Success stories
Read the stories of people who have started a business through Outset.
Emily Cockle
“The free mentoring and training support was key to me as a new start-up. I thought it beneficial to begin building contacts with other women who, although not within the same industry as me, are facing similar challenges and dilemmas.”
Vanessa Miles
“It’s difficult to put a monetary price on something that you have a great emotional attachment to, but AWE helped me to work through these doubts and be braver!”
Siobainn Chaplin
“One of the best parts of the AWE programme was connecting with other women on the same journey,”
Sarah Nuttall-Worsley – Invigorate Nutrition Club
When the COVID-19 pandemic meant that she was put on furlough from her part-time job fundraising for a local charity, Sarah Nuttall-Worsley looked to her personal interest in health, fitness and nutrition as the inspiration for a new business.
“The AWE programme helped me to set up my new business step by step – it was really helpful”
Continue reading > Sarah Nuttall-Worsley – Invigorate Nutrition Club
Elisa Riutta – South Coast Mindfulness
Elisa used to work for a global company as a business consultant but whilst on maternity leave, she decided to do something more meaningful.
“AWE helped me to feel in control and it was uplifting to share my experience with other female entrepreneurs and know that they faced many of the same challenges.”
Haidee Dampney – Yoga with Haidee & The Tree Project CIC
A background working with vulnerable families helped Haidee Dampney to set up a business helping people to improve their wellbeing.
“The AWE team helped me with my confidence in making decision, before which I was questioning whether to continue with the businesses,” said Haidee.
Continue reading > Haidee Dampney – Yoga with Haidee & The Tree Project CIC
Kimberley Chandler – Cinnamon Yoga
An ambition to spread her love of yoga and sharing its benefits with others was the inspiration for Cinnamon Yoga, set up by Kimberley Chandler in 2019.
“The AWE programme sounded like exactly what I needed, a non-judgemental environment that was as much creative as academic, where it was okay to not know what I was doing,”
Sophie Dialkova – The Palm Tree Yoga
Originally from Hungary, Sophie spent half her childhood in Austria, which meant that she spoke fluent German. Her aptitude for languages led her to study Translation Studies and she became a language teacher, working in a range of places, including the Middle East. However, a passion for yoga and wellbeing inspired Sophie to set up a new business when she found herself living in Devon, not knowing anyone and unemployed.
Chris Heirani – The Creative Den
Before starting his Outset journey, Chris was working part-time in a pizza takeaway as well as studying for a degree in web design.On completion of his degree, he knew the job market was bleak. However, after hearing about Outset through a friend, he was motivated to take matters into his own hands.
Alison Gardner – Poppys Vintage Tearooms
Living and working in the same area for a long period can be a great advantage when exploring the possibility of starting a new business. Without much effort, the people who attend our workshops are able to draw on their knowledge of local services, shops and leisure facilities available. It only takes a bit more research to identify the potential gaps in the market.
Stu Williams – Redruth Community Radio
Stu Williams lost his sight when an operation left him unexpectedly visually impaired. Outset Cornwall helped him to launch a community radio station, creating new employment opportunities and improving community integration.