Earlier this year I had decided
to finally put my long term ambitions into action and forge ahead with
developing Mindful Health Therapies, which works with clients on a one to one
basis to enable them to reduce, minimise or eliminate pain from injuries and
offers tools to manage and reduce stress. Mindful Engagement works with
businesses to improve staff wellbeing and encourage staff engagement, reducing
sickness and developing a sense of belonging in the workplace.
When
I made this decision I sat down with my accountant who I also consider a friend
and explained what I was hoping to achieve, Rebecca immediately said
“Gemma, you need to get on the FEOignition programme, it’s been a game
changer for me in so many ways and it will really help you.” I initially
emailed Kerry who is the FEO Manager and placed my application in for the
FEOignition program, I wasn’t a 100% sure what to expect, but Kerry gave me a
call and explained how the program worked it sounded exactly what I needed to
develop my business, I was nervous and excited all at the same time.
I
was developing my business plan and working full time with a long term plan to
exit my job as the business grew, but an opportunity arose to take redundancy
and I thought if I don’t do it now when will I do it. The FEOignition program
started within two weeks of me leaving my job and going full time with my
businesses, when I went to the first session it was so welcoming and informal.
I met so many individuals developing their businesses or business ideas and the
friendliness of all there immediately put any nerves of mine aside, Sally
introduced the first session and she set the tone of what to expect, with her
humour and down to earth attitude.
Each
week I was excited to be there and learn from successful entrepreneurs from
Hull, not only did we get to listen and learn from their stories, but we had
activities based around helping us develop our business ideas and key business
skills. The beauty of listening to the stories of successful entrepreneurs was
their honesty about their journeys from Jonathan Elvidge and the Gadget shop to
Peter Aarosin on and his start as an entrepreneur at 16, the sessions were
inspirational. I learned that I was not alone in the fears of setting up my own
business, everyone in the room were in the same boat, but I also learnt key
skills to take me and my business forward. The weekly sessions were structured
in a way that offered opportunity to plan for your own business and brainstorm
with those who were in the same process, allowing you develop and explore
ideas, techniques which may not of entered your mind if it was for not being
surrounded by the members of the FEO and those on the FEOignition program.
In
developing and establishing my business this year at times I felt like I was
walking around in the dark, learning on my feet or from those around me working
in their own businesses, the FEOignition program has allowed me to gain
confidence, self belief and provided me with extra focus.
I
finished the program feeling invigorated and inspired about the possibilities
ahead for me and my business and also knowing that I could reach out to those I
met on the program. The support the FEOignition program offered is incredible
and the difference I found is I felt like I was surrounded by a bunch of
friends, offering me support, knowledge and confidence to make my business
goals a reality.
