My story... Paula Hutchings

We hear about the path taken by inspiring entrepreneurs and business experts, plus the lessons learnt along the way

After studying psychology at university, I was offered a place on a marketing research graduate-trainee scheme in London, but I soon realised that this area can be a bit narrow and it was marketing in general that I found really interesting. As a result I decided to study it through the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Over the years I’ve found the qualification useful but I’ve learnt that it’s practical, hands-on experience that teaches you the most.

My first marketing role was for a small law firm, which wasn’t particularly inspiring, but at the time it was tough to break into the industry. I then moved to Sydney, where I worked for a global cosmetics company, which was much more fun. Over time, I progressed to brand management for a number of international organisations in Australia and the UK – these included Lipton Iced Tea, Heineken, Veet, Diesel fragrance and luxury beauty brands. It was interesting work and while doing it I learnt how to launch, grow and manage successful brands – everything from branding, marketing and PR through to the financial and more operational side of running a business.

Although I loved my job, I took the plunge to leave the corporate world after having my first son in 2009. My company offered me a full-timeor-nothing ‘option’ upon my return – so I chose the latter, set up my own marketing consultancy and have never looked back. It’s the best thing I could ever have done.

To get started, while on maternity leave I took a short course at a local college on how to set up and run a small business. This covered the essentials of legal, marketing, financial and other core business areas. I then concentrated on finding clients – my first one was my hairdresser who had just opened up a salon. Now I work with a range of small businesses and start-ups, from retail brands to people setting up from their kitchen table. The most common challenge my clients face is how to best market their venture on a budget.

I love being able to help budding entrepreneurs find their feet. It is incredible to set up your own venture, but there can be lots of challenges – I know because I have done it myself ! Often the biggest one is finding the confidence to get started. Women in particular seem to lack this, especially after a career break or if embarking on a brand-new venture.

Being able to offer people business support is so rewarding. That’s why I enjoy running marketing workshops and guest-speaking at events such as the Country Living Build-a-business Days because it gives me the opportunity to be involved at the exciting early stages. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to balance running a business with parenthood, and having the flexibility to spend lots of time with my two boys. I hope I am able to help my clients realise their own goals in a similar way – whatever those might be.