Maisie Stambolie Bessa – International Women’s Day Collection

From Special Education to Business Ownership

Maisie Stambolie Bessa never set out to run a business, let alone one in plumbing. Her early career was dedicated to special education, supporting children with behavioural needs and using sign language to connect with them. With a natural inclination toward helping others, she pursued social work, while her partner, Shane, worked as a plumber. Business was never part of her plan.

That changed in 2021 when Shane, Maisie’s husband pitched the idea of running a Metro Plumb franchise, convinced it could improve life for their family. Maisie supported the decision but initially stayed in the background. That quickly changed when the business grew at a phenomenal speed. Maisie stepped in, handling calls, booking jobs, and managing customer relationships. Within a matter of months, she faced a choice: step back and focus on her own career or commit fully to the business. She chose the latter.

Diving headfirst into the world of business ownership, Maisie immersed herself in learning about finance, HR, operations, and even plumbing. It was a complete pivot from her previous path, but she found unexpected fulfilment in running a business, still helping people, still part of a team, and proving to herself that she belonged in this new world.

Facing the Challenges of Being a Woman in Business

Maisie’s first major challenge came at the Metro Rod and Metro Plumb annual conference a room largely filled with experienced men. At just 5’2” and under 30, she felt out of place, second-guessing everything from her business knowledge to her outfit. But she soon realised that her unique perspective was a strength. Instead of trying to fit in, she leaned into what made her different.

Confidence became her greatest tool. She stopped waiting for validation and started owning her space. Over time, she found that the real challenges weren’t about being a woman in business, but about balancing business with motherhood. She tackled this head-on, blending both roles rather than compartmentalising them. Meetings happened with a baby on her lap, business calls took place while cooking dinner, and conferences included childcare in tow. She refused to sacrifice one identity for another, choosing instead to make them work together.

Inspired by Women, Paving the Way for Others

At that first conference, Maisie found inspiration in the women who had already carved out their space in the industry, figures like Julia Russell, Jean O’Brien, Sarah Hamilton, and Tracey Cockerton. Their confidence and resilience set the standard for what was possible.

Beyond business, Maisie credits the strong women in her life, her mother, mother-in-law, step-mum, aunt, and grandmother, for shaping her resilience. Maisie has always drawn strength from historical female trailblazers, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo reminders that progress often requires pushing boundaries. She now carries that mindset into raising her daughters, showing them firsthand that they can define success on their own terms. She wants them to see a world where women in leadership are the norm, not the exception.

Proudest Achievements

Maisie’s proudest moments aren’t necessarily the big milestones but the small shifts in mindset. Changing the way she spoke about her role saying “my company” instead of “our business” was a quiet but powerful shift. Attending the British Franchise Association’s Women in Business conference reinforced that she wasn’t alone in her experiences.

Every time she voices her opinions in a room full of industry veterans, every time she challenges norms within her business, and every time she pushes for change, she counts it as an achievement. It’s about being heard and ensuring that her presence in the industry is not just accepted but respected.

Making an Impact in the Plumbing Industry

Maisie’s leadership brings a fresh perspective to an industry that hasn’t always seen women in decision-making roles. She’s helped shape Metro Plumb Southampton by considering customer experiences from a different lens, ensuring the business is approachable and inclusive. She’s also led by example, encouraging other female franchisees to step confidently into their leadership roles.

On a broader scale, she hopes her visibility in the industry helps normalise women in leadership, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Whether it’s supporting female engineers, mentoring new business owners, or simply showing up as her authentic self, she’s contributing to an evolving industry landscape.

Advice for Women in Leadership

Her advice to women looking to step into leadership?

“Play to your strengths and don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one has all the answers, and success is about recognising when to seek support”

She also urges women to remember how far they’ve come. Just 50 years ago, women needed a man’s signature to open a bank account. Progress has been hard-fought, and every step forward today is part of that larger journey.

Defining Success

For Maisie, success isn’t measured by revenue or job titles, it’s about reaching her full potential. It’s about waking up each day knowing she’s pushing herself, learning, and making an impact. Whether in business, motherhood, or personal growth, her measure of success is simple: ‘I am already successful because I can confidently say, I am doing my best’.

The Most Powerful Lesson

Imposter syndrome loomed large in her early days, but she soon realised that asking questions and acknowledging knowledge gaps wasn’t a weakness, it was a strength. Growth comes from learning, and no one in the industry has all the answers. Now, she embraces her evolution, knowing that every challenge she overcomes reinforces her place at the table.

A Final Thought

To women stepping into business or leadership:

“Get angry at the inequalities you see, then turn that energy into action. Change happens in small moments, in everyday decisions, and in simply showing up as your true self”

Maisie’s story isn’t about following a traditional path, it’s about forging her own. And in doing so, signals like a bright light to others, you can do it too.

“Not fragile like a flower….  fragile like a bomb!”

Maisie Stambolie Bessa, Franchisee, Business Owner & Operations Manager at Metro Plumb Southampton