Sefton resident Sophie Bailey has turned her artistic skills into a business with help from the Enterprise Hub Programme.
Sophie Bailey first approached Alt Valley Community Trust in
January 2016 for business start-up advice, having been recommended by a colleague
who had previously received Business Support Advice on the Making Business Work
programme through Alt Valley Community Trust.
Sophie, 21 yrs old, had not long since finished her Art
& Design course at City of Liverpool College, having previously had part
time employment at a local Garden Centre in Maghull.
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| Sophie with a recent client |
Sophie told us “I have always been interested in art but from a standpoint
of creating long-lasting and impactful images that are more than just static
art form. So the chance to become a self- employed tattoo artist had real
appeal, especially as I could get so much free professional business start-up
advice.”
Sophie spotted an opportunity in her local community:
“As a long-term resident of Maghull I was aware of a local
tattoo salon in Maghull, Studio City Ink run by Michael Seerey, which gave me
the thought that I might just have a business opportunity on my doorstep.”
Looking for support to turn her idea into a business Sophie approached Alt Valley Community Trust to take advantage of the free support on offer through Enterprise Hub.
“Having signed onto the Enterprise Hub business start-up
programme with Alt Valley Community Trust, I was teamed up with one of their
Business Advisors Roy Meredith, who arranged for me to attend an initial
Business Start Up workshop along with 6 other people who were in a very similar
situation to me. I thought it was great - very informative and relaxed, with
just the right level of information and participation.”
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| One of Sophie's Tattoo Designs |
After this initial workshop, Roy worked on a
one-to-one basis with Sophie to help her frame her business plans and develop
new skills that will be essential to the future success of the business.
Coincidentally, at around the time Sophie decided to become
self- employed, Michael Seerey was re- launching his newly located and expanded
salon in Maghull, so Sophie has located into that salon, whilst at the same
time developing her own clientele base and creating her own art and style of
tattooing.
Since Sophie launched her business in April she has
completed over 130 unique tattoos for as many as 98 clients, people mainly in
the 30-40 year old age bracket, but also younger and much older!
She said ""I get all
sorts of people calling in wanting something tattooing which is really
different – perhaps to celebrate a newly born child, or remember somebody by.
Or people who simply say to themselves 'WHY NOT?'"
The new Studio City Ink salon is superbly located next to
the Coach & Horses Pub in Maghull right by the pedestrian crossing lights
which has been great for passing interest.
Reflecting on how far she has come so far Sophie said "My own business
progress is really good and with the additional business development skills
that the Alt Valley Advisors are now giving me, I’m sure I can do really
well. I can’t thank the Enterprise Hub Project enough for their support and
encouragement.”
For more information on Enterprise Hub please contact either
the central Enterprise Hub Team on 0151 706 8113 or get in touch with Kayleigh Clarke at Alt Valley Community Trust on
0151 546 5514.
