karen forster - entrepreneurs - ifwecanyoucan.co.uk - inspiring entrepreneurship in the north east

-Member ProfileChallenge Finalist>

Media partner:

Name:: Karen Forster
Business:: Trampas The Mens Room
Web site:
Years in business:
Number of businesses:: 1

Challenge Entrant

I decided to take the plunge and start my own business, Trampas The Mens Room, twelve months ago after identifying a distinct lack of male...

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my background>

" I was born in Darlington and grew up in Chester-le-street. I’ve never had much of a business background but I decided to take the plunge and start my own company, Trampas The Mens Room, twelve months ago after identifying a distinct lack of male grooming salons in the area. I noticed that a lot of men showed an interest in female salons but shied away from them. Working in partnership with my 20-year-old son I set out to create a salon, unique to Durham, with a comfortable atmosphere that appealed to the male population. I’ve love working for myself and as well as running a number of businesses, I work part time as a nursing sister. "

why i want to win>

" Being recognised for what you have achieved is a real moral boost. It is so fulfilling to see your ideas come together and then other people start to notice them. Each time you achieve something, for example if I won this competition, it pushes you on to new levels and possibilities, as well as new challenges. When you’re running your own business, every day is a learning experience which I have really enjoyed. Learning about my business through seeing what things work and others that don’t has been invaluable. It’s all about taking these experiences and using them to move the business forward. "

why i'm sure i'll suceed>

" I feel I have achieved a great deal in the short time the business has been running. To simply get the business off the ground and turning it into a reality has made me immensely proud. I have aspirations for where I want to go with the company. I want to continue the success of the business, carry on to learning as an entrepreneur and possibly grow the company. There are a number of staple traits an entrepreneur must have to be successful. You have to be open in your nature, to enjoy interacting with people and to also learn from your experiences – whether they are successes or failures. Passion about what you are doing is also vital, as is commitment and determination to achieve your goals which is what I try to do every day. "