Southbank graphic designer is Business Success Network’s ‘woman to watch 2021’
By Emily Griffith
A graphic designer has been singled out as a future high flyer, for her determination to succeed.
Business founder Mona King has been featured as a ‘Woman to Watch in 2021’ by the Business Success Network in recognition of International Women’s Day.
The SE1 designer runs the Mona King Creative Design Studio out of the Southbank Centre and specialises in branding, websites, graphic design and print projects for companies across the UK.
Ms King was told early in her career she would have to work twice as hard to succeed in the creative industry as both a woman and an ethnic minority.
She says her drive and determination to succeed in the creative sector has been fuelled by the challenges and stereotyping she’s had to face in her life.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated,” she said.
“Running a business is hard enough and I’ve battled against loads of unconscious bias and even discrimination as an ethnic minority female in the very male dominated creative industry.
“Hopefully my experience and journey can inspire and help other female entrepreneurs in a similar situation.”
This recognition has positioned Ms King to help others carve out a path in the creative sector: “My secret to success is always trying to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve been doing quite a bit of public speaking, podcasts, things I never thought I would be brave enough to do and I’m really enjoying it.
“That way people can get to know more about me, my story and personality, as well as my products and services.”
The Business Success Network provides expert advice, mentoring, coaching and masterclasses to business owners throughout the UK.
They publish their network’s achievements in the Business Success Magazine, circulated to business owners and entrepreneurs across the country, and started the ‘Women to Watch’ campaign to acknowledge the growing number of women becoming self-employed in the UK.
Stacey Calder, founder and managing director of the Business Success Network, said: “The increase in the number of women in the UK becoming self-employed is unprecedented.
“Historically, women have made up just 17 per cent of the self-employed, however, a UENI report from January 2020 found the number of UK businesses currently owned by women is 32.37 per cent.
“The ‘Women to Watch in 2021′ list was the perfect way to celebrate these amazing women in business on International Women’s Day.”