Emma Hewitt, a mother from Northfield, has turned the shock of losing her job during maternity leave in 2016 into a career as an awards advisor, helping small business owners use award entries to grow and gain confidence.
From Redundancy to Franchise
Emma's previous role in university international student recruitment required extensive overseas travel, and when she was made redundant, she was not offered the part-time alternative role she had been suggested. Rather than panicking, she started a franchise for Mum2Mum Markets, hosting events for parents to buy and sell pre-loved baby goods.
As her children, now aged ten and eight, grew, she wanted more. Entering an award in May 2024 as a finalist proved to be the catalyst for her new business idea. "I totally lost my confidence after losing my job on maternity leave," said Emma. "At the time, it was horrid but now I realise it has led me to where I am now. I think you go through things for a reason. I would never have left my job to set up a business, it only happened because my hand was forced and I had to find a solution."
The Power of Awards
Emma's experience as an award finalist inspired her to help others achieve similar recognition. "I felt the uplift of meeting other people and seeing how much it means to be recognised," she said, adding that she hosts a monthly networking group in Harborne. "I'd already been thinking about how I could teach people to write award entries, but that day I knew I needed to help more people get into rooms like that. I help people to use awards strategically to grow their business, by selecting awards that meet their goals and priorities and increase visibility, credibility and opportunities."
Emma emphasises that the process is about more than winning a trophy. "One of the biggest things for me is writing the award entry. This is a reflective exercise and people present it to themselves first. It helps you learn you are more than you realise, it makes people think 'I'm more than I give myself credit for'. This gives people a boost."
Building Confidence and Credibility
Being a nominee or finalist can provide visibility, allowing people to talk positively about their businesses and share insights from their entry forms. "This is huge," Emma added. "Every stage gives people confidence and credibility. They realise the entry process is of benefit and the trophy is not the be all and end all. Most of my clients are women and this gets them to see themselves fully. Many say 'oh that's just something I do' and I tell them 'no that's your thing, that's what makes you special'. It's the most rewarding thing."
Over the past couple of years, Emma has helped numerous small business owners achieve success. "Seeing what it's enabled them to do, how it's built their confidence and got them in the room, meeting new people, is fab."
Reflecting on the Journey
Emma now reflects that although losing her job was hard, everything has fallen into place. "It's not been a quick or direct route," she said. "Although I'd had the courage to start something new, I realise now that I was hiding behind others' brands and businesses for a long time. Now, I love seeing the power of the self recognition that people get from the awards process. Writing an award entry, answering questions about your business that you may not have considered before forces you to reflect and acknowledge achievements that are often forgotten or completely overlooked. I also love all the creative ways that awards can be used to strategically grow business - it's a different approach."
Emma's story is part of the Brummie Mummies Kitchen Table Business series, which highlights inspiring local entrepreneurs.
