Two inspirational entrepreneurs who have turned personal ideas into national success stories have been confirmed as keynote speakers for Staffordshire’s biggest International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
Lucie Macleod, founder and CEO of Hair Syrup, will headline Staffordshire Chambers’ IWD event at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 6 March, where she will share the story behind one of the UK’s fastest-growing haircare brands.
Lucie launched Hair Syrup in 2019 while still at university, after becoming frustrated with damaged hair and the lack of natural products on the market.
What began as a personal solution quickly gained traction when her all-natural, cruelty-free hair oils went viral on TikTok. The brand has since grown into a household name, with products stocked by major retailers including Boots, Urban Outfitters and Beauty Bay.
Lucie will speak candidly about the challenges of rapid growth, including her experience pitching on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and being rejected, and how she used the setback to refine her strategy and accelerate the business, which later ranked 13th on The Sunday Times 100 list.
Also headlining the event is Shamila Iqbal, co-founder of Bathroom Mountain, a Stoke-on-Trent business built during the COVID pandemic against the odds.
Founded in Tunstall with a small, hands-on team, Bathroom Mountain started with staff picking and packing orders, answering phones, and doing whatever was needed to keep the business moving during a challenging period. The company now operates from a 300,000 sq ft warehouse and is targeting a £150 million turnover by 2026.
Inspired by her father’s legacy at Tile Mountain, Shamila Iqbal has built her own success story. She will discuss how courage, determination, and a strong sense of community have shaped her leadership, and why she is committed to empowering women to back themselves and lead with confidence.
The event will be hosted by Kirsty Hulse, an award-winning confidence coach, author and founder of a global training company that has worked with major brands including Virgin Atlantic and IBM.
Known for her energetic and humorous approach, Kirsty will guide the conversation throughout the morning, helping attendees turn inspiration into practical action.
Chris Plant, Interim Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our International Women’s Day event is all about celebrating women who are shaping the future of business in Staffordshire.
“Lucie and Shamila’s stories of determination, innovation and success are a real inspiration to everyone looking to grow and lead with confidence.”
The International Women’s Day celebration is expected to attract hundreds of attendees from across the county’s business community.
Tickets can be booked via the Staffordshire Chambers website, here.
