The PD Women In Business Series is an interview-style blog series on the Pangea Dreams blog that highlights female entrepreneurs who have joined us on Retreats over the past several years. In this series, we will get to know these Alumni better and learn about the incredible businesses that they are running.
Amy Weir
- Current Position: Owner, Pick & Mix Digital
- Currently Living: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Hometown: Cupar, Scotland
Hey Amy! We are so excited to have you featured in this series! Can you tell our community a little background about you and how you started your business?
I worked in communications/marketing for over 10 years and I really enjoy it. When I graduated from university, I got a job working for the NHS (the health service in the UK).
Within a few weeks my boss worked out I was ‘good with computers’ & I was giving responsibility of getting us a new website. And the rest as they say is history. I fell in love with working in digital & have been doing it ever since.
I set up Pick & Mix Digital as I know the scope of ‘digital’ can be really overwhelming for business owners & small marketing teams, but the potential is massive. We focus on helping businesses make strategic marketing decisions to get the most out of digital and social media. Putting in place strategy, plans & systems to make it as easy & organized as possible.
Have you always been entrepreneurial? What led you to take that first step and setting up your own business?
If 5 years ago you told me I would be running my own business I would have laughed & thought you were joking. So, I wouldn’t say I’ve always been entrepreneurial.
A few years ago, I started to question if I wanted to always work in a corporate environment & that’s when I started thinking about different ways of working.
I decided to test the waters with some freelancing to see if it was something I would enjoy. A friend & ex-colleague recommended me to a company he was working with & it all snowballed from there.
If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in business during your overall career?
I’ve only had positive experiences being a female business owner, but when I worked in a more corporate environment I did come across a few challenges.
I’m a pretty straightforward & direct person – although always polite, I hate bad manners. Sometimes this has led to people saying I’m overly assertive or bossy!
I’ve had to learn that some people just aren’t comfortable with a woman being confident in her opinion. I now accept that this is a reflection on them, not me.
Where would you say your business was at before the Pangea Dreams Retreat and where would you say your business was after?
Before I went on the retreat, I was running my business on the side while working full time. I was at a bit of a crossroads. I knew that things weren’t working the way they were, but I wasn’t ready to commit to taking the next step (plus I wasn’t sure what I wanted that to be).
After the retreat I realised that running my own business was something I could do & more importantly was something I wanted to do! Speaking with the other women on the retreat & sharing our hopes, dreams & fears gave me a real confidence boost.
A month after the retreat I handed in my notice at my corporate job & committed to taking some time to travel & refresh before setting up my business.
What is one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs just starting out in their journey?
Work on strengthening your mindset as there will be great days & some not so fabulous days. If you struggle with what to charge look at your money mindset – something my business coach had me work on which has had a big impact.
I also find that imposter cure can be a big barrier to female business owners promoting themselves. Get some support with dealing with this but also set realistic marketing goals so you don’t get overwhelmed. So many businesses are spreading themselves too thin by trying to be on too many channels. Start small & build.
How can someone get in touch with you?
Email: amy.weir@pickandmixdigital.com
Personal IG: @amy.l.weir
Website: https://pickandmixdigital.com/
Thank you, Amy!
Amy is a Greece Retreat Alumna from our 2019 retreat on Amorgos Island.
