Moray businesswoman Jean Pryde of Brilliantly Brave named among UK’s most inspiring
A businesswoman from Moray has been named among the UK’s one hundred most inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Jean Pryde has been included in the list by F:Entrepreneur. Now she and the other winners – only four of who come from Scotland – have been invited down to the House of Lords for a reception next month.
Jean lives in Rafford and has devoted over three decades to mental health support. She has been recognised by F:Entrepreneur for her work with two businesses.
The first is ‘Brilliantly Brave’ which she co-founded in 2024. This creates beautifully designed greetings cards that celebrate diversity and promote mental wellbeing.
Jean said: “Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference, such as receiving a card.
“It gives someone a boost. It lets them know they’re not on their own, that help is just a short walk or telephone call away.”
During these past 12 months stockists for Brilliantly Brave’s cards have been found all the way from Dingwall to Cornwall, while discussions are currently underway with major high street retailers to expand the brand.
Meanwhile, Brilliantly Brave’s unique model channels 100% of profits into free mental health training, coaching and peer support.
An offshoot of this is The MidLife Mingle, which is an open forum which allows women to meet up and discuss the menopause over a cup of coffee.
Jean’s second business is ‘Green Ribbons’ which was founded in 2023.
A Moray-based wellbeing and mental health facilitation service, it works with such organisations as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Rolls Royce, Diageo, and The Macallan.
Jean said: “It’s a great honour to be namechecked in this way by F:Entrepreneur.”
Her efforts were also recently highlighted in a parliamentary motion at Holyrood by the MSP Douglas Ross.
The Highlands and Islands politician, whose constituency includes Moray, said: “Jean’s work ethic, determination to succeed and her drive to help and support for others, is outstanding and it is very fitting that she should be named one of the UK’s most inspiring small business leaders.
“Jean has committed herself to helping and supporting others in any way she can. Her influence and inspiration makes her a role model for many others within our community.”
The MidLife Mingle’s next meeting is at Café 1469 on Forres High Street on Wednesday, February 26. The following evening will then see the group’s first meeting outside Moray at Muir of Ord.
It will also get together on Monday, March 10 at the old Lossiemouth community hub, which is at the site of the old Warehouse Theatre off Commerce Street.
The greeting cards are available at www.brilliantlybrave.co.uk as well as at Logie Steading and Gallery 55 on Forres High Street.
