TGt Meets...Jemma Brown, Sales & Marketing Director of OHM Clothing Ltd, IWD Special

Meet our latest TGt Meets...Jemma Brown, the sales & marketing director of OHM Clothing Ltd. Take a look below to see what Total asked Jemma for our international Women's Day special!

Location: Swindon

Occupation: Sales and Marketing Director of OHM Clothing Ltd.

1. Which woman would you compare yourself to? 

I don’t compare myself to other women. I just aspire to be the best person I can be. Figure wise though, Cindy Crawford...!

2. What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?

I would say a good sense of humour. How cliché is that? But it’s true. It means I’m positive, forward thinking and always looking for the good in situations. I guess it’s not really a skill, but it’s a massive attribute and means I’m good to work with. I think life has taught me, what’s the worst that can happen – give it a go!

3. Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

It recognises the key and important part women play in the world and around the world. It’s a precious day where women can be celebrated and put up on pedestals for their brilliance. ‘An equal world in an enabled world’ – sums it up quite nicely I think.

4. How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I’m massively busy, both with the business and with what I do outside of work – which is be a mum, run large scale music and theatre events with TITCO, run a music school, teach singing, co-manage The Fulltone Orchestra, perform myself on stage and at weddings and I’m about to start a music theatre podcast with my friend - to be fair, I have no advice on balancing things. We’re here only once, do the lot!

5. Do you ever experience any discrimination in the workplace because of your gender?

No, not now. At least people can try, but I’ll find a way over them if they look down on me because I’m a woman. When you run your own business, it almost feels less obvious because you’re in charge. Plus, all our staff are women and I try as much as I can to raise us all up. I think one of the worst thing a woman can do both personally and in the workplace, is clamber over another woman to better themselves. Just don’t do it – raise each other up and your world really is a better place.

6. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?

If you want to be in sales, or indeed run your own business, you must just hold your nerve – continually. The highs and lows are huge and there is never a dull moment. But I would say, go for it – if you have a dream, follow it. It sounds a bit hackneyed, unimaginative, but follow your dreams! It’s only when you do, you realise it’s not as scary as you think it is. In terms of working in sales, be sure it’s a product or service that you believe in and is ethical and just TELL people you’re trying to sell to, exactly that. Then you’ll fly.

7. If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be and why?

My mum

Dawn French, because she’s massively inspirational and very funny.

Princess Diana, because I would love to talk to her about why she married Charles.

Maya Angelou, because she was one of the most inspirational, clever, sound humans that ever lived. I’d like to pick her brains on almost every subject there is!

Cilla Black. Because she hung on in there in a male dominated music scene and ended up smashing it. Plus, I’d love to talk to her about the Liverpool scene back then - one my Dad I believe was part of.

8. As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I was asked that once in a job interview and answered, “Sat in your seat” The man clearly didn’t like that answer, as I didn’t get the job! I was 19. In 10 years’ time, I’ll be 54. I hope I’ll be as happy as I am now, with wonderful husband and daughter, the amazing friendships I have now, with my amazing family all still here and living life to the full.

I could say ‘a millionaire’, but I’m rich in so many ways. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff and as sure as eggs, 10 years will be here in a snap – and I don’t plan to waste a moment of it.

Find out more about OHM Clothing HERE!