Wirral Mother of 2 Turns Redundancy into Opportunity

‘After being made redundant it became very apparent that getting back into my chosen career was very difficult, therefore I took a part time job that would help support my family’ described Helen Powell, mother of 2 young children, on her experience of redundancy and battling to break back into her chosen field.

Helen had worked for various photographic companies and suppliers, including 6 years as a photographer with Cheshire Constabulary based within the Forensic Investigation Department, which she really enjoyed. Unfortunately, after being made redundant, the Wirral woman was forced to take a part time job as a toll officer in order to help support her 2 young children, both of whom are under 5.

Being a very experienced photographer, Helen began to notice a gap in the newborn photography market. She recognised that the style used in the USA and other parts of Britain was lacking in the North West. She told us: ‘Before I was made redundant I began exploring this area and started to build a portfolio of work and self-funded myself on a Newborn Safety & Posing Workshop.’

So after her husband, who had also been made redundant, had opened up his own successful graphic design business with family, Helen began moving forward with her own idea.

The biggest barrier for the mother of 2 was her confidence and self-belief in her abilities. The prospect of becoming her own boss was very daunting, especially the idea of being completely responsible for every aspect of the business. However, with the help of The Women’s Organisation, who was suggested to her by a friend, Helen talks about how it helped her to 'get her act together' and ‘focus on exactly what it takes to build and create a business.’

She explained: ‘The Women's Org have been amazing! From the one to one business advisor meetings…to the courses run…all the help and advice has been invaluable. I have attended the business start-up course and book keeping…the social media course [and the] HMRC & Tax course. All were really well presented and delivered in a very user friendly way, no jargon, no complicated ideas, just clear and easy to understand.’

Although she struggled with her confidence earlier on, Helen is now in a position where she is proud to say that: ‘I am what makes my business unique. There are other baby and newborn photographers out there, but not many with the creative expertise and background as I have… [And] the highest level of security checks. In the North West, particularly Merseyside, there are not many who specialise in Maternity & Newborn… Therefore being a master of this trade rather than a jack of all trades.’

Helen’s business, Topetones, specialises in Maternity & Newborn photography, but she also does a lot of family photography. Now in a new studio, located close to beautiful parks and the beach, Topetones is starting outdoor lifestyle shoots and ‘Family in a Box’ shoots. 

Despite having to find the time to run a household, look after 2 young children and work 20 hours a week, the Wirral woman is looking forward to growing her business steadily. She hopes to eventually go full time with her business, to focus entirely on what she is truly passionate about.

With an article featured in ‘Mummy & Me’ magazine and a newly acquired Jacqueline Gold twitter WOW award, Helen is excited about the future of Topetones as she makes her dream, reality.

If you are interested in booking a newborn or maternity shoot, or would just like to find out more, visit www.topetones.com or contact Helen directly at mail@topetones.com.  You can also follow Topetones on Twitter: @topetones and Facebook www.facebook.com/topetonesphotography 

And if like Helen you would like to improve your situation or turn something you love doing into a business, feel free to contact The Women’s Organisation today on 0151 706 8111 or info@thewo.org.uk

By Beckie Kinsella

Cynthia's Business Helps Victims of Domestic Violence Find 'BetterDays' @BetterDaysHomes

Having seen the effects of domestic violence on families and children throughout her career, the passion to do something positive and make a change drove dynamic Cynthia Monteverde to take action.  With financial support from a friend she worked to set up ‘Betterdays Homes’ a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence and their families.

Cynthia reflected “I have been through domestic violence myself in my early years. Then working at a children’s home in 1993 I realised it was not just the woman effected by domestic violence. The more I worked with children the more I realised it was families I needed to work with to deal with the issues and to see change.” She said “After that experience I think I always knew this is what I would do, and since I started Betterdays I saw a child I worked with in the children’s home in 1993 come to the home as an adult. This confirmed it for me and gave me insight into where the problems start.”

Cynthia hadn’t always settled in Liverpool before setting up Betterdays, having gone to school in Canada and the U.S., but when considering her idea she could think of nowhere else she wanted to be.

“I returned to Liverpool in June 2010 from living in L.A.” Cynthia smiled “I love Liverpool. I wanted to do something for Liverpool and for myself. Liverpool has been good to me.  I have lived in Birmingham, Germany, Canada, L.A. lots of places. There is something about the people of Liverpool. If people like you, you are friends who become family. I don’t feel like I am away from my family because of the people I have around me. So setting up this home is what I wanted to do to give something back to Liverpool.  I had a friend who had finance to invest which was fantastic. With the exception of the help from The Women’s Organisation we have done everything ourselves.”

Cynthia knew what she wanted to achieve and found she could receive free advice and guidance from The Women’s Organisation to get her idea off the ground, as part of the Big Enterprise in Communities (BEiC) project funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“I did the [Women’s Organisation’s] start-up business course which was very informative and helpful. Whatever I wasn’t sharp on it tightened up for me. I was also put with a business adviser. She was marvellous! I know I can call her if I have a problem. That is priceless.” Cynthia advised “We all like to think we know what we are doing, but two heads really are better than one.  I believe that if we have 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th opinions to weigh up then mistakes become less. That advice and second opinion was the best thing The Women’s Organisation gave to me.  It reassured me and showed me I was on the right path.”

Cynthia knew there would be a demand for what she was offering and wanted to make sure she got it right.

“This is an idea I have had for years, and something I have always wanted to do. There is such a great need for homes focussing on domestic violence.” She said “Previously to running my business I was working for a housing support agency.  This gave me insight into what was going on.  I got to the point where I had worked in every shelter and could see the need outweighed the provision available. There were never enough beds to offer.  Local police seem so glad that we are open. They were taking local people to Wales as there just wasn’t enough provision locally. This was such a shame for local women to be moved so far form their community. I think it is important for them to be near family.”

Betterdays homes have a 4 bedroom family orientated house based in Liverpool for victims of domestic violence. The house accommodates both women and their children and has CCTV, 24 hour service calls and CRB checked staff.

Cynthia told us “Women tend to stay with us between 1 and 3 months. It really depends on the needs of the person, we are flexible, but it is really a transitional place.  The most rewarding thing is watching how the ladies change.  They start coming into themselves.  What we do is very important. It is saving families, saving lives. With other services I had worked in I saw women in individual units, isolated.  What I love is that this is a house, which means conversations happen in the kitchen or the living room. It has a home feeling.  Our clients don’t feel institutionalised or left alone as can happen. Community leads to healing and that is what we encourage here.”

Betterdays homes work with other agencies to offer a well-rounded support to the women resident there including support around mental health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse.  Betterdays also run their own group sessions looking at issues such as diet, self-esteem and confidence.  

“The clients we work with gel and support each other. That shows me I’ve made a good choice. And since opening everyone has been pitching in. We had so many donations of baby clothes and food donations. That has been great support. It would be difficult without support. The women need support and I need support.”

Looking back on her decision to set up her own business Cynthia feels she has made the right decision for her.

“I look forward to work every day. It doesn’t feel like work. I don’t know anywhere I would rather be. My dream is to expand, and we have got our eye on the next space. I don’t have much time to think about what I have achieved. It is not a glory thing, it is a necessity. I was just the vessel to make that happen.”

If you would like to find out more about Betterdays Homes and the great work they do contact Cynthia on betterdayshomes@mail.com or 07904857654.

If like Cynthia you have a passion that you would like to turn into a business or social enterprise then contact The Women’s Organisation for free support today on 0151 706 8111 or info@thewo.org.uk

"A Day at a Time We Can Achieve Anything" Katie's Story Setting up The Gordon Café



Katie as pictured by ST84Photogrpahy

For mum of 2 Katie Adams, surviving a turbulent few years only made her more determined to achieve her goals. With 20 years in the catering industry, setting up her own café and catering service seemed like the obvious next step for Katie.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” said Katie, “It’s hard being a single mum and running a business, but it all just comes together, especially if you have the help of a supportive family.”

With ideas buzzing around her head Katie knew she would need some advice to make sure she started her business off on the right foot. Her first stop was the local community centre.

Katie said “I got in touch with Kirkdale Community Centre, because I was looking for advice around funding. The woman there mentioned that they had an empty kitchen there fully fitted ready for someone to take on.  The centre is right by my house, by my daughter’s school so it felt like ‘maybe this is where I am meant to be’.”

Katie was keen to ensure she was making sounds decisions, and wanted to look at any help she could get with getting her business up and running.

“Someone told me about The Women’s Organisation, so I went along to get some advice. My adviser gave me loads of help to put me in the right direction. With that support and having found the right place, setting up the business, although it was a hard slog, has not been a stress to me, I’m in a groove with it.”

Being a local resident, Katie had watched businesses start and fail on the site, and she felt she could see where they went wrong and how to learn from their mistakes.

“The café premises has been there for years. I’d seen it open and close a few times.  I knew it just needed someone to be consistent, so I dedicated to open every Monday to Friday. That way people know exactly when we are there, and I get to spend the weekends with my kids.”

“I am local myself," reflected the LMH resident, "so I am glad that local people are my customers – without customers I wouldn’t have a business. I like chatting to the young kids that come in. I want to instil goodness in them and let them know I’m not there to judge. We also have local pensioners pop in, and I am glad to be there to check on them and give them their scouse to take home for their tea. It’s not just a café, it’s a part of the community.”

Having faced real lows in her personal life, Katie knew the timing had to be right and told us:

“I opened the café when I was ready, and it was what I wanted. I wanted to achieve my goals. I’d had a very unhappy few years, I’d been in a bad place, but I have come out the other end and know now if I give my best to everything I can achieve. The things I have been through have made me the strong woman I am.”

Things are going well so far for Katie and her business ‘The Gordon Café’ which offers outside catering as well as a community café.

The mum of two told us “I love working for myself. It’s hard work, but everything is falling into place. I work with great girls, there are two part time staff (one is my cousin) and me. I enjoy it that much it’s like work is my social life. Saying that, I am a perfectionist. A business is like your baby. So I take it seriously and make sure everything is how I want it to be.”

Since opening the doors of the café Katie has felt the real life changing effect of taking charge and working for herself.

“Time has flown. Every day that a problem comes up, I just get on and deal with it. It makes you stronger and you can learn from those experiences. My kids are really proud of me”

To experience The Gordon Café for yourself pop in Monday-Friday at Kirkdale Community Centre on Stanley Road, Liverpool.

Katie’s motto is “A day at a time, we can achieve anything”.

If like Katie you feel the time is right to achieve your goal of running your own business, why not contact The Women’s Organisation for advice, grants and support on 0151 706 8111 or info@thewo.org.uk

From building confidence to developing a business plan and accessing business start-up grants, The Women’s Organisation offer a friendly FREE and supportive service to help you make your dream a reality.

Women in Business 'Know Your Value' with @TheWomensOrg & @Hampson_Hughes

This week The Women's Organisation Business Club teamed with Hampson Hughes Solicitors to support women in business to 'Know Your Value'.


The positive networking event held at 54 St James Street focussed on encouraging women to know their personal and professional value, and to translate that through marketing their USP (Unique Selling Point) and in their pricing strategy.

Marketing and business development manager for Hampson Hughes Solicitors Lisa Pearson (pictured above left with Denise Chilton & Bernie Cox) shared how their firm had built on their success in tricky economic times by increasing marketing activity. PR and Media Relations Manager Laura Hampson talked about the importance of utilising free PR opportunities, building relationships with the press, knowing the value of a good story.

Warm and knowledgable guest speaker Denise Chilton shared tips she had learned through "Getting it right and oh so wrong" on her journey to business. As a business coach Denise gave strategies for tackling the tricky issue of pricing right.

Training co-ordinator at The Women's Organisation Bernie Cox finished the evening off with her 9 tips for pricing.

