Earlier this year Jane Adams, from Farnell near Brechin, launched Author, an online interior design gallery, which curates and sells the best of British designed furniture and accessories.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A During my interior design work with private clients I saw people struggle with pulling rooms together and in deciding which pieces they should invest in. I’m a big believer in buying quality pieces of furniture that will last a lifetime and I wanted to create a place that showcased the very best in design from the around the country, that wasn’t available in the High Street.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A My family were always involved in upgrading and renovating houses so from a young age I was aware of space and as I got older I realised I have a good eye for space, colour and style.
Although I became a dentist, I knew even before I qualified that it wasn’t the career I really wanted and after seven years I gave it up.
I then learned interior design on-the-job working for a property developer – this experience combined with my natural flair made me realise this was the industry I should be in.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A My husband and I set up Beam Orthodontics in 2008 and his support along with learning through doing has been fantastic as business acumen isn’t one of my strongest points. We pulled in help from dental coaches who accelerated our development.
When it came to launching Author I pulled in experts from external specialists in PR, strategic marketing, digital marketing, web development and graphic design, all of whom operate within Tayside.
I have also had great support from Business Gateway Angus. My adviser opened up doors I never knew existed, helping me with networking and taking on my first employee.
Mike also told me about potential funding ideas and consequently I was successful in gaining some grants and introduced to Scottish Enterprise.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future?
A My main aim is to have a regular physical presence with pop-up shops in different locations across the country.
I also want to build up a strong customer base who trust us and come to us for inspiration as a matter of course.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A I already employ one full-time member of staff and one part time. Both are fantastic and I anticipate the team growing.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Time management.
Q How would your friends describe you?
A Overly optimistic, excitable, dependable.
Q Advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Don’t over-think things. There is support out there from organisations including Business Gateway who will help you – you don’t need to do it on your own.
