Ponderlily is a modern, environmentally conscious luxury stationery brand. Founder and Enterprise Nation member Carina Lawson shares her story.

Member stories

Founder & Managing Partner

Company that helps you plan, pursue and seize things that matter most

 is a modern, environmentally conscious luxury stationery brand. Founder and 

How did you come up with your business idea?

I saw a gap in the market for productivity tools that made planning personal. We often get lost in scheduling things for other people (e.g.: kids' dentist appointments, running errands to organising a birthday party) that we forget to put ourselves on the agenda.

In seeking a well-balanced lifestyle that encompasses both authenticity and flexible structure, I created a collection of products for people with full lives who want bold, intentional living with time to be still, kind, strong and happy.

Coordinating production, a website launch, and creating content when I travel a lot for work can be quite challenging. Good job we make planners around here!

Keeping things super simple and doing them well is how we overcome this. Saying no to projects and being realistic of what I can take on helps overcome that. We don't have to do all the things!

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

Being featured in the Independent as the best planner of 2019.

Pitching to retailers and being in more stores.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

Mindset. I'm painfully shy and working up the nerve to talk to retailers can be quite daunting for me.

How has Enterprise Nation helped your business?

I really appreciate the opportunity for speaking on a panel at StartUp 2019 with so many accomplished speakers (Enterprise Nation members can watch a video of the session, how to start a wellness brand, 

I also love the resources on the website.

; she's incredibly smart and has given the tools to so many people to do what they love.

What are your three tips for business success?

1. Make a plan of how you're going to work in your business. Keep that plan super simple and realistic. Show up to work the plan and repeat.

2. Find your people and serve them well. You're not going to be for everyone and that's okay.

3. Be diligent about your business finances. Your actions should be geared towards running successful small businesses that earn a profit, are structured for growth, and are built on sustainable business practices that fit your life.

We're a family business and I worked with my father in law many years ago, before I even met my husband! I couldn't imagine running this business with anyone else.

We're proud to have entrepreneurs like Carina as members. 

 and become part of an amazing community of small businesses.

The stationery company that helps you plan, pursue and seize the things that matter most

Ponderlily is a modern, environmentally conscious luxury stationery brand. Founder and Enterprise Nation member Carina Lawson shares her story.



Since launching in 2005, the Enterprise Nation team has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder Emma Jones MBE, Enterprise Nation continues to be the most active UK small business community and a leading campaigning voice for small business. Joining Enterprise Nation connects you with resources, community and connections you need to reach your business goals.

Free start-up events across the UK

Join a one-day business class in a city near you.

HI All,
I&apos;m Jessica, the founder of The Just Williams Sales Academy. An online Sales Academy for small business owners and those in customer service and sales. I run a 6 1/2 year old business called Just Williams too, offering outsourced sales and marketing and have recently launched sister Company the JWSA
<a href=&apos;https://justwilliamssales.academy/&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>The Just Williams Sales Academy</a>
<h2>A Sales Academy</h2>
<h4>Sales can no longer just be about ‘the little black book’ or a lucky one-off win.</h4>
It’s about integrity, professionalism and continuous development where adaptability, knowledge and networks are key. It’s all about how well you understand your own position as much as how you understand your target audience.
With a range of individual modules and courses, we have it covered when it comes to your sales CPD.

Sales Expert, Director, NED, Mentor, Adviser

North East small business networking group

Being self-employed needn't feel lonely. This group is for small business owners in and around Durham & Tees Valley. Join this group to connect with like-minded founders, share knowledge, discuss challenges, and support one another. And for anyone who'd like to continue the conversation at one of our monthly online meet-ups, we'll be sure to let you know when your next event is taking place.

Head of Digital at feedalpha
Over the past 5 years, I have built my career by empowering businesses to use the power of social media to get real business results.
I started my career in retail management. The highlight of my Retail career was working as Deputy Brand Manager in Topshop Knightsbridge. Working for some of the top global retail brands thought me so many of the key skills needed for marketing.
I opened my one business after completing my degree so I could have a more flexible working schedule to prioritise the most important thing for me- my family.
So while my C.V includes working in a small accessory store to managing teams of 100 people it was opening thesocialnetwork that really set my soul on fire.
With my consultancy package clients have increased their social media followers, seen an increase in their potential clients and increased their revenue. Working with women I empower them to increase their social media presence and help improve their confidence.

Head of Digital

Social Media Scheduling

Feed your Followers
feedalpha is your new favourite social media management platform. Plan, schedule and publish great content to all your social channels in seconds.

<a href=&apos;https://arthurhwilson.com/&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>Digital marketing freelancer</a>, helping small and growing businesses to punch above their weight in crowded niches.

Bringing together a decade of knowledge across sectors, I help start-ups and SMEs to punch above their weight in crowded niches and established international firms to boost their current digital marketing performance. I can support your business with: - SEO - PPC - Social - Content marketing - Full digital marketing outsourcing Get in touch today to see how I can help!&nbsp;

Digital marketing consultant

Arthur Wilson

<a href=&apos;https://arthurhwilson.com/&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>Digital marketing freelancer</a>, helping small and growing businesses to punch above their weight in crowded niches.

Bringing together a decade of knowledge across sectors, I help start-ups and SMEs to punch above their weight in crowded niches and established international firms to boost their current digital marketing performance. I can support your business with: - SEO - PPC - Socia

The stationery company that helps you plan, pursue and seize the things that matter most

How did you come up with your business idea?

What start-up challenges have you faced?

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

What is your next big business goal?

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

How has Enterprise Nation helped your business?

Which other entrepreneur inspires you?

What are your three tips for business success?

Anything else you would like to share?

We're proud to have entrepreneurs like Carina as members. Join Enterprise Nation and become part of an amazing community of small businesses.

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