Karen Forster

Name:

Karen Forster

Business:

Trampas The Mens Room

Web site:

www.trampas.co.uk

Years in business:

Number of businesses:

1

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 grooming salons in the area. We are a male-only grooming salon that offers a variety of treatments from hair care, wet shaves, holistic treatments, aesthetic treatments, spray tanning, sunbed with power plates and MANicures.

The salon has only been open for three weeks and in that time I’ve leant an incredible amount. When you’re running your own business, everyday 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.

I currently still work as a Nursing Sister part time on evenings and my social life has taken a back step. But it is a price worth paying as I love building and developing my business little by little everyday as well as the personal interaction I have with my customers. I really enjoy making my own decisions and I think my enthusiasm in doing so has excelled the business.

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. We are even getting a Starbucks installed so we can serve coffees to our customers. Ultimately one day I would like to open a second salon in the region.

My family has been an immense support and has been a constant source of encouragement. My son especially has been fantastic and has juggled going to university and helping me run the business. Business Link has provided me with guidance and support in developing our website.

I think 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.

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