Amy, 21, from Edinburgh, knew she wanted to have a creative career but could not find a job. Most of the internships on offer were unpaid and, coupled with the difficult economic climate; she struggled to find paid work.
After discovering that she could only find part-time paid work, Amy decided that setting up her own business would be the only way to forge a career path for herself.
Amy had come up with the idea of setting up a furniture redesign business. She wanted to update items of furniture from the 1950s – 1970s but retain a retro twist. In January 2012 Amy approached Youth Business Scotland, part of The Prince’s Trust, for advice on a business plan.
In April this year she received a £1,250 loan, and was assigned a business mentor who is helping her to establish her business, Ziggy Sawdust. The loan helped Amy buy materials, packaging and create business cards.
Although it is still early days for Ziggy Sawdust, Amy is growing her business and has two commissions lined up.
Amy says: I was worried I wouldn’t be taken seriously setting up a business at such a young age, so to have an organisation which has such faith in young people gave me so much confidence. The Prince’s Trust has provided a supportive network of people who are helping me and who believe in my ideas.
She now plans to extend the range of furniture she sells and hopes to be able to offer customers an interior design service in the future.
Visit www.ziggysawdust.co.uk
