I LOVE running my own businesses and enjoy the freedom, flexibility and excitement of being in charge of my own destiny.

Inevitably, there are challenges, frustrations and occasional disappointments, but I feel they are to be expected as a business owner.

My training as a counsellor began in 1992, and I currently practice at St David's Hill in Exeter. I have continued studying, and regularly attend training courses to learn more about human behaviour and relationships. Continuing professional development is essential to ensure a client's psychological safety and provides a beneficial and effective counselling service.

I own and manage the Road User Support Service (RUSS), which provides emotional and practical assistance to anyone involved in, or affected by, a road traffic incident.

The service is unique to Devon and consists of a team of appropriately qualified counsellors and highly experienced approved driving instructors. We provide emotional help to deal with clients' feelings following a collision and practical rehabilitation to rebuild driving confidence.

Running my own businesses gives my life a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

After 17 years, my passion for the work I do is undiminished, which helps me through difficult times. Thanks to the guidance of my parents as I grew up, I developed good decision-making skills and consequently am able to take full responsibility for the choices I make.

Prior to managing my own businesses, I was employed in a male-dominated environment. Although given respect for my achievements so far, I have noticed a distinct difference between how each gender perceives success. When inquiring about business issues, men will tend to measure success in terms of profit, whereas women are more likely to ask about my personal feelings, such as happiness and job satisfaction.

I belong to several networking groups such as Business Support Network — Women in Business, the Federation of Small Businesses, Exeter Chamber of Commerce and the Business Network (SW) Ltd. Membership of these groups has helped build personal and work confidence in addition to learning about issues other businesses have to manage.