What do you currently do?
I am the Chief Monster at Skribbies. Skribbies is a kids footwear brand that I launched last year, after 18 months of design and research. Skribbies are comfy trainers for children that have been developed with a special material (like a whiteboard) and magic pens that allow children to create their own style, everyday from new. Every pair of Skribbies comes with a pack of six pens, monster stickers and a wristband. Children use the pens and stickers to customise their shoes and the wristband to wipe off drawings.
What is your inspiration in the business?
I am most inspired when I am with like-minded entrepreneurs. I learn so much from the people around me and I have a group of very close entrepreneurial pals who have been an instrumental part of the journey so far.
Who do you admire?
Lots of different people for different reasons. I come from a medical family and I admire my parents for the job they do saving lives and the hard working role models they are to me and my siblings. I admire entrepreneurs who risk it all to follow a belief or passion especially those who stick out some incredibly tough times where most of us would give up. I admire those that give back to their community despite having very little resources like Tandrali Kuli who manages adoptions of street dogs at a charity called Friendicoes in Delhi, India – she is an angel on earth.
Looking back are there things you would do differently?
Totally but that is what being an entrepreneur is all about. Learning from your mistakes, not dwelling on them and moving onwards and upwards.
What defines your way of doing business?
Passion. We are really passionate about creativity and making kids smile. This drives all the decisions we make the products we develop.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Get a good mentor, launch a minimum viable product as soon as you can to test your idea/concept and don’t be overwhelmed – take each day at a time and you will get there! Also look into the local support available. We have benefited from lots of support in Lancashire.
