|
Kelly Morris - Fashion Design |
When my husband was serving in Afghanistan I wanted something funny to wear, that would lift morale for me and other wives. We couldn’t find anywhere in the UK who did what I had in mind.
I didn’t go for my business straight away. I didn’t really think about setting up my own business, I never thought I’d ever have my own business.
Being a Forces wife changed my views, as I couldn’t commit to a normal 9-5 job, my dream career was to be a Fire-fighter but I can’t imagine that working very good either, with two children and a husband who likes to move a lot.
So one day me and a friend was sat talking, whilst her boyfriend was serving away she wanted the same, some sort of funny T-shirt to wear. We put our heads together and thought, why not see how hard it would be to set up our own business.
We drew up a full business plan. From day one to something like 3 years ahead.
In Grimsby there is an organisation called “E-Factor” which through government funding help get the unemployed back into work or business through funding and advising. We took our idea along to E-factor to see if they would be able to help our dreams come true. Our first meeting we soon realised it wasn’t going to be easy, and that because my friend worked fulltime as a Midwife they wouldn’t be able to fund the venture as a joint one. So we both came to the agreement that I would solely take on the business as I was unemployed through looking after my two young children and my husband being posted in Aldershot.
From that moment the ball got rolling, and E-factor loved the business plan and aims. They took the plan to their funding panel and also the panel of The Princes Trust got involved. They both agreed to fund 50/50 towards my business plan to get me up and running!
I now have my very own Business Mentor who I meet with once a month to discuss how the business is running etc and how improvements can be made. After all this is a new thing to me.
The best bit has been “going live”. Having my very own website and actually having my own business. The moment my first order came through I was ecstatic and haven’t looked back since!
But it hasn’t always been easy, and hurdles are still popping up here and there.
The hardest part has been setting up a business right in the middle of a recession. Business hasn’t been great, but it’s been there. Orders have been coming in slowly and I’m hoping once the UK starts to pick up in general, my business will follow. Also, advertising is my fail; I can’t afford to pay expensive advertising prices so I’m relying on word of mouth, business cards and online social networking as advertisement.
If you are thinking of going in to business yourself I would make sure you have a solid business plan both in your head and on paper! If you do genuinely want nothing else than setting up your own business then go for it! It has been the best thing I have done; I can work from home, with my two children. I never have to worry about child care costs, or how I will get to work today. With my husband being posted here there n everywhere once we move with him on to barracks I can take my business with me.
Many thanks for taking the time to tell us about your business.
I would also find local business help agencies etc, Like Business Link, E-Factor and The Princes Trust if you fit their criteria. Even if you can’t get funding from them, they are always there to point you in the right direction and give you the best possible advice and help.
www.forcesfashionuk.co.uk
Kelly Morris
07709827443
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
