Wanting a Plan for Retirement Irene Wales is Now ‘Cruising Through Mindfulness’ with her New Business

Irene Wales

Wirral’s Irene Wales spent 15 years building her education and confidence to run her own business.  Now Irene has realised her dream, putting her passion and experience into setting up ‘Wirral & Cheshire Therapy & Assessment”.

Irene had always worked, but she wanted to build a career for herself that she could carry on into retirement and wanted that business to be something that she truly loved. As an Approved Mental Health Practitioner and a Best Interests Assessor Irene said “My job was difficult, some elements of it were related to my training, but it became increasingly legalistic rather than therapeutic.  I wanted to do something using the therapy skills I’ve developed over the years and I just wasn’t getting the opportunity within my job. I’d done all this training, so the point came where I knew – right it’s time to start having clients.”

In her own times of difficulty or stress Irene had looked at the variety of therapies on offer and begun to practice mindfulness herself.  Learning what was out there to help people Irene said she realised that “It works!” and therefore focussing on therapeutic education seemed natural to her.

“I’ve always had a love for this sort of thing and done a lot of training over the last 15 years.  I’ve had my canal boat for about 9 years and I always thought it would be nice to do therapy sessions on there.  Being on a canal boat has a  natural relaxing effect anyway so it seemed to make sense to me.”

Irene's boat Cruising Through Mindfulness

Irene had studied Social Work to Masters Level at University of Liverpool before receiving training to become an Approved Mental Health Practitioner at Manchester University and Best Interests Assessor training at Chester University, Irene has been studying therapies such as EFT, Person Centred Counselling, NLP, Solution Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy since 2000. Having the knowledge of her field, the passion and the tools to start building a business Irene realised that she needed a helping hand to take what she had and turn it into a business.  She told us:

 “I didn’t have a clue what to do.  I knew I needed advice, and after a bit of searching I found The Women’s Organisation and from there I never looked back.”

“My previous work experience was all service related, not at all related to core skills needed to run a business.    Coming to The Women’s Organisation I expected that I would be the only person there as clueless as I was.  But on the courses I found I met different people from all different backgrounds who had all this great energy, but were just as clueless as me.”

Through the RBS Inspiring Women in Enterprise programme Irene was given a full package of support by The Women’s Organisation’s POWER Programme including being linked with a business adviser to guide her through the business planning process, training on understanding tax and book keeping, practical social media training to help her to set up accounts on facebook, twitter, linkedin, mailchimp, blogger and hootsuite to promote the business as well as use of a virtual office address at 54 St James Street in Liverpool City Centre.

Irene said of The Women’s Organisation:

“I loved it! Every one of the team had such great skill and patience.  The information given on the courses was excellent  and the presenters were highly skilled and experienced.  I was impressed that they were able to meet the needs of so many people with such diverse backgrounds and business ideas.  The level of service and ability of the team at  WO is of a really high standard.  My fears were all dealt with one by one in a practical and patient manner whether this was on a one-to-one basis or in a group. Whenever I had questions there was someone who could answer me or help me to find the answer, or the right person, to signpost me towards support. Now I know I’ve got the basics covered, so I’m not worrying so much, I’m really glad I didn’t try to do it without their help. I feel much more confident about what I am doing having received their support.”

Now up and running ‘Wirral & Cheshire Therapy & Assessment’ offer a variety of health and well-being services including hypnotherapy, EFT, NLP, mindfulness, psychotherapy, independent and best interests assessment. Irene and team offer these services to individuals and couples from their Liverpool offices at 54 St James Street in the Baltic Triangle, to Wirral residents within their homes and to individuals, couples and small groups through their ‘Cruising Through Mindfulness’ boat trips in Cheshire.

Following their overwhelming support, Irene has made her business a real family affair. “My husband is truly ‘on board’ with the business as he steers the boat” Irene smiled “and my sister helps with therapy, which is great because she’s also a therapist and loves her work as much as I do.”

