Entrepreneurial journeys: Maisy Whitehead

Challenges

Starting a business at 19 brought both personal and social challenges for Maisy. One of the greatest hurdles was managing uncertainty, often not knowing exactly what she was doing but learning to trust her intuition and keep pushing forward.

“There were so many moments when I felt unsure,” Maisy reflects, “but I realised that progress comes from taking action, even without all the answers.”

During her gap year, Maisy worked as a sales executive for BMW, an experience that taught her vital time management skills and the ability to “spin plates.” These skills proved invaluable in balancing the demands of her business with other commitments. This period also inspired her to become president of the Entrepreneur Society, where she leads events such as The Vision Summit 2026, designed to inspire future entrepreneurs.These experiences strengthened her resilience and leadership, driving both her personal growth and the development of VegoPak. Securing funding for extensive testing was another significant challenge, but a grant from the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University helped advance the company’s testing programme.

Business Role Models

Maisy says her biggest role model is her Dad. “He has not only inspired me to start and run my own company but has also been a constant guide throughout my journey. Watching him over the years, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience, hard work, and leading with integrity, qualities that continue to shape how I approach VegoPak every day.”

Words of advice

Masiy said “One thing I wish I had known sooner is that building a company is not about getting everything perfect the first time, it’s about adapting, learning, and moving forward. Nike says it best: Just do it. Whether you are scared, uncertain, or completely out of your depth, the most important thing is to take that first step and keep going.

With VegoPak, we have faced delays, funding hurdles, and unexpected technical roadblocks. In those moments, it’s easy to feel stuck, but I have learned the value of pausing, stepping back, and reassessing. Ask yourself: Why isn’t this working? What can I do differently? Then take a new approach without dwelling on the setbacks.

Perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether from mentors, peers, family or industry experts. The right conversation can save you weeks of frustration and open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Building a business is about action, starting, adapting, and moving forward. So just do it.”

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