A GUESTHOUSE owner has been named as a ‘Woman to Watch in 2021’ by the Business Success Network.

Tracey Toulmin, 50, who runs Bryn Woodlands House in Colwyn Bay with husband Joel, 51, has been going ‘live’ on Facebook every day for her morning walk with her dog.

Like all hoteliers, Tracey and Joel's business was hit hard during lockdown.

By going ‘live’, viewers have been able to relate to Tracey and have enjoyed sharing the Welsh countryside every morning.

Diane Ivory, founder of Forensic Minds, who run crime events, nominated Tracey. Diane was a speaker at Bee Inspired, a day of motivational speakers for businesswomen. Tracey and Diane met at that event.

“Her smile and laugh are infectious," Diane said.

"I nominated her as I feel she needs to be recognised. I am sure she has no idea how much her honest social media content will have helped others.”

The 'Woman to Watch' title was given in recognition of International Women's Day.

Tracey said: "I only received the email with 24 hours’ notice before being interviewed on the live stream on International Women’s Day. I felt prepared though, as I have been live streaming every day for the last 12 months throughout the pandemic.

"To be recognised in this way for simply being me – sharing my thoughts live on Facebook daily whilst on my morning dog walk – has blown me away.

"Twelve months ago, my husband Joel and I were devastated when we had to close our doors for an unknown duration due to the pandemic, but we were adamant we would not sit back and simply bury our heads. It had been our dream for 24 years to run our own guest house, so we were absolutely determined to hold on to what is not only our livelihood, but our home.

"Pivoting was not an option, so we had to take action to stay visible.”

Tracey took to networking, which she admits was out of her comfort zone.

The universe does listen, but you have to send it the right message," she said.

"It’s been difficult for my family to understand, as most people think it is all a bit ‘woo woo’, but the personal development I have invested in during lockdown has taught me that good things can happen when you send the right vibration and connect with the right circles."

By being active on social media, Tracey and Joel were able to spot opportunities to help their local community.

In addition to making urgently-needed scrubs for NHS workers, Tracey shaved her head to raise £1,800 for The Welsh Mountain Zoo.

“Running the guest house is full-on usually so, although we moved to Colwyn Bay six years ago, Joel and I had not had the opportunity to explore what was literally on our doorstep," Tracey added.

"Getting out into the fresh air and sharing whatever was on my mind was incredibly therapeutic. The comments that were posted on my lives showed that people could relate to so much of what I had to say.

"One year on and, as the lockdown restrictions continue to ease, I am feeling very optimistic. We are now in a brilliant position to share our discoveries with our guests once we become fully operational again, and we feel so much more connected to the Colwyn Bay community."

The Business Success Network is a nationally-recognised network of experts that help people to achieve their own business successes through mentoring, coaching and masterclasses, as well as recognising their successes through the Business Success Magazine which is circulated to business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the UK.

Stacey Calder, founder and managing director of Business Success Network, said: "International Women's Day was the perfect moment to acknowledge and honour women in business. We see a wealth of talent both in the corporate arena and in the self-employed.

"The increase in the number of women in the UK becoming self-employed is unprecedented. Historically, women have made up just 17 per cent of the self-employed, however, in a report conducted in January 2020, the number of UK businesses currently owned by women is 32.37 per cent.

"The Business Success Network's ‘Women to Watch in 2021' was the perfect way to celebrate these amazing women."

Bryn Woodlands House recently reached the finals in two prestigious categories of the Excellence in Luxury Service Awards 2021.