I set up a market stall While friends were studying
NOT having a university degree did not stop Charlotte Fantelli achieving her career goals.
Charlotte, 28, from Bournemouth, runs an online magazine and information hub for those struggling with mental health problems, including depression and eating disorders.
Two years ago, after being turned down for funding by her bank, Charlotte pitched her idea to millionaire entrepreneur and investor Simon Dolan via social networking website Twitter.
He liked the concept and invested almost £350,000 to help her get the business off the ground. In return, he took a 50 per cent share. Mentalhealthy.co.uk now has 40,000 users and a turnover of £75,000.
Mental health is an issue close to Charlotte’s heart after seeing her mother struggling with anxiety and agoraphobia. ‘I left school at 14 after a troubled teenage life,’ says Charlotte.
Her husband Gabriele, 36, gave up his job as a chef to look after their four-year-old son Raffaele while Charlotte developed the business. She says: ‘I have always been a grafter and I started my first business as a teenager.
‘While friends were studying I set up a market stall and was getting up at 6am and doing henna tattoos and hair braiding.
‘When I had the idea for the mental health magazine I did not let my lack of formal education put me off. I have educated myself in the areas where I have needed to succeed.
‘Simon was incredibly supportive and I haven’t once suffered in the workplace from not having a degree. I think it is more about personality and hard work in business – and, of course, having a good idea.’
Dolan, 42, has helped many other young businessmen and women, but says he invests, as he did with Charlotte, only where he can see real business potential and a chance to make money.
He says many young people are entrepreneurial or are already running businesses without even realising it – for example, selling items on eBay.
‘There is a lot of creativity and passion out there,’ he says. ‘Young people don’t necessarily have to follow the academic route. It’s a shame there aren’t more inspiring role models out there.
‘When I was younger I looked up to Richard Branson. It is good to see young people like Charlotte with the drive to succeed.’