LOCAL woman Danielle Jones has won an award for the most successful business, for her business Just Bobbing Along.
The competition was organised by Bath Spa University where Danielle is currently studying Human Biology. Danielle won the Do It challenge in recognition of the success of her business Just Bobbing Along, a handmade trapeze boots and aerial gaiters company.
Danielle said, “I started my business in April 2015, because a friend who is an aerialist asked me to make her some gaiters as she knew I could sew quite well.
“I had to construct my own pattern and make some prototypes before I could do it. Finding a leather supplier also came as a stroke of luck after attending a remnants sale in Devizes.
“I made my friend some gaiters for free and put a few pairs online on Etsy to cover my costs. They all sold the over the weekend I put them on so I knew I had something worth doing, and continued to build the business and created my own website to sell through.
“I entered the competition on bit of a whim. The university emailed all students about the competition and the business success category caught my eye because I have a business.
“I didn’t expect to win but I thought I might be able to connect with some like-minded students and network which is really helpful when brainstorming new ideas for business, so when I did win, I couldn’t believe it, I was so happy!
“My business is relatively unknown in Frome. I have had a stall at the Independent Market last year but it wasn’t the right sort of place as it is quite a niche product.
“I have sold gaiters to people all over the world though – America, Italy, Brazil, Australia to name a few. I would love to have a premises and a workspace but I would need business investment for something like that to happen – I have funded the business myself so far.
“I have just finished my first year of university so I’m still unsure what my plans are when I leave as I have another two to complete. At the moment, I’m really enjoying statistical analysis and cell biology, and am developing my skills in these areas. I also work for the university as a widening participation outreach officer, talking to primary and secondary school children about the benefits of higher eduction so progressing to teaching through this could be an option for me.
“I plan on growing Just Bobbing Along alongside my degree so that I will also have the option of doing that full time when I finish.”
