Meet Kristianne Benn | Legal Executive & Fix8 Rollerdisco Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristianne Benn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristianne, what inspires you?
I love to see people win so I look for inspirational women and those who I can see myself in.

I enjoy hearing of people’s journeys and how they started, what they endured along the way and how they celebrated themselves because more often than not I feel what I do is never enough (the imposter syndrome in me) and so I am learning by watching those who have mastered the art of celebrating their wins.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I never went to university, barely scraped my Alevels but knew I wanted a career in law. I got a Job as an office junior, made teas, did byhands to court but knew I wanted more so joined a local PI firm dealing with RTAs. There I met a legal executive who suggested I should go become a lawyer. I binned the idea because 1. I could not afford it
2. I didnt know if I would get a training contract because lawyers did not look like me.
3. Wasnt sure if I would fit.

However, I looked into an alternative route to study law. Just as I had enrolled, I fell pregnant and that dream left. I concentrated on being a mum and found a hobby which could involve her. Thats when I found rollerskating. I skated with the pushchair and when she got older we would go skating at a local spot.

I started to help the manager run the nights, Id create flyers and invite people because I had fallen in love with it. When I heard it was closing down – I knew something needed to be done. A fellow skater and I spoke and after conversations he told me we could run it. We had the go ahead but I was expecting so couldnt fully commit. However when it reopened I did what I could being a new mum.

We struggled to get numbers in, it was fun but didnt make any money, one of the organisers left so we had to change course. My new business partner and I rebranded and created Fix8 Rollerdisco. A place for skaters by skaters.

I was now running Fix8, being a mum and working as a legal PA.

Fast forward at an appraisal my now boss replanted that lawyer seed. He said, your path is law go an face ur fears and do it.

So I had conversations, pitched my proposal, got sponsored and boom….I was enrolled at university.

I studied after work, inbetween skate nights. My eldest daughter would study with me as she was doing her GCSEs then ALevels and we would make promises that Id pass, shed go uni and do her LLB and we would both become lawyers.

So here I am, a “grown woman”, 5 years later, mother of two (one doing her LLB), a graduate on route to becoming a cilex lawyer, running Fix8 Rollerdisco for 10+ years.

My story isnt linear but its an example of taking control of your path and with dedication and persistence, success awaits and will come. Believe, Achieve & Receive is what I constantly tell my daughters.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im a Londoner born and bread. In the summer time we have so many great things to do.

Of course Id take them skating, after covid we have variety of spots (indoor and outdoor) and a great community

For food, we would visit one of my favourite restaurants, Berners Tavern or visit a few vendors on the southbank for a buzzy vibe.

We would do a Reggae brunch in Brixton or a sip and paint session in Shorditch.

Of course they would need to experience a good ole English pub for the rustic smell and British “bants” (banter).

In the evening, it would have to be to a party where they can feel the British Caribbean experience through Soca music (Trini to the bone).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shout out goes to the Almighty. Without him, this story would have never been told.

Then my daughters, Tianne and Taelyn. Having my first child at 21 set the foundation for growth. They have taught me resilience, strength, forward thinking and love.

I also couldnt have survived without my pillars, my parents and best friends. They have been my cheerleaders, confidents, therapists. They truly have been monumental in my journey.

I love reading and many books I read are about self development so shout out to “The 4 Agreements”, “The Chimp Paradox” and “Slay in your lane”.

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