What's your best failure?
Trying to keep up with academic settings. This could later be explained when I found out I have severe dyslexia. Traditional educational establishments were just not a place I am designed to be in or do well in.
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This kickstarted my passion for early years child development, wanting to ensure these formative years - that are essential for laying the foundations for positive physical, emotional and cognitive development - are harnessed to help children thrive throughout their lives, whatever their academic ability or learning preference.

A massive thank you to those who came to Leeds this week for Climb#23 and listened in on 'Maximising engagement in a new world of entertainment'. Creatives you are fabulous keep shining! 

The lineup of speakers includes industry experts, thought leaders, and inspiring figures who will challenge you to push past your limits and achieve your goals. Gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in your field, as well as be inspired to take action and achieve your full potential.

The thought-provoking roundtable sessions opened up meaningful discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world. With diverse perspectives and insights, these sessions will expand your knowledge and help you navigate the challenges of today's rapidly changing world.

There was thought-provoking roundtable sessions which opened meaningful discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world. With diverse perspectives and insights, these sessions helped expand your knowledge and help you navigate the challenges of today's rapidly changing world.​

Anita Frost chats with Rachael Hesno Journalist at Prolific North is an independent publishing and events company based in Manchester.  Anita Frost is a multi award-winning author, entrepreneur and the founder of Salford-based Green Bean Studios.

Frost launched children's brand Green Bean Studios in 2020, with her extensive professional background in both child development and business industries. 

Green Bean Studios aims to provide inspiring entertainment that empowers children to learn and develop through retail, music, TV, film and immersive events/attractions.
She shared all the lessons she has learnt...

Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
I have three daily habits I couldn't live without - morning walks, exercises and reflection.

What's been your luckiest break?
Luck is a funny word. Instead, I'd say a key blessing has been knowing what my purpose in life is – creating a business that supports children and creates precious moments for them and their families.
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What's your best failure?
Trying to keep up with academic settings. This could later be explained when I found out I have severe dyslexia. Traditional educational establishments were just not a place I am designed to be in or do well in.
This kickstarted my passion for early years child development, wanting to ensure these formative years - that are essential for laying the foundations for positive physical, emotional and cognitive development - are harnessed to help children thrive throughout their lives, whatever their academic ability or learning preference.

What is the best investment you've ever made, either financial or time?
Volunteering and redirecting profits into sponsoring children in third-world countries. Through setting up Green Bean Studios, I have continued to volunteer in the city of Manchester for an incredible organisation called Audacious Church. There, I, along with other volunteers, run the Toddler’s department, which is aimed at children from walking to three years old.

During their two hour session, children can learn friendships, eat healthy snacks, play and listen and dance to music. All of the sensory and play time is done in a way that supports early years development, which has been especially important following the impact of the pandemic, which has resulted in some cases of speech delay and social anxiety issues. All of these aspects feed directly into the core of what I set Green Bean Studios up to do - address some of society’s most pressing issues through educating and inspiring children, developing their key skills and enabling their creativity to flourish.

As well as volunteering in my home city, I also know that societal issues aren’t just on our doorstep, and as a mixed race female who is now in a place to generate revenue and have a real impact on the lives of children, it was important to me to give back to children and families in poorer countries, and where my heritage began.
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In Rwanda, Indonesia and Haiti, we sponsor and support a number of children and families where access to education, vaccinations and healthy meals is limited. This investment is priceless - it’s been incredible to be able to help these children on their journeys through education, and to empower their families to become self sufficient.

On the current unpredictability of the UK economy and the impact it has on small businesses, Anita told Sean Farrington:

“We’re like a hawk right now, looking at every aspect, making sure we go over it twice so we’re not missing anything, and we’re trading fairly and well.”

As a startup business, Green Bean Studios needs to carefully consider every element of the business, including the materials and resources used in production, the cost of which can change on a weekly basis. Changes like this impact every decision the business makes and demands a tight control on budgets to keep business sustainable and profitable.

Following the show, at midday on 11 May The Bank of England announced it has raised rates from 4.25% to 4.5% – their highest levels in almost 15 years. On this topic and how it impacts small businesses such as Anita’s, she commented:

“We definitely need a pause – it’s been so intense. We’ve come from a pandemic to prices rising and businesses totally affected by that. They’ve had to restructure the way that they buy, the way that they resource, the way that they innovate. The spend of customers is at the heart of every business – everyone’s completely and utterly fearbound and [businesses] can actively see it. I think a pause [in the interest rates rising] would be great. Are they going to? Probably not.”

With the ongoing uncertainty of the global economy, shows such as Wake Up To Money play a vital role in keeping individuals, businesses, and investors with their finger on the pulse. Knowledge is power and at a time when there is so much economic and societal instability impacting families across the UK and beyond, expert insights from thought leaders in the financial and business sectors is essential to help us all navigate these challenging times.

Listen to the full Wake Up To Money podcast featuring Anita Frost here:​