Looking back Irene reflects on what her younger self would have thought about her going into business in her 50’s saying “Growing up I never thought I would be a business woman. I never had any plans to be really.  I just found I was naturally drawn to therapies, and from there I carried on learning and this has been the natural next step. People don’t usually go into business at my age. But now I never have to retire. I think having worked in the industry I have for so long I’m conscious that I want to keep my mind active for as long as I can, and if I can do that by doing something I love then I will always want to do it.”

Transitioning from full time employment to self-employment has been a real change for Irene with some unexpected challenges.  “I’ve always had a job so I’d done years of free sessions for people, so taking money from people now has taken a bit of getting used to, but I’ve surprised myself.  I’m more confident now.  My family and friends have been a great support and encouragement telling me  “you have the skills and the opportunity, it’s time to do it”.  It’s great to have them be enthusiastic about it. It just feels right.”

Wirral & Cheshire Therapy & Assessment’s ‘Cruising Through Mindfulness’ boat trips are proving a real hit with small groups.  Irene told us about the boat and why it is leaving their clients feeling very satisfied:

“It’s a wheelchair accessible narrowboat, we provide refreshments throughout the day with a lovely lunch. People can have a go at steering the boat, and at the end of the day they leave having learnt mindfulness tools they can use every day.  They will have met other people, had fun and developed real skills to manage stress.”

Keen to continue building her business Irene is full of positivity and excitement for what the future holds. “The best thing about starting my own business is that I’m able to use the skills I’ve had and I am now doing what I love.”

To find out more about Wirral & Cheshire Therapy & Assessment and their ‘Cruising Through Mindfulness’ group work contact Irene Wales via Irene@wirralandcheshiretherapy.com

If like Irene you would like to put your education and experience into setting up your own business then get in touch with The Women’s Organisation to find out what support is available to help local women.  Whether looking for guidance on how to build a business plan, understand tax, national insurance and other legalities or gather practical tips on how to use social media to market your small business, contact 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk to find out more.

Former Lord Mayor Gary Millar Provides Drop-In for Entrepreneurial Advice @ Central Library

Former Lord Mayor and Cabinet Member, Councillor Gary Millar – who was a track record in running successful businesses – will become the first ‘Entrepreneur-in-Residence’ at Liverpool’s Central Library. He will be offering budding and existing business people help and support in turning their ideas into success, as well as signposting to them others who can help.

The Women’s Organisation hopes to be one of those organisations who can help, with our drop-in sessions happening simultaneously to Gary Millar’s, and last week we were able to work with Gary as he signposted two businesses to The Women’s Organisation where our advisors were able to help and advise them.

These Drop-Ins are part of Central Library’s new Business and IP Centre – one of just seven in the UK – which gives access to a wealth of free support, and the opportunity to take advantage of free intellectual property and business information and expertise.

Cllr Millar said; ‘Although my role as Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Investment is to politically lead on the business agenda, I am also a business owner and business adviser. I’ve felt the pain, excitement and satisfaction of setting up a business, but I always did it better when I sought out help when faced with hiccups, problems and opportunities.’

Former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar was appointed as Cabinet Member for Business & Investment in 2014. As well as this, he is the co-owner of Parr Street Studios & Hotel which is among the Independent Magazine’s UK Top 50 Best Bars.

‘I have a passion for business and a unique understanding of what entrepreneurs and businesses can go through. My role will be to listen, inspire, motivate and steer people to hopefully the right kind of support.’

The sessions will be taking place every Thursday from 1-4pm and the first Saturday of every month. There is also a programme of free workshops, speed mentoring sessions and networking events delivered by business experts focussing on a wide-range of topics including starting up, marketing, finance, as well as how intellectual property can protect products, brands and designs.

For further information please contact Paul Johnston, Liverpool City Council communications officer, on 0151 233 0069 or 07740 918615

To find out all the good things happening in Liverpool visit www.liverpoolexpress.co.uk or follow www.twitter.com/lpoolexpress     

The Women’s Organisation also offers loads of free advice and support for women interested in starting a business, or more advanced support for those who have already started their venture. Take a look at all of our sessions here: http://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/events

When there wasn’t the work for Gemma Longworth after she graduated from University, she created her own work and business; ‘The Button Boutique’

The Button Boutique was launched by textile artist, Gemma Longworth in early 2011. Gemma is a highly qualified textile artist, having completed many years of training. Aged 17 she attended the City of Liverpool College, where she completed her AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education) in Art & Design, before continuing and completing her Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Gemma credits the City of Liverpool College in helping her learn her craft, and decide which direction she wanted to take. The College has a large and varied range of courses, whether these are vocational, educational or apprenticeship based and it was the perfect place for Gemma to learn more about the art and design industry and become accomplished at many different skills.

‘I loved being at the Myrtle Street campus studying Art and Design. It was great, because I’d come straight from school but it was a completely different environment and a lot freer, where we were able to explore and discover the different disciplines and see which ones suited us the most.’

‘The teachers and tutors were all fantastic and you could go to them with any problems or issues that you had, whatever they were.’

It was here that Gemma realised that textiles was her favourite discipline and it was this that helped her decide to continue her education and training at University. Following on from the City of Liverpool College, she studied for her BA in Drawing and Applied Arts, in Bristol, and then completed her Masters in Textiles, in Manchester.

After completing all of this training and higher education, Gemma found it hard to find work in her field, even though she was a highly talented individual, there wasn’t the work out there for her, in the area that she wanted. It was during this time that she began to volunteer and at Alder Hey Hospital, running arts and crafts workshops twice a week.

  

As the interest in her workshops grew and she was working on a freelance basis, she began taking them outside of the hospital, to café’s in city, holding more and more classes. It became clear to Gemma then, that she needed a base. She chose the Baltic Creative to be this base, renting out two large sheds in their building, and running her workshops from there. She says, even at this time, it wasn’t clear to her that she was ‘starting’ her own business, she was just supplying the demand for her work and the nature of the business growth was organic.

By 2014, Gemma had outgrown her space in the Baltic Creative, and started to look around for larger properties, before finding a building on Brick Street which she describes as a ‘hidden gem’ The space took a lot of work to get it up to the beautiful standard that it is today, but Gemma says; ‘I’ve always been used to not having a lot of money, and having to work with what I’ve got, so I didn’t find it too difficult to work with the space’. The Button Boutique looks fantastic which Gemma says is down to, white emulsion, lots of fabric and a fair amount of skip diving!

The Button Boutique is doing incredibly well, and the business is growing steadily with every month. Gemma is quick to point out that it is a huge amount of work, and it can sometimes be a struggle to balance her work life with her home and social life.

‘Getting the balance right is very difficult. There are days when I go home, and say to myself that I won’t open my laptop, or check my emails but the temptation is always there. Because it’s ‘my baby’, there is always the pressure to be pushing the business forward and working all the time.’

‘There are good and bad aspects to running your own business and being your own boss. Of course there is more freedom, but at the same time, there is a pressure because you have to depend on yourself to bring an income in. Some days I do wish that I was going to work and being paid for being there, but at the same time, it is worthwhile in the end.’ 

‘If a friend of mine told me they wanted to start their own business, I would definitely tell them to seriously think about it. Make sure it is absolutely what you want because it’s a lot of hard work to begin with and you will have to put a lot into it. It takes up a lot of your time, and you will have to make sacrifices, but it will be worth it in the end. And if you need any support, I would recommend going to see the team at The Women’s Organisation’

Gemma also found a few difficulties in the business aspects of The Button Boutique. Like many individuals, the idea of understanding tax, registering as a company and working out pay rolls was a daunting one, and something that she found, and still does find difficult.

‘I don’t find that this side of the business gets any easier. In fact in gets harder as the business grows, because there is always something else to do, another form to fill out and something new to get my head around. But The Women’s Organisation helped enormously with this, and I would recommend any woman with their own business to seek advice and support from them.’

Gemma attended many of The Women’s Organisation’s free courses which helped her understand the technical side of running a business, and is also a member of our Business Club which she is a big fan of. Networking at The Women’s Organisation has been something that Gemma has enjoyed as well; ‘I’ve always hated the idea of ‘networking’, but at The Women’s Organisation it’s a lot more enjoyable because it’s informal and everyone there is in similar situations so it isn’t intimidating.’

