Case study: Tina Care-Willoughby
Always passoinate about art, Tina got help from Outset Cornwall to develop her business idea to start her own business and start selling her own art work.
Ill health took its final toll on Tina in 1997 when she was forced to give up work and take care of herself. Having worked in several sectors throughout her life, she had plenty of experience within offices, bars and catering establishments, but no longer had the physical capacity on a regular basis to maintain a 9 – 5 job.
Having always been passionate about art, she started toying with the idea of selling her work and starting her own business, but her confidence levels had taken a tumble and she felt unprepared to start up on her own.
“After so long out of work, my confidence was very low and I was unsure that starting a business was right for me. I’d describe myself as one of life’s fighters. I always try very hard to overcome difficulties and I think that has made me a very resourceful person. After everything, working from home as an artist seemed like something I could do!”
Tina started on the Outset Cornwall programme after being referred by RIO (Real Ideas Organisation). She worked with the Truro group each week and found what she was looking for!
“The programme was very friendly and informal which instantly put me at ease. For me, attending the course gave me the chance to learn with a wide variety of people who all worked well together, giving me the feeling of support and being part of a group.”
Tina continues, “Outset Cornwall helped with my confidence so much. By mixing with a group and gaining new knowledge, I now consider myself a business woman!”
Tina’s work covers both sculpture and painting which she prides herself on being ‘affordable original art’: “As an emerging artist, I like to think that I am offering something new and interesting to my audience!”
Tina hopes to get her work into several local galleries and start earning an income from her new venture very soon.
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Developing Our People
People are at the core of economic regeneration - it is vital that people are helped to realise their full potential.
The investments in the developing our people theme help give people the right support, in the right place, at the right time -- to help them into training and work; and for those already in work, vocational skills fit for the future. Better skills help meet the needs of businesses now and in the future.
