Finding the Confidence to Lead: Sarah's Mentoring Journey

Growing a business often means making difficult decisions, navigating challenges and learning to trust your own judgement. For Sarah, co-owner of Sisu Fitness and Sip, business mentoring has played an important role in building her confidence as a leader and business owner.

We asked Sarah a few questions about her business journey so far...

Tell us about your business...

Sisu Fitness is a premium coaching facility offering personal training, group coaching and structured fitness programmes designed to help everyday people become stronger, fitter and more confident. Sip is our independent coffee shop, serving high-quality coffee, matcha and fresh food in a stylish but welcoming environment. The two businesses now operate alongside one another, creating a space where fitness, community and hospitality come together.

Why did you start your business?

Afer a decade of 1:1 personal training, my husband founded Sisu in 2018 because he wanted to provide a higher standard of coaching for the people of Kent, and create a fitness brand focused on genuine progress rather than simply giving people access to equipment.

I then founded Sip in 2019 because I felt Kent needed a coffee shop that was stylish and high quality without feeling pretentious. In 2022, we joined the businesses together and became co-owners of both, combining our strengths and building one shared vision.

What has your business mentor helped you with the most?

My mentor has helped me most with confidence and decision-making. Running a growing business means constantly making difficult decisions involving finances, staff, operations and long-term direction. Having someone experienced to challenge my thinking, offer an outside perspective and reassure me when needed has helped me become a more confident and decisive business owner.

Are there any milestone achievements you have experienced since working with your mentor?

One of the most significant milestones has been becoming a much more confident and precise decision-maker during an extremely challenging situation, and then manage the wider impact this had on our staff, members and business reputation.

My mentor Hayley helped me separate emotion, personal relationships and outside pressure from what was right for the business. She consistently empowered me to trust my judgement, reminding me that I am an entrepreneur who already knows how to build a strong brand and successful business. Her support gave me the confidence to make difficult decisions clearly, stand by them and protect the standards and culture we have worked hard to create.

We have also employed three members of staff through the Kent Boost Loan. This was a major step in moving the business forward, but it also created an immediate responsibility to ensure those roles became sustainable. Hayley has helped me identify how we can develop each employee quickly, strengthen their skills and increase the value they bring to the business so that the positions can be maintained long term.

The biggest achievement has not only been growing the team, but developing the confidence, leadership and structure needed to manage that growth properly.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a business?

Do not wait until everything feels perfect, because it never will. Start with a clear idea of the problem you are solving, understand your numbers and be prepared to adapt- all. the. time. 

I would also recommend asking for help sooner rather than later. You do not have to know everything yourself, and having experienced people around you can prevent costly mistakes and give you the confidence to make difficult decisions, and speed up progress in the business.

What is your favourite part of being a business owner?

My favourite part is seeing something we created grow into a business that genuinely impacts people’s lives. Whether someone is becoming stronger and more confident through Sisu, or meeting a friend and enjoying your birthday with a lush brunch at Sip, it is rewarding to know we have created a space people value.

I also love the freedom to develop new ideas, make changes quickly and build a business that reflects our personality, standards and values.

At The Kent Foundation, we're proud to support entrepreneurs like Sarah as they build successful, sustainable businesses. Through mentoring, young business owners gain access to experienced professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement and an outside perspective when it's needed most.

If you're aged 18-40 and based in Kent, our free mentoring programme could help you build confidence, overcome challenges and achieve your own business milestones.

Get in touch today!