Gemma has put the hard work, determination and effort into starting up her own business. After realising when she had finished her education and degree that the jobs she wanted were not out there, she has managed to create her own lifestyle and business which suits her and is a success. She says; ‘I am proud of myself, especially when I look back and think about everything that I have put into The Button Boutique, and how I have started it from literally nothing. I’m doing what I set out to do.’

If you would like help starting up your business, get in contact with us!
Email: hello@thewo.org.uk
Phone: 0151 706 8111

Sue Morgan’s thriving business ‘Jessica Rose Beauty’ is launching its newest venture this week - Hot Yoga

Sue Morgan has been developing her passion for yoga for the last 16 years, and in particular hot yoga, which she is now launching as part of her beauty empire (Jessica Rose Beauty) in her salon in Huyton, Knowsley this week. ‘Yoga For The People’ launches on Friday.

She is convinced of both the physical and mental health benefits of hot yoga and lists them on her website. Hot yoga refers to yoga exercises performed under humid conditions, and the heat is used to increase an individual’s flexibility in performing the poses. One of the most popular styles of hot yoga is Bikram which was first brought to the USA in the early 1970’s, and is performed at 105 degrees.

Sue believes that yoga and in particular hot yoga:

·         Revitalises the body and mind

·         Helps with flexibility and balance

·         Builds longer, leaner muscles and increases your core strength

·         Calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety

·         Helps to detoxify your system

·         Improves the function of internal organs

·         Balances your muscular system

·         Increases your metabolism and energy levels

·         Helps with weight loss

·         Can help reduce depression and insomnia

·         Increase your will-power, self-control, concentration and determination

It is clear that many others agree with Sue, as her first 2 classes launching hot yoga at her salon, this Friday, are fully booked. Although a full schedule is complete, people can book onto the sessions through the salons, with contact details shown below.

Sue has built fantastic connections within the yoga world, and has a great group of experienced teachers running the sessions, including her cousin Rachel Currie who trained in Bikram when in Los Angeles, and Mohan, who she says; ‘needs no introduction and has taught many of the city’s yoga teachers his Shiva style yoga’

The Women’s Organisation are happy to have been a part of Sue’s journey, with business advisors, Ali and Francine helping her secure funding for the changes that were necessary for the changes to the building, through Barclays, and receiving advice and support from our business team.

If you want to find out more about Yoga For The People, book onto one of their sessions, or have a look at treatments that the Jessica Rose Beauty Salon’s offer, then use the details below!

Huyton Salon: 16 Childwall Parade, Off Pilch Lane, Huyton, Liverpool, L14 6TT

Phone: 0151 480 9252

Email: huyton@jessicarosebeauty.co.uk 

Childwall Salon: 142 Queens Drive, Childwall Fiveways, Liverpool, L15 6XX

Phone: 0151 737 1930

Email: fiveways@jessicarosebeauty.co.uk 

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Full time Mum and nutrition specialist Kim Sowah has teamed up with her childhood friend and interior designer Keeley McKenzie to open up a unique coffee shop in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle

Coffee & Fandisha offers a fresh addition to Liverpool’s growing appetite for artisan and specialist coffee. Sourced entirely from local and cooperative farms in Ethiopia, the Brick Street Coffee shop takes inspiration from the traditional ways of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony: serving their coffee alongside complimentary baskets or bowls of spiced popcorn (known as fandisha)

The coffee shop also has a fantastic array of food on offer. Toasted sandwiches on malted bread from a local bakery, and packed with adventurous fillings are a staple at the shop, alongside super food salads and mouth-watering cakes. There is also a focus on health foods at Coffee & Fandisha, an influence from Kim who studied a higher diploma in Nutrition and has a passion for eating well. The shop offers freshly pressed juices and home-made smoothies alongside cakes and sandwiches.

‘I’ve always wanted my own coffee shop because I am passionate about the coffee, and also working with the public. I have a little girl and felt it was time to regain my independence by creating something of my own.’

