Andrew Kelly (AK Videography) and Patricia Hegarty (Kaizen Training Academy) established their businesses with support from Sandra Young (Business Adviser, Mallusk Enterprise Park) via The Northern Ireland Business Start UpProgramme during 2020.
Sandra worked, individually, with the aspiring entrepreneurs during lockdown. She then went on to introduce Andrew and Patricia to each other, when she realised the collaboration potential between the two businesses. The rest as they say is history…………
Today we ask both of them to tell us about their self-employment journeys.
Did you always aspire to be self-employed?
Andrew
I always knew growing up that I’d like to run my own business one day. I have been fortunate enough to work under some fantastic mangers and worked alongside colleagues who have went on to have tremendous success in the business world. Being self-employed has given me the opportunity to have a better work life balance and work in sectors which I’m passionate about.
Patricia
Yes, I knew I wanted freedom to work around children and other hobbies.
How long did you have your business idea before meeting with a Business Adviser to discuss?
Andrew
I had my business idea for quite some time before meeting an Adviser. I would say at least a year beforehand I knew I wanted to move on from my employer and work in the creative sector as my own boss.
Patricia
I knew from the start of my career in sports therapy and personal training that I would teach it. That was 13 years ago! Every year I would study with the aim of setting up a training academy.
What does your business do?
Andrew
AK Videography is a digital content production company. The business offers four products for clients which form a “product lifecycle”. The primary product, as the name suggests, is video content creation. The other products are photography, social media workshops and content audits (known as a digital dive). My product lifecycle evaluates, teaches and creates for businesses looking to grow their online presence.
My company initially started as a video only service but it was clear very early on there was a demand for a wider product offering. Given my background and experience delivering the other products of the lifecycle in my previous job, it was a natural fit for my own company.
My business has evolved a lot faster than I expected but the feedback has been excellent so far with clients appreciating the one stop shop they get from my company. Having worked in PR & comms for 10 years previous, I bring a lot more to the table than most videographers.
Patricia
My business is a training academy for health and fitness qualifications, aesthetics and oncology massage.
How long have you been trading?
Andrew
The business started trading in February 2020 but only really got started in late July due to the pandemic.
Patricia
3 months.
Are you happy that you went into self-employment?
Andrew
I’m very happy I went self-employed. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my doubts in the beginning. I left an industry I had known for 10 years and a well paid job to follow my passion. I enjoy a challenge and starting a business during a pandemic is certainly the definition of jumping in at the deep end.
Patricia
I cant imagine any other way of life. I also provide business mentorship programmes for students to guide them on their way to self employment.
If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting up what would it be?
Andrew
Make sure there is a demand or reason for clients/ customers to purchase your services. I find there are a lot of similar businesses in various sectors and very few stand out for offering something different that people actually need.
I would also say make sure you have a safety net of cash in the bank to support your business during hard times – especially pandemics!
Patricia
To go for it! I always say – what is the absolute worst thing that can happen? if it doesn’t work the first time try again
Was the Go For It programme beneficial to you? If so, how?
Andrew
Absolutely. Sandra and Peter were a great help in helping me to develop my business plan and decide who my target customers were. Their experience and knowledge really were invaluable in getting the business started.
Patricia
The business mentorship has been an invaluable part of the business set up. My mentor can see things from another angle than I can, for instance how to work more efficiently. I was introduced to a Andrew and also a virtual admin assistant through the go for it programme and have been delighted. Its a great networking tool to help you develop your business network!!
What was the best part of the programme?
Andrew
I think the best part are the business coaches. They’re always available when you need them and have a really good network of connections. Even if you are unsure about something really trivial, they’re there to help you any way they can.
Patricia
Learning how to put a dream into motion. I always knew that I would eventually open the Academy in South Belfast, and have fond memories of looking online at properties with my mentor Sandra.
How did you finance your business?
Andrew
I have saved all my life and I knew one day I would need working capital to get my business started. I’m lucky in that I can work anywhere so don’t have overheads or employees. My working capital was comparatively small compared to other new businesses.
Patricia
I used personal savings.
Where do you see your business in 5 years time?
Andrew
I’d like to grow my business to the stage were I’m working more overseas for bigger clients. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible brands so it’d be nice to do that on a more consistent basis.
I am a very ambitious person so the goal is to eventually sell a successful business and move on to start a company in a completely new sector.
Patricia
I would like to have various training venues both in The U.K. and further afield.
So….when Patricia opened her state of the art facility late last year Andrew created this amazing video for her! The results of effective networking and collaboration.
Find out more about the FREE support provided by our Business Advisers and perhaps you’ll be the next start-up success story we publish.