Heres another Interview...this time with a very talented designer called Laura Mabbutt

Hi everyone!

For all those business women out there looking for inspiration, perhaps for growth, more success, or perhaps even for those women who are looking to start up their own business, then here is an inspirational interview with small business owner Laura Mabbutt a designer whos gorgeous one off pieces are must haves.

What is your business and how did you get started?
I am a self employed designer maker specialising in felt-making. I also teach crafts in schools and to groups. I became self employed after completing BA (hons) degree in Contemporary decorative Crafts at University of Lincoln.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
The USP of my business is my materials and the way in which I use them. I use un-dyded natural fibres and create seamless work that reflects and exploits the natural properties of wool and other natural fibres. It is surprising the number of makers there are out there and making my work stand out whilst keeping hold of its integrity is always at the forefront of my mind.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
The act of making using my own hands has always intrigued me from a young age, and still does. I find the material I chose to specialise in fascinating, although it is considered textile, it can be moulded and used to create seamless forms without using traditional textile techniques such as stitching. conceptual ideas behind my work are inspired by nature and in particular the theory of evolution.

When did you start your business and why?
My business started in May last year, so still very new at this stage. from an early age I was concerned with being tied down to a job that I hated and a career being focused solely on money, I believe you spend a lot of your life working so you should do your best to find a career in something you love, although I might never be rich I know thatI will always have a passion for what I do.

What is the best thing about your business
I think the uniqueness of my work, the materials I use mean that no piece is the same.

What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?

I would say make sure you do research into the area you wish to set up in. I would like to say "go for it" but I don't think its a decision to take lightly, however, I wouldn't change
the decision I made! there are also lots of organisations to help with advice etc.

How would you describe your business in about 15 words?
Contemporary home and fashion accessories made from wool and natural fibres uniquely designed and handcrafted by Laura Mabbutt.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
My business is located in Lincoln UK. my website is http://www.lauramabbutt.co.uk/

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The fact that I can make a living doing something I love is the best thing about my business,as many others will say, I am my own boss, and although this means I have to deal with all the problems it also means that I reap all the benefits of the business.

I hope you have found this interview useful, inspirational and helpful. Good luck everyone wishing to start or grow/expand your business.

Best wishes

Laura

Useful website

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would let you know of a brilliant website that you can sign up to and network on for free. This site is just for women so why not check it out and sign up now. at http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/.

Best wishes

Laura

Todays interview with Rachel of Rachel Helen Designs

Hey everyone,

Todays interview is with a very talented jewellery designer, whos work is gorgeous, different and will really help you stand out from the crowd.

Heres the interview...........

What is your business and how did you get started?
Rachel Helen Designs offers bespoke handmade jewellery. I have two ranges, Vintage recyceld and precious metal jewellery.
I started making jewellery when I was about 12 years old. It was generally just hobby until about 2002 when I decided to take evening classes in silversmithing. I've always received positive comments about my work and after training for a few more years I decided to take the plunge, reduce my working hours and set up the business.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
All Rachel Helen Jewellery is one of a kind. I don't like to replicate any of my designs. This keeps each piece individual and special to the person wearing them.
Another of my selling points is that all of my work is produced solely in the UK. I think it is important to support local and UK businesses and will go out of my way to source materials and equipment from UK suppliers.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I am inspired by many things. I have a passion for Art Nouveau, fairy tales and the darker side of nature. I love working on commissions where I take inspiration from the person/people the piece is being made for.
My business is driven by a passion for beautiful jewellery and the joy of sharing it with others!

When did you start your business and why?
I officially started my business in 2005. After leaving university in 2001 I hoped to work in animation and film making, however the industry had changed and employment was hard to find in the area I desired.. After working full time in office based employment for a while I decided this wasn't the route for me.
I took up evening classes and studied around my working hours. After training for a few years I was given the opportunity to work full time with a very experienced jeweller. I took the job and worked closely with him for a year until the time came to move on and branch out on my own.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
Shed 2 Studios, 10A Heanor Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8DX (by appointment only)
http://www.rachelhelendesigns.com/



What is the best thing about your business?
The best thing about Rachel Helen Designs is that you can have pretty much any piece of jewellery your imagination dreams of.. platinum rings full of sparkling diamonds, silver necklaces with hidden inscriptions or Grandma's pearls made into a beautiful necklace with vintage brooches and earrings. Each piece is like a little piece of art that should be treasured no matter what the style or value..



What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?
If you don't try you'll never know... You have to be extremely patient but also determined. Its taken a long time to get where I am now but I'd recommend it to anyone.. after all who really enjoys being stuck in the 9-5? Being my own boss and enjoying my work is far more important.

How would you describe your business, in your own words?
Bespoke hand made jewellery for the individual. Little pieces of art to be treasured for years to come.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The best things about running my business is loving what I do, talking to people who share my enthusiasm and being my own boss.

So there you have it, an interview with a very passionate and talented designer....Check out her collections now at: http://www.rachelhelendesigns.com/

Interview with Designer and Maker Clare Gage - www.claregage.com

Hi everyone, todays interview is with Clare Gage, a very talented designer/maker who produces gorgeous individual pieces including porcelain cups, tableware and vases.

Heres the Interview:

What is your business and how did you get started?
I am a designer/maker working in textiles and ceramics. I make porcelain cups, tableware and vases with the texture and appearance of textiles.
I started my business after graduating from university and began producing the collection I had developed during my final year.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
My designs are very unique and individual; they are what make my business different. It is interesting that I have designed, developed and made the products myself and each pieces is worked on individually so are unique themselves.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I am inspired by the process of making things. I have always loved to explore with materials and techniques and this has led me to design my current range of ceramics, by experimenting with the idea of bringing textiles into ceramics. The inspiration for my business is my love of making, I want to be able to continue to be creative through running my business.

When did you start your business and why?
I started my business in February 2008, months after I left university. I wanted to continue working with the designs that I’d developed whilst studying and believed that they were marketable products. This led me to starting my business and retailing my products.

What is the best thing about your business
Being able to continue being creative in my work as I had hoped I would be able to.

What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?
Be very organized! It is difficult to keep on top of everything that you have to do when you own your own business and organisational skills are key. I recommend making nice clear lists!

How would you describe your business in about 15 words?
I am a designer maker; I produce porcelain pieces with the appearance of textiles.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
I work from my studio in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. My website is http://www.claregage.com/

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the studio. The best days are when I leave work with clay in my hair!

Getting business Insurance

Hi there

If you have started a business or perhaps are in the process of starting a business then more often than not Business finance is someone in your thoughts. Business insurance is virtually a necessity - It gives you reassurance and peace of mind.

Its always best to work out what you want from business insurance and why, and then start getting quotes. I have found though that Simply Business, who just focus on business insurance are more than helpful.

Visit there site, get them to call you back now and check out what they could do for you, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain:



TOP TIP: Remember dont feel pressured to sgining anything or agreeing anything until you are 100% happy with what you are getting for your money.

How to be a better leader or manager

Hey everyone,

Sometimes when it comes to developing your own busienss, or being a better entrepreneur it all starts with developing yourself, for example developing yourself into a better role model, into a better manager and so on.

Here is an article that I have put together that will give you some top tips and advice on how to achieve more business success through being a better leader or manager.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1436934/how_to_be_a_better_leader_.html?cat=3

Best wishes and good look with your business or businesses

Laura