Mum's business creates job for teenage daughter Jessie

DEVOTED mum Louise Gillespie has recently started up her own business and one of her main motivations behind this decision was to create a job for her teenage daughter.

“My 16-year-old daughter Jessica is currently completing her GCSE’s” said Louise, “and she wants a part-time job while she studies and moves on to her A-Levels. Jobs are extremely difficult to come by at the moment, so I thought that if I had my own business then I could give her a job.”

So, 39-year-old Louise set up Jessies Jewels – selling costume jewellery which she buys from suppliers in the UK and then sells at house parties, through a variety of events and on Facebook.

And, whilst running the business Louise also holds down a full time as a practice manager at affirm of solicitors, where she has worked for 23 years. “Running this business is like light relief for me” she said, “It’s so nice to get stuck into something which is completely different to my day job, I am a very upbeat forward thinking person so am really motivated to make Jessie’s Jewels a success.”

Louise initially got the idea to set up the jewellery business when she was shopping with her daughter Jessica for costume jewellery. “I couldn’t believe how expensive it was” she said, “and, it just planted the seed in my head – I thought I could sell jewellery much cheaper than this and still make a profit.”

Now Louise, along with some help from her daughter Jessica, sells a wide range of products at house parties, vintage fares, fashion fares and the jewellery is displayed at numerous locations throughout the Knowsley area, including the Knowsley Chamber of Commerce and the Kirkby Unemployed Centre.

Presently products are sourced from the UK but Louise has long term plans to go further afield in the future to the likes of Hong Kong and India where she will be able to import in larger quantities.


“I have big plans for the business” added Louise “and I really think we can make it a success. As part of my job at the solicitors I run the business side of things, so it is really nice to be able to use my business skills for this new exciting project.

“I decided to set up my own business for a number of reasons but definitely one of the main factors was for my daughter. I have only got one child and as a mum, it’s important to me to be able to help my daughter where ever I can and if that means I can create her a job, then that’s all the better.”

Louise’s daughter Jessica Hill added: “I am really pleased that mum has set the business up and I enjoy working on it with her. I am hoping in the future as I get older, that I can take on more of an active role. Being in business at such a young age is a very exciting opportunity for me and I think other mums and daughters should think about doing the same thing.“

Once Louise had decided to start up the business she came along to The Women’s Organisation where she received free help and advice under the business start-up programme.

She said: “I first heard about The Women’s Organisation through Knowsley Chamber of Commerce – and through another woman who had been supported by the organisation to start up her business as well.”

Louise worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser who helped put her business plan together.

She added: “I really found The Women’s Organisation to be very useful. Although I am extremely business minded myself I am quite happy to take on any advice that people have got.”

If you would like to find out more about Jessies Jewels please visit the website at https://jessieandco.co.uk/

And, if like Louise you are a woman who is interested in starting up your own business please call The Women’s Organisation on 0151 236 6601 or email info@thewo.org.uk Alternatively visit the website at www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Sefton businesswomen launch new range of natural skincare products

BETWEEN them friends and business partners Angela Profit and Lynn Smith have almost 120 years of life experience – which they are now putting to good use through their brand new business venture, making natural skincare products.

“We decided to set up our own business ‘O’Naturelle’ some months ago” said Angela, “Because we knew that many of the skincare products on the market were overpriced and had ingredients with a questionable history. It has taken a lot of hard work and research to set up, but we have finally got there – and now we produce our own range of natural creams and lotions with essential oils such as frankincense, rose and other organic ingredients.

“There is so much that goes in to what we do. For months Lynn has been undertaking research on the ingredients that are used in our products and everything we produce has to be certified by a chemist, so it is a very lengthy process that is involved, for each product to reach our high standard.”

Through O’Naturelle Angela and Lynn, who first became friends whilst walking their dogs, sell a range of natural products including lip balms, oils, creams, gels, moisturisers, cleansers and lotions which are currently available at crafts fairs and markets throughout the area and via their website.

Angela and Lynn decided to start up the business when they were both looking for a new challenge in their lives.

“I wanted to do something different” added Angela, “who had previously worked as a holistic therapist, “And Lynn had been working as a building surveyor but was struggling due to the dwindling property market, so we decided to join forces and work on a new venture together.”

Prior to launching the business Angela and Lynn came along to The Women’s Organisation where they received free help and advice. They worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser who helped them put together their business plan and were given the opportunity to attend a number of business-related workshops.

Lynn said: “We found out about The Women’s Organisation through Sefton Invest – and we’re so glad that we did! The help we received was fantastic and the courses we attended were very good too.

“Although I had previously been self-employed The Women’s Organisation was still very beneficial, because there is always something new you can learn.”

Lynn and Angela, who are both mums to their grown-up children, are looking to develop their product range further in the future and are hoping to get their products into retail outlets throughout the area as well as attending markets and fairs every month.

“There is continuous work to be put in” added Lynn, “every time we decide on developing a new product there is just so much research to do and then there is the whole process of making and packaging it. It is both challenging and enjoyable work.”

Angela added: “I can honestly say that I am thoroughly enjoying what I do.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the range of products available through O’Naturelle should visit www.onaturelle.co.uk or should call Angela or Lynn on 07903 033 044 or 07944 553 591.

And, if like Angela and Lynn you are a woman from the Sefton area who is interested in starting up your own business please call The Women’s Organisation on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Words and deeds for Liverpool businesswoman

TWELVE months ago Debra Williams decided it was time to take a look at her life and try something new – and that’s when she turned to self-employment.

“In October 2009 I became a media volunteer for the Woodland Trust” said Debra, “and, when they asked me to do some paid PR work for them, I realised that I did have the necessary skills to turn my interest in writing and editing, into a business working for myself.”

Now, Debra runs Words and Deeds a business offering PR services as well as proof reading – a service which she targets particularly at university students.

She said: “I really enjoy this area of work, it is quite different to what I was previously doing but I have always wanted to get into PR and proof reading since I graduated. I managed to use my skills in these areas when I was working in university administration, writing and editing newsletters and webpages; this experience gave me an excellent grounding for the work I now do on a self-employed basis. ”

And, to add to her business Debra is also offering a dog walking and cat sitting service aimed especially at people who are sick or in respite care.

“I know this is very different to PR and proofreading” added Debra, “but, I was brought up with dogs and have had cats of my own for more than 20 years; and I have got the time and energy for both aspects of the business. I particularly wanted to offer the pet sitting service to people who are sick or need to go into short term care or hospital because I know how much they need it, through voluntary work I have done in this area.”

Debra says she is enjoying running both aspects of her business and is looking forward to building them both up over the forthcoming months.

Prior to starting up her business Debra came along to The Women’s Organisation where she received free help and advice under the business start up programme.

She said: “I was in Barclays opening up a business bank account when I found out about The Women’s Organisation. The services offered to me have been very helpful and I have been able to access a number of services.”

Debra also worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser to put her business plan together.

“I love being self-employed” said Debra, “and being able to provide services to people, who really need them.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the services Debra has on offer should contact her on 07783 997 129 or email debra@wordsanddeeds.co.uk Alternatively you can visit her website at www.wordsanddeeds.co.uk

And, if like Debra you too are interested in starting up your own business please contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Liverpool businesswoman gets active with BollyFit

DANCER and choreographer Pooja Saini has brought a touch of Bollywood to Liverpool with her brand new business BollyFit.

The 31-year-old has been delivering BollyFit classes to schoolchildren and adults throughout the area and is delighted with how well her business has taken off.

“The programme is not just about losing weight” said mum-of-two Pooja, “it’s about keeping fit, improving stamina, endurance, strength and most importantly improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing.”

Pooja, who is experienced in many genres of dance including, ballet, jazz, salsa, ballroom, bhangra and bollywood - set up her business after the birth of her second child when she decided to just ‘go for it’.

She said: “I had thought about becoming self-employed for a while and after I had my second baby I decided it was the right time.

“The BollyFit classes have really taken off. I have been asked to conduct workshops in schools with Year Four pupils and taught them routines to Bollywood dances, which they loved. I have also been running my fitness classes at sports centres and gyms throughout the area and everyone who attends seems to really enjoy them and get a lot out of it.”

