CHARLIE NUNN

Tell us about your company:

I am an up-close mentalist, which is a magician who specialises in mind reading. I perform at weddings, corporate parties, and private events, which involves going from group to group or table to table, reading and influencing the thoughts of willing participants. I’m sure a lot of questions spring to mind about how this is done and maybe even a few doubts that it would work with you, but you’ll just have to experience it for yourself and find out!

When did you decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?

Other performers such as Derren Brown have inspired me to learn magic and I considered being a magician for about seven years. I only performed socially, and even then I really needed a push to do so as I was very shy. When I first saw the reactions I could get from performing the simplest feats of magic, I was hooked immediately and wanted more.

Just before the pandemic I decided to try and make performing my full-time job, as it was the only thing I could genuinely see myself doing for the rest of my working life. During the lockdowns, I attempted a few online shows but am now back to live performances.

How has Launchpad helped you?

I am still very introverted, so I really needed something to boost my confidence. The wisdom and passion of the Launchpad team helped give me the motivation I needed to get started and, most importantly, pointed me in the right direction. It may or may not surprise you to hear that for me, the hardest part of entertaining a room full of people was not the mind reading, but actually getting the gig to begin with.

ADVISOR STATEMENT FROM TEAH LEWIS, PRINCE’S TRUST

Charlie used his Test My Business Idea grant from Prince’s Trust to work with another established mentalist, who taught him more skills based on the tricks and services he can offer while also providing specific marketing and branding support within the industry. Charlie has stayed committed to his Enterprise support and has now been able to move onto working with a business mentor. I wish him the best of luck in the future.

What are your hopes and aims for your business?

As simple as it sounds, my main goal for my business is to make it my full-time job. Performing is hard to get into and I still have a day job; after graduating from university I looked for work but found it incredibly difficult to secure good employment, like many others in my position. I hope to feel confident enough to quit one day and only read minds for a living.

Find out more by contacting Charlie Nunn on info@ charliemindreader.com and 07772 538839.

Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality. Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk.