Endorsements from Business Entrepreneurs

Michelle Mone

Michelle Mone's rise to fame is a classic rags to riches story. Aged 10 she was managing six paper rounds, by 12 she was 'marketing' a local fruit shop and by 22 she was head of sales and marketing in Scotland, for Canadian brewers Labatts.

When Labatts was bought by Whitbread, Michelle took redundancy. In November 1996, with her husband Michael, she launched MJM International in Glasgow, after spotting an article about breast enhancers designed to be worn inside the bra. MJM International obtained the licence to distribute to the UK and Europe, until Michelle initiated, developed and successfully marketed the Ultimo range.

Success was rapid, leading to a number of awards. In April 2000 Michelle was named 'World Young Business Achiever', 'Business Woman of the Year' and won 'Great Scot of the Year Business Award'. It had been an incredible success story.

Things started to go wrong when the company expanded into America and Australia. Setbacks, including con-men defrauding them of more than £150,000, led to Michelle being "15 minutes from bankruptcy" in March 2002. Despite all the traumas, Michelle's optimism and determination won through. She even bared her soul on the BBC TV programme Trouble at the Top.

Michelle is a sought after speaker throughout the world. Hers

is a story of how to turn an idea into reality and of how never

to give up when you believe in yourself.

For more information about Michelle and Ultimo visit the

website www.ultimodirect.com.

View other endorsements by clicking a link below:

Business       Education       Entertainment       Sport