Business blossoms with help from BIC

Entrepreneurs are being supported in turning their hobbies into successful businesses.

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) is helping those who have discovered their un-tapped talents during lockdown.

Former charity executive Louise Black approached the BIC to see how they could help her launch her bespoke handmade gifts and keepsakes business – Cherry Blossom Boutique.

Louise said: “I’ve always wanted to have my own business doing what I love, designing and making things and generally being creative and utilising my skills.

“I knew whatever I did I had to be able to fit it in around looking after my two-year-old daughter.”

Through BIC start-up-adviser Ron Anderson, Louise was able to create a business plan and received advice on marketing her business.

Louise said: “Ron helped focus my ideas and lead me through step by step to create a plan that was both robust and dynamic.”

She managed to visit two markets with her handmade goods before lockdown, turning her focus to setting up an online shop on Etsy using social media.

Louise said: “I began to make facemasks as they were in high demand and decided to roll them out on social media, offering quality fabrics and giving people the ability to choose their own colours and prints.

“I’ve soldiered on, adapted, listened and learnt and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I will continue to roll with the punches and build on my ideas with the support of Ron and the team at the BIC.”

Follow Louise’s business on Instagram at @cherryblossomboutiquene