Explore a young entrepreneur’s journey and experiences with Ellie, the Special Guest attending our January Youth Voice Forum.
Ellie Taylor, a young entrepreneur who has been supported by The Prince’s Trust, shared her journey to becoming a small business owner during the January Youth Voice Forum meeting regarding Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship.
In her Q&A, Ellie explores her decision to start her own business, the steps she took to set it up, and the barriers that she faced.
A little bit about Ellie and her business
“I started my journey about 2 years ago with The Prince’s Trust. I did one of their enterprise courses which pointed me in the direction of where I needed to go. I had an idea, but I didn’t know how to start. It’s not something you learn about at school, so it wasn’t easy.
The Prince’s Trust gave me all the right tools, made me feel more confident and I met a lot of great people along the way. Due to this experience I now have a mobile petting farm with about 16 different animals. I go to children’s parties, schools, and care homes, and I run activity clubs in the holidays. I also work with more vulnerable people and do animal therapy sessions.”
What led you to start your own business?
“I have always wanted to work with animals and have worked in veterinary practices, but I wanted to do something a bit different. In my experience, I have always heard of ‘the animal man’ but not ‘the animal woman’. I thought if they can do it, why can’t I?
The difference with my business is that I always wanted to do animal assisted therapy which these ‘animal men’ don’t include. I think it’s very important to be able to reach a wide range of people instead of just a few.”
What was your experience with The Prince’s Trust?
“Every step of the way, The Prince’s Trust have been amazing. I’ve had two brilliant mentors who have helped me with any questions I have had or if I have struggled with something. They have pushed me forward and their support is always there. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done, and The Prince’s Trust would be a major step forward for anyone else who wants to start a business.”
What are the steps you took with the Prince’s Trust to set up your business?
“Getting involved with the Prince’s Trust was so straightforward. It was around January of 2020 when I rang the number I found on Google and a lovely lady answered the phone. She recommended a course that was coming up in 2 weeks’ time. The course was about 3 days long and it included everything like putting your ideas into action, creating a business plan, learning about taxes, different types of businesses etc. They broke it down so it was simple and it was a major help.
After I did my course I got assigned to a lovely mentor who felt like a friend to me. She guided me all the way while I created a business plan, and assisted me without getting funding so I was able to trial it. The trial went well so I was able to secure a business loan with the help of The Prince’s Trust.
I put my ideas into reality once I secured the loan and two years later, despite the pandemic, my business is still alive and well. I’m still receiving such great support.”
What was it like starting your own business during the pandemic?
“It was a bit difficult at times as there were a number of difficulties that I faced but the pandemic wasn’t really the hardest struggle.
My original business idea was to have a mobile petting farm where people can visit to get involved with activities and therapy. Everything was going well and I had secured some land and I had animals like sheep and alpacas. However, when the Black Lives Matter protests happened, the landowner said ‘I don’t want you on my land. I don’t want any repercussions from your kind of people’.
I was in disbelief but I think it worked out in the long run because I don’t want to work on the land of someone who is like that, and it made me realise the strength that I didn’t have.
At the time I was distraught and I didn’t know what to do. I had worked so hard on the business idea and project and then everything changed. The Prince’s Trust were brilliant; they reassured me that I would be able to get there in the end, we changed the plan and I’m more than happy.”
Start your business with inner strength and outside support
“When you start a business you can tell yourself that things may not always go to plan but when it actually happens it can be quite frightening. But it’s about having that strength and not giving up. If you are ever stuck there are people that can support you when you need it. It’s also about believing in yourself and knowing that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
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