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Writer's pictureLuna Williams

From Boutique to Big Leagues: The Role of Perseverance in Female Entrepreneurship


In the competitive world of business, success is often determined by a single quality: perseverance. For female founders, resilience is especially essential, navigating the challenges of an evolving market and, at times, overcoming unique societal expectations. The Thrive Club recently hosted several events where accomplished women shared insights from their journeys, showing how perseverance has played a critical role in building their brands and careers. Here, we highlight the stories and lessons from Polly McMaster, founder of The Fold, and Phillippa Florentin-Lee, Managing Director of Gucci Northern Europe, exploring how their dedication and tenacity have powered their businesses from boutique beginnings to industry success.


The Power of Grit: Polly McMaster’s Journey with The Fold


Polly McMaster founded The Fold to address an unmet need: professional, stylish clothing for career-driven women. Launching in the crowded fashion market, especially as a niche, high-end brand, was no small feat. McMaster faced significant challenges, particularly in securing funding and building a customer base from scratch. “I remember days when it felt like the vision was slipping out of reach,” McMaster shared. “But I would remind myself daily why I started—creating something meaningful for women in business.”

McMaster’s story is one of perseverance in action. With her relentless dedication to creating beautifully tailored workwear, she grew The Fold into a beloved brand that resonates with professional women worldwide. Her journey exemplifies that resilience doesn’t mean ignoring obstacles; it’s about pushing forward with a clear vision, even when the path is difficult. Today, The Fold’s success and loyal following are testaments to the power of grit and determination in business.


Teamwork and Resilience: Lessons from Gucci’s Phillipa Florentin-Lee


Phillippa Florentin-Lee, Managing Director of Gucci Northern Europe, brings a unique perspective on perseverance through her leadership role at one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. For Florentin-Lee, perseverance is not only an individual pursuit but also a quality she instills in her team. “In a brand as established as Gucci, success is about pushing boundaries while staying true to your roots. That requires resilience, both individually and as a team,” she explained.

Florentin-Lee emphasised that a resilient team culture is essential for any organisation aiming for long-term success. “You can’t achieve growth in a complex market without a committed team who shares your vision and is ready to face challenges together,” she said. Her approach at Gucci shows that perseverance isn’t just about leading by example; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to overcome obstacles. Florentin-Lee credits this collective resilience as a cornerstone of Gucci’s success, helping the brand thrive and innovate in a competitive luxury market.


Perseverance as a Pathway to Success


The stories of McMaster and Florentin-Lee demonstrate that perseverance is more than a personal trait—it’s a commitment to a vision and a willingness to face challenges head-on. For McMaster, that meant pushing through the difficulties of building a fashion brand from the ground up. For Florentin-Lee, it’s about leading a team in a way that fosters resilience, inspiring everyone to move forward together, even in challenging times.


At the the Thrive Club, these women shared valuable insights into how they’ve harnessed resilience to build successful careers and businesses. Their experiences illustrate that the road to success is rarely smooth, but with perseverance, female entrepreneurs can navigate obstacles, build supportive teams, and ultimately grow thriving, impactful businesses. For anyone looking to elevate their own business journey, the stories of McMaster and Florentin-Lee serve as a powerful reminder that success often lies in the ability to keep moving forward, no matter the hurdles.

Whether you’re leading a growing startup or an established business, resilience is key to navigating today’s market challenges. From boutique beginnings to big-league triumphs, perseverance defines the journey for those who dare to dream big and refuse to give up.


The Thrive Club is a members club and development hub for female entrepreneurship.








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