Erin's Jewellery
Starting a Business
As the job's market was so poor, Erin decided to start selling her jewellery as an alternative income to employment. She had always dreamt of developing her own business, and in February 2011, she took the plunge and opened her online shop, which sells her contemporary pieces and fashion jewellery.
To set up the business, Erin recieved support from The Centre for Business as part of it's Taste of Enterprise programme. Taste of Enterprise allows budding entrepreneurs to produce products and services that they can "test trade" in the safe and supportive environment of it's two "Enterprising Art & Business" shops in Ebbw Vale and Merthyr Tydfil. All the sales eash test trader makes are then given back to them to live from the profit or invest back into the business.
Through the programme, Erin recieved support to develop a business plan, learned how to do cash forcasting and was assisted with the transition stage from benefits to business. She also received support to claim self employment credit for 12 weeks while the business developed.
Now she plans to focus on establishing Erin's Jewellery and enhancing its reputation as a go-to for original but affordable pieces of jewellery. Erin said "it was a nerve-wracking step to break out on my own but with the help I've recieved from the Centre for Business I know it was the right decision. I've learnt so much about running a business and I'm so proud of what I've achieved so far and I'm very grateful for all the help and support that I've had."
"I really do think that, with the right support and guidance, it's possible for anyone with a good idea to start a business and get out of the benefit trap and get into financial and social independance".