Marjory Davidson of Rosettes Direct talks about her change of career.
How and why did you start in business?
Last summer I found myself facing redundancy after almost 40 years involved in farming.
I had worked along with my husband, breeding pedigree cattle. I suddenly had to find another job or means of income.
I contacted business support group GrowBiz to find out about starting a small business and attended some very interesting workshops and meetings in the search for the next step.
How did you get where you are today?
A chance conversation with a fellow cattle breeder led to him telling me the owner of Direct Rosettes, who make show rosettes, was hoping to retire He suggested it might be something I would be interested in.
Having shown livestock for a long time and enjoyed winning, I had an immediate interest and contacted the owner.
I went to the workshop and tried my hand to see if I was any good at the intricacies of the craft.
I realised I knew a lot of the agricultural clients – although rosettes are made for many occasions other than farming – and then made an offer.
Who has helped you along the way?
GrowBiz has been an amazing help, right from when I was made redundant and contacted them about starting a small business.
Once the opportunity came to buy Direct Rosettes, my GrowBiz facilitator even came to visit the accountant to check out the books. I have also been very fortunate that the previous owner is sticking around to mentor me.
Your biggest mistake?
It’s early days, but so far it has been completing an order of beautiful rosettes to celebrate a birth then realising that I had printed 2108 instead of 2018 on them!
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Making all the rosettes for the Stirling Bull Sales.
Having spent the last 20 years aiming to win them, I know how much some of them are coveted.
Hopes for the future?
I hope to be able to grow the business, and put something back into the
local community by means of sponsorship.
Do you want to recruit in the future?
I would like to think that in growing the business I will be able to add to the workforce.
What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
Making decisions on your own!
Advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Go for it. Make the most of any local enterprise groups. They have a wealth of talented people waiting to help.
How do you relax?
I relax by walking our dog.
I also enjoy supporting our daughter and her boyfriend who, having purchased two cows and two heifers from the herd of Angus cattle we worked with, now run the Barnsview herd as a hobby, and they enjoy showing them.
