After
getting tired of knock backs and applications, Sefton based Rachel Gilbertson
took matters into her own hands by opening up her own business at the age of 19.
Just
8 months after starting her business, Rachel has been shortlisted for 2 Women
in Business awards, run by Downtown Liverpool and sponsored by
The Women’s Organisation. The 19 year old has been nominated for Entrepreneur
of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the year.
Her
journey began at The Rotunda, Kirkdale, where she attended a course based
around setting up a business which she thoroughly enjoyed. Combined with her
growing frustration of unemployment and her enjoyment of the course, Rachel was
inspired to take her first leap into self-employment.
Putting
her naturally creative personality and National Diploma in Graphic Design from
Southport College into use, she opened Roxiie’s Treasures in May 2013, a
business that provided jewellery, bags, scarves and accessories at that time.
‘The
best thing about running my own business is being my own boss. You get to make
all the decisions. I enjoy what I do and I love meeting new people and building
relationships with my customers. I also like the fact that I have the opportunity
to give something back to the community and help local charities.’
Whilst
starting up, Rachel approached The Women’s Organisation, where she met with a
business advisor to discuss her business idea and plan her next steps.
‘I
went on a few courses at The Women’s Organisation including bookkeeping, tax
& national insurance and how to promote your business online. I felt really
happy as I didn’t know what to do before. I found the support I received very helpful
and everyone was very welcoming.’
She
continued: ‘There was so much help which I got and it made me feel confident
that I was going to get where I wanted to be’ which is exactly what she did.
Since
opening in May 2013, Roxiie’s Treasures has expanded from online selling and
craft fairs, into a shop space based on College Road in the wonderful Crosby
Emporium. Now Roxiie’s Treasures not only sells jewellery, bags, scarves and
accessories, but also candles, gifts and household items.
When
discussing how far Rachel and the business have come, the 19 year old commented:
‘I am proud of what I have achieved so far and it makes me want to achieve more
and build my business even further.’ She plans to do this by eventually moving
into the property market and opening up a shop of her own.
For
Rachel, being in business is simply about doing something that genuinely makes
you happy. ‘If you believe in something and want it, you will achieve it but
you have to stick to it and focus on what you want in life.’
If
you would like to know more about Roxiie’s Treasures you can contact Rachel
directly by emailing her on roxiiestreasures@live.co.uk
You can
also check out her wonderful items on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/roxiiestreasuresliverpool and
Twitter:@RoxiiesTreasure
And
if you have an idea or a hobbie you would like to turn into a business, contact
The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / info@thewo.org.uk
or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk
by Beckie Kinsella
