Young entrepreneur didn’t let Covid-19 stand in her way when she decided to GO FOR IT and start her own business

Emma Hutchinson from Newtownabbey established Power of Touch in October 2020 and hasn’t looked back since!

Did you always aspire to be self-employed?

I had always been interested in self-employment as I loved the idea of being my own boss.  I dreamed of one day having the flexibility and autonomy to make decisions based upon what I felt was best for me, however I never thought it would be possible to take the plunge at such an early stage of my life.

How long did you have your business idea before meeting with a Business Adviser to discuss?

I had been thinking about starting my own business for about 6 months before beginning my  research into the support available.

In September 2020 I commenced my Enterprise Placement Year with Ulster University, and that’s where I began to build the foundations of my business idea. I was introduced to the Mallusk Enterprise team in October 2020 and the rest as they say is history!

What does your business do?

Power of Touch is a portable sports massage therapy, offering services such as; Deep Tissue Massage, Acupuncture & Cupping Therapy.

My service relieves muscle tension, muscular pain and discomfort, as well as correcting possible imbalances in the body structure. Customer needs vary from the enhancement of performance, the improvement in range of motion and the reduction of recovery time by aiding the removal of waste products.

How long have you been trading?

Six months.

Are you happy that you went into self-employment?

I am over the moon that I went into self-employment as it has given me the flexibility to choose my own working hours and as a freelance business I enjoy the variety in working days so I am continually adapting and learning.  Each day is completely different to the next.

If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting up what would it be?

I would say to utilise all the help you can get for free by tapping into the knowledge and expertise of your local Enterprise Agency. Make that first move in creating connections with people who can build you and your brand.  If you don’t ask you wont get it.

Was the Go For It programme beneficial to you? If so, how?

The Go For It programme was outstanding for myself, both personally and in terms of my business. It opened my eyes to areas of starting a business that I would never have thought of without my mentor.

It allowed me to analyse the areas I was struggling with and bounce ideas off my mentor who in turn helped me to design a plan specifically for my business.

What was the best part of the programme?

The best part of the support on offer came as a bolt on to the Go For It Programme.  When I had completed my business plan with my mentor,  I  had the opportunity to continue to receive one to one bespoke advice as part of the Business Start-up Coaching Programme (funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.) This support was focused on improving weaker areas of my business operations.   There is a £200 grant available with the programme which is an added bonus.

How did you finance your business?

I financed my business through personal savings.

Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

In  5 years time I see my business located within a gym, with a sports team and my own vehicle that accommodates a mobile massage studio.  This will allow me to offer my services to people across Northern Ireland and beyond!

Are you motivated by Emma’s start-up story?  Then get in touch!! If you are interested in turning your idea into a reality, just like Emma did, then simply contact us now and a member of our team will be in touch

Our team will work flexibly to suit you.  Meetings can be conducted either virtually or face to face. During the day or in the evening. Its entirely up to you!