Michelle Mone is a force to be reckoned with, and it seemed this was clear from a young age, since she had posters of Richard Branson on her walls as a kid!
The successful entrepreneur started her company, MJM International, in 1996 after being made redundant – probably the best thing that ever happened to her – and began her successful path with Ultimo, now the UK’s leading lingerie designer. This naturally progressed to Ultimo D-G Cup, followed by a variety of projects with supermarket giants, Asda and Tesco and most recently, Ultimo Couture, a range of dresses available exclusively to Debenhams following Michelle’s frustration at finding glamorous dresses on the high street.
Mone is a inspiration to women all over the world, and she was recognised for her hard work and entrepreneurial skills with an OBE in 2009. A tycoon in a male dominated business world, having won numerous awards including World Young Business Achiever Award in 2000 (beating entrepreneurs from 14 other countries), she doesn’t suppress her femininity (she has a mane of long blonde hair) showing the rest of us women that we can be ambitious and driven without having to sacrifice our love of pretty things and fabulous shoes!
Michelle Mone is an inspiration to women everywhere, but I think particularly to her Scottish fans, who are always so proud to see their home grown talent prosper. Despite her incredible achievements already (and still in only her thirties!) I don’t think Michelle Mone will be slowing down anytime soon – in fact, I think she’s a woman with a great deal more to give.
Ultimo lingerie – self indulgence at its best
Ultimo Swimwear – turn heads on the beach in the Jade bikini
Ultimo Couture – high fashion on the high street
All your fashion needs from one clever cookie.
Ultimo images courtesy of Eden Cancan Ltd and PR Shots
A Cyberminute with…Michelle Mone of Ultimo
Favourite flavour of ice cream?
Any flavour from Häagen-Dazs!
What would be your dream career in another life?
Either a product designer or an inventor of some sort. My career now isn’t far removed from either of these things actually; many of Ultimo’s lingerie solutions are patented and design registered and have taken years of development.
What or who inspires you?
Unlike my friends who idolised pop bands and movie stars, when I was younger I had posters of Richard Branson on my walls! I’ve always been a huge fan of his and found his ingenuity, innovation and bold approach to business incredibly inspirational.
Your ultimate indulgence?
When I do get the chance to let me hair down, I enjoy nothing more than a chilled glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé or two. I would drink gallons of the stuff if my husband would let me!
What should readers of The Daydreamer do or see if visiting your home town?
I would suggest the Merchant City, a lovely pocket of the city that feels more like New York with its designer boutiques, art galleries, cafés and fantastic restaurants.
A huge thank you to Michelle for taking time to talk to The Daydreamer.
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