Meet some of the woman behind Razzamataz Theatre Schools. Each of the women started out their careers as professional dancers and each combine their career at Razzamataz with being a parent.
These are their stories.
Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz
Tell us about yourself
I’m the MD and Founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools and I’m a mum to two boys, Callum and Lewis.
Which women in your life inspire you the most
I am the youngest of four children growing up in a tiny two-bedroom flat in Scotland. I was a shy child, and my mum knew that participating in dance classes would help to grow my confidence. She went without for years in order that I could live my dream and I’m so grateful of the sacrifices she made.
What challenges have you faced
As a family, our world was turned upside down when Lewis was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was just two. Being a SEND parent is very challenging, but it has also taught me so much, which has been beneficial to the business.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you
I’m incredibly proud of building a business where women have been able to thrive. To me, this day is a celebration of all that we have achieved, while acknowledging there is still a long way to go.
Charlotte Young, Operations Director
Tell us about yourself
I joined Razzamataz in 2005 and became a multiple franchise owner and then transitioned to working full time at Head Office. I’m also mum to Freddy.
Which women in your life inspire you the most
My Mum! We worked together for years, and she supported me through everything, even becoming my ‘ears’ as my hearing deteriorated. She continues to inspire me, is so kind, thoughtful and generous and has always been there for me. I’ve worked with Denise for years and she is a massive inspiration and mentor to me as well as being a very good friend.
What challenges have you faced
I have a condition called ‘idiopathic progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss’ which started around 15 years ago and has gradually got worse. Over the years, this has led to a general lack of confidence and social anxiety because I found it very hard to join in the conversation. But I became very good a hiding it and perhaps not facing up to it. However, last November, my life changed because I had cochlear implant surgery, which has made a huge difference to the quality of my life.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you
It’s wonderful to have a day to celebrate how amazing all the women that I know are. Although we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go and days like this empower women to think about their achievements.
Hayley Limpkin, Network Coach
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been part of the Razzamataz for more than twelve years, many of them as the franchise partner of Razzamataz Medway. I’m also a mum to two children.
Which women in your life inspire you the most
The women in my family – I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women who lead with compassion, acceptance, and equality. I have been raised to appreciate the differences in everyone, seeing these differences as an opportunity to be enlightened, to grow, to learn and to make a difference. These women have taught me to help those in the community, to not judge and to simply accept. On a famous level – Michelle Obama and Marie Curie.
What challenges have you faced
Low self-belief and confidence, leading to a VERY loud inner critic that I battle with daily. My son was extremely poorly at 11 months old, so the challenge was to merge home life with work life and not see this as a weakness because both must run smoothly to achieve any success.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you
The day gives us the opportunity to amplify women’s stories, voices and values, reminding younger generations that some great pioneers have paved the way but we need them to continue to advance equality. My wish for our younger generations of girls is that schooling and the education system is shaken to become a place that’s not about competition, helping girls recognise achievement within.
Karen Keeman, PR and content creator
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been working at Razzamataz for the past 15 years, although myself and Denise have been friends for almost 30 years! I’m also a mum to two teenagers.
Which women in your life inspire you the most
It’s wonderful watching my daughter grow from child to young woman. I really admire how she is not afraid to learn technical things like editing videos or building LED lights from watching online tutorials.
What challenges have you faced
I changed my career and went to university in my mid-twenties after having been out of the education system for almost ten years. It was certainly challenging trying to fill in the missing gaps in my learning and then establishing myself in a competitive field such as journalism. Most of my colleagues had far more experience than I, so it took a while to believe in myself.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you
So many women around the world still have limited opportunities and access to education. For as long as this continues, we need to have this day to remind ourselves that although we have come a long way in some parts of the world, in others, there is still so much to do.
Claire Walford, Systems Support and Brand Compliance
Tell us about yourself
I have been a Razzamataz franchisee at Razzamataz Yeovil for 12 years and have also taken on finance and systems work for Head Office. I have two adult children, and originally trained as a Management Accountant.
Which women in your life inspire you the most
In general, my female maths and science teachers at my girls’ grammar school. It was amazing to learn from women who were not in what was considered the ‘typical girls’ subjects and understand that there were no limits in your career choices. Specifically, a lecture given by astronomer Heather Couper at a WISE event when I was about 12 (women in science and engineering).
What challenges have you faced
Mostly health. I’ve had chronic fatigue for almost 30 years which means managing my commitments and rest carefully. After my children were born, this meant finding a role that would be rewarding but flexible.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you
A chance to celebrate how far women have come and remind ourselves that nothing should hold us back. You choose your own path.
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