Remade Wigan
How did you first come into contact with Flourish?
I can’t remember how I first saw the Flourish advert – it was somewhere on social media. I put my expression of interest in, and I was scared I would be rejected! I just wanted guidance to start something – and I thought that Flourish could give me a head start. I’d started my project – Remade Wigan – a social enterprise – an upcycling workshop for women going through a tough time – increase confidence, support wellbeing. It’s run by myself and volunteers – with this aim to develop paid employment. I needed some support in thinking things through.
How has Flourish helped you?
It has helped me form the idea, from being a casual thought to being a partly formed business idea! We have formed as a Community Interest Company and have a track record good enough to get some funding to get started. I feel like I’ve grown in confidence since being a part of the programme – a lot of it is how accessible the learning is. Things I’ve found challenging and been able to overcome this with the one to one and groups support. It has really helped me having that backup.
Where has your journey taken you? Tell us about the highs and lows of the experience?
Because of what I’ve done on the Time to Grow programme, I was able to incorporate the project. By incorporating the project, I then joined the Small Charities Foundation. I was then able to put in a funding application in to the Fore Foundation who interviewed me early on to see if they wanted to fund my idea. That would have normally scared me, but because I put the work in beforehand and received help from Flourish, I was very confident on the phone! The funder was very enthusiastic and they gave me the funding!
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
I’ve delivered an upcycling resource pack for people living in temporary accommodation. It was was backed by the National Lottery which is a competitive process. The people we supported had nothing else and were very grateful. Having such a positive response showed we were making a genuine real world difference. Plus ReMade moved into our own premises in the last year which has made a huge difference and will mean we have space and facilities to support more people and upcycle more products.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
We did a journaling session in the Time to Grow programme which was really helpful. Plus we did a visualization exercise and I keep going back to that when I get unmotivated. It’s a slow process to get funding for a project or venture, so it is important to keep myself on track – I keep reminding myself this is the right path and what I want to do in the future.
Any tips to share to other people looking to start their own projects?
I think don’t be frightened about numbers. I was nervous about finances and money, that had always put me off any idea of business. But that is one tiny part of it. If you could get other people to do that for you, that shouldn’t stop you! Having the passion and the values and the conviction of your idea! It’s your idea that’s important. Also have patience.
What elements of the Time to Grow programme have been of particular use?
We did a bit on the Social Business Canvas – I never thought about the difference between a customer and a beneficiary. It made me think differently about stakeholders and who to charge for what as well as the different messages you have to have for the different audiences. It helped me become more professional sounding.
What hopes do you have for using your skills to benefit the people of Wigan?
I think growing the movement and a women’s support network is really beneficial. I’m working mainly in Wigan at the moment but connecting to a wider group and am looking forward to joining the ELLII programme to further my leadership, enterprise and influencing skills. In terms of the Social Enterprise sector, Wigan seems strong in the area – although I feel like a small fry compared to other social enterprises, I know the support is out there and where to find it for example through the programme I made links with Dave Baxter at Made in Wigan and the local Social Enterprise Place lead which has been useful
Is there anything you are doing differently as a result of being on the course?
I am seeing myself differently and treating myself as a business woman. I was previously not doing this. I feel validated by Flourish and other people who I’ve met on the course. It’s been a massive confidence boost and helping make my social enterprise goals possible.
To find out more about ReMade Wigan see their Website or have a look at their FaceBook page.
