Sad News
Dame Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop, has died at the age of 64, from a massive brain haemorrhage.
And the news has made me feel really sad. She was a truly inspirational woman and probably the most well-known female entrepreneur in the UK. In fact at the moment I can't think of another one.
Throughout my business career, she was held up as the female role model - it used to be impossible to read an article about 'women in business' without Anita Roddick being either mentioned or quoted - though her unconventional way of doing business meant that she was hardly an establishment darling.
Thanks to her, a whole generation of women has been inspired to start their own businesses, though it is still quite shocking how few high-profile female business leaders there are. I hope my daughter grows up with role models like her to inspire her.
Anita Roddick, goodbye and thank you.
I was ever so sad to see the news last night. She spoke at my school once and really was inspirational - she's going to be so missed.
Posted by: lottie | 11 September 2007 at 10:05 AM
I know, such sad news - I worked for years at the Body Shop as a student, you couldnt help but feel you knew her from the way the shops were run.
Posted by: Rebecca | 11 September 2007 at 09:56 PM
I got that impression Rebecca - I went into a Body Shop yesterday and they had candles burning and a memories book, really lovely.
Posted by: lilacstripe | 12 September 2007 at 10:36 PM
I have absolutely no idea how I missed this in the news. Thanks for posting. Anita will indeed be missed.
Posted by: Kate (pm) | 14 September 2007 at 04:51 PM
She was an inspiration to so many of us, her loss will be sorely felt for years to come.
Posted by: cd&m | 17 September 2007 at 05:05 PM
She was an extraordinary entrepreneur who demonstrated how to create a business from the heart. She inspired me. Thanks for your tribute.
Posted by: Miss Teariest | 05 November 2007 at 05:14 AM