Currently...

The core activity here at http://www.thedesignemporium.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">The Design Emporium is that we are continually creating direct links between brands and their customers by hosting daily flash sales, championing British design and allowing people to buy quality, bespoke pieces for their homes that will last a lifetime.

I generally do not have a typical day; my attention may be directed at the finances or website design, all the way through to the most important aspect, the scheduling of the sales. I have always liked to conduct my business approach by being personable; my company is built on relationships and mutual respect.

Before I escaped...

I have worked for years at high profile interior design practices as an interior designer, and whilst this afforded me the opportunity to hone my design skills and build excellent relationships with suppliers, I always knew that I wanted to be my own boss.

My moment of truth...

I have always dreamed of running my own business, ever since I was a child. My father has always worked for himself, and growing up in that independent environment, coupled with my innate bossiness and desire to create something that is bigger than me, was always pushing me through my career choices.

No matter where I was working, I was never truly happy as I have my own vision of how I live my life.

The moment of truth came for me after I had just moved jobs, from an extremely prestigious and high-end firm where I was valued and where I could have stayed forever, to what I expected to be a fantastic exciting and equally high profile job.

The reality of the new job could not have been any different, and I left after only 2 months. I realised that this was THE moment; if I was going to go it alone, it was now or never.

Planning for it...

The idea for the The Design Emporium came out of the blue like a lightning bolt whilst I was walking through the park. As the idea started to grow and develop, I seriously started to look at the logistics of how I would put it together.

I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve, set out a business plan whilst consulting with Phil Bolton (the Esc careers coach who I would highly recommend) and got on with it.

You can plan forever, but there comes a point when you have to make the commitment and just go for it. Only you know, by trusting your instincts, when that time has come.

It's not hard to start up a new business; don't get me wrong, it's hard work, alot of hard work, but it's not rocket science.

The hard bit is the emotional and spiritual work that needs to be done in order for the practicalities to be put into place. You need to face your fears and doubts and you need to be able to look at yourself objectively, identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them to transform.

The worst and best bits...

The best bit about making this happen is taking the responsibility for my own life, and for being the master of my own destiny. Creating something from nothing, and being able to share that with a wide audience is a wonderful feeling. You learn so much about yourself, and through transformation comes lasting happiness and sustainable growth.

The worst bit is overcoming the fears and doubts; not the sacrifices you have to make or the money you have to invest, or having to move home to your parent's house (yes, I did that too). It's getting over yourself; getting over the ego from stopping you achieve your true potential. That is the painful bit, but ultimately it transforms into joy.

Somebody wise once said: "There is nothing that creates greater joy than the removal of doubts. Push back against your fears today. When you do, you’ll discover something important - they’re not even real."

Best advice...

Be brave and trust yourself.

I have always believed that you are doing yourself and the universe a disservice if you shirk away from the responsibility of being the highest version of yourself - in whatever format that may be; whether it is by changing your attitude and becoming the best employee in your company, or starting something new - whatever it may be that is right for you.

You have a responsibility to live your life every day in happiness!

Or, as Sir Richard Branson so succinctly put it for starting a busines: "Screw it, just do it". 

Useful resources and information...

The Esc website is obviously a wealth of information and it is where I found Phil Bolton. Everyone who needs a bit of help or direction needs to use him!

There are almost limitless resources out there depending on your needs and business sectors, and I would advise spending time researching these in depth for the information and help you need.