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Client: Jenny Holkham

Job Centre: Newtown

Business Advisor: Rachel Ellis

Business Name: Rainbow Sea Creations

I have wanted to start my own business for many years but never had the confidence to do so. I would never have been able to get my business up and running without the support of the NEA programme. My jobcentre plus adviser put me in touch from Rachel from business Sense associates and Rachel supported and advised me to make a business plan - something I never thought I could do!

I have been supported by Rachel through the whole start up process and beyond. I pride myself on making quality clothing and jewellery which I sell internationally. I am very much enjoying the freedom to be creative. It is very satisfying to have people buying my designs and watching my business grow. Positive reviews give you a warm glow because people are happy with their purchases. I have always wanted to be my own boss and now I can fit my work round my family for the first time ever

One of the reasons I started my business was the awful quality of some expensive printed clothing I have bought my daughters. I believed I could do better! I am always adding new designs to my collection and now have over 100 listings on my Etsy shop. My partner has been wonderful helping me with photography and advertising. My teenage daughters love to get involved with clothing designs. They both have their own individual styles, and this adds to the diversity of my product range and keeps me up to date with current trends!

I am working extremely hard on building my social media presence. I take every opportunity I can to showcase my products and advertise my business. I have received lots of lovely compliments about my designs.

I am currently setting up my Facebook/Instagram shop.

Rachel Ellis Business Advisor said "Jenny was referred to me via Newtown Job Centre on 19th August. Jenny was very enthusiastic but at the same time a little nervous. She had lots of good ideas but still had an element of doubt in case it didn't work out the way she wanted it to, however as time went on she quickly realised it was a good basis for a business and she was going to make it work. One of the reasons Jenny wanted to become Self Employed was to enable her to have more quality time with her children.

Her business plan was approved on the 4th September 2020 and she began her new adventure on the 14th September. Obviously with the situation with COVID and lockdown restrictions she was a bit wary but throughout it all and even at the present time her business is going from strength to strength which is very positive to hear with all the negativity in the world that there are businesses out there that are able to begin and flourish despite the current situation. I am so proud of Jenny she has really done so well and I am sure she will have a very profitable future with her business as she grows."

Jenny has great future plans for the business:

• Currently looking into courses in jewellery making and fashion design.
• Launching my own website.
• Renting a small unit locally to allow me the room to expand my product range.
• Purchasing equipment to speed up the production process.
• Creating job opportunities in my area.

You can find out more about Jenny and her business in the following places:

• Etsy shop: Rainbow Seas Creations
• eBay shop: loverainbowseascreations
• Instagram account: Rainbow Seas Creations
• Facebook business page: Rainbow Seas Creations
• Business email: rainbowseascreations@gmail.com