Some feedback from the event included:

“Fantastic networking opportunity, great audience and really useful sessions. Thank you”

“Good practical tips. Friendly. Focussed on topic. Thanks”

“Helpful tips as always. Thank you”

“Amazing event. I loved Denise”

“Pricing is such a thorny subject for us, so thank you for boosting the confidence”

“Really interesting. Raised some good questions to ask myself”

“Loved the ‘from the heart’ talk from Denise. Thanks”

“Fab as always. Informative, easy going and friendly”

“Terrific talk – very interesting with lots of helpful advice. Thank you”

“Always like coming to these events”

“Great! Given me loads to think about”

“First time here and found it really useful. Loads to take home and think about from the presentations”

“Nicely done, thanks. Positive and reassuring”

“Picked up some great tips and met some lovely people”

“Just a quick note to thank you for arranging a really good networking session this evening with Denise Chilton and the ladies from Hampson & Hughes. I have just been motivated to review my marketing and promotion strategy with costs as a result!”

The Women's Organisation offer FREE membership to their business club, holding networking events and masterclasses throughout the year for women in business. If you are a woman running a business in the north west of England who would like to find out more please contact 0151 706 8111 or info@thewo.org.uk

Next month's business club networking evening will be our 'Summer Social' on Wednesday 21st August 6pm-8.30pm. Contact us via the details above to make booking enquiries.

Britain And China Join Forces To Harness The Power of Women

A joint initiative to promote and enable women to achieve success and prosperity worldwide was agreed at a high-level seminar between the Liverpool based The Women’s Organisation and a delegation from the Shanghai Women’s Federation.

 

The six strong group was visiting Shanghai’s sister city in the UK and was greeted by Lord Mayor Gary Millar at Liverpool Town Hall before attending the event at The Women’s Organisation’s headquarters at 54 St James Street, located adjacent to the city’s famous China Town, the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

 

The delegation was led by Madam Li Rong, vice-chairperson of the Shanghai Women’s Federation, accompanied by Madam Xu Xiufeng from the Office of General Affairs of the Federation and Madam Kang Binqin, director of the Women’s Working Committee of the Art Centre of Shanghai’s Grand Theatre.

 

Hosted by The Women’s Organisation chairperson Gill Moglione, chief executive Maggie O’Carroll and chief of finance and operations Helen Milne, other speakers included Cllr Anna Rodery who is deputy chair of Liverpool City Council’s culture and tourism select committee and Mrs Deng Jing Liu, managing director of Harvest Land Education.

 

The Women’s Organisation chief executive Maggie O’Carroll said: “It is crucial that societies globally harness women’s enterprise and encourage and support women to start their own businesses.

 

“We first established links with the Shanghai Women’s Federation when we staged a seminar at the Liverpool City Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. The delegation’s visit underpins our continuing strong relationship and determination to promote the interests of women in both our nations and worldwide,” she added.

 

Madam Li Rong (pictured here with Maggie and Helen from The Women's Organisation) commented: “It is important that we share our views and expertise in promoting women’s rights and we are delighted to be taking part in such a forward looking plan with The Women’s Organisation, the foremost group of its kind in the UK, and Europe.”

 

The group later toured the Women’s Enterprise Centre and Liverpool’s Central City Library where it was given a briefing by Madaline Heneghan, director of Liverpool’s acclaimed Writing on the Wall festival. It was also given an outline of the city’s plans for The International Festival of Business in 2014, when The Women’s Organisation will host numerous seminars promoting women’s equality and enterprise.

 

The Festival’s programme director Andy Snell said: “We are keen to attract women entrepreneurs globally and particularly from China because of Liverpool’s close ties with Shanghai.”

Starting 'Caz the Painter' Was Her Way to Make Her Mark in "A Man's World" - Knowsley's Caz's Story

“They let me know it was a man’s world” said 24 year old Prescot resident Caz Jackson of her experiences of working on building developments.

Having trained to level 2 in painting and decorating, Caz found even getting a chance to interview for available work was tricky. “I felt like because I was a woman it was hard to even get my foot in the door. When I would call up about the work they would hear a girl’s voice on the end of the phone and would laugh.”

Even when Caz was given a chance of work, she felt real discrimination from her male counterparts. She said:

“They would really put me down and criticise me, which had a real impact on my confidence. I was even paid less than the men on site. They couldn’t believe a woman was capable of doing hands on work. Looking back now I remember that in reality when I looked at my paint work it was obvious real care had been taken, and theirs the gloss was just everywhere.  I took more pride in the job and it showed.”

Caz was then given redundancy from the firm where she had watched her confidence diminish:

“When I was made redundant it was the best thing that could have happened.  It felt like a golden key out of there and I knew I could do this by myself, set up my own painting and decorating firm to offer the good service I knew I had given but had never been credited for.”

Caz returned to college to complete extra training to Level 3 which further developed her skills in wallpapering and additional specialist techniques such as using gold leaf, coving installation, spray painting, wood graining and stencilling. 

She knew she wanted to set up a small business, but just needed some help to get things off the ground.  It was then Caz found that she could receive free support and advice from local women’s enterprise support agency ‘The Women’s Organisation’, so joined their Accelerating Women's Enterprise programme which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund.

She reflected “I came to The Women’s Organisation, went on some of their business workshops and was given a business adviser to help me.  They taught me where to look and what to do in order to get my business going.  The guidance they gave, the confidence building and just generally pointing me in the right direction was fantastic.  Having dealt with the negative comments before I needed to rebuild my confidence, learn to get organised and take responsibility for myself, and I feel like I have achieved that.  Reading back over my business plan I sounded so superior! That in itself was a real confidence boost and I finally realised I wasn’t the person those negative people had made me out to be.”

But Caz hadn’t always dreamed of a life of decorating. “When I was younger I really wanted to be an actor! But when I did acting I found that I gravitated towards painting the sets, and so I think from there I just really fell into this trade which is one always in demand, which I feel was a lucky break.  I’d love to work on sets professionally now, and who knows, maybe that will be the next stage of my business down the line.”

Confidence is no longer an issue for Caz who is gaining more by the day as she watches her business grow.

“At first when I was doing jobs for people I’d be saying ‘ring me if there are any problems’ and I would find instead I was being rung by people who wanted more work doing. That was a great boost” said Caz.

‘Caz the Painter’ is your local female decorator.  Professional, friendly service at your doorstep. In her words – “Caz the Painter do exactly what it says on the tin!”

For the first time in her life Caz is finding being a woman is a real advantage.

“I think now I am working for myself I can see to my customers being a woman makes me more trust worthy in their eyes.  The idea of hiring me is more inviting because they know I will be house trained! It’s a great feeling. But the best thing about working for yourself is having that freedom to do what you want and when you want. To choose which work you want to take on. I look after my nan a lot, so I can manage jobs around popping in to see her.”

To find out more about the services Caz can offer you can stop by and ‘like’ her facebook page www.facebook.com/CazthePainter88

And if like Caz you would like support to build your confidence and follow your dream of running your own business, why not get in touch with The Women’s Organisation today on 0151 706 8111 or email hello@thewo.org.uk

Photograph by ST84Photogrpahy

The Women's Organisation Awarded Health at Work 'Workplace Wellbeing' Charter Mark

We are pleased to announce that The Women’s Organisation has been awarded the Health at Work Workplace Wellbeing charter mark.  This is awarded to employers who can demonstrate their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees.

The framework has 3 key elements, Leadership, Culture & Communication.  For a number of weeks we have been working with our assessor from Health at Work to compile a portfolio of evidence to assess the organisation against the following elements:

•             Leadership

•             Attendance Management

•             Health & Safety

•             Mental health & Wellbeing

•             Smoking & Tobacco – related ill- health

•             Physical Activity

•             Healthy Eating

•             Alcohol & Substance Misuse    

Operations Manager Lynn Kelly said:
"We are so pleased to have completed this award successfully and show that our place of work is one to be proud of.  We value our employees greatly and this award demonstrates our commitment to their health and wellbeing."