Raw Food Angel
Catherine Pope had a successful corporate career, but always felt as though something was missing from her working life. Her job involved working long hours and many stresses and she found herself having to rest at weekends and evenings to recharge her batteries ready for the following week. How familiar does this sound?
Catherine became interested in the raw food ethic after seeing an article in a magazine on Nutritional Healing and Therapy and there she began her research. She started to get serious with making juices and smoothies and soon started to feel energised, healthier and weight started to drop off – effortlessly.
She became very passionate about her new found diet and decided to set up her own business so others could benefit from her experience. Raw Food Angel is an internet based business offering nutritional information, coaching support, e-books written by Catherine herself and diets all specific to raw food. Catherine is also developing raw chocolate truffle to supply to local food outlets and is keen to develop and promote more raw food of her own in the future.
Approaching Success Doncaster for support and advice Catherine was assigned a business advisor specialising in helping new businesses start-up. She was provided with details on start up business workshops delivered through the programme, many of which she has attended including internet marketing and networking clubs. She has also received help in creating her website.
We asked Catherine about the highs and lows of running her own business:
Who / what was your inspiration for starting in business?
Wanting to improve my own health and looking into different natural foods. I gained further inspiration from stories I read on the internet. I occasionally meet up with others interested in the raw food lifestyle; unfortunately it is still not a big thing in the UK. However, there is now a raw food restaurant opened in London and people are becoming more and more interested in the effect food has on our bodies and lifestyle.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
The isolation! My business is internet based and there aren’t a lot of similar businesses in the area. I do find support from other ‘raw foodies’ on the internet but it would be nice to meet up with more people locally.
What do you like most about being your own boss?
The flexibility and making the business fit with my plans. My husband is self employed too so we are able to fit in time for each other more easily.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Carry out lots of research. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. I have great friends and family who support and help me. Also seek help and advice from the professionals. I know I can call on the support and advice from Success Doncaster whenever I need it. Networking and workshops are good too; it helps to know you are not on your own.
Future plans, where do you see yourself and your business this time next year?
I would like to be able to recruit another member of staff, ideally an administrator. I spend a lot of time working on social media, forums and e-zines. An extra pair of hands would allow me to take on more work such as my e-books and expanding my raw food menus.
For further information on Raw Food Angel, please visit www.rawfoodangel.com
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