Busy businesswoman Jane McDermott discusses her career path

A solicitor, makeup artist, and social media influencer, Jane has carved a unique path for herself, empowering other women to follow their own passions and challenge societal norms. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in supporting women to realise their full potential.

For Jane, being a successful woman in business is more than just professional achievements. “I do believe that being a ‘successful woman in business’ is unique to each woman,” she explains. “For me personally, it’s about believing in yourself and your ability to succeed, as well as not feeling the need to conform to society’s expectations of you.”

Jane’s multifaceted career is a testament to her own philosophy. As both a solicitor and a makeup artist, she exemplifies the idea that women don’t have to be boxed into one role or identity. Through her presence on social media, she inspires women to embrace their individuality and find confidence in the things that set them apart.

“You can be absolutely anything you want to be without the need to conform,” she says. This message has resonated with many women who see Jane as a role model for balancing multiple passions with grace.

One of the ways Jane uses her platform to inspire others is by being transparent about her own journey. She recognises that the polished image often portrayed on social media can be misleading, creating unrealistic expectations.

“Social media is often perceived as a toxic platform that breeds comparison and unrealistic expectations. For me, social media has only ever been a positive experience, a platform for creative output,” Jane shares. By showing the reality behind the scenes, she empowers women to focus on their own growth, rather than comparing themselves to others.

But Jane’s impact extends beyond the virtual world. She is passionate about building real connections with other women and encouraging them to reach their full potential. “As cliché as it may sound, women must support other women. Instead of seeing each other as competition, we should encourage one another to reach our full potential,” she says.

This belief in collective empowerment drives her involvement in initiatives like ‘women in business’ meetings, where she draws inspiration from successful women and shares her own experiences. “I recently attended a meeting at the Workhouse in Enniskillen and had the opportunity to meet many incredible, successful women. It was immensely inspiring to witness those women share their knowledge.”

Jane’s journey is shaped by the women who have inspired her along the way, most notably her mother, Lorraine. “My mother is without a doubt my biggest inspiration. I don’t believe that I have ever seen her ‘fail’ at anything she has sought to achieve,” Jane reflects.

Watching her mother juggle the demands of work and family life, while still putting the needs of others first, has deeply influenced Jane’s own approach to success. “She has influenced my journey by consistently supporting me, teaching me that success will not be achieved without hard work, but also that what’s meant for you will not pass you by.”

Jane believes that the qualities that have helped her succeed—ambition, resilience, courage, and determination—are ones that all women can nurture within themselves. “We need to believe in ourselves and our ability to succeed,” she says.

Her message to women is clear: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. “Being resilient, determined, and courageous enough to make mistakes will ultimately lead to success.”

Her advice for young women looking to follow in her footsteps is rooted in passion and perseverance. “Do whatever it takes to allow you to achieve your goals. Do not let the idea of what others might think hold you back,” she encourages.

Jane’s diverse career highlights the importance of finding something that brings joy and satisfaction. “My advice would be to find something you’re passionate about, deep dive into that, and spread that passion as far and wide as possible.”

Jane is also keenly aware of the progress and challenges surrounding gender equality, particularly in the legal field. “The Law Society of Northern Ireland have carried out surveys which highlighted several issues in respect of gender disparity, including lack of maternity and return-to-work support, lack of flexible working, and under-representation of women in senior positions within private practice,” she says.

While the makeup and social media industries have been more welcoming of women, allowing flexibility and control over income, she believes that similar changes in law could help retain more female solicitors in private practice.

Throughout her career, Jane has learned valuable lessons about self-worth and pushing through adversity. She believes in standing up against discrimination and embracing opportunities to shine in male-dominated spaces.

“We should not allow a male-dominated space to suppress our power or confidence; on the contrary, we should take this as an opportunity to stand out, display our individual skills, and create a long-lasting impression.”

Jane’s commitment to inspiring others is unwavering, and she hopes to leave a lasting impact on the next generation of women leaders.

“Everywhere we look, there are empowering, strong women, both in business and in all walks of life. These women have had their own trials and tribulations yet continue to make strides and path a road for upcoming young talent striving to make a serious impact.”

As she continues to grow in her career, Jane McDermott’s message remains one of empowerment, resilience, and solidarity. Through her words and actions, she reminds women that they are capable of achieving greatness, and that success comes not only from individual effort, but from lifting each other up along the way.