FOR friends Christine Bradshaw and Lynda Roberts opening up their own business is about much more than going to work – because the two mums have a real passion for what they do.
“It’s a pleasure coming into work, we love what we do and it’s fantastic being our own bosses,” said Christine who along with business partner Lynda opened up Sophie Rose Interiors in their hometown of Reddish, Stockport, earlier this year.
“We have both got children and have been friends for years. I was looking to do something new and Lynda had previously run her own business, so we decided to join forces and give it a go” added Christine.
Sophie Rose Interiors, which is based in the heart of reddish sells vintage products, as well as a range of made to measure curtains – and the business partners buy and restore old furniture which they then sell on.
Prior to starting up the business Christine, aged 46, was unemployed after leaving her job as a teaching assistant, whilst 49-year-old Lynda had ran her own business before. Now the partners have combined their skills and experiences for their new venture, with Lynda undertaking a lot of the work in the shop whilst Christine is responsible for all other aspects of the business including administration, marketing, finance and much m ore.
After deciding they wanted to become their own bosses Christine and Lynda came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where they received free help and support under the ISUS (Intensive Start-up Support) funded programme.
As well as attending a business planning course Christine and Lynda worked on a one-to-one basis with their adviser Mike. “The support we received from Train 2000 was excellent” said Christine, “It was very useful to have some one who could help us along the way, in putting our business plan together. It was nice to have somewhere to turn for any questions or queries we had and we would definitely recommend other women to access the services offered through Train 2000.”
They first heard about the organisation when Christine searched on the internet for somewhere in the area they could turn to for the business advice they were looking for.
“We have both lived in Reddish all our lives” said Christine, “and we are delighted that we have been able to open up a shop here, as we are very optimistic that it will make a difference to the area. We are both very passionate about the town and are keen to make a positive contribution to it.”
To find out more about Sophie Rose Interiors call into the shop on Gorton Road in Reddish or if you want to speak to Christine or Lynda about their range of products and service give them a call on 0161 222 1017.
