I recently had the fantastic opportunity to join Jon and Sally in the brand-new BBC Breakfast studio. It was an exhilarating experience to discuss my journey with Trunki, a story of resilience in entrepreneurship and what it took to build the brand, and to share a bit about my latest book, 65 Roses and a Trunki: Defying the Odds in Life and Business.
Reflecting on Trunki’s Journey
Sitting in the iconic BBC Breakfast studio brought back a flood of memories from the early days of Trunki. It’s been nearly two decades since my now-famous pitch on Dragon’s Den, where the Trunki prototype was met with skepticism—and public rejection. What many saw as a failure turned into one of the most defining moments of my career. It was a pivotal lesson in resilience and determination.
Jon and Sally were particularly interested in how I navigated that roller coaster of emotions—from the sting of rejection to the high of seeing Trunki become a household name. We talked about how important it is to maintain focus on your vision, even when the journey is fraught with challenges.
The Role of Resilience in Entrepreneurship
A significant part of our discussion centered around resilience—a topic I’m deeply passionate about. Entrepreneurship is often glamorized, but the reality is that building a business is filled with highs and lows. Resilience, for me, is about staying committed to your vision despite setbacks. It’s about adapting, learning, and turning obstacles into opportunities.
I shared some key moments where resilience made all the difference:
- The decision to buy the Magma Moulding factory to protect Trunki’s quality and secure local jobs.
- The legal battles against copycat products that tested my resolve but reinforced the importance of protecting intellectual property.
- Balancing personal challenges, including managing my health, while leading a growing global brand.
Resilience isn’t just a business skill; it’s a life skill. And that’s a message I aim to convey through my book.
65 Roses and a Trunki: A Story of Defying the Odds
Naturally, I took the opportunity to talk about my book, 65 Roses and a Trunki. While it was fun to give it a quick ‘plug’ on air, the book itself holds a deeper purpose. It’s not just a memoir of my entrepreneurial journey; it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and overcoming life’s obstacles.
The title reflects two significant aspects of my life:
- 65 Roses: A phrase that represents my lifelong journey with cystic fibrosis, a condition that shaped my perspective and fueled my determination.
- A Trunki: The ride-on suitcase that became a symbol of my entrepreneurial vision and resilience.
In the book, I share stories of triumphs and failures, offering lessons for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone looking to defy the odds in their own lives.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Being on BBC Breakfast wasn’t just a moment to reflect on my journey—it was an opportunity to connect with aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals facing their own battles. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to stay resilient, embrace creativity, and pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.
I’m deeply grateful to Jon, Sally, and the entire BBC Breakfast team for having me. It was a delightful experience, and I look forward to future opportunities to share more insights, stories, and lessons learned along the way.
If you haven’t already, check out 65 Roses and a Trunki. It’s packed with practical advice, personal stories, and inspiration for anyone looking to navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and life.