In 2011, I had recently left my corporate career behind and had £300 in my savings account, three children under four, and an ambition to become an interior designer.

Eight years later I was named one of Business Insider's 42 Under 42 Young Entrepreneurs.

Sturman & Co. grew from a creative idea into a sustained seven-figure practice. Over more than a decade, I employed 13 women, none with any industry experience, and I'm proud that most now run successful design businesses of their own. My wheaten terrier, Leia, was at my side for the whole ride.

As a designer, I transformed over 500 rooms, including a makeover on a BBC One show, and won multiple industry awards. But I'm proudest of the British heritage my work restored and preserved, of the community and craft it supported, and of the changes it made in my clients’ lives, helping them Live Beautifully.

I designed my exit in 2024 to focus on the foundations of my current practice. These are some of my favourite memories of that chapter: