Entrepreneurs graduate from Ipswich course

Cherished Bears, Jessica Holligan who lives near Diss, makes bespoke `memory bears' for clients across Suffolk and Norfolk - helping keep memories alive. (Image: Archant)

The latest group of entrepreneurs to graduate from the Eastern Enterprise Hub, at Ipswich Waterfront, have a wide range of new business ideas.

As they raised the glass of non-alcoholic sparkling juice to celebrate, this tight-knit group of graduates now move out into the wider business world.

They do so with the business training they have received, ranging from knowledge of finances and marketing to the law.

More importantly, as individual business people, they gained knowledge and strength from working as a group,

Vimmy Hayes, from Ipswich, who has a personal coaching business, said the business world could be lonely for individuals starting-out.

“There are a lot of very creative people here.

“We have all clicked, and gelled. We have learned a lot from each other.”

Personal coaching was important for people, to help them know and develop their strengths and progress in companies.

“Coaching can help. There is a lot of change in business, and some people aren’t up for it. I can helpe people to face those challenges.”

It is an opportunity for people to turn hobbies into new businesses.

Jessica Holligan, who lives near Diss, has developed Cherished Bear - bespoke, hand-made bears, often given as gifts.

“I create lovely bears from people’s pre-used clothing. This one is for seven year-old Adam, and made from his pajamas. It is going to Germany.

“I am a teacher and I have always been creative and loved sewing. I can make something from clothes, or an old pair of jeans.

“People give me their clothes and we have a chat about the memory and the person passing, and what they want for the bear.

“My oldest customer was an 80-year-old lady who had never had a bear of her own.”

Also on the animal theme Domenica Yannaghas is an animal portrait artist, and she is also selling a range of canine greeting cards which have been individually drawn by her daughter Ophelia,17 years-old, who is a pupil at Culford School.

For some of the dozen graduates it is about a new start in life and work.

Reflexologist Judith Sutton, from Ipswich, is launching her new business, at the age of 57.

“This is a new start for me,” she explained. “I was a carer for my husband, Dean, for 20 years and he encouraged me.

“It (reflexology), helped him so much I decided to train in it. It can do so much good for people.

“He died in April last year, and I joined the course here eight weeks after. It was tough.

“I like to think this is a memorial to him, basically.”

Several other graduates are developing businesses in the arts and craft areas.

Artist and printmaker Helen Armstrong Bland, who lives near Saxmundham, wants to develop an art hub, for classes at courses with visiting artists and has already installed a 40ft classroom at her home. Courses and events are being planned throughout the year, she said.

While Heather Carroll, from Rendlesham, is involved in the Woodbridge Creative Art project, which has regular events at the Shire Hall.

The line-up of graduates are:

Jessica Holligan - Cherished Bear, Dominica Yannaghas - animal artist, Yvonne Coolbear - Coolbear Training, Heather Carroll - Creative Heather, Helen Armstrong Bland - art and printmaking, Judith Sutton - mobile reflexologist, Vicky Brett - Hey There Stickers, Vimmy Hayes - personal coaching, Rachel Marten-Brown - RMB Textiles.

Unable to be present were Joe Louis, Georgina Hanser and Jenny Taylor-Jones.

For more information about the Eastern Enterprise Hub go to: www.eehub.co.uk