I find myself in a really unique position; happily employed by a global financial organisation who are supporting UK small businesses at absolutely zero cost with a range of phenomenal resources but also self employed with interests in multiple businesses and activities that support entrepreneurs outside of the scope of my 9-5.

When I started out in business I was in my early twenties, fresh out of university with no job, no savings, no home and no plan.

I had tried a few employed roles. I trained to be, and worked as a teacher, educator, and assessor. I worked internationally for a global beauty brand and managed award-winning salons. I’d done a lot for my age already. To get through university I’d had to work multiple jobs a day to pay my way; my family were unable to support me financially and since going to uni my parents had both remarried and I no longer felt like there was a ‘home’ to return to after four years of studying- I needed to find my place in the world.

I recall with clarity deciding that I wanted to start my own business. I remember pacing the high street with my (terrible) business plan being fobbed off -and laughed out - of most high street banks. But then I struck luck when I met a lady at one particular branch who I remember said to me:

“ I honestly don’t know how we will do this, but I really want to help you. “