In our new ‘My Life’ section, HuffPost UK Lifestyle asks successful women to step off their pedestals for a few minutes, and tell us what makes them tick.
Dessi Bell, 28, is the founder of activewear brand Zaggora, one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.
An ex-investment banker, Dessi came up with the concept for Zaggora’s signature HotPants™ after struggling to find an effective solution to lose weight and tone up in time for her wedding.
Since launching in July 2011, Zaggora has enjoyed success after success. The company has sold more than 600,000 pairs of HotPants™ in 126 different countries around the world and expanded its product line to include a range of activewear and beauty products.
Dessi has gone on to win multiple business awards.
Dessi Bell, Zaggora founder
What does the term ‘Having It All’ mean to you?
To me having it all is about appreciating all you have and making the most from the cards you have been dealt.
What’s the biggest myth about ‘Having It All’?
That it is defined in material terms! Having contentment and peace of mind is the most we can hope for. That allows us to be open to life and reach our ambitions and potential.
What one piece of advice would you give to women trying to ‘Have It All’?
The happiest people I know are the ones who have personal contentment.
Be appreciative of what you have today and that will allow your mind to switch into a creative space where you can make the most of the opportunities life throws at us.
Who is the person you need the most in your life and why?
My husband. He has made me better through the years and continues to bring out the best in me every day with amazing support, encouragement and love.
Who is your inspiration, and why?
My grandfather who passed away a few months ago. He had the most incredible zest for life and an undying work ethic coupled with a continuous positive attitude, and worked until he was 83! That's pretty inspiring.
How do you overcome setbacks?
By thinking of them as lessons.
I have found that in life situations are fluid and something which seems like a no go today, may be a fabulous opportunity tomorrow. You just have to have rock solid self-belief, work hard and make your own luck.
How do you let off steam?
I laugh, meditate, workout and hang out with my amazing family. My husband’s jokes never fail to cheer me up, either!
What are you the most excited about for the next twelve months?
My husband and I are having a baby in September which has become the focus of our lives -- even before he is born! I am super excited about integrating work with the baby.
And then we are also launching a whole range of new Zaggora products over the next few months which I hope will help women and men feel, look and be healthier, happier and hotter!
Zaggora products can be purchased online at www.zaggora.com or exclusively at the King's Road Sporting Club