Enterprising Communities - Case Study II
Sally Hiskett - Flower Power
Sally HiskettWhen Sally Hiskett had to leave her job as a podiatry receptionist because of ill health she decided to start her own business as a florist.
Sally had been working at Haverhill Health Centre for just over a year when the migraines which had plagued her since childhood started to get worse. She was having five migraines a week and the medication she had been prescribed had horrendous side effects which left her unable to work and to take care of her young family. She was signed off work and had to rely on her mother Barbara to help out.
As she slowly got used to the medication she was on her lifestyle improved but she knew she had to take some big decisions when it came to her career and an income.
Sally had started to train as a florist as a hobby after suffering post natal depression after the birth of her first child and fell in love with it. She started to make floral arrangements for family and friends and soon they were encouraging her to start her own business, but she had huge reservations.
She said: “I was really flattered that people appreciated my floral designs but I was way too scared to go it alone and start a business. I had a baby and a toddler to look after, I was not in good health, and I am really quite shy which meant the prospect of making contacts and meeting people face-to-face daunting.”
One day Sally came home to find her mum had left a newspaper article on the table about the support and advice offered by MENTA. After weeks of trying to pluck up the courage to phone, Sally got in touch with MENTA and was shocked to discover the huge amount of free support and training on offer.
She said: “They talked me through my business idea and asked at what stage I was at. The business advisor told me how to find a good business bank account and sent me information on tax and VAT. We discussed advertising and marketing for my business and which areas I should focus on. I was shocked to discover how much free information and training is available. To date I have been on courses on starting a business, finance and advertising and marketing.
“I cannot express how much they have helped me. The hardest part for me was taking the initial step to contact MENTA. The best thing has been the excitement of getting my first clients.”
Sally, who is concentrating her business on events including weddings, funerals, corporate functions and reception flowers, has now got her first four weddings booked. She has just been approved to supply wedding flowers for a prestigious local wedding venue, Spains Hall in Finchingfield.
“Never in my dreams did I think I would be supplying wedding flowers to such amazing places. I really enjoy being my own boss. I would tell anyone considering becoming their own boss to go for it, especially if you have children or suffer from ill health. It is hard work but you can choose when to work and how to work. My husband and family have given me their full support and after the health problems I have had I finally feel I have some control back in my life.”
For a free consultation on flowers for your special event, contact Sally on 01440 762311.