Denise Hardingham worked in care management before she founded Renaissance Stained Glass with her husband Sean, who is the principal artist for the design studio. The husband and wife team went into business to build something special together – and because it seemed like the most family-friendly employment option.
“Ironically, the greatest challenge has been balancing home and the business,” says Denise. “My family and my business grew simultaneously.”
Feeling stretched thin as a manager, wife, and mother, Denise turned to MentorNet, a mentoring program that pairs new businesswomen with seasoned business professionals.
She describes MentorNet as “a hive-mind for women with similar purpose to share knowledge and experiences.”
“MentorNet provided me with a flexible business development program that I can manage with my busy schedule,” explains Denise. “As a working Mum, in the most literal sense, more traditional Εface-to-face’ business development simply isn’t an option.” “MentorNet has helped me to put the critical issues of business development into perspective,” Denise continues. “For me, that means I can structure my workload more effectively. Whether or not you have a family, learning to focus on the activities that provide maximum impact is important for all businesswomen.”
“There is nothing in the MentorNet program that hasn’t been valuable”
MentorNet provided Denise with camaraderie as well as expert knowledge, and it facilitated the creation of her ideal business in which she works alongside her ideal partner. She and her husband work closely with clients to create extraordinary, inspiring spaces for living, working, and worshipping. The Hardinghams are passionate about their business.
“When you design in stained glass, it’s all about light,” Denise says. “Words simply cannot express how the transformation of light in a space changes every dimension of a room or building.”
MentorNet also helped Denise unlock new potential for her business: The stained glass studio has expanded into a jewellery design studio.
“Our business plans have certainly changed, entirely as a direct result of MentorNet,” says Denise. “A couple of years ago, our studio expanded from our architectural glazing design and manufacture into jewellery. This new aspect of the studio has really taken on a life of its own. “In fact, MentorNet has given me the confidence to separate our studio into two businesses. By the beginning of next year, we will have launched a new design brand, Dingham Design – starting with jewellery – but with a grand plan for so much more!” “There is nothing in the MentorNet program that hasn’t been valuable,” says Denise.
She recalls a conversation with a Buddhist travel guide in Thailand a few years back: “He shared with us his belief that our lives can be seen as large cork screws. We move in a circular motion, seemingly returning to the same place many times – but we haven’t really. We meet that place each time with more knowledge and greater perspective.
“We are in fact at a different level on life’s coil. No matter what you already know, it is never fruitless to return to it from a different perspective. MentorNet has been an invaluable in reviewing, clarifying, and re-focusing our journey.”
UPDATE: Denise has certainly overcome the feeling of being stretched too thin! Shortly before publication, she informed us that she recently started her own company separate from the design studio: Integration Services, a business that specialises in behavioural management and disability support consultancy and training.
“This business goes back to my roots,” says Denise. “It is an idea I’ve always had floating in the back of my mind. MentorNet helped me to crystallise the idea, see its potential, and develop a plan for realising this dream now – not at some distant point in the future that may never arrive – all while maintaining my other business interests and enjoying my family life.”
If you’re ready to put your business development into perspective register for MentorNet now.
