Linda Byers, 25, from Perth, set up Byers & Co last year, selling her own hand-made contemporary jewellery. She talks to Courier Business.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I decided towards the end of 2013 that I wanted to start up in business selling my own jewellery.
I had studied jewellery and design at Cardonald College and had experience at London Jewellery Week, and I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in.
I was visiting my parents in Perth and, by chance, passed the empty shop in George Street and saw the ‘for sale’ sign.
I called that same day and got a lease agreed over the next few months.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A As well as my course I have experience making jewellery in Germany.
Although I got a non-design job in between, I continued to make pieces at home and sourcing gems from around the world.
It was always my goal to have my own business, and when the opportunity in Perth arose it was great timing and a perfect location.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A My boyfriend, family and friends have all been really encouraging and have helped me with getting the shop ready, from painting, to buying their Christmas presents from me, to giving me technical advice.
Business Gateway have always been there to help me. I’ve attended free workshops, received advice from my business adviser Andrew Webster, and they even put me in touch with further contacts.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A I’m sure I’ve made hundreds of small mistakes along the way, but there have been no big disasters.
I have learned a lot of things, and possibly the biggest is that I can’t make jewellery for everyone. I need to be realistic in what I do, while continuing to keep my customers happy.
Q What is your greatest achievement?
A Opening the shop.
When I got the keys the unit had been empty for a while and needed a lot of work. For more than a month we were in every day getting it ready and getting joiners in to help. The floor needed raised by six inches, new walls had to be erected, stripped and replastered, and the whole place had to be painted so there was a lot to be done.
Opening the doors was a wonderful feeling.
Q What do you want to achieve?
A My main aim is to start doing web sales.
I would like to start offering this service this year, which would give the business a boost and expand the customer base.
I would also like to open a second shop and workshop in a different location.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A Absolutely.
I have a jewellery and design student who comes in every so often to help me, which is great, but in the future I will need to look at employing someone.
Although I love talking to customers and being out front I may need to spend more time in the workshop, so it would be great to have someone who can manage and look after the customers for me, and if needed I’m still close by.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A It can be lonely and it can be a long day when it’s just me, so I do miss talking to colleagues at times.
Also it’s hard to switch off from work, and I was even reluctant to go on holiday and leave the shop.
Now I realise a work-life balance is important.
But the positives outweigh the negatives, as I love being my own boss and getting to know customers.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Go for it. There is no point worrying about it for months, agonising over it.
I know it’s a gamble but if you want to do it, I would say just try it.
Make sure you seek advice from Business Gateway also. They will tell you straight away if your idea is a viable one, and will be there every step of the way to help you through it.