Inspired by her partner’s Ethiopian roots, Kim wanted to bring this culture of coffee bringing families together, to Liverpool’s coffee scene. ‘Once Keeley and I decided we were going to start the business, we spent a lot of time in various coffee shops to start gathering inspiration. With an idea of what we wanted, the search for a suitable venue began.’ They quickly found the perfect space in the Baltic Triangle in November of 2013, before moving in by January 2014.

‘When we moved in, the shop was a shell. Over time, we designed everything ourselves. We didn’t compromise on anything, all of our equipment is excellent quality, and finishing it was an amazing feeling.’

Coffee & Fandisha’s interior comprises mostly of dark, warm woods and oversized hanging light bulbs which hang from the beamed ceiling. Kim and Keeley were savvy with their designing, and up cycled the majority of their furniture- finishing key pieces with varnish, amongst many other details which mirror the industrial feeling of the Baltic Triangle but with much added warmth. 

Although the passion and talent was apparent, opening a business was a new venture for the pair, and Kim contacted The Women’s Organisation for start-up support. ‘Francine helped me further develop my business plan and cash flow forecast. She was really supportive and a great mentor. Even after we opened the shop, she was there to give me marketing advice and ideas.’

Coffee & Fandisha is going from strength to strength and is bustling with customers throughout the day. Kim says; ‘Things are going great at the moment. We are busy with a mixture of regulars and new customers discovering us for the first time.’ For Kim, The Baltic Triangle is a great place for a business as it benefits from the creative industries who work in the surrounding areas, with offices being situated in the adjoining building to Coffee & Fandisha.

With Coffee & Fandisha proving to be a hit, Kim has this advice to offer those thinking of starting their own business; ‘Be completely open-minded, know your market and remain positive. But one of the most important things is that you need to have complete confidence in your product.’

Kim and Keeley are working to continue the success of Coffee & Fandisha, and in the future hope to open another shop. If you want to experience the combination of coffee and popcorn, or grab a bite to eat, Coffee & Fandisha can be found on Brick Street. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter: @Coffeefandisha. To contact the directly – 0151 708 6492 / info@coffeefandisha.com

Do you have an idea that you want to explore? The Women’s Organisation’s business start-up support is free to women in Merseyside looking to start a business. 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Photo Credit: Barbara Idasiak Photography

Jan Woolley took the brave step to give up teaching business and launch her own business...

I spent 15 years teaching students how to set up a business, and always wanted to do it myself. When the opportunity came about, I thought I would have a go!’

Jan Woolley worked as a business teacher for 15 years, before that she worked in The City, the Sydney stock exchange, insurance companies and building societies. When voluntary redundancy was offered to her, she took the huge leap of taking it, using it to start her own business.

The Painted Chair, Jan’s retail space which she rents in the world famous Bluecoat, city centre location, houses restored furniture and is the only stockist of Chalk Paint TM decorative paint by Annie Sloan in the city. The retail space specialises in home accessories and Chalk Painted furniture which are locally sourced close to Liverpool.

Taking a huge leap after over 15 years of working for others to launch her own business was bound to be slightly daunting, but Jan says that she sought advice from as many people as possible before taking the plunge. 

She continues; ‘I gained the relevant knowledge by attending courses and doing lots of research’ stressing the importance of gaining the experience and information before giving up your day job. But ‘definitely do it’, is her advice to others!

Having taught business for many years, Jan may have felt ahead of the game when starting her own venture, but like many others was still daunted by aspects such as tax and legal issues, as well as the all important factor of finding the right location for her business.

Housed in the historical Bluecoat which holds other independent and creative focussed businesses such as Landbaby, Kernaghan Books and Lalligrass was the right space for Jan. With help from The Women’s Organisation, she received mentoring, a space on courses and support with her business plan, which has meant she is now running the business successfully.

The Painted Chair has been such a success that Jan is now ‘bursting at the seams’ and has taken her sister into the business and is training her. The original plan for Jan and her sister was for them to begin developing a business back in September 2012 when Jan left teaching, but her sister returned to her original job as a teacher also. In September 2014 she re-joined The Painted Chair, and they are now having ‘a fabulous time pushing it forward together.’

