Alison Charles
What happened to Diva on a Harley?
I had always wanted a motorcycle. No surprise really as my Dad had driven me around the park sitting on the tank of his BMW motorbike before I could walk and Mum had been a pillion all through her pregnancy. Not being able to touch the floor though I did not actually pass my test until much later in life when manufacturers finally realised “Women Ride Bikes Too!”.
When it came to choosing my business name I was going through the usual names but it was only through a conversation with my marketing coach, talking about the brand new Harley Davidson that a kernel of an idea began to form. “There is a great business name in there somewhere,” said Barnaby. The excitement was palpable. I had waited for this moment for decades and now it was finally a reality, the brand new shiny Harley Davidson was mine and just perhaps it could be part of my business brand too. Sadly, it was not to be the forever business name. It was too quirky for some businesses. However, if you have a speaking opportunity and you want me to dust off the “Diva on a Harley” that is always a possibility. Being a “Diva on a Harley will always be how I destress. this is the only place you will find the logo now though
It was whilst sitting in the Royal Albert Hall singing with a choir that I had the lightbulb moment. I love to sing Opera. In that moment Diva on a Harley became a reality. Just one small hitch, I had not actually passed my test yet for the bigger bike. No pressure!!
So even though I couldn’t touch the floor on the test motorcycle and had come off twice already, I was not about to let something as insignificant as being vertically challenged stop me, oh no. With the unknown in sight, I gripped the handlebars once again, took another breath and kicked into gear. Starting a new business was not dissimilar!!
I am a regular speaker at conferences, events and networking groups. I am passionate about inspiring people to think about their own mental health challenges and how they might overcome them. I love to sing too so you might catch me on occasion around London singing with a choir or two.