Tamsin brings extensive expertise from 19 years in design and 12 years building two luxury brands. Her experience as a mother also informs her understanding of balancing business growth with personal life.

Having built her own businesses, Tamsin understands the challenges of scaling and strategic brand development. She’s learned to craft brands that are both meaningful and profitable.

Tamsin also helps clients build brands and websites that truly reflect their vision. Clients choose her for her ability to translate their vision effectively, providing powerful insights and strategies for lasting success.

It goes without saying that you are *quite* the woman! Tell us a bit about your business journey so far…

I’ve built three creative businesses over the past decade – from a six-figure luxury gifting brand to an artisanal children’s label, and now Monroe Creative. Whether it’s been products or services, the common thread in my what I do is creativity, along with a desire to bring joy and beauty into people’s lives. Throughout my journey I’ve always loved mentoring other women in business so when I decided I wanted a change it felt natural to move into a service based business, where I get to support visionary women doing extraordinary things (whilst doing what I love!)

What inspired you to set up your business and what have been the most significant steps in growing it to where you have to date?

After scaling one of my brands – a business that was ‘successful’ on paper with six figures, growth, a team – I realised that scale didn’t necessarily equal fulfilment for me. I wanted to build something smaller, more hands-on, more joyful and something that fit my life (not the other way around!) Monroe Creative was born from that shift, and I defined my own version of success, intentionally rooted in creativity, connection and lifestyle. That intention is what I believe has allowed this business to flourish.

Did you dive straight into entrepreneurial life, or did you take your time planning?

I was lucky enough to work in-house for some high-end, high street brands in a design role after graduating but I always knew I wanted to work for myself. If I’m honest I jumped into my first business with very little planning but eventually found strategy. Each business I’ve built has taught me so much! Monroe Creative wasn’t a spontaneous leap, it was a conscious choice – I knew what I wanted it to feel like and I built everything around that.

Business support comes in so many forms – accelerators, mentors, finance, and networking, to name a few. What support have you found the most significant in helping you to start and scale?

I am lucky enough to have a really supportive network of female founders who inspire and champion me constantly. I’ve also invested intentionally in courses and mentoring where the accountability has been so helpful. Something that doesn’t come under ‘business support’ but that has helped me immensely when it comes to figuring out what I want from my life is personal therapy – understanding yourself, personal growth and boundaries are all so important to apply to your business!

What’s on your vision board this year?

I’ve worked intentionally to get myself to a position where I can take the Summer holidays off from client work so I’m finally carving out time to  rest, hang with my daughter (while she still thinks I’m cool!) and work on the business, not just in it. Over the next year I want to build on this and create more space, more ease and deeper creative fulfilment. I also have a few dream clients and collabs on my radar!

They say “if you don’t ask, you don’t get” so what’s the magic bullet that will help you scale and who do you need to make it happen?

Clarity! Knowing what success looks like for YOU and having protected time to build, dream and refine it intentionally. I’ve been in growth mode before – this time, I want sustainable growth, rooted in my values. I don’t need a huge team, but I do need great collaborators: creative partners who bring fresh ideas and big-picture thinking.

Apparently, a founder’s morning routine says a lot about them. Talk us through yours…

I’d love to say that I start with journalling, no screen time and a restorative yoga practice but that is just not my reality! It starts with coffee (obviously), asking my daughter to put her shoes on 12 times, school drop-off and a quick dog walk before getting started. I am a planner so I’ve usually scheduled the most important tasks the day before so I can hit the ground running.

What are your non-negotiables, in both business and life?

Alignment in values, boundaries. flexibility and fun. I only say yes to projects and people that feel right and I build in space so I can be present where it matters most (especially with my daughter). I want my work to feel fulfilling and fun – if there’s no spark, it’s a no! I’m here for meaningful, joy-filled work with heart-led clients.

As a successful founder, how easy do you actually find it trying to have work/life balance?

It’s something I’m constantly working on. I’ve learnt over the years that there’s no perfect ‘balance’, instead for me it’s an ever-changing flow. Some weeks, my focus is on work and the house is an actual disaster zone, other times, it’s all about family and work takes a step back. When I can embrace this, everything feels easier. I’m constantly reminding myself that doing both is a success all on its own!

Are there any go-to resources you’d recommend to fellow founders – be that books, podcasts, memberships, or something else entirely?

I love the Peaceful Creatives Podcast which is all about creating spaciousness in your business. The book ‘Company of One’ by Paul Jarvis is a really interesting read about ‘staying small’ in business and asking yourself “what can I do to make my business better rather than bigger”? I’ve also got some great free resources on my website, the most popular being my Brand Clarity workbook which walks you through building a brand that feels like you and attracts your dream clients!

On the subject of advice, what’s the most BS advice you’ve ever received? Did you ignore it straight away or learn the hard way?

“Say yes to everything when you’re new.” I did in my earlier businesses, and I wish I hadn’t. Taking on work or opportunities out of fear or lack never leads to your best work and takes you further away from what lights you up. I’ve learnt to pause, assess and trust my gut when it comes to opportunities now!

Finally, we believe in the power of celebrating your wins. What are you most proud of?

I’m proud that I’ve built a business I love – one that supports other women, uses my creativity AND feels genuinely fulfilling. But more than anything else, I’m proud that I’m showing my daughter it’s possible to build a career on your own terms. I run a successful business, parent full-time and hold a lot – often without much outside support. It’s not always easy, but it feels incredibly meaningful – and I’m so proud of that.

WHAT. A. WOMAN!

Do you know a founder that will inspire The 51% Club community?
Get in touch with us and tell us a bit about her story: girlpower@the51percent.club