The Art Cart

Being a mum is no barrier to starting your own business. In fact, it can be the inspiration to a new, rewarding career, as Portia Woods is fast discovering.

With the support of Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, full-time mum Portia is now a full-time entrepreneur after setting up The Art Cart – a weekly arts and crafts club for children – at Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne.

"I've only been open a couple of months, but the feedback has been extremely positive and I'm gaining and retaining more than 10 customers every week," said former sales and marketing expert Portia.

"I really enjoyed arts and crafts with my own daughter and thought The Art Cart would provide an opportunity for other parents and their carers to get together with their children and be creative – it also means they can get up and go without worrying about all the mess!"

The Art Cart is the only Saturday morning arts and crafts club that is open to children aged between two and 10 years in the whole of County Antrim, according to Portia. "There is a different creative theme every week, so regular visitors will always be in for a surprise," she said.

Portia only started her business in early October after months of active planning, research and learning. Her decision to sign up for the Go for it programme was instrumental in her plans, she said, because it gave her the encouragement, reassurance and practical advice she needed at the right time.

"It gave me valuable insight, a sound knowledge of the practicalities of running a business and the encouragement to succeed," said Portia. "I realise now how vital planning ahead was for me and my business and how knowing the importance of book-keeping and managing your cash flow will help me make The Art Cart a long-term success."

Portia said she recognises there is a long road ahead and is prepared for the journey.

"At the moment, I'm enjoying the strong start I've had and the positive feedback I'm getting from parents and children. Starting my own business has also fulfilled a personal goal of mine to put something positive into the community.

"The Art Cart is an exciting meeting forum and I'm so proud to have created a brand new business that I hope will grow successfully over the next few years."

The Go for it Programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. For details, log on to www.goforitni.com.