Member Spotlight 

II am a graphic designer and I set up my own business 15 years ago. 

 

When I was thinking about a name for my company, I had all these ideas to do with my name such as tempest, storm as I was always teased at school with my name being Gail (Gale force wind). Then I thought why not just use my name, keep it simple, although it is quite a long email address! 

 

It has to be working with some amazing companies and clients. 

 

I sing (or try to) in a choir for a local charity. I love it. 

 

It has to be my wonderful husband Bill, who I sadly lost in 2021. He was such an inspiration in my life. He made me laugh every day and helped build my confidence, he showed me to embrace life and try to see the best in every situation. 

 

I think that Peter Kay would be great company - he’s a brilliant comedian. 

 

I love the film ‘Last Christmas’, light hearted but very poignant. 

 

Believe in yourself. You can do this. Don’t be too proud to ask for advice or assistance. 

 

To continue to understand my clients’ business needs and to create the perfect marketing 

solutions that they need. I have always taken a pride in what I do and love my job, and if it 

can help a client to grow their brand or product, that is the best result ever. 

 

I’m the Communications and Fundraising Officer at Charity Link, a charity which provides essential items for people in hardship or crisis across Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. I’ve been with the charity for 8 years, the charity itself has been going for over 145!. 

 

We are Charity Link as we work in partnership with over 250 other charities and organisations to get help to people who need it. Our Trust Administration Service supports other charities with fulfilling their objectives and we also gain support from charitable trusts too – hence the ‘link’ name! 

 

Helping to raise the profile of Charity Link, which has been a bit of a hidden gem in the past as much of our work goes on behind closed doors. There is still a lot of work to be done but we are getting there to make sure people know of our vital work. Also developing our Leicestershire 3 Peaks Challenge event which is award-winning and brings people together each year to raise thousands of pounds. 

 

I’m scared of flying – but still determined to do a parachute jump for Charity Link one day! 

 

Not one person but I have met some hugely inspiring people through charities I’ve worked for who have taught me valuable lessons about positivity. Some have faced huge challenges and heartbreak but are able to pick themselves up to improve things for others. 

 

I’m fascinated by the drama of the Tudor era so I think Elizabeth I would make for interesting conversation. As would Elizabeth II – what a life! I am reading Sandi Toksvig’s Almanac at the moment which is filled with fascinating and inspiring women, most I’d never heard of. So I’d probably answer differently next time! 

 

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe – it makes me laugh and cry! I love films (and books) which show people throughout their lives. We tend to think that ‘old’ people have always been that way, and forget what exciting lives they may have lived! 

 

Surround yourself with positive and inspiring people, outsourcing can be hugely beneficial, have a vision board of where you want to take the business so you always remember the bigger picture and why you started your business, so you don’t ‘sweat the small stuff’. 

 

It’s going to be extremely busy for Charity Link over the coming months as we see the need for our services go up – due to the cost of living crisis - whilst it becomes increasingly hard to raise funds. COVID showed the need for varied and sustainable income streams and we are looking at developing our Trust Administration Service and our Social Enterprise, The Goods Depot, which both feed funds in to support our charitable work. We are also keen to expand our Business Club and will continue to try to come up with imaginative support opportunities - as we can only do what we do with the help of the local community - ideas always welcome!! 

Wit Woo Beauty was founded in 2018. Providing a wide range of treatments feel renewed refreshed, renowned for its attention to detail making experiences great. 

 

Well to be honest it was easy. My name is Samantha de Wit so Wit Woo as in a wolf whistle was funny and memorable. 

 

Super proud of lots of things through difficult times and a pandemic, moving twice ... when I think back to the beginning, treatments to friends and family, to now having and running my own salon from home, social media, online bookings and the website, so definately how far its come! And how much I love it ! 

 

After leaving school I was destined for the entertainment world singing dancing and acting. So lucky to be offered a place at Redroofs Theatre School in Berkshire, working in Theatre, Clowning at parties, extra work for ITV and the BBC got me my Equity Card,a life of auditions and my first redcoat season... hi de hi ha ha..followed by cararet from 1993 to 2009. 

 

 

 

Oh gosh thats so difficult, probably Tom Jones. 1987 in Birmingham, his vioce and moves blew me away. When I was an act I used to sing for 10 nights at a time in the valleys. Pontypridd was always a favourite. The love and respect the Welsh have for him is massive, plus the fact he can SANG! 

 

The Green Mile .... a little woo X 

 

Go for it, enjoy the ride, if you are doing something you love, you will never work a day. 

 

Training. I have my eye on some more treatments to offer, so I plan to do this in 2023.