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yourlocalguardian.co.uk

A woman’s touch in the home

A woman who packed in a career as a high-paid investment banker to start her own decorating company is a finalist in the 2006 NatWest's Everywoman Awards.

Kerrie Keeling, 32, beat 250 women to become one of 12 finalists in the awards, which celebrate the UK's most inspirational women business owners.

Kerrie, who lives in Trafalgar Road, Wimbledon, worked for seven years as an investment banker. But in 2003, she set up A Woman's Touch - a professional decorating and design company.

"Life as an investment banker became so political that I felt I could not be myself there," she said.

Kerrie was constantly frustrated with labourers she hired, who were frequently late and left her home in a mess. It inspired her to create a trustworthy company which could carry out different jobs in the home.

"It was a huge risk because I was leaving behind a massive salary, which I still miss." she said. "I wanted the freedom to run my own business, to be in charge of my own destiny, at the same time as providing decent trades people for the community."

Initially, Kerrie ran the business alone, providing decorating services by borrowing her father's tools. She now employs 17 others, including 15 women.

"The business is a success now," said Kerrie, who is looking into setting up other branches of the business in other cities in England. "Inevitably, it is hard to find women who specialise in traditionally male areas such as plumbing and decorating, but I get enormous satisfaction out of seeing them flourish."

A month ago Kerrie found out she was a finalist in the awards after being nominated by two relatives and will find out if she has won at a ceremony held at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair, central London, on December 7.

Kerrie said: "It was an enormous surprise to reach the finals and it gives me goosebumps to know I am among 11 other such inspirational women. Now I just have to find something glamorous to wear for the ceremony."

She is currently organising lessons for the public to learn how to complete simple jobs around the home.

To find out more phone 020 7167 2123 or visit awomanstouch.org.uk.