Most of my career was spent in direct sales, managing different sites and working my way up the corporate chain. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d end up developing head lice products. I freaked out the first time I ever saw lice in my 9-year-old daughter’s hair. Because she suffered from eczema on her scalp when she was younger, the process of treating it was really painful and stressful. We were stuck in an endless loop of nasty head lice infestations. I spent a lot of time researching how to solve it and a year down the line I had quit my corporate job and was running around with four or five part-time roles on the go to fund myself whilst I started NitNOT. I developed the new serum and comb and in the early days ran a head lice clinic in my home town which was really successful in treating nasty cases. Since NitNOT was featured on Dragon’s Den and funded by Tej Lalvani, I’ve been working alongside his team, to get our products into mainstream health and pharmaceutical retail.
In the early days, I was very ambitious. I found selling quite natural, my background is in sales. I wouldn’t say I planned my career but I certainly pushed myself and took opportunities as they came up. Being a single mum made things a bit more challenging – I had childcare responsibilities and no support. NitNOT was never planned – it was borne out of me being angry and frustrated with the head lice industry and a lack of decent treatments available. But once the idea was there and it was clear there was a need, that same tenacity and drive got me where we are today.
Loads! I was used to the usual office politics and discrimination as a woman and single mum. Thankfully this is not an issue with NitNOT, but now my main challenges revolve around finding genuinely environmentally conscious suppliers, managing stock levels, delivering on new supplier contracts, and finding amazing people to build up my team. Head lice is a tricky business – it is an emergency product and so people want to buy it on the spot, in their local store rather than online. People don’t follow head lice brands on social media – there is a lot of stigma. There is also a ton of rubbish advice out there – we often see ridiculous posts suggesting that head lice can be treated with all kinds of home remedies – even mayonnaise! People don’t realise that some of these treatments can be really dangerous (e.g. Tea Tree Oil). Our team is constantly challenged by how to get the message out there on a subject people would rather not hear about, educate people and help them overcome the stigma so they can get rid of lice for good.
Definitely being on Dragon’s Den and having several of the Dragon’s bid to invest in NitNOT! I was thrilled that we settled with Tej Lelvani as he has amazing experience in pharmaceutical retail and his team is fantastic to work with, it’s incredible having him on board. Achieving eco-certification has also been a real achievement. You’d imagine it would be quite simple but it’s a tough route for a small business. As soon as you go down the environmentally friendly track your costs triple and it is harder to reach economies of scale in purchasing (minimum order costs are so high). The fact that we have stuck to our guns and taken the hit financially to ensure NitNOT is authentic and consistent with eco-credentials is something I’m really proud of.
Genuinely I think the biggest factor in our success is that NitNOT’s products actually work and we are super honest and upfront about everything lice. Many treatments are toxic and highly flammable. Our products are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and non-flammable. You don’t need these types of ingredients to make an effective treatment, however using these does keep the costs down, but that’s not our aim, we aim for quality and a product that can be trusted. The current head lice industry is full of false promises, wild claims (Beat Head Lice in 5 minutes! etc.) We refuse to engage with customers in that way. We believe in the end, people will be attracted to NitNOT because of our brand values, quality and product effectiveness.
I’m happy to mentor anyone who would like to set up a head lice focused business, there’s plenty of opportunities for flexible work in the industry. I think mentoring is a really valuable part of the process. No one knows everything, and growing personally as a business owner is critical to ensure you’re not the one limiting your business. I personally surround myself with competent advisors – Tej Lalvani being one of them. I find that a broad mix of advisors gives me a range of experience to draw on when I need it.
I would encourage parents to take equal responsibility in checking for head lice! The responsibility falls solely on mums, it’s not always this way, but honestly, from my experience all too often it is. It has been frustrating how few fathers I have interacted with on this journey – even in the NitNOT clinic. Head lice is a women’s issue – and not because it is specific to women (boys get head lice too!), purely because the balance of household and domestic responsibilities lies with the mums. As such, they’re usually the ones who have to deal with all the stress, shame and tears.
I would tell myself to be wise about who I work with and to follow my gut. I have had some working relationships that haven’t worked out well – I’ve just felt that the person wasn’t a good fit and didn’t have the attitude and passion for NitNOT that would be needed to get the job done. I would advise myself to be quicker and more decisive in these situations, It can be really soul-destroying when you keep people on for the wrong reasons and I can too easily allow sympathy to drive my decisions.
The next challenge is to find new ways to communicate with families and keep them safe. Common head lice products have been the cause of 10 major accidents that have left children with life-changing injuries (burns) and the MHRA have now published guidance stating that parents should be warned about the flammability of head lice products. NitNOT will be setting out to enlighten parents about the risks and presenting safe and effective alternatives.
May
13may10:0011:00Breaking the Silence | Menopause & Mental Health at Work
13/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health and yet it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in the workplace. This session is designed to help managers,
You’ll gain:
A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling
A simple, effective approach to starting supportive wellbeing conversations
Date: Tuesday 13th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free