Meet some Start-Up Loan recipients, who have all made a fresh start with a loan and mentorship through the Start-Up Loans Scheme.
TJ Bouchada, Moody Cow Nails
After redundancy from her marketing role during the COVID pandemic, TJ Bouchada launched Moody Cow Nails.
“The redundancy was a bit of a blow, but I felt ready,” she says.
TJ focused on delivering quality work and top-notch customer service to stand out.
Initially, TJ worked to the point of burnout before realising balance was key.
“I thought working seven days a week was the way to do it – but I wasn’t paying attention to myself.”
Enjoying hobbies and self-care fuelled her creativity, while initiatives such as partnering with a local chiropodist have helped to boost her start-up’s success.
Looking back on her first year, TJ advises using quieter periods to upskill.
There will be quieter periods as a small business fluctuates, so take advantage of that time to learn more
- Founder: TJ Bouchada
- Location: South East
Cally James, Hippy Hut Pottery
After careers as a chef, a cake decorator, and a teacher, Cally James embraced a fresh start with Hippy Hut Pottery.
She turned her passion for ceramics into a full-time venture, launching Hippy Hut Pottery, a ceramics business that offers classes and commissions using a £14,000 Start Up Loan.
Cally used the money to buy a new kiln and additional equipment.
Hippy Hut Pottery now offers workshops in Bury St Edmunds and corporate events across the UK. Reflecting on her journey, Cally says, “take the leap and you could be celebrating your own business establishment sooner than you think.”
- Founder: Cally Jones
- Location: Suffolk
Leon Stapleton, We Make Footballers Cardiff
After leaving his teaching job of ten years, Leon Stapleton saw the perfect opportunity for a fresh start by launching We Make Footballers in Cardiff.
A lifelong football enthusiast, Leon launched the first franchise in Wales with a £15,000 Start-up Loan.
“There’s nothing else quite like it in Cardiff,” he says proudly.
The academy, for children aged 4-12, offers something unique to the local community.
“There’s a real joy that comes from playing football with other people,” adds Leon.
The fact that I get to experience all this as a business owner is a dream come true.
- Founder: Leon Stapleton
- Location: Wales
Antonia–Michelle Lever, Minnie Me’s
Having worked as a hair stylist for seven years, Antonia was inspired by her own mental health difficulties to start a salon specially designed for neurodivergent clients, called Minnie Me’s.
Antonia-Michelle made use of a £6,000 loan through the Start Up Loans to create Minnie Me’s, which is backed by charities including MIND and the National Autistic Society.
“I wanted the freedom to work for myself rather than other people,”
Antonia-Michelle says, “and saw a window of opportunity because no one else was offering what I do, catering for people with neurological conditions such as ADHD, Autism or OCD.”
- Founder: Antonia–Michelle Lever
- Location: South West
Disclaimer: The Start -Up Loans Company makes reasonable efforts to keep the content of this article up to date, but we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind, including legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always seek professional or specialist advice or support before doing anything on the basis of the content of this article.
The Start-Up Loans Company is not liable for any loss or damage (foreseeable or not) that may come from relying on this article, whether as a result of our negligence, breach of contract or otherwise. “Loss” includes (but is not limited to) any direct, indirect or consequential loss, loss of income, revenue, benefits, profits, opportunity, anticipated savings, or data. We do not exclude liability for any liability which cannot be excluded or limited under English law. Reference to any person, organisation, business, or event does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from The Start-Up Loans Company, its parent company British Business Bank plc, or the UK Government.
Sign up for our newsletter
Just add your details to receive updates and news from the British Business Bank
Sign up to our newsletter