Melanie Emberson

Aspiring entrepreneur Melanie is sewing her way to success with Seamstress, her tailoring and alterations business based at Redcar Station Business Centre. As well as making items from trousers to curtains and prom dresses, she also offers hand and machine knitted garments, ironing and steam pressing services.

This is Melanie Emberson’s story…

1. Why did you want to start your own business?

   I have been in the trade for a long time and this is something I’d often thought about. I recently lost my Mum and, as we’d looked into it together when she was alive, it made me more determined to do something about it. So here we are, not only doing something I wanted, but doing something my mum would have loved to do.

2. What was the deciding factor for you?

   As I said above, when I lost my Mum I knew I had to change things in my life for me and my children. I started my own business for a better life and I guess in a way it makes me close to her as it’s what she dreamed of doing.

3. How did you get the business off the ground?

   I started by having quite a few meetings with Pertemps, who introduced me to a business advisor called David Hitchin. He explained a few things I