Shazia with the UK's PM, David Cameron

Shazia Awan is the CEO of Peachy Pink, which specialises in producing shaping and cellulite-combating ladies underwear. Her company has fast become a household name as she supplies Britain’s biggest department store, Debenhams. Her ambition and obvious talent have recently earned her the Asian Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Shazia is also a member of the Conservative Party and made political history as the first Asian woman to address a Welsh Conservative Party conference. She was selected to represent the party in Leigh, Great Manchester in this year’s Parliamentary elections and is part of a steering group that will be advising front bench politicians on policies that support women in business.

At just 28, this lady isn’t just running in heels; there are sparks flying off her Louboutins!

Have you always wanted to run your own business/ be involved in politics?

After graduating from Cardiff University with a Masters in International Relations I worked as a PR consultant for five years. I enjoyed PR but had always dreamed of running my own business and was frustrated in the role I was in. I believe as soon as you stop enjoying something it’s time to stop doing it, so I handed in my notice with no job to go to.

My idea for Peachy Pink came from the fact that, like most women, I’ve had orange peel skin at one time or another and it really isn’t nice. I wanted to find a solution to help banish the problem. Through my work in fashion PR I made some great contacts, and developed underwear that uses peach extract, green tea and caffeine in a 3D wave knit that massages skin as you move and actually helps reduce cellulite whilst holding in the wobbly bits! Hence Peachy Pink was born.

I’ve always had an interest in politics. I did a degree in politics at Leicester University and joined the Conservative Party when I was 23.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I started off by writing a business plan but was turned down by every bank I went to for a loan. So, I used my life savings and a credit card to start up Peachy Pink. Looking back now it seems crazy but it felt like the right thing to do at the time!

I drew on my experiences, from university to PR, to help me develop my product. I chose to produce everything from the yarns to the packaging in Italy, which to me is synonymous with quality. I launched Peach Pink with fifty women in their underwear marching down London’s Bond Street – it was fabulous!

I wouldn’t do a thing differently. I’ve worked hard and learned so much. I wanted to be involved in every aspect of the business from creating the website, to the designing packaging negotiating with retailers, which has made me a better businessperson. And of course I love doing the PR!

A few years ago I was lucky enough to be selected from hundreds of people to be on a national mentoring scheme run by Operation Black Vote. I saw the advert in a political magazine and applied, not imagining I would be selected for one of the six places. It was a real honour to be picked and be mentored by Simon Woolley, who I now consider a good friend, and I went on to become the first Asian woman to address a Welsh Conservative party conference!

Shazia shows off her Peachy Pink range

Who helped you along the way?

I have very supportive family and friends who encourage me and are proud of what I do. I feel very lucky to have them.

Who inspires you?

It would be difficult to pin-point one thing or person but I think that we need more strong female British role models. I have always liked Oprah Winfrey – I think what she has done and the network she has built are amazing.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

The UK is an amazing place to live, and we have a lot of privileges but there are also many problems here and it’s hard to say which is the biggest. There’s still a lot of poverty that many people aren’t aware of, and crime and literacy issues.

Do you feel British or European?

Both! I love to travel especially across Europe.

Which female politicians have inspired you?

From the day I joined the Conservative Party I realised I was in a very privileged position to be surrounded by so many hard working, ambitious and driven women. I’m very lucky to have accomplished women such as Cheryl Gillan MP and Baroness Warsi as role models. I’ve also been working with the Conservative Women’s Forum, who have set up C-WISE. This has been set-up to help give professional and entrepreneurial women in businesses an opportunity to discuss issues that impact their business lives. C-WISE members will have direct contact with the front bench team with responsibility for Business and Treasury.

Do you think it’s harder to succeed in politics and/or business being a woman?

In politics I haven’t come across any obstacles because of my sex. What many people forget is that the Conservative Party gave Great Britain the first ever female Prime Minister. I was fortunate enough to meet Lady Thatcher recently and it really was an honour. She is an inspiration; the epitome of a strong, dedicated and passionate woman not afraid to stand by her beliefs.

In business sexism still exists but I think it depends on the industry you work in. I also believe whether you let it affect your success depends on the type of person you are. There are always difficulties to overcome in life but if you want something, then do what you must to make it happen! I wanted to launch Peachy Pink despite the knock backs from the banks and the state of the economy. I haven’t looked back.

What advice would you give to women wanting to get involved in politics?

Politics can be a hugely rewarding career. I would suggest that anyone interested in politics joins their local political association and work their way up through the grassroots. It’s a great way to learn.

What advice would you give to women wanting to start their own business?

Make the leap! If you believe in your idea and think you can have fun with what you want to do, then go for it. Don’t let anybody ever tell you that you can’t do it or be the person you aspire to be.

What are you passionate about?

Politics and business are a very big part of my life. Social action projects are something, which I am really passionate about. Last year I spent some time in Bosnia helping to build a house for a refugee family and renovating a school classroom and helping turn it into an IT suite, and hope to go back next year. And like a lot of women I love socialising with my friends, going to the cinema, reading a good book and shopping of course!

How do you stay motivated?

I am very lucky in that I love what I do. I always think that life is too short to be doing things that don’t make you feel good about being you. I meditate everyday, and have really wonderful family and friends who are always cheering me on.

Shazia meeting another PM: Lady Margaret Thatcher

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Stevie Wonder/ Beyonce/ Shakira /Madonna/ George Michael/ Alicia Keys/ Cheryl Cole. I just love all music.

Favourite movie?

There are so many to choose from. I am a big fan of Bollywood cinema too so this is really hard. If I have to choose I would say City of Angels with Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage.

Favourite bar?

Buddha Bar in Dubai is my absolute favourite bar in the world, great music, lovely people and fantastic atmosphere. Oh and a 100ft gold Buddha!

Desert island book?

Eat, Pray Love – I’ve lost track of how many copies I bought for friends.

Favourite European city and why?

I love Italy. Without a doubt it’s one of my favorite countries in the world. I recently went on holiday in Tuscany, which was pure bliss. The people are so friendly, wonderful food, wine and scenery what more could a woman want?!

Dream purchase?

A big secluded farm house in the hills of Tuscany.

What couldn’t you live without?

My Peachy pink pants!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I wish I knew! Happy, relaxed, successful and still loving what I do I hope.

Can you run in heels?

Yes, of course like every working woman, after a few bumps and scrapes I’ve mastered the art! Four inches at least have become a casual daywear must for me!