Diamonds are Not Just Orit’s Best Friend, They are a Booming Business!

For Greater Manchester resident Orit Adiri-Niemogha, Diamonds are proving to be a profitable best friend, as she has grown her business and increased turnover by 63% in the last year with help from The Women’sOrganisation’s Business Growth programme.

Having put her passion for sparkle into developing her business H & D Diamonds back in 2011, Orit was ready to take her business to the next level.

Orit arrived in England in the late 1990’s coming to London to study for an MBA degree.  It was there her relationship with diamonds blossomed as she found work in Hatton Garden, London’s diamond quarter. Orit reflected back on her journey.

“I worked in the diamond quarter in London for nearly eight years. In my first year, my role was to travel around the midlands area and sell loose diamonds to jewellers. Interacting with jewellers I realised very quickly how little did most of them know about diamonds.”

  

Having met the other love of her life, her husband, Orit decided for her family it was time to move on from the bustle of London and find better quality of life up north.  From there “it was only a natural progression to set up my own business and offer my expertise as a diamond grader to the public” she said.

Orit went on to set up H &D Diamonds Ltd., naming the business after the first letters of her children’s names, Havana and Dakota who she calls her “true diamonds”.

When Orit moved to the North West from London, she knew it could be a gamble setting up a business where no one knew her background and expertise, and she would have to build her networks almost from scratch.  The country was in the middle of a recession so it wasn’t going to be easy.  But setting up her online store, keeping overheads low, Orit was pleasantly surprised by the positive response to her hard work.

“A few years down the line I am now being approached by customers as well as suppliers. I have a circle of clientele that not only use me as their personal jeweller but also recommend me to their friends. There are times where I get to business events and meet people I never saw before who seem to know that I am ‘the diamond lady’ just by recognising me from my online visibility.”

Orit contacted The Women’s Organisation upon hearing about their Venture Accelerator Programme offering bespoke business growth support to local women. 

She told us “I received tremendous support from Mike Marsden, my business coach.  He supported me to find leads, to look at business collaborations, told me about free services available through the local university and other local training providers as well as linking me in to specialist social media support.  Put simply he offered suggestions of business growth in areas I did not operate much before and regular guidance when venturing into new direction.”

Since receiving help to grow her business Orit has not only seen an increase in her turnover, but she is now on her way to securing her first premises and is looking to recruit additional ‘H & D Ladies’ to help her promote the brand and work with customers.

Explaining the H & D Diamonds brand Orit told us “Although the shop is online, it is our aim to also give a face and a direct contact to the consumer. Each area of the UK will have a ‘H&D Lady’ assigned as a contact person, so you are assured of a personal service.  What makes us different is that not only do we offer bespoke services through a Bond Street jeweller, at the moment we are also the only suppliers in the UK of an Italian jewellery line that will be sold only in a handful of shops in the UK”.

Organisation and Social Media have proven essential to Orit’s business, and she credits her social profile for helping build her business presence online.  Reflecting on her success Orit told us that the key has been “persistence to my target and strong urge to learn from everyone I come in contact with.  I have also developed the ability to review and act upon trends in the market and positive attitude. I’ve learnt along the way not to mourn the adversities as they usually happen for a reason. They either teach you a lesson or pave the way to take your business to a better deserved place.”

To find out more about the bespoke service offered by H & D Diamonds Ltd. visit www.handddiamonds.co.uk.  Orit’s company can also be found on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter where you can follow @HandDDiamonds.

If you are a woman in Greater Manchester who has a business that is ready to grow, why not contact Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden via MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more about how The Women’s Organisation can support you. 

Mother of 2 Hayley Patterson Is a Perfect Example of How Self-Employment Can Compliment Family Life With Her Business ‘Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire’

After having her second child, Hayley Patterson found it impossible to manage the work hours she had been given and was forced to leave. This left the Liverpool resident looking for other avenues that allowed for more flexibility around her family. She found this flexibility in self-employment.

Credit: Lucy Hannah Photography

Blessed with a creative streak and prior experience in floristry, Hayley decided to combine floral arrangements with a cart hire for parties and events. ‘I started by posting a few pictures on my Facebook and Instagram. I got really good feedback and as interest started to grow I started up a business page on Facebook and Twitter.’

In the early stages of starting up Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire, Hayley spotted an advert for free business start-up support for women in Merseyside with The Women’s Organisation. After getting in touch, she started meeting with a business advisor and booked herself onto free workshops including basic bookkeeping and tax and national insurance.

‘My advisor Jo was brilliant. It was great to have someone to help me look at things from a different point of view and talk about them. She helped me with the different aspects of setting up a business, especially the business plan, which helped me a lot. The workshops were also really good.’

‘When I first set up my business, I felt nervous and unsure but with the response I have had from people and the help from The Women’s Organisation, it has helped me be more confident and move forward.’

Hayley is very pleased with the benefits going self-employed has provided. Her business is based from home meaning that there are no overheads and no commute to work. Despite her commenting that it can get a bit hectic, it works for her because it allows for quality time with her children.

‘Being a mum of two young children makes it hard to juggle both sometimes, as I do work most weekends and evenings, but I am lucky that my friends and family are all so supportive in what I am doing.’

Things are going really well and the business is quickly growing in popularity. What makes Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire unique is the new addition of an ice cream car available for hire. Decorated in a walls ice cream theme, it serves Cornetto ice cream which has made it very popular.

‘The best thing about running your own business is the sense of pride and achievement you have in doing something you love doing and seeing the customer happy. I would recommend it to anyone who is really passionate about what they do.’

If you’d like to impress at your party or you would like a tasteful floral arrangement for a special occasion, contact Hayley on 07875 742535. You can also find Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire on Facebook.

If you would like more time to spend with your family whilst earning an income doing something you enjoy, contact The Women's Organisation for free start-up advice and support on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk 

Portrait photo by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

Knowsley Resident and Photography Graduate Jessica Lang Goes Freelance at the Age of 22

When asked what motivated her to start a business so young, Jess replied: ‘Why not? I’m only young once so I may as well take the chance now whilst I’m in a good position financially and have nothing holding me back. I didn’t want to fall out of love with the practice after working so hard at University and going Freelance was just what I wanted to do!’

Credit: Lucy Hannah Photography

Based in Liverpool City Centre, Jess shares a studio with some friends whose own businesses are complimentary to her own. This, combined with her BA(Hons) in Photography, has set her up nicely as her client base steadily grows.

Throughout her time at university, the Kirkby resident built up quite a substantial following on social media. Utilising Facebook particularly well, she now boasts over 2000 followers of her page. Already pretty clued up on networking and marketing, she felt she needed support with the paperwork side of starting up a business. Admitting that she started out ‘messy’, with odd jobs here and there whilst having no idea how to charge or bill correctly, she contacted social enterprise The Women’s Organisation who offered her support through the Big Enterprise in Communities (BEiC) initiative funded by European Regional Development Fund.

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

‘I found The Women’s Organisation greatly supportive and understanding. My advisor was there in those baby stages so she witnessed me breaking down at times when I had no idea what I was doing. The workshops I attended were very informative and slowly introduced me to the world of tax and made it seem much less daunting. I feel taller and more confident!’

A Fashion Photographer at heart, Jess aims to work primarily in commercial and fashion in the future. For now, however, she is happy experimenting and finding out what works in regards to growing her business.

‘I’m trying loads of different genres and experiencing what sells and what doesn’t, what I’m good at and what I’m not, and which aspects I enjoy more and wish to improve. Photography is quite open and I’m doing a lot of different things at the moment because I’m still figuring out what genre I want to concentrate on.’

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

Being a freelance photographer and having her own studio, Jessica Lang Photography is able to offer a whole range of services including occasions (weddings, birthdays, christenings), commercial, model portfolios, portraits (single, family, pet), maternity/pregnancy/newborn, fashion and editorial.

Jess has come a long way through her start-up journey and offers this advice to anyone considering self-employment: ‘Don’t rush, and don’t expect for results straight away. See it through and keep trying if it’s something you’re really passionate about. Most of all enjoy it!’

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

Pleasing clients is the number one priority for Jessica Lang Photography. Nothing makes her happier than seeing happy customers enjoying the photographs she has shot for them.

‘It makes everything worthwhile. Also, making money doing something I love is so, so satisfying! I am very proud of how far I have come.’

Since her journey began back in an after-school class aged 14, Jess has continually grown her skills and portfolio. She has worked on a commercial campaign for a national holiday park, with local model agencies and magazines, shot weddings/events/portraits and most predominantly worked with a mass of models/stylists/make-up artists for fashion and editorial projects.

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

If you are looking for a passionate photographer that can deliver high quality photographs on location or at her city centre based studio, visit www.jessicalangphotography.co.uk to view her wide portfolio and follow Jessica Lang Photography on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Jessicalangphotography and Twitter @JessLangPhoto where she posts updates and news.

And if you like Jess you would love to make money doing what you love, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk to access free business start-up support via one to one business advice appointments and training workshops. You can also visit our website www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk for

Portrait Photo by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

 

Women in Business Recognised at Inaugural Manchester Women in Business Awards

Mass celebrations took place as women from The Women's Organisation's Venture Accelerator business growth programme snapped up awards at the Inaugural Women in Business Awards with Downtown Manchester yesterday.

Dr Nichola McChrystal
celebrates with nan and mum

Dr Nichola McChrystal of Bioclinics who had received support from the programme snatched the award for 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year', and celebrated with her mum and grandmother who she says are her greatest female role models. Claire Harper of Harper Innovations was the well deserved winner of 'Business of the Year' having turned over her first million following support from the Venture Accelerator programme. 

Claire Harper wins
'Business of the Year'

Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden said "We were pleased to sponsor the event and to be able to invite some of our women currently working under our business growth programme along to network and to be inspired by the achievements of the women there. I was over the moon to see our clients Nichola and Claire receiving very much deserved recognition for their hard work and business success. This event just served to highlight what we as an organisation are very well aware of. There are amazing women in Greater Manchester running some fabulous businesses. We just want to let them know that if they have the ambition to grow, fully funded support is available."

The full list of winners are:

• Best New Start Up: Zoe Holland, Zebra Consulting
• Employee of the Year: Jen Smith, JMW
• Legal Advisor of the Year: Christine Oxenburgh, Freeths
• Financial Advisor of the Year: Sarah Bell – Duff & Phelps
• Hospitality& Service Sector Award: Lou Kemp, GG Hospitality
• Business Support Award: Laura Harper, Shoosmiths
• Best Marketer Award: Sarah Rowley, Baker Tilly
• Best Property Professional Award: Rowena Burns, Manchester Science Park
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Dr Nichola McChrystal, Bioclinics
• Female Leader: Angie Robinson, Manchester Central
• Business of the Year: Harper Innovations
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Carole Kane, BooHoo.com
• Social Enterprise of the Year: POPS
• A Decade of Excellence in Business: Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed

Michael Taylor, Chairman of Downtown Manchester In Business said: “These awards, and all the very worthy winners, are helping to break down stereotypes and promote positive female role models within business and enterprise across Manchester and the north west."

If you are a woman running a business in Greater Manchester that is ready to expand through taking on staff, accessing new markets or with innovative ideas of ways to increase turnover get in touch with MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out how you can receive FREE tailored support.

Impropriety CIC Prove That With A Lot Of Hard Work and a Little Imagination Anything Can Happen (Literally)

After organising and running Liverpool’s first improvathon in memory of Ken Campbell, former Artistic Director of the Everyman Theatre, Rosie and Angie had no idea that almost 5 years later they would embark on their greatest role yet, as directors of a successful Community Interest Company (CIC).

Photo: Lucy Hannah Photography

Formed in 2008 by the group behind the first improvathon, Impropriety have been performing shows and running workshops ever since. Angie and Rosie decided to register the business a Community Interest Company after positive audience responses and growing interest.

Impropriety CIC are Liverpool’s premier improvisation theatre company. ‘We use fun, games and messing about a bit to create scenes, songs and silliness never seen before, or to be seen again! With professional performers from a variety of backgrounds, Impropriety creates its own unique style that’s high on improv, low on script.’

Between them, the pair boast a wealth of performing arts experience which has laid a solid foundation from which the company has grown.

Angie: ‘I am a founder member of Kabosh Theatre Company in Belfast (20 years this year!) and was a touring stage manager and actor for many years. I had previously received a BA hons in Theatre Studies from the University of Ulster.'

Rosie: ‘As well as working in an arts café, I’ve been working on various shows and events as a director, technician and stage manager. I also attended Liverpool Hope University where I got a BA hons in Drama and Theatre Studies with English Literature.’

Both run the company alongside full time jobs to ensure that as well as any funding they may receive, they can rely on themselves with finance being key to their business.

‘The main barrier to starting any artistic business is money.  Funding for the arts is always tight so we had to be sure we were in a position to self-fund. Working in the arts for so long means we understand that sometimes you need to take jobs that aren't necessarily related to your chosen profession to pay the rent.’

During the process of registering Impropriety as a CIC, the duo received support from The Women’s Organisation.

‘Starting up a business sounded very daunting, especially taking on the responsibilities of being Directors. It was really nice to find out it wasn't as daunting as we first thought!’

‘Claire our business advisor helped us a great deal, especially with our business plan and financial forecast. We got help with the actual setting up as a CIC and a business bank account. They also gave us a £200 grant package which was nice!’

Becoming a CIC has enabled the Liverpool residents to do more work in schools and access more funding opportunities, which has dramatically increased their reach which has of course had an impact on the size of the company. Impropriety CIC has now seen its most successful year to date, with 80% of their projects coming from people and organisations who have approached them.

‘Being a theatre company, the outcome of our hard work in the office results is seeing audience members laughing a lot, both loyal followers and new audiences. We are also able to spread “improv love” to many more people now, whether that is local schools or public workshops.’

The pair are extremely proud of where the decision to become self-employed has taken them. Along with others who have been involved in running the company for the past few years unofficially, Rosie and Angie feel privileged to be the ones to take Impropriety to the next stage of its evolution.

‘We are very grateful to The Women's Organisation for all their help and support in setting up the company and are excited to take Impropriety to the next level.’

Impropriety CIC are a shining example of how choosing to move forward with something you love and having a good understanding of an industry can be very rewarding and beneficial, both to themselves and the organisations, people and communities they reach.

If you would like to get involved in the unpredictable world of improv, visit www.impropriety.co.uk to find out more about the workshops you can get involved in, both public and private. For more information, you can contact directly via improprietyliverpool@gmail.com and to see what it’s all about, Impropriety can be found on Youtube: ImproprietyUK   Twitter: @impropriety   Facebook: facebook.com/impropriety 

If you would like support with a business idea or passion of your own, contact The Women's Organisation for free 1-2-1 business advice sessions and business related workshops hello@thewo.org.uk / 0151 706 8111 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk 

Portrait photograph by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

Mega Stars Academy Dance Their Way To A Guiness World Record

Mega Stars Academy, Quality Steps and scout groups across Manchester have broken the street dance Guiness World Record for the number of people doing the same dance for a specific amount of time.

Together with fellow Manchester based dance school Quality Steps, Mega Stars Academy took to the stage in front of 1100 adults and children, ready to demonstrate the dance moves for everyone in the crowd.

‘Everyone was excited and nervous. It was a great experience for all the children and adults involved.’

After 2 practice runs it was show time. Mega Stars initiated a group dance that involved 1100 people doing the same dance moves at the same time for a total of 5 minutes 30 seconds. This was enough to break the previous record and propel all involved into the Guiness World Records.

Humbled by the response, owner Emma Hothersall told The Women’s Organisation: ‘We are all so happy to be part of the winning team and to be able to say we have a Guiness World Record.’

‘Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to do something spectacular that I would be remembered for. Finally my dream has come true and I got to share it with all the children from Mega Stars, Quality Steps and the scouts.’

Mega Stars is a performing arts academy that grew from Emma’s strong belief that children have the ability to shine and with the right guidance they can achieve their dreams. The academy aims to make these dreams come true through performing arts.

With the business thriving, Emma is eager to expand the Mega Stars name with the help of The Women’s Organisation’s growth programme. She told us: ‘I’ve had amazing help and support from Mike, my advisor. He has helped me to see the bigger picture of how I can successfully grow my business and develop my franchise plan sooner than I originally expected.’

‘Mike has a great way of explaining business plans and how to maximise my business ideas. Without The Women’s Organisation I would still be going around in circles.’

If you or your children would be interested in getting involved with the events Mega Stars Academy hold and the opportunities they offer, visit http://megastarsacademy.co.uk/ or call 07813 615131

Through the Venture Accelerator programme, women can be linked with a specialist business growth adviser who will offer tailored support to take their business to the next level. So if you are a woman-led business in the Manchester area eager to grow your business, contact programme manager MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more.

Self-employment Is The ‘Perfect Fit’ For Milliner Sue Wood

It's a very exciting time for passionate milliner Sue Wood after being selected as a ‘Making Headway’ Designer for Stockport Hatworks Museum, funded and supported by Mary Portas and The Arts Council.

Photo: Jessica Lang Photography

The exhibition showcases the work of 13 up and coming milliners and will follow her through her 2014 spring/summer collection and into the 2014/15 autumn/winter collection, culminating in a selling exhibition at the Hatworks which commences May 2014.

‘My style is vintage inspired with a contemporary edge and my work is handcrafted using traditional methods and, where possible, up cycled materials. My choice of materials and textures reflects the contemporary relevance of vintage, whether that’s a good material or a good idea, fusing vintage style with contemporary design.’

Gold Silk Turban on a Fine White Straw Peaked Hat 

Centrepiece Gold Medallion in Pleated Silk 

Sue’s reason for setting up in business was simple; she fell in love with millinery. She told The Women’s Organisation: ‘I have a smaller than average head and struggled to find a hat to fit me for my daughter’s wedding. I have always been creative and began to experiment to improve the fit. I enrolled on a millinery course with Rose Cory (the late Queen Mothers Milliner) and after 3 days I was hooked. I then followed on with a 10 week course at Liverpool Community College before embarking on HNC course at Leeds College of Art, Graduating in 2013 with Distinction and Higher Distinctions.’

The hat lover told us how starting up Sue Wood Millinery was a straight forward process with the support of The Women’s Organisation. ‘I enrolled on several day courses surrounding
business start-up. I found that the session on how to do a Business Plan was particularly helpful, as well as social media training and Tax and NI.’

Silver Cap with Beautiful Veiling
  Silver Textured Fabric Scarf Detail
     

Commenting on the Accelerating Women's Enterprise programme, part funded by European Regional Development Fund, Sue said: ‘Having a personal advisor was very useful, he directed me towards courses which were appropriate for  me to attend, forthcoming events, as well as being available to answer any queries as they arose. I also took advantage of the option to meet with my personal advisor locally, with the majority of my meetings being held in Heswall Library, which meant I could slip out of the studio for a quick meeting rather than taking an afternoon off to go to Liverpool.'

Sue enjoys ongoing support in the form of The Women’s Organisation’s Business Club and has attended numerous women only networking events. ‘Being in the company of so many local entrepreneurial women in a beautiful building (54 St James Street) that creates an inspiring environment to work in and visit is amazing. Having the support and encouragement of the knowledgeable team at The Women’s Organisation is very reassuring. As a result I’m feeling more confident and better equipped to tackle the challengers that lay ahead.’

Beautiful Hand Crafted Vintage Rose

The most important thing for the Wirral resident is to design and make hats. She put a lot of thought into her business structure and decided that a premises would restrict her creatively, choosing instead to find shops that would be happy to stock her hats. Fenwick’s of York and Beau Hats in Oxton Village, Wirral, are amongst her current stockists, with plenty more boutiques and hat shops showing an interest.

Sue is also delighted to have been asked to work for the highly anticipated Lion King tour in Liverpool Empire, where she will be looking after the hats, doing repairs and general maintenance. This has sparked up her passion of working for films and theatre productions, as it’s a field she is most interested in.

‘I love the power of the hat. A hat can to instantly depict a mood, occasion or an era in the most dramatic and expressive way.’

White Straw Cloche with Satan Cord and Gold Beads
Adorned with Hand Crafted Silver Rosette

For Sue, nothing is more rewarding than designing and interpreting client’s ideas to produce something stunning. She also enjoys being in control of her own future, which is something self-employment certainly offers.

‘I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved so far, I feel empowered and very excited about the future and where this journey will take me.’

Whether you have a design in mind or you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, Sue is more than happy to talk. For a free consultation, contact her directly on  07801 970 195 / hello@suewoodmillinery.co.uk or visit http://www.suewoodmillinery.co.uk

And if you would like to express yourself further through a hobby by turning it into a business, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Portrait photo by Jessica Lang Photography

By Beckie Kinsella