Success stories
Yasmin Hussain
I just thought that taking a chance was better than not trying at all.
Yasmin Hussain, 28, from Blackburn, established her business, Tri-Namic Balls, in February 2010 with help from the No Limits programme.
Tri-Namic balls are novelty football and rugby balls which carry a club crest or national flag and can be used as a conventional ball, an in-car or desktop accessory or corporate gift.
And with deals with two top clubs already arranged, Yasmin is well on the way to meeting her goals.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I just thought that taking a chance was better than not trying at all. I had an idea which I believed in and I didn’t want to regret not following it through.
What was the deciding factor for you?
The country as a whole is sport mad, especially here in the North West, so I did my research and decided that the sale of promotional football and rugby products would make a good business proposition and was definitely the way for me to go.
How did you get the business off the ground?
I put together some designs and established manufacturing links. I also got in touch with the Blackburn and District Enterprise Trust who were tremendous and very supportive throughout.
Best bits about working for yourself?
I think just the self satisfaction that comes from taking a nucleus of an idea, through development and design right through to the final product. I can be as creative as I want and not have to worry if it will be accepted by other people.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
I wanted to approach Premier League football clubs to try and secure the use of their official club crests, but had no experience of licensing or intellectual property. I consulted Eureka innovation and technology project though and their advice and support has been invaluable. My advisor, Paul White, has come with me to all the meetings with the clubs, which has been a massive help because I wanted them to take me seriously. He’s acted as a mediator negotiating license fees and helping me to progress things.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
The whole venture has been a learning process but I think everything I’ve been through and the decisions I’ve made along the way, whether they came off or not, have led me to where I am. I wouldn’t want to change anything as it’s all been a valuable experience.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
It’s great. I have the flexibility to implement ideas at my own speed and in my own way. When you’re working for someone there’s procedures that you have to follow and that you’re tied to in a way. Working for myself I can follow my own path.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
I fully recommend anyone looking to start a new business to get involved with No Limits. I had an idea which I believed in and I didn’t want to regret not following it through. No Limits believed in it too and I’m really grateful for that.
