Squigglers
Hayley Ramm is the owner of Squigglers which is a children's painting fun club for parents and children. The club is aimed at children aged 2 and upwards and offers 45 minute sessions full of paint and fun for both parent and child.
When did you start up?
Squigglers launched on Monday 25th October 2010.
How many people do you employ?
I am a sole trader so no employees currently.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I really wanted to organise my time better in preparation for our Daughter starting school in September. Starting my own business has given me more flexibility with my hours of work so that I can be there for school runs and more family time.
I have also watched my Husband succeed in self-employment over the last 9 years and just knew I wanted to be as passionate about business as he is.
Best points about owning a business?
Being in control of your own destiny, through the right and wrong choices! Making new and exciting decisions every day and being able to make changes quickly, having a 'job' that I am passionate about.
Where do you see yourself in two years time?
The aim initially is to really get the brand established and known for its fun painting club but also its quality and care. I will concentrate on building up relationships with schools, nurseries, children's centres and parents within the area to roll out the painting club, painting parties and face painting activities. I would love to see Squigglers across South Tyneside and into Tyne & Wear, with the aim of employing staff.
A highlight from your experiences?
The 7 days before Squigglers launch when I collected my car when it had just been 'painted', had the Squigglers flyers delivered and appeared in the local newspaper with my Daughter Grace and as a consequence was recognized on the school run the next day!
If you had one piece of advice for people starting a business what would it be?
Go for it! I have had great help & support from my Husband and superb encouragement from my dearest friends. I have also had to learn to ask for 'help' which is a little out of character for me but it was essential so that I could get guidance from Tedco, Business Link and South Tyneside Council to pull together a business plan, cash flow forecast and funding applications which have undoubtedly helped me to get started.
What is the best thing about doing businesses in South Tyneside?
Everybody really wants to help! The other small businesses I have met along the way, really want to see other new businesses do well and they have offered great tips of the trade, words of wisdom and contacts to help get my business started.
How did you finance your business when you started out?
My Husband and I have saved up some money over the last few months whilst we have been planning for this big move in my career. I have also been supported by funding received from South Tyneside Means Business and Business Link.
What was the hardest thing about securing finance?
The time it takes to either save / go through the funding process which can seem to take a little while, when all you really want to do is get going with the business. But it's been absolutely worth it as I have gained funding towards my lap top, e-commerce web site, uniform, art easels and car wrap for example.
What support have you received for your business in South Tyneside?
Not just funding but also business / self-employment advice from Richard Fishwick at South Tyneside Council, Carole Whitle of Tedco and Christine Elliott of Business Link.
Did you have any training or learn new skills before you set up your business?
I attended courses with the HMRC so that I understood the basic rules for becoming self-employed. I have also recently completed a First Aid training course and am currently enrolling on an NVQ level 3 in Childcare Development.