Jan has indeed pushed the business forward within the past year, but still always feels like there is so much more to do; ‘Some days I wonder if I will ever get to a position when I feel like I can let things tick over. My friends and family think I’ve achieved an enormous amount and they are all very proud of me, but I feel like I’m just getting started’

With even bigger plans for the future, The Painted Chair is looking to expand with Jan developing a business working with artists and disability groups and thinking about working with people who are painting furniture as a method of therapy. Jan has been trained by Annie Sloan and now offers courses on painting furniture and decorative effects.

‘I love what we do, as we help, guide and encourage people to improve and enjoy their most important place – their home.’

The Women’s Organisation thinks Jan has done a fantastic job with setting up The Painted Chair. If you would like to have a look at their beautiful stock or take a course, then head down to The Bluecoat, or check out the website, with all the details below!  

www.paintedchair.co.uk
paintmychair@gmail.com

Address: School Lane, Liverpool L1

Street Style Surgery’s Sissy is ‘Sole Trader of the Year’ Thanks to Hard Work & an Inspirational Mum

Local entrepreneur Sissy Rooney has taken her inspirational social enterprise from a one woman operation with its headquarters in her bedroom, to a nationally recognised and award winning training provider.  But how did she do it?

Founder of ‘Street Style Surgery’ Sissy reflected “It started with just me delivering t-shirt spray painting workshops now I have a team of over 200 qualified and inspiring trainers delivering many workshops all over the UK.”

Having been nominated for ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year 2014’ and ‘Sole Trader of the Year’ at the EVA awards (Enterprise Vision Awards) Sissy was delighted to be selected as ‘Sole Trader of the year’ 2014.  And it isn’t surprising looking at her journey and what she has achieved.

Sissy Rooney was born in Toxteth in Liverpool where her family lived “on the bread line”.  For Sissy and her family, times got ever tougher when her dad was murdered when she was just 9 years old, leaving her mum with 3 kids to look after.

“I watched my mum really struggle to make ends meet” said Sissy. “She even worked through the night sewing up clothes for a factory to try and make some money to support us.  I learned what strength and courage a woman could have and how inspirational it was to be a woman with a mission.”

Having moved to Manchester aged 21 to study at University, Sissy Rooney took the inspiration her mother had given her and in 2007 established her social enterprise ‘Street Style Surgery’ there.

“The Street Style Surgery is a high quality provider of engaging creative workshops across the UK” explained Sissy.  “We want to give young people an opportunity to be exposed to a vast array of creative subjects from body popping to beatboxing, fashion designing to music production, film-making to business and enterprise, cool science workshops, circus skills workshop, healthy relationship and sexual education to name just a few.  All our sessions can be tailored to schools/youth group’s needs, topics and themes; we can even create bespoke packages.”

Sissy is focussed on continuing to build the Street Style Surgery brand, and recently took advice from The Women’s Organisation, through their ‘Venture Accelerator’ programme.

“I’ve found my meetings with my adviser Mike really useful in helping me focus on my goals and develop a clear strategy for growth” Sissy told us.

And Sissy has seen great success this year even beyond her award win. As well as trebling her turnover, Street Style Surgery have recently been appointed as a partner in Kenco’s rewards scheme to raise the aspirations of young people in UK and Ireland by running a ‘spoken selfies’ project.  

“It allows young people to look at themselves and where they want to be in the future in a creative way and make plans to achieve those dreams! The public can donate their point from a jar of coffee to our projects and have a valuable impact on raising young people aspirations 

Now sporting the title of ‘Sole Trader of the Year’ Sissy has definitely become that “woman with a mission” she saw in her mother those years before.  Looking at her journey she said “I think the key to my success is that I just don’t give up, no matter what is thrown at me I still get back up and try my hardest.  Seeing the results of my workshops and hearing the young people’s feedback spurs me on even more.”

To find out more about why Sissy was chosen as an EVA award winner, check out her website www.streetstylesurgery.co.uk or follow @sssurgery on Twitter.

Women who are running a successful business in Greater Manchester who are inspired by Sissy’s story can contact MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more about how The Women’s Organisation can support you to develop a strategy to grow your enterprise.