Words: Koralia Hume

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This old proverb has stayed with me for years, but only since opening the showroom have I truly come to understand the depth of its meaning. In the world of independent bathroom retail, the journey can often feel like a solo mission. But the real magic, I’ve come to learn, lies in connection.

I’ve always been a do-er. From a young age, I was a disciplined, driven full time pianist –with a singular focus and a fierce sense of responsibility. I have taken care of my family since I was little.

That discipline and responsibility carried me across borders. I arrived in the UK in 2003 with just £100 from my mum, no job, no contacts, no backup plan. Through sheer resilience and hard work, from cleaning people’s houses, I built a successful career in investment banking, eventually becoming an investor relations officer at one of the world’s top financial institutions.

It wasn’t always easy. I faced enormous personal challenges, including a period of homelessness during my second year in the UK – very scary for a 23 year old female – yet something that shaped me more than any job title ever could.

But since creating Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, I’ve discovered something else: the power of partnerships. That’s how our family business was born – I brought my zone of genius, my husband brought his, and together we built something we’re truly proud of.

Over time, I’ve come to realise that real success doesn’t come from working in isolation. That’s why, when I was invited to join the KBSA as a director and Bathroom Champion, I said yes without hesitation. The role offered something far bigger than a title – it offered a platform to unite. To bring together independent showrooms, designers, retailers and suppliers under a shared belief: that we are stronger together. And I do it from a sheer passion for this industry as my role is non-profit, just like everyone else’s on the board.

So many businesses still see each other as competitors. But I don’t. We might be in close proximity or offer similar services, but I see every showroom as unique. There is space for everyone in this industry and everyone brings a valuable skill.

Staying in your corner will get you nowhere in today’s world. But stepping into a community of likeminded professionals? That’s where growth happens.

Independence is a strength, yes – but interdependence is a superpower. Joining the KBSA board has shown me just how aligned we truly are – whether you’re running a small family showroom or you’re a household-name supplier. We all want the same thing: to thrive. And when we collaborate – when we share knowledge, exchange resources, and offer support – we create a ripple effect that lifts the whole industry.

That’s the spirit behind Diary of a Bathroom Designer, a LinkedIn blog I started to capture the real highs and lows of this journey – with a bit of humour, of course. It’s raw, reflective and honest. Sometimes, I feel incredibly vulnerable writing it. But it’s my way of saying: you’re not alone.

We live in wild times. We watch world events unfold that shake our sense of safety, our sense of truth. But even through it all, I believe that real change still starts within. When we shift our own mindset – from “I must do this alone” to “we’re better together” – we become part of something far bigger.

And if we all take that first step? Well – going far won’t just be possible. It’ll be inevitable.

I hope to see you all at the KBSA conference on 1st October.