A courageous entrepreneur who overcame appalling tragedy to set up her own business has had her efforts heralded at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Natalie Hutchison, 39, set up her successful hairdressing business less than three years ago and has now expanded her business to serve the needs of over 300 clients.
However, things could have gone very differently for Hutchison, who has had to overcome serious personal and medical circumstances to get where she is today.
After a neglectful and abusive childhood, she had to escape a violent marriage, suffered a miscarriage and had to raise her three daughters on her own.
Hutchison also developed an eating disorder and endometriosis, which is an agonising condition that causes serious internal bleeding.
As a result of her condition, she was forced to have a hysterectomy when she was only 24.
Her life took a further fall in 2002 when she was declared bankrupt and she lost her home and car.
Yet somehow Hutchison bounced back from her tragic earlier life and now her business, Simply Hair, is set to scale the heights.
Hutchison’s efforts were commended by Barclays Trading Places Awards, which honour unsung heroes in business.
She said: “I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would get this far in anything – I’m lost for words that I’ve won.
“My life really had hit rock bottom, but starting my business has been a life-changing experience – I never thought I’d be achieving what I am today.
“I hope my story shows other people that no matter what you’ve been through, anyone can succeed.”
© Crimson Business Ltd 2006
