Success stories
Penny Roadway
I realised that I kept putting off starting because it was outside my comfort zone. I had to face that and start up properly. So that’s what I’ve done.
A chance meeting at Trawden show Colne designer Penny Roadway to start her own business. Penny, whose previous work includes packaging for Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate, founded Quench Creative after speaking to advisors from No Limits.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I was made redundant from my job as a graphic designer. I did freelance work and also looked for another job. Everyone else I knew was a freelance, but when I talked to No Limits I realised that starting a business was the way to go.
What was the deciding factor for you?
I had thought about starting a business before but not in such a serious way. I bumped into Maria from No Limits at Trawden show, and she suggested I see an advisor. Then I went to an event for women at Turf Moor. Liz Pollard from Dale Carnegie Training talked about facing your fears and getting outside your comfort zone. I realised that I kept putting off starting because it was outside my comfort zone. I had to face that and start up properly. So that’s what I’ve done. It spurred me on to think ‘I will do this. I’ve got to get it up and running’.
How did you get the business off the ground?
I went to a couple of No Limits workshops, and drew up a business plan and financial forecast. I’ve got a background in designing woven labels for clothing companies, so I’ve approached some companies in that area. I’ve been contacting people and at the same time designing my own marketing material. I’m busy getting more customers.
Best bits about working for yourself?
You are in charge. You don’t have anyone to answer to apart from your customer. It’s a form of freedom.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
It’s all a very big challenge! But if I had to pick one thing- the financial forecast. Figures are not my forte, and it’s a challenging time for design so hard to make predictions. One of the advisors helped me with that though.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
I wish I had done it right at the beginning when I first went to see an advisor. But I was a bit uncertain. Redundancy rocks your world. So it has taken a little while to get round to this.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
There are days when I feel particularly excited. When people want to see me, I get a kick out of that. It’s very liberating. When you make any money, you know that you’ve done it yourself. There’s a real sense of achievement.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
Think very carefully about it. And do your research. Research your competitors- what they’re doing, what they’re charging, their strengths and weaknesses. And look at how they market themselves.
