Baby Butterfly has colourful future
Wednesday 30 January 2008
A single mum from South Tyneside who has been on benefits for three years, has turned her life around with the launch of a successful business for expectant mothers, thanks to South Tyneside Means Business.
After having two children of her own, unemployed mum Emma Clark, from South Shields, decided that apart from Mothercare, there were very few retail outlets that catered for new and expectant mothers.
With the support and funding of South Tyneside Means Business, 31 year old Emma has successfully opened Baby Butterfly, a retail outlet offering a range of baby products including prams, baby shower gifts, bespoke nappy cakes as well as a range of maternity lingerie for pregnant women.
Emma celebrated the opening of the shop, based on Stanhope Road, South Shields, by giving a handmade wrapped ‘nappy cake' full of baby goodies to the first woman who gave birth at South Tyneside General after the official launch of Baby Butterfly on Wednesday 12th December at 1pm.
Owner Emma, from South Shields is delighted: "It's taken a lot of hard work and determination to get where I am today but it's a great feeling seeing it all come together.
"I couldn't have done it without the support and funding I received from South Tyneside Means Business which was there every step of the way to guide me in the right direction and help me draw up a business plan and secure funding - they gave me the confidence to keep going and never lose faith."
Councillor Eddie McAtominey, lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, said on behalf of South Tyneside Means Business: "Emma is a shining example of someone who is not afraid of rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck into hard work and has turned her life around. She has demonstrated how with the right attitude and commitment you can find an array of support and advice to set up your own company and bring your idea to life."
After researching her market and target audience, Emma used her background in computer training and word processing as well as her qualification in business administration to give her the grounding to start up on her own.
As well as support from South Tyneside Means Business, Emma also received help and funding from the local Jobcentre as well as the Princes Trust and InBiz which were able to guide her in the right direction.
Emma says that others thinking about starting a business should go for it: "There is so much support and advice out there, you just need to know where to go and they can give you the help you need in all areas of business. It's also really helped talking to the neighbouring businesses who have been so supportive and kind."
In time, Emma hopes to grow the business and source new baby products to sell, as well as developing the website and eventually increasing the number of staff working at Baby Butterfly.
Councillor McAtominey added: "There has never been a better time to start and grow a business in South Tyneside - we have three Business Matters outlets in South Shields, Hebburn and Jarrow with advisors on hand to help you discuss business ideas every step of the way and point you in the right direction to a wealth of help and support."
Baby Butterfly is one of a number of businesses given support and assistance through the South Tyneside Means Business campaign, part of a £16.2million initiative to encourage businesses to start up, locate and grow within South Tyneside.
Find Baby Butterfly on Stanhope Road in South Shields.
