WORKING MY ANIMAL MAGIC
DETERMINED to be her own boss and work with animals, despite being only 23 and the small matter of a pandemic, Ellie Taylor from Sandwell in the West Midlands is living the dream. With the support of The Prince’s Trust she has launched her own petting farm.
What do you do?
Blossoms mobile petting farm is all about taking my menagerie (guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, turtles, a lizard and a snake) to care homes, children’s parties, school workshops and holiday clubs for kids.
The children are able to pet and learn more about each animal. Their reactions towards my animals is so very special and reminds me why I felt the need to set up my own business in the first place.
Why did you decide to do this?
I knew I wanted to work with animals when I was about 10. I was at my nan’s one day and there was a vet programme on TV. I immediately got my notepad out and started writing down technical terms, like how the back legs of dogs are called hind legs.
I also knew instinctively how animals are wonderful at offering comfort. When my grandad died I became ill. Roary my pet rabbit was absolutely amazing. I love the fact that animals can’t even speak to you, so there’s no judgment from them – they’re so innocent, calming and comforting.
When you’re in a bad place mentally, you don’t always want to talk to somebody.
How did you set up the business?
I had a bit of a break from work and got myself together. It was then I had the idea for my business. I looked online about young people starting up on their own and found The Prince’s Trust Enterprise scheme. From the minute I called The Trust, they were really helpful, and they got me on an Enterprise course in a matter of weeks. I was assigned a mentor who helped me so much.
Honestly, she was fantastic in all the aspects you need, like finances and branding. When I was dealing with challenges, even outside of work, she really pointed me in the right direction and gave me the necessary support. I still talk to her now and then. I also got financial support from the Trust in the shape of a £3,000 loan.
How did you pursue your dreams?
When I did my GCSEs, I did poorly despite being predicted As and Bs. I didn’t enjoy school, it was a horrible time when I had a lot going on with my life, and I ended up going to three different secondary schools. I was also battling an eating disorder.
By the time I went to college I was doing better and settled a bit more, although I still had personal challenges.
I studied animal nursing assistance and animal care. I got to work at various vets and loved it.
What has been your main challenge?
Housing my animals has been tricky. Most of my family are nowhere near as mad keen on them as I am but thankfully my sister Rachael loves them as much as I do. In fact, most of them are at her house because the special shed I have is 16ft long so only fits in her garden. I visit them twice a day though. Rachael has been such a support – she even gets stuck in to help me out with the parties.
What have been the highlights of the past year?
Although things were difficult setting up at the start of the pandemic when I first shared my animals with young children, I knew without doubt that it was what I wanted to do. Last month I also got to meet Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as part of a Prince’s Trust event. I never dreamed that I would be having tea with royalty.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope one day to get some land of my own and set up a full educational petting farm where people can have special one-to-one encounters with the animals.
And, it goes without saying, want more animals too.