Audrey Halpin: Do one thing, and do it well
Audrey worked as a global project manager for a tech multinational for 10 years. After having two children, her life became very different to the one she had known. After organising a Christmas market in the local school, she and a friend had an idea for a small craft business. They quickly realised there was a demand for their products, so they decided to set up a small business. They now produce personalised gifts for all events and occasions such as christenings, birthdays, communions, weddings and family tress. |
Does this business differ much from your previous work background?
It couldn’t be more different! I worked as a global project manager for a tech multinational for 15 years. It was a high stress, high responsibility job, where my phone (and mind!) was never off. I was constantly in work mode, and my work dictated my life schedule. Now, after having two children, I can work on my new business whenever I have time. I can pick and choose my own hours, which was just impossible in my last job. |
What advice would you have for anyone about to start their own business?
For an area similar to ours, I would say do one thing, and do it well. We started doing just family trees, and we made sure we had this perfected until we looked at doing anything else. The particular style of tree we use is very popular with our customers, so we now have an agreement with the supplier that they can only supply this style of tree to us. Take assured steps at the beginning, and progress from there. |