Georgina Merckell

At just 30 years old, Georgina has already built not one but several purpose-driven organisations, proving that entrepreneurship isn't about waiting until the time feels right. It's about having the courage to take the first step.

In 2020, Georgina made a decision that would change the direction of her career. Although she loved helping organisations grow and succeed, she wanted the freedom to create a future on her own terms. Determined to build a career that reflected her values, she launched her own consultancy, supporting charities, social enterprises and founders to secure funding, develop educational programmes and strengthen the foundations of their organisations.

What began as a business quickly became a platform for creating impact.

Over the following years, Georgina worked behind the scenes helping organisations grow, while continuing to develop her own entrepreneurial journey. She went on to establish Stiwdio, a creative content studio in Bangor that helps purpose-driven organisations tell their stories and build sustainable businesses.

For Georgina, entrepreneurship has never simply been about profit. It has always been about creating positive change and helping others unlock opportunities.

Her greatest inspiration comes from people who choose to act rather than wait for someone else to solve a problem. Throughout her career, she has met founders who turned simple ideas into organisations that change lives, showing her that success doesn't come from having all the answers. It comes from believing in an idea enough to begin.

That belief was tested in ways she could never have imagined.

In 2024, Georgina's son was born and diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that dramatically changed both her personal life and professional journey. Alongside hospital stays, medical appointments and learning to navigate an unfamiliar world, she recognised a lack of support and awareness for families facing similar challenges.

Rather than accepting the situation, she did what entrepreneurs do best: she created a solution.

Drawing on her experience, Georgina founded Hirschsprung's Disease UK, a national charity dedicated to raising awareness and supporting families affected by the condition. What began as a deeply personal challenge became an opportunity to create lasting impact for others.

Like many entrepreneurs, Georgina's journey has not been without obstacles. She has faced burnout, imposter syndrome and the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities. Living with ADHD while managing businesses and caring responsibilities has taught her the importance of creating effective systems, asking for support and knowing when to adapt.

One of her biggest challenges came when she transitioned from a service-based consultancy to opening a physical creative studio. The move required greater investment, carried higher risks and demanded a completely different approach to business growth. Yet it also reinforced one of the most important lessons she has learned: growth often happens outside your comfort zone.

Today, Georgina defines success differently than when she first started. Success is no longer about doing more or working harder. Instead, it is about creating businesses that are sustainable, resilient and aligned with the life you want to lead.

As a business owner, charity founder, speaker and parent, she is passionate about helping others realise that entrepreneurship can be a powerful way to create both personal freedom and positive change. Whether she is speaking at schools, universities or business events, Georgina encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their ideas, learn from challenges and focus on building something meaningful.

Her message to young people is simple:

You don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Some of the most impactful organisations begin with a simple idea and the courage to take the first step. Believe in your vision, stay adaptable and remember that the challenges you face today could become the reason you make a difference tomorrow.

Areas of Expertise

• Entrepreneurship and starting a business
• Building purpose-driven organisations
• Business growth and operational strategy
• Social enterprise and charity leadership
• Women's entrepreneurship
• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Balancing business with caring responsibilities
• Leadership, impact and creating opportunities for others
• Content creation, podcasting and digital storytelling
• Financial management and practical start-up skills