If We Can, You Can

Author:

Rebecca Goodburn

Business:

Magpie

Published:

12/11/2008 11:40:00

I never really had that burning ambition to set up my own business, but after leaving school I found myself at a crossroad with what to do career wise. I always knew that I wanted to do something that was creative and pursue a job that would excite and interest me.

One day, after a visit to Newcastle College, I came across a Fashion Enterprise degree at Teesside University. It seemed right up my street and decided to go for it.

I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot about the industry. During my time studying I came up with the idea for my business. Magpie will be an online boutique/fashion magazine for alternative women that will sell clothes, deliver trend reports and create an online community. Fingers crossed I plan to launch it later this year.

I got my inspiration when I was doing a placement at Sports World and was reading a similar sort of magazine called Jelly Fish. I thought to myself ‘I could do something better than this’.

I am very passionate about alternative clothing and find the thought of creating my own career very exciting. In terms of aspirations for the business I don’t have any concrete long term goals- I’m simply aiming to get the business off the ground and make it a success. Success for me will be when I can call myself ‘my own boss’.

I recently visited Business Link who provided me with some great advice on starting my business and also gave me an abundance of contacts which I will be able to use in the future and whilst laying the foundations.

In terms of affecting my lifestyle, I anticipate that running my own business will be hard work and very demanding in all meanings of the word. However, I also feel it will be far more fulfilling, with a greater sense of achievement than simply working for someone else.

The biggest challenge that I think I face is funding. I am on exploring as many options as I can as there is support out there that I don’t even know about which takes a bit of finding. I think if I ask about and assess my options I should be able to make a go of it.

My old university tutor used to say to me – just go for it! I think this is the best piece of advice I’ve received so far. If you don’t give something a shot you’ll never know what could have been .From my point of view I think there are some simple traits to what makes a successful entrepreneur with motivation being the most important.