I’m Surlender Pendress, Founder of Love Writing Co, and I’m truly passionate about making screen-free learning joyful, creative, and confidence-building for children. As a proud grandmother of three, this mission is incredibly close to my heart. Love Writing Co isn’t just my “work” — it inspires me, challenges me, and keeps me motivated. I also love encouraging and supporting fellow founders on their journeys.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you structure your time?
Running a business means my days are wonderfully varied — and sometimes a little unpredictable! I tend to structure my day around when I work best. While many people are morning thinkers, my best thoughts and creativity come in the evening. That’s when ideas flow most easily and I can properly immerse myself in strategic or creative work.
As the day unfolds, it’s usually a mix of meetings, conversations, decision-making, and problem-solving — all the things that come with building and growing a business.
And somewhere in between, I’m also proudly “grandma.” My three grandchildren keep me grounded, inspired, and smiling. They’re a constant reminder of why I do what I do
What’s one myth about your industry or role that you’d like to bust?
A common myth is that handwriting is becoming irrelevant in a digital world. But writing by hand plays a powerful role in learning. It’s linked to better academic results, improved memory, and stronger critical thinking. Technology is valuable, but it can’t replace the cognitive and developmental benefits that come from pen and paper.
What does success look like to you – has that changed over time?
Very much so, when LWC was first launched, success may have been defined by milestones and achievements such as awards or sales figures. Today, it feels far more meaningful as now success for me, is about impact and making a difference— seeing children grow in confidence, witnessing those moments of pride, and knowing we’ve helped make learning feel positive.
It also means thinking much bigger as I would love to see Love Writing Co supporting children globally and being known as a trusted, purpose-led brand that reaches families around the world.
What’s one initiative or achievement you’re particularly proud of — and why?
Creating tools that reduce pressure around early writing is something I’m incredibly proud of. Seeing a child move from “I can’t” to “Look what I did!” never loses its magic. Those moments are about far more than writing — they’re about confidence.
On a personal level, I’m also deeply proud that being a single mum never defined or limited me. It’s been important to show my children — and now my grandchildren — that with determination, support, and the right guidance, you can achieve far more than you might first believe.
What legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your work?
I hope Love Writing Co helps reshape how we approach early years learning and literacy — making it more joyful, inclusive, and confidence-building. Learning to write should feel fun, inspiring, and accessible to children of all abilities, not something that children often find stressful or hard.
At its heart, my work is about innovation and encouragement and simply creating better ways for children to develop essential skills whist supporting their confidence.
If our products help even a small generation of children feel more capable and inspired, that would be a legacy I’d be incredibly proud of.
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your leadership journey?
That resilience is quieter than we realise, it is not about grand gestures — it’s about consistency, patience, and continuing when things feel uncertain. I’ve also been deeply encouraged by the kindness within the entrepreneurial community. There are so many good people willing to support, guide, and champion ideas that truly make a difference.
How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
When things feel tough, I come back to my “why.” Knowing that our work supports children’s confidence and learning keeps me grounded. I also lean on my support network. My family are my biggest cheerleaders where they encourage m, listen to me and push me when needed. Launching a business can be challenging, but having people who lift you up makes the journey far more manageable — and far more meaningful
What are you currently reading, listening to, or watching that’s helping you grow?
I have had this book for a few months and just not had time to finish it but currently I am reading The Secret, which centres around mindset, intention, and the idea that our thoughts influence our direction in life. I find anything exploring mindset incredibly interesting and truly believe in the power of the mind.
If I’m honest though, I wish I had more time to read or listen to podcasts but family, business and trying visit the gym on occasion keep me busy but truthfully I have learnt that growth isn’t limited to books, movies or podcasts— it’s in everyday learning and perspective.
Which leader or entrepreneur has influenced you the most — and why?
Interestingly, one of my greatest sources of inspiration came from watching a film and I was so drawn to the character. Watching JOY, based on the story of entrepreneur Joy Mangano, really resonated with me. Her journey — building a business through resilience, determination, and selling her invention on television which was innovative at the time — was incredibly powerful.
I related to so much of what she experienced: the setbacks, the self-belief, and the persistence required to keep going. Her story is a wonderful reminder that success is rarely straightforward and that resilience is often the real foundation of entrepreneurship.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d been given at the start of your career?
I wish I’d understood earlier the true value of surrounding myself with the right people. Networks and communities are incredibly powerful. They help you learn faster, make better decisions, gain confidence, and often save money by learning from others’ experiences. No founder should feel they have to navigate the journey alone.
