REDUNDANCY is rarely a welcome thing, but it can also be the catalyst for change - and entrepreneurship.
So it proved for graphic designer Fiona Gauld, who took the plunge and set up her own business after being made redundant from an advertising agency.
Two years later, award-winning wedding stationery firm Caledonian Cowgirl has a growing reputation for design that reflects the personalities of the couple getting married.
“I really enjoy working with people,” says Ms Gould. “Everything I do is bespoke and I love hearing the client’s ideas, mixing it up with their personality and transforming it into stationery that really suits their big day.
“Gone are the days when everything in a wedding is roses and ribbons. These days people are free to do whatever they like and reflecting them as a couple is the most important thing.”
Working from her studio in Govan, Glasgow, Ms Gauld has already significantly grown her customer base thanks to marketing through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Pintrest.
If business keeps booming, the designer, who also works part time as a lecturer, hopes to take on a member of staff. The recent nomination for a coveted Scottish Wedding Awards may also help.
“Social media is vitally important for any design business these days,” she explains. "It does a lot of your marketing for you.
“The best thing about the job is seeing how much the client loves what you’ve done for them, pictures of their wedding featuring your work – that’s very satisfying.
“I also really enjoy my lecturing work. I love design and it’s great to be enthusiastic with young people who want to learn, and to give something back.”
As for the benefits of being her own boss, Ms Gauld says one of the most important is that it allows her to make time for home life with husband Johnnie, who also works for himself.
“The freedom of having your own business is the thing I really love,” says the 38-year-old. “I can work where and when it suits me, whether that’s in the studio or in my pyjamas on the couch.
“And I can take holidays when it suits us as a couple. Johnnie is a piper and much of his work is during evenings and weekends. When I worked for the agency we hardly saw each other. Now we can make the time to make sure we do. I don’t think I could go back to being just a regular employee now.”
That’s not to say running your own business is a breeze, of course.
“The other side of that freedom is the lack of a safety net,” she says. “It can be stressful when you are waiting for people to pay you for work. Everyone who works for themselves get the fear at some point, and that helps keep you sharp.”
The entrepreneur from Glasgow studied graphic design to HNC level at Glasgow Clyde College and believes the skills she learned there put her on the road to success.
“Art school or university wasn’t the right path for me, but I loved my time at college. There are different roads for different people. I also made a great bunch of designer friends and we all still meet up.”
As for the advice she’d offer other creatives thinking of striking out on their own, Ms Gauld believes experience is essential.
“In terms of design, get some agency experience under your belt before taking the plunge. No matter what industry you work in, you need to know the job inside out before going out on your own.
“I’d definitely encourage people to give it a go and see what happens. And there is plenty of business support out there to help you on your way.”
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