Lockdown Business Q&A

Lockdown Business Q&A

Name: Carol Robinson

Business name: One of a Kind Club

Industry: Jewellery

When did you start your business?

I launched One of a Kind Club on September 14 2019. After having spent 20 years in advertising and marketing, I moved from London to Norwich and set up One of a Kind Club - following my passion for inspiring confidence through the power of jewellery.

What was the biggest hurdle during

lockdown? The biggest hurdle for me was time - I’ve been home-schooling my two kids (now 6 and 2) and being a mumpreneur, plus keeping everything else in life going - so ‘Super mum’ here admits that I don’t have enough time in the day. I’ve had to be realistic about what I achieve - my priorities are my family but I have also worked really hard to make One of a Kind Club a success. I didn’t want it to fail due to circumstances beyond my control - so I’ve had to be more effective and realistic (and yes less perfect).

What did you learn during lockdown?

• Being you is ok - I’m all about confidence and authenticity so I keep communicating my values consistently • Following your passion is amazing (if not challenging at times) - I love what I do • Progression is better than perfection. • Customers are amazing - I’ve loved the continual support for my brand from existing customers and from all my new followers. • It is what it is - we can’t plan it but we can go with it • The coronacoaster has impacted everyone with ups and downs but working for myself lets me be agile with when and how I get work done.

I want to grow my business no matter what challenges are thrown at me.

Did any element of lockdown help you

and your business? I like to take the positive out of situations (which I know is hard) but there were 3 things: 1) Small business support - it’s been all about collaboration and not competition - There has been a phenomenal amount of support for shopping locally and small - one of my inspirations Holly Tucker, who founded Not on The High Street, has been running some amazing Instagram lives which have inspired me and motivated me each week. I also loved the shout out to thousands of viewers from

Kathryn Tyler, Co-Founder of Digital Mums, about my confidence inspiring jewellery. 2) Adaptability and technology - virtual markets (I’ve done over 25), Instagram lives, and shop small support through social media have all really impacted my growth as customers have engaged. 3) Love of learning - I’ve done a few short courses and networked a lot (around children

screaming on Zoom) but it’s about keeping my mind active and focusing on business - I’ve learnt the basics of Pinterest, I’ve started my Christmas Gift Guide PR (yes Christmas in July!) and I’ve learnt that nothing has to be perfect (being real is important).

What are your hopes for the future?

• Continued kindness, small business support and collaborations. • Shop small will be important to people as they realise that they support individual’s lives and not just mass organisations. • Collaboration versus competition - the virtual market world will continue and brand partnerships will rise.

Christmas is going to be different but I predict it to be even more about being with our loved ones and spending quality time with each other Handmade and unique products with a sustainable angle are going to be on trend (I’m launching a sustainable collection soon) Kindness is key in business and in life and this should continue.

Pop over to @oneofakindclub on Facebook or Instagram or www.oneofakindclub.com and contact me.

Lockdown Business Q&A

Name: Emma Roache

Business name: Emma Roache Coaching

Industry: Personal Development - Helping You Be Happier

When did you start your business? 2014

What was the biggest hurdle during

lockdown? People realising I have been working online for years, this is nothing new for me, in fact working remotely is really effective and impactful. Common perception is that coaching has to be face to face, so I am working to change perceptions.

What did you learn during lockdown? I received my most recent certification and I am proud to say I am now a Professional Certified Coach, something I had been working towards over the past year. I have also used the time to study a lot and learn more skills for my business, along with lots of self-care, which is something I advocate with my clients too, this has included a daily yoga practice, a more regular meditation practice and lots more reading.

Did any element of lockdown help you

and your business? I was just about to leave the UK as we approached lockdown, to travel Asia and run my business as you guys know, this was always the dream and something I had been working towards! So, things are a little different than I was imagining. However, as I have such flexibility in my business things have not been impacted and I have picked up a few new clients and I am looking at ways to reach more people, particularly in managing stress and anxiety and building resilience as this is something which is prevalent at this time.

What are your hopes for the future? To continue to grow my business and help and support more people to be happier and have better relationships in life and business. I am

Emma Roache

pretty open minded on my future plans, and will be waiting to see how the next few months or so pan out, but I will be staying in the UK for the foreseeable future.

Also one massive positive: As you know, alongside my private coaching practice, I founded a social enterprise - Embrace PFC CIC. I founded this to bring my personal and professional experience together to benefit others. This was going to be put on hold while I was in Asia. However, due to Covid-19, I am still in the UK, meaning I am able to support more people, so maybe I was meant to be here, my skills and experience are so needed right now. I want us to be able to support as many people who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19 as possible, particularly young people and victims of domestic abuse.

On that note, I am really excited to share some news. We have been able to secure grant funding of £10,000.00 to support people negatively impacted by Covid-19, so a big thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund and the Government for making this possible, it means we will be able to support at least 20 more people in Norfolk.

For more info visit: https://embracepfc.com