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Laura is just passionate about design

Laura’s story is as raw as it is heart-warming and inspirational. How did she get into design? She jokes that her initiation happened at age 1 when she ripped the flowery wallpaper from the walls around her cot in protest to the new decoration! She decorated her own room at age 7, and as a youngster began an almost obsessive career of visiting trade shows, and storing samples in huge filing cabinets, building relationships with suppliers, without knowing why. Friends used to ask her advice when they were making design choices. Yet instead of following her passion, she embarked on a ‘sensible’ University education in languages, and then a post-graduate course in computer programming.

She took a wide variety of jobs including a trainee arts administrator, and computer programming off-shore. This period was characherised by extremely hard work, lots of learning, quick promotions, dead ends and frustration. She found herself mastering jobs that were less than easy or satisfying, but have shaped who she is now.

The crunch came when she noticed a colleague marking off the days on the calendar until he retired, nine years away. Something about that incident made her question her own beliefs about the possibility of being passionate and happy at work. She decided to follow her heart, and completed an interior design course, winning the ‘Student of the Year Award’ from Grand Designs. Following this she worked hard, saved for 6 months, and took time out to determine her new direction. Fortunately for Laura, her friends could her see her skills and potential more clearly than she could, and they gave her more than a little nudge to develop her own design consultancy. It took a while before she saw herself as the entrepreneur that she now is.

Her business plan was like a version of ‘War and Peace’, and she began thoroughly researching the ins and outs of setting up in business. She secured grants from Furness Enterprise, and the rest is history.

Now, her 3 storey design studio boasts an array of continental and local bespoke and designer homeware, art, giftware, jewellery, eco-paint, room sets and a design experience to die for!

Like a breath of fresh air in Ulverston, Laura offers a bespoke service, taking time with each customer to ensure that she matches their needs, desires and budget perfectly. It is no surprise that she has never had anything returned by a customer.

Her secrets?

“I learn from my mistakes, and don’t let the situation get me down.

I am thankful for every tiny positive thing that happens.

I know that I can survive anything.

I keep planning and keep reviewing and keep setting and achieving goals.

More recently, I have been learning to keep my perfectionism in check, and keep a more balanced perspective. Learning in business is not just about the factual things, but about learning about my self.”

And it has to be said that Derek, her partner, has been a very important part of the business, balancing her drive to succeed with his gentle and supportive presence. Behind every great woman and all that!

Advice to young entrepreneurs?

“Don’t rush, think long and hard about your idea.

Do lots of market research about customers, and location. Having skills in your trade or great products does not automatically guarantee a successful business.

Keep learning.

And…take the advice that I was given when I started:

• Never make assumptions about potential customers
• Be incredibly careful about what is on display, it is a direct reflection
• Build trust with the customers

And finally, do what you are passionate about.”

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Posted by Kay Hebbourn on 31st August.