A BUSINESSWOMAN defied the odds to create a successful soap company.

Now Jennifer Drewett has been nominated for a prize at the The National Diversity Awards 2020.

The 30-year-old from Brighton, who has several disabilities, has been entered into the Entrepreneur of Excellence category for her company, Coronation Soap, which she started in 2018.

She decided to found the business after “struggling to maintain employment” as, she said, many businesses were not willing to make adjustments for their staff.

Jennifer is autistic, and has both Ehler-Danlos Syndrome type III and fibromyalgia – conditions which cause pain all over the body, particularly in the joints. She also has depression, anxiety and complex PTSD. As a result, she said she has faced a series of challenges in her life including, homophobic bullying and undiagnosed health problems.

So, in November 2018, she made the decision to be her own boss and started her company.

Coronation Soap, which has held stalls at Brighton Open Market, offers a range of soaps with a variety of colours and scents, and Jennifer has made it her mission to make her products as accessible as possible for all customers, prompting her decision to make her product vegan.

She has also masterminded a charity venture as part of her business.

The Charity Craftathon challenged businesses to make as many items as possible in 24 hours, with those taking part creating jewellery and keyrings, while Jennifer crafted a mountain of handmade soap.

Since hosting the first charity event in September 2019, the venture has raised hundreds of pounds for the Martlets hospice in Hove, which provides care to people with terminal illnesses.

Now, following the success of her business, Jenniferis hoping to travel to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in September as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of Excellence prize at the National Diversity Awards 2020.

The awards are a celebration of “the excellent achievements of grassroot communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work”.

Organisers say nominees are selected because they “inspire other individuals through their work, through their commitment to helping others, through their infectious personalities and through adversity”.

The awards also honour a public figure for their work in fighting discrimination, with comedian Sir Lenny Henry scooping the gong last year after years of championing BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) actors and challenging a lack of diversity on television.

He said: “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination.

“It means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on.”

The awards receive thousands of awards each year and look to shine a spotlight on inspirational individuals across the country.

Founder Paul Sesay said: “As we enter our ninth awards season, the National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding models and charities to our family.

“We look forward to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year.”

Nominations for the awards are still currently open. The shortlisted nominees will be announced shortly after nominations close on May 18.

The awards began when organisers identified a lack of positive role-models being promoted.

It aimed to provide a platform for these individuals, aiming to “empower and inspire the wide breadth of diverse communities across the UK” by recognising their work.

A spokesman said: “If ever there was a time to celebrate and elevate the truly staggering diversity of talent the UK has to offer, it is now – opportunities are thin and deprived communities need motivation and inspiration. These awards are for people who inspire other individuals through their work, through their commitment to helping others, through their infectious personalities and through adversity.”