To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week, our Founder & Director Deborah reveals how her own diagnosis actually helped her build a multi-million pound beauty empire.
When did you realise you suffered from dyslexia: I knew there was something wrong when I could never remember how to spell things and I just couldn’t see words like everyone else. Everyone thought I wasn’t very clever and I spent a lot of time hiding in the school library. While I struggled to write I really enjoyed reading, and I used to spend hours lost in science books during breaktimes. Luckily for me, I was storing up so much information that I was able to put that into practice when I started creating my own skincare products. For years I didn’t really understand what was wrong with me; it was only when I went to sixth form college to study beauty therapy that I finally found out that I was dyslexic and everything made sense
How did you turn this experience into a positive? Many might have seen my dyslexia as a negative but I don’t think I would have achieved everything I have without it. My brain has to work harder than other people’s but this has always helped me see things that others miss. I’ll give you an example: I could literally ‘see’ how bee venom could work in skincare; I couldn’t really explain how I was going to capture its powers but I just knew I could. My sister was a beekeeper so I had a lot of information about bees and honey in my head, and I just woke up one day and knew what I had to do.
"I wish I could go back and reassure my 16 year old self that everything will be ok and that the bullies never win in the end."
You were awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year title in the 2018 Dyslexia Awards. What did that mean to you? It showed me that the bullies never win. I often gives talks to students and budding businesses, inspiring them to chase their goals despite the difficulties they may face. It is particularly rewarding to meet young entrepreneurs who may just be starting their careers and show them that all obstacles can be turned into something good. While they will tell me how much I inspire them to follow their dreams I am also inspired by their energy, passion and enthusiasm.
What advice would you give a young person diagnosed with dyslexia? I’m living proof that you don’t have to give up on your dreams – if you believe in what you are doing and have passion for it, it will work out. You need to realise your weaknesses and use them to your advantage.”
Dyslexia Awareness Week runs from October 4-October 10 and aims to increase understanding and raise awareness about dyslexia and what can be done to support people.
