In this episode of the Meet Your Inspiration podcast, hosts Meri and Rich engage with Laura, founder of Wild Box, as she shares her inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurship. Laura discusses her struggles with anxiety, the transformative experience of traveling to Bali, and how she adapted her business which had just started before the pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, innovation, and personal growth in the face of multiple business challenges. In this conversation, we delve into the journey of navigating business challenges, the right branding, and the importance of local partnerships. We discuss the persistence required to launch products and enter markets, the significance of great mentorship, and the balance between personal life and business growth. The dialogue highlights innovative offerings in the cocktail industry and the evolving trends towards non-alcoholic options, showcasing Laura’s commitment to quality and local produce.Special takeaways• Laura transitioned from a sports performance background to bioscience.• She faced significant challenges in finding a job after university.• Laura discovered a passion for marketing while working as a receptionist.• Mental health struggles led Laura to a pivotal moment in her career.• A trip to Bali helped Laura rejuvenate and refocus her life.• The idea for Wild Box emerged from a gap in the market for boutique events.• Laura adapted her business model during the pandemic by offering cocktail-making classes.• Wild Box experienced significant growth during the pandemic through innovative solutions.• Laura's personal life changes influenced her business decisions.• The importance of branding and consistency in building a business. The importance of survival during tough business years.• Rebranding can lead to a loss of identity.• Partnerships with local businesses can revitalise a brand.• Persistence is key in product launches and market entry.• Understanding your target audience is crucial for success.• Scaling a business requires strategic planning and execution.• Innovative offerings can set a brand apart in a competitive market.• Support systems and mentorship play a vital role in business growth.• Finding a work-life balance is essential for personal well-being.• The non-alcoholic trend is growing and offers new opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Inspiration and Empowerment01:08 Laura's Educational Journey and Career Beginnings06:00 Transitioning to Marketing and Business Development08:35 Facing Challenges and Mental Health Struggles09:15 A Transformative Trip to Bali11:41 The Birth of Wild Box and Initial Concepts18:43 Adapting to the Pandemic: Innovative Solutions25:40 Growth and Expansion of Wild Box32:13 Navigating New Opportunities and Challenges39:15 Personal Life Changes and Business Evolution40:41 Navigating Business Challenges43:25 Rebranding and Identity Crisis45:49 Partnerships and Local Collaborations47:54 Product Launch and Market Entry50:30 The Journey of Persistence53:10 Scaling the Business56:27 Innovative Offerings and Trends01:00:11 Support Systems and Mentorship01:03:18 Finding Balance and Personal GrowthHow to contact Laura:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor-7220a25b/ Wild Box Events – Website - https://wildboxevents.co.uk/