Pooja, who is a huge fan of Asian music, is also running BollyFit parties for children and adults which seem be a huge success.

“I really think they could take off” she said, “ The party involves dressing up with various Indian accessories, dancing and a performance at the end of the party.”

Aside from her passion for dance Pooja is also a trained psychologist, and is currently completing her PhD specialising in mental health. Long-term she plans to use dance to help people improve their mental well being.

“In the past I have done work with young people in secure units” she added “and I have seen firsthand how dance can be used as a tool to help them tackle their problems and work as a form of therapy.”

Pooja’s ultimate goal is to combine both her psychology and Fitness Dancer/Choreographer skills which are both about individuals’ well-being to develop dance therapy workshops.

Prior to starting up her business Pooja came along to The Women’s Organisation after she was referred by Business Link. She received free help and support and worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser to put her business plan together.

She said: “My adviser Huda was extremely helpful. She got me to think of all the aspects involved in running a business and she gave me some excellent advice.”

“I would certainly recommend The Women’s Organisation to other women who may be thinking about starting up their own businesses.”

Pooja said that as well as enjoying being her own boss, working for herself fits very well around bringing up a young family as her two children are currently aged just ten months and three years old.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Pooja’s BollyFit classes or BollyFit parties should contact her on 07946 169 335.

And, if like Pooja you are a woman from the Liverpool area and are interested in starting up your own business please contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Train 2000 renamed 'The Women's Organisation'

As we head towards 2011 we would like to let you know that Train 2000 has changed its name to The Women’s Organisation.

We feel it captures what we do, who we are and everything that we stand for.

We also believe it is a perfect fit for our identity, values and ethos – as we continue to encourage and champion women’s economic development; influence policy and perception and pioneer new ideas.

As we move forward our continuing commitment centres around having a positive impact on women’s lives and we look forward to working with you as The Women’s Organisation.

To find out more or to get a copy of our new flyer email info@thewo.org.uk or call our usual number 0151 236 6601.

And, watch this space for our brand new website coming soon.

Stockport businesswoman launches new events company

ON November 28 this year mum-of-two and founder of RDA Events Anna Stocks will host ‘Mothers Instinct’ in Manchester – the latest of her hugely successful events which she has single-handedly pulled together.

“I am just so passionate about what I do” said 29-year-old Anna, who started the events business up earlier this year, “I love organising events, promoting them, getting people on board and turning an event into a real success.”

Stockport resident Anna, who also works as a part-time customer services manager got the idea to start up her own event management company when the recession hit.

She explained: “I pick a theme such as mothers instinct which is my forthcoming event and the entire event will be themed around everything for mums, babies and toddlers. I have got some leading companies coming along such as baby premier, kids unlimited, run of the mill, family magazine, Gulliver’s World and many more.

“Other event organisers charge a huge amount to exhibitors but I charge just a minimum fee to entice them along. And, because there is a recession and companies don’t want to pay huge amounts to exhibit they are happy to pay a smaller fee and it is an excellent way for them to promote their products. Although the price is very reasonable we never compromise the quality of the event or the amount of marketing undertaken.

“Visitors to the event can also enter free of charge. Mothers Instinct promises to be fantastic; I have got all areas covered; nurseries, photography, baby clothes, children’s entertainment, beauty; everything that could possibly be wanted by mums with young babies and toddlers.”

Anna has a degree in fashion marketing and has worked in the retail sector for more than ten years now – and is able to use these skills in her new venture.

And, for the New Year Anna is already planning her New Year New You event. Later in the year Anna will also be bringing Mothers Instinct to Liverpool in March and to the Wirral during June.

She added: “I have got so many ideas for future events, I am really driven and am thoroughly enjoying the challenges and opportunities that running my own business brings.”

Anna, who has two children aged three and six, says that running her own business allows her greater flexibility around being a mum. Once she had decided to become self-employed Anna set to by looking on the internet to see what business support would be available to her.

“I couldn’t believe it when I came across Train 2000” she added, “I didn’t know that there was organisation that provided free business advice to women, so when I saw it on the internet I made an appointment and went along to meet with an adviser.

“Mike was extremely helpful, he gave me lots of support and was extremely enthusiastic about my business idea and helping me to push my business forward.”

Anna received help and advice under Train 2000’s business support programme where she received one to one advice from a business adviser as well as help with putting her business plan together.

“I know it sounds a cliché but I really couldn’t have done with without Train 2000” said Anna.

Mothers Instinct takes place on Sunday November 28 at the Waterside Hotel, Didsbury in Manchester. Anyone who is interested is in finding out more should call Anna on 07791 070 457 or email annastocks@hotmail.co.uk

To find out more about RDA Events visit www.rdaevents.co.uk

And, if like Anna you are a woman from the Stockport area and area and are keen to start up your own business please call Train 2000 on 0161 833 8800 or visit www.train2000.org.uk

Liverpool businesswoman launches unique furniture collection

UPHOLSTERER and designer Kirsty Hull loves nothing more than to re-upholster and restore vintage chairs transforming them into something truly special – with this in mind she decided to start up her own business.

“I offer a bespoke service” said Kirsty, who recently founded Kirsty Hall Ltd, “all of my chairs are upholstered using traditional methods and materials, with tied springs and hand embroidered covers. This includes my ‘collection’ of repeatable designs and my ‘vintage’ collection of one off restorations.

“I also offer a full re-upholstery service and due to the traditional way I work, I can alter designs and fabrics to suit the needs of the customer.”

Kirsty has put a lot of time and dedication into developing her collection of handcrafted furniture and uses her unique creativity and craftsmanship combined with traditional methods of upholstery to produce her work.

“I am really pleased with the work I have produced so far,” added Kirsty, “I know I am producing unique pieces that will last a lifetime and I am delighted that I will be exhibiting at the Liverpool Design Festival this year, where I one of my vintage chairs is being offered as a prize to visitors. This will be a fantastic opportunity to gain further exposure for my work.”

Prior to starting up her own business 28-year-old Kirsty was working as a recruitment consultant and with bosses urging her to go for promotion she knew it was now or never to start up her own business.

Kirsty said: “I was working long hours in recruitment, but earning a good living from doing so. It reached the point where I was expected to further my career and as much as I enjoyed my job my heart wasn’t really in it, I knew I wanted to return to something more creative.

“I left my job, which was a big gamble, not knowing what my income would be. As soon as I decided I wanted to start the business I knew I had to do it ASAP, before I lost my nerve! I still can’t believe I took the risk but am so glad I did.”

Back in 2004 Kirsty graduated from the Glasgow School Art and went on to train in traditional upholstery with AMUSF, the Association of Masters of Upholsterers. It was always her intention to use the skills she had learned along with her natural creativity and it was this that spurred her on to start up her own business.

“I absolutely love what I do now” says Kirsty, “and I have been very lucky to have a supportive partner and family. I feel fulfilled now that I am doing something I really wanted to do and already I have been asked to complete some really interesting pieces of work including re-upholstering and restoring a 200 year old day bed.

“It’s amazing to be able to take an old piece of furniture and completely transform it so that it fits in with contemporary design. I live in a very modern apartment but have a vintage dinning table and odd, oak and mahogany chairs all upholstered in different vibrant fabrics, the contrast with the contemporary building looks fantastic.

“My work is quite unusual and it is starting to get noticed, I’m hoping that more people will hear about what I do through word of mouth and showing at exhibitions like Liverpool Design Festival.”

Once she had decided to start up her own business Kirsty came along to Train 2000 after finding the organisation online. Kirsty accessed free help and advice under the business start up programme.

She said: “Train 2000 was fantastic, I came away £500 better off after receiving the Liverpool Vision grant. Huda, my adviser was extremely helpful and she looked at all areas of my business plan with me.

“I also attended a number of the one day courses on offer and they proved to be very useful. It’s daunting striking out on your own but the support offered by these courses can really improve your knowledge and confidence, filling in the gaps around tax, accounting, PR etc. and making your ideas achievable.”

To find out more about the unique, creative work of Kirsty Hull you can visit her website at www.kirstyhull.co.uk or email info@kirstyhull.co.uk

And, if you’re a woman in the Merseyside area and are interested in starting up your own business call Train 2000 on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk