I quite often get asked how I found the courage to start a business so young, and although 23 doesn’t seem that young, especially with the aches and pains, I suppose it does seem young to a lot of people.
However, I did already have a bit of experience. When I was 15, I was approached by a family friend who had helped my dad set up in business and he asked me why I didn’t do something. So, I started looking at what I could do, I’ve always been really interested in business and all about it, like getting the work and the advertising and building something of my own.
Around the same time my uncle had made my little dog a paracord collar and lead, and I thought it was amazing! So, I asked him to teach me and found myself a supplier. I set up social media platforms to advertise and launched not long after my 16th birthday!
Dolly’s Pet Accessories was the name of the little business, and I took it very seriously! I didn’t go anywhere without my orders measured out ready to weave, my lighter and my scissors. I’d sit in my class at college and weave collars and leads, and I was actually pretty busy with it. I even got nominated for ‘Young Entrepreneur of the year in Norfolk’ where I came second!
One thing that I still can’t believe is that I supplied three shops with products that I made. I expanded and started making things for horses, I come up with a unique design for harnesses for dogs and my bitless bridle attachments were very popular.
Overall, I learnt so much, mostly about the importance of social media which has been so important with setting up Jockey and Jill, but it also gave me so much confidence in my ability to run and market a business and I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by so many people who gave my so much advice.
I did unfortunately sell the last of my stock and supplies late august as it just wasn’t viable to keep going. I was also getting pains in my joints and blisters from pulling the weave so tight. But it was mostly the time factor, I really enjoy making things, but my schedule just wasn’t allowing me the time to do it.
My advice to anyone would be if you have a good idea, give it a go? The worst that’s going to happen is it doesn’t work, and then you learn. I make mistakes all the time, but I accept when I do, and I learn from them. There’re always people that will be willing to help! So if you have a business idea that you think is great and you want to start, I’d be happy to give some advice, I’m no expert, but I can definitely speak from experience.