Inspiring women
WOMAN WHO RAN RICHARD BRANSON'S PARADISE ISLAND GOES WILD!
30 July 2007
Roz Colthart, who once managed Sir Richard Branson's paradise Necker
Island, and recently beat thousands to the final shortlist of Sir Alan
Sugar's, The Apprentice is the new host of the daytime radio show Wild
Women on Talk 107.
Roz says:
"Wild Women is a fun show covering current affairs - from people in
politics to showbiz sensationalism! I am on every Wednesday from noon to
3pm with the original 'WAG', Liz Clark who's married to former Scottish
premier league footballer Sandy. When the Wild Women producers first
contacted me I was thrilled and thought I'd be appearing as a guest, but
ended up being asked to host it!" It's just one day a week and I'm looking
forward to hopefully co-hosting other shows in the near future."
But if this wasn't enough to keep her busy, Roz is also one of the web's
latest entrepreneurs. As Sir Alan's slot hit our screens, having skipped
his apprenticeship, Roz launched her own unique on-line shop,
Black-Essentials.com, which sells only black - the British woman's
favourite colour.
Sir Richard Branson says:
"I'm delighted that Roz has started an exciting new fashion business. It's
a great idea, has huge potential and with Roz at the helm it will go from
strength to strength. I'm sure it's going to be a winner."
Roz explains:
"It's a totally new idea in fashion. Black is the nations favourite colour
because it is chic, stylish and timeless. Not to forget it hides a
multitude of sins! For years I've dreamt of launching
Black-Essentials.com, as I feel there is a real gap in the market for
this."
Roz has done her research and the facts speak for themselves:
"The average woman owns 110 black items. Black is timeless. These items
hang around in our wardrobes for about 5 years and the women who loves
black buys 17 new pieces each year!"
Roz has certainly taken the tedious legwork out of shopping for that
special outfit:
"Black-Essentials.com will do all the hard work, sourcing the best of this
seasons buys from different brands including Tara Jarmon, Strutt Couture
(Sienna Miller's favourite shoe brand), Betty Jackson, Rene Derhy (Paris),
Madeline (Italy), Unisa (Spain), Poleci, In-Wear, Cotton Club & Louise
Hempleman). We also stock bags and jewellery, and of course many
variations of the classic LBD (little black dress). You won't have to
trawl the shops looking for that perfect black outfit - you can do it all
from the comfort of your own home."
Although Black-Essentials stocks only women's fashion, Roz says that men
too will love the site:
"Forgetting that special occasion will be a thing of the past. Black is
such a safe colour for women so works perfectly as a gift! With the next
day free delivery and returns service, there really is no risk. All items
are gift wrapped in black paper and ribbon, so all the men need to do is
present the gift and bask in the glory!
We are the first on-line shop to offer a live personal shopper service
where visitors can speak to our buying team for instant advice on sizes,
fits and styles."
But some less enlightened men feel a little threatened by Roz's
entrepreneurial spirit. Roz has recently caused great controversy in her
hometown of Edinburgh by launching a women only networking group 'Girls and
Business', saying:
"It's like any other but without the bull & the balls!"
Roz laughs:
"I've had lots of support from men who have a sense of humour, but I
couldn't believe the outrage of some men at this lighthearted comment. One
irate man said, 'What did she do on Branson's Island - was she the
governess?''
Well considering she went on to be Marketing Director of the luxury
Malmaison Hotel Group, we can take it that she wasn't!
Roz's eye for luxury, with her unique on-line personal shopper service, has
provided us all, men and women alike, with a taste of the 'high life' from
the comfort of our own homes. Sir Richard Branson's a man who can spot a
winner a mile off, and with such a great recommendation, Roz is way out
front in the on-line shopping race!
