“As long as I make my family and friends proud, make brands memorable, sing a decent song and have fun – I will always reach for the stars!”
In 1976, a little girl was born in Huddersfield, into a loving family with a huge passion for music throughout the generations.
Now, in 2011 Kate’s already varied life has seen her become chairwoman of her own charitable organisation, take to the stage with numerous legendary celebrities, become a nationally and internationally recognised businesswoman whilst keeping strong ties with her family as a mother, aunt, sister, daughter and wife.
The Beginnings
In her youth, weekends saw Kate perform with her cherished grandfather, but it was at secondary school when Kate first ventured into the music rooms that her life changed. Auditioning for the school band, Kate made friends with Hannah Cygan-Wrobleski and Lisa Roberts – the ensemble become one of the areas most talented and dynamic youth bands.
Reaching her A Levels, Kate discovered her passion for media and marketing, when the opportunity arose for the Fabulous BB Kings to have a manager Kate stepped up to the challenge at only 18 – striking deals with the likes of Sky TV and Harley Davidson.
The Career
At 19, Kate took her first step onto the career ladder and whilst studying a business degree, remained band manager and one of the lead vocalists, Kate took her final bow with The Fabulous BB Kings in 1999 becoming the one of the founding members of Bare Faced Cheek.
Career-wise Kate has reached some dizzy heights, with over 20 professional awards under her belt, including the coveted National award for Young Marketer of the Year and has recently been announced as Outstanding Business Woman in Yorkshire & Humberside.
Her love of business success has seen Kate launch her own dynamic business in partnership with Richard Gomersall – Insight with Passion (www.insightwithpassion.co.uk), turning vision into value and delivering great results. Now in its 2nd year, IWP has grown internationally with clients in Australia and Singapore, whilst also being in high demand to present seminars worldwide.
The Philanthropist
Kate is the Founder & Chairwoman of the Charity Dreamgirls and has also lead fundraising and awareness growth projects with many charities. She was a founder and trustee of the Express Yourself Trust, and is a campaigner and media commentator for Endometriosis UK. Kate’s own suffering of the condition can create obstacles for leading this very full life, but nothing she has found insurmountable to date.
“Five years on and I’m delighted at how the Charity Dreamgirls has developed and grown, creating a large following in Yorkshire – we’re a determined group of volunteers doing something a little bit different to transform the fortunes of struggling charities.”
Kate Hardcastle is Founder, Chairwoman & Original Charity Dreamgirl