In at the deep end

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

BEAUTY therapist Fiona Johnson was looking for a challenge, and she certainly found one. She has started her own business and is about to open a salon and photographic studio, as well as looking after her ten-month-old son, Lucas.

Fiona, 28, says: 'I had worked in a salon for seven years and wanted to improve myself. I wanted to become self-employed and rent a space in the salon, but my boss wasn't keen on the idea and she terminated my contract.

'I never thought I had the guts to set up on my own but I had no choice. It has been easier than I thought as there are so many advisers and people willing to help you set up.'

Fiona works from home as a beauty therapist but teams up with her husband Steve, 29, to provide professional make-up and photography services. They are opening a studio called Ultimate Image near their home in Belton, north Lincolnshire.

'The best decision we made was to work for ourselves,' says Fiona. 'Though it's more work, the freedom it provides makes up for it. I'm becoming good at juggling everything.'

Fiona is the perfect candidate for the Everywoman Awards, run by www.everywoman.co.uk, the website for women in business, in association with Financial Mail. The awards aim to recognise not just women's business, but also their lifestyle achievements. Maxine Benson, the co-founder of Everywoman, says: 'Women are not good at stepping into the limelight. They always think about the reasons why they wouldn't qualify for an award or win something rather than the reasons why they would.

'If you know someone building a good business who inspires you, nominate them as they are unlikely to do it.' The awards are split into four categories by age, all named after Greek goddesses. Fiona will enter for the Demeter Award, named after the goddess of the harvest, for women aged 22 to 35.

Claire Martin of Natwest Business Banking, sponsor of the awards, says: 'A lot of female business start-ups are by women in their twenties and early thirties.'

There are several explanations. 'Many take advantage of the flexibility for raising a young family, while others leave more traditional career paths to pursue entrepreneurial dreams,' says Martin.

The awards are open to all women, whether they work as sole traders, run a limited company on their own or as a partnership, or work parttime. Entries must be submitted by October 15, 2003. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in December.

Lisa Buckingham, Financial Mail editor and member of the judging panel, says: 'Many more young women today are looking at their options and despite the difficulties of juggling work and families, they realise that they can be their own boss.

'Financial Mail is delighted to be part of a scheme that celebrates their success.'

• For more information on the awards or a nomination form, visit www.everywoman.co.uk or phone 0870 746 1800.

Most watched Money videos