This International Women’s Day, we recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of women across industries. Here at Tide, we’re proud to support and spotlight the inspiring women in our community, who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and making an impact.
Today, we’re introducing Hannah, founder of One Twelve Agency – an influencer marketing and talent management agency championing real inclusion and representation in brand campaigns.
Hi Hannah, can you tell us a little bit about your business and why you started?
My business is One Twelve Agency. It’s an influencer marketing and talent management agency.
I was already working in influencer marketing when I started to notice the same issue coming up again and again: influencers and brand campaigns that didn’t reflect real inclusion and representation.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day is about representation and access. It’s about making sure women – especially those who’ve been overlooked – have a seat at the table, a voice in the room, and ownership over their own success.
This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’. Can you tell us about one thing you had to give up – or give deeply to – in order to build your business?
Looking back, one thing I had to give up, at least for a season, was comfort and certainty.
There were moments when it felt scary and lonely.
How has Tide helped you run your business – and what’s been your favourite feature?
Tide has helped me run my business with more clarity and confidence. It’s taken away a lot of the stress around managing finances, which is something many founders don’t talk about enough.
My favourite feature is the reports and insights section. It helps me stay on top of my money and understand my business finances without overthinking them.
Our Female Business Owners Index found that 36% of respondents wanted more Government support to unlock growth. What’s one thing the Government could do to help businesses like yours grow?
For my business, clearer and more accessible support around hiring would make a big difference. Incentives or relief for small businesses when bringing on new talent would help us grow sustainably and create more opportunities.
What’s one way you actively support other women in business – and what have you gained from doing that?
I actively support other women by sharing opportunities, collaborating, making recommendations, and simply being there for them when they need support.
What I’ve gained from that, is a strong sense of community, meaningful connections, and the joy of seeing other women succeed.
Who are the women that inspire you, whether in business or in life?
The women who inspire me the most are my mum and Emma Grede. My earliest memories are of going to my mum’s office and being so impressed that she was in charge and so important. It made me believe I could lead too. And Emma Grede – what she’s achieved is phenomenal. Both of them remind me that women can create, lead, and succeed at the highest levels.
What support do you think men could give to help women-owned businesses grow faster?
In my experience, men can support women-owned businesses by advocating for us in spaces where we might not always be heard. They could be introducing us to potential clients, investing in female-led ventures, and giving women equal visibility in industry opportunities.
Lastly, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to a female entrepreneur looking to start her own business?
Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start before you’re confident – because confidence comes from doing, not before it.
