy or moments of happiness. Some people can feel early feelings of ‘midlife crisis’ as they near 40 where they question their identity and self-confidence, so this can be a great way to help combat those feelings.
If you could go back in time and speak to younger Helen when she just started Brown Paper Packages what would you tell her?
I think a big issue many women face is belief. I think I would have told my younger self to believe in my idea and the help if could offer to others facing difficult times.
A big thank you to Helen for taking part in this interview
Comments