Dominating the spheres of sports and entrepreneurship, Queenie Porter appears to be a trailblazing force to be reckoned with. Currently the Managing Director of WOW HYDRATE, and the Vice President of West Ham United Women F.C., Porter has successfully transformed into an inspirational figure for countless of souls within this particular landscape. 

She proved her impeccable potential by negotiating deals and garnering partnerships with everybody from Tyson Fury to the renowned Manchester United F.C as she made her brand the official hydration partner for the massively loved football club.  

Not only that, but very recently Porter was also awarded the title of 'Business Leader of the Year' by Nelson Mandela’s youngest granddaughter- Ndileka Mandela. She is truly the definition of a true woman boss. 

We recently had a chat with our latest cover star Queenie Porter about her entrepreneur accolades, her experience garnering partnerships with Manchester United F.C., how she initially paved her way to her present successful journey, and what's next in store for her. 

Hello there Queenie. Thank you for joining us on ReVamp! How are you doing?

I’m really well, thank you. It’s such a pleasure to be here for my first proper editorial photo shoot. Your team is incredible, and I’ve had so much fun throughout this experience. I can't wait to see your magazine continue to grow.

Beginning this interview, I would love to initiate our conversation by asking what it was that lured you towards becoming an entrepreneur especially embodying business as a form of profession? 

I've always wanted to be successful and have a reason to be in the room. This ambition naturally led me to entrepreneurship, where building a profile and climbing the corporate ladder became essential. Now, I feel like I belong in every room I enter, and I’m driven by the desire not to be a mere seat warmer. This mindset has taken me on a successful journey through fashion, sports, and various commercial ventures.

Your profession amalgamates both sports and entrepreneurship as its elements. Having been immersed in such a unique role, did it ever get challenging for you? If so, how did you overcome those significant obstacles? 

It may sound cliché, but the challenges have fueled my rapid ascent. In sports, as a woman, you're often underestimated until you prove your knowledge and perspective. This dynamic gives you a unique angle and empathy that enriches the field, especially regarding mental health and off-pitch issues.

Early in my career in fashion, I faced ageism, starting at 17 when my peers were older and had more traditional backgrounds. I had to constantly prove my maturity and knowledge. In sports, it’s about showing that my commercial outlook adds value, even without a professional playing background. Overcoming these obstacles has reinforced my confidence and ability to bring something unique to the table.

I know you initially started pursuing fashion but eventually decided to follow this particular route. How has this transition been like for you and were there ever any lessons you learnt from the fashion industry that you further incorporated within this landscape? 

The competitive nature of fashion provided a strong foundation for business. In fashion, it's about individual success, whereas sports involve team dynamics. This taught me to blend individual skills with leadership qualities. Transitioning at 27 was ideal, as it allowed me to evolve from an individual performer to a team leader. This background has made the transition seamless and enriched my current endeavors.

Let's talk about your wonderful initiative and brand WOW HYDRATE. What was it that sparked you to join this start-up as a managing director and enter this fascinating venture? 

I was inspired by the evolving nature of sports nutrition. Gone are the days of simple halftime oranges; now, nutrition is crucial for performance. WOW HYDRATE was founded by two entrepreneurs outside the industry, like me. Our collaboration brought diverse passions together to promote healthy hydration in sports and daily life, which excited me immensely.

How did the sensational partnership with Manchester United F.C. come into existence pertaining to WOW HYDRATE and it becoming its Official Hydration Partner? What was the entire process like? 

The process was thrilling. With the David Beckham documentary igniting wider interest in Manchester United, we wanted to resonate with everyday people through football. Manchester United's fan-first ethos aligned perfectly with our goals. This partnership has been instrumental in taking WOW HYDRATE to new heights, and we have exciting plans for the future.

Being the Vice President of the West Ham United Women F.C. must also be an exciting experience for you! How has this chapter been like so far? 

I joined West Ham United women's team during a transformative period, with state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive environment. I was lucky enough to take part in their first ever Women’s Football Summit alongside some other fantastic speakers. With our WOW HYDRATE products we’re also able to support the players directly with their nutritional needs.

You were also very recently awarded 'Business Leader of the Year' by Nelson Mandela’s youngest granddaughter - Ndileka Mandela. First of all, huge congratulations on this phenomenal accolade! 

What was your reaction knowing you were about to be bestowed upon such an honourable title? 

Thank you so much. This award feels like recognition not just for me, but for my entire team. Their support has been crucial in transforming WOW HYDRATE from an SME to a medium-sized corporate business. This accolade reinforces my confidence and motivates me to continue being a trailblazer for women in business.

Being a woman who has broken so many barriers within such men-dominated spheres, what advice would you like to give to those aspiring women and individuals who wish to follow in your footsteps. 

Stay feminine and authentic. Don't try to adapt a masculine demeanor; our strength lies in our empathy and personal approach. Authenticity will guide you to the right career path and ensure you enjoy your journey.

I'm sure at this stage, a lot of people look upto you as a massive role-model but I'm very curious to know who were your professional and personal inspirations growing up?

Karren Brady, the CEO of West Ham, has been a huge inspiration, showing that women can succeed in male-dominated industries. My parents have also been influential. My father’s entrepreneurial spirit and my mother’s leadership at home shaped my approach to business and life. They combined to give me both drive and compassion.

Having being someone who has successfully negotiated deals with everybody from Tyson Fury to Manchester United FC and garnered so many accomplishments, what according to you has been the most memorable moment of your professional journey so far?

Becoming a Vice President of West Ham United women’s team stands out. It’s surreal to be in a position where I can seek advice from Karren Brady, someone I admired from a young age. This role is a testament to my progress and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

How do you think has the sphere of sports and entrepreneurship evolved for women over the course of these past few years and is there anything in particular that you'd like to see it evolve itself into in the near future? 

The landscape has opened up significantly for women, on and off the pitch. However, it's crucial to ensure that roles are filled based on merit, not just to meet diversity quotas. We need to support women in these roles to grow and flourish, rather than placing them in vulnerable positions.

Lastly, I'd love to ask what's next for you, Queenie? Anything in the pipeline for you or your professional enterprises for this year? 

I’ve been inspired by collaborations like Charlotte Tilbury's with F1 and feel this magazine feature is the first step in merging health, beauty, fashion, and sports. Watch this space for exciting developments in this direction.

And if there's anything that you'd like to convey to your supporters currently reading this interview? 

To everyone reading this, my best advice is to stay authentic in all aspects of life. Authenticity will guide you through any challenges and help you find the right solutions. Additionally, how you present yourself can greatly impact your confidence. Fashion is my armor in the business world; I love the concept of power dressing for big meetings. I encourage everyone to dress in a way that projects the confidence and image they want to portray.