20/08/2026
I was never a high achiever at school; I scraped 6 low grade O levels (yes, I'm that old!) and 1 A level.
When I took on Stationery Supplies in 2005, aged 35, I had virtually no retail experience. I didn't have a business degree, or any training in sales, marketing or accounts or any of the 101 things you need as a self-employed shop keeper. I didn't even have a business plan! (And still don't )
But I knew I had common sense, a strong work ethic and a love of stationery, community and people. And somehow, it all came together and I am now a multi-award winner, I run two shops with 3 staff, a website and coordinate National Stationery Week for the whole of the UK.
So this is is my yearly reminder for all those getting GCSE results today, and their parents, exam results do not define you. Exams measure how you did in exams.
They don't measure your determination, your creativity, your resilience, your ability to connect with people, your work ethic, your ideas, your kindness, your common sense or the things you haven't even discovered you're good at yet.
So, if today hasn't gone quite the way you hoped, don't write the rest of your story based on one set of results.
I certainly didn't.
Believe in yourself
Sarah ✏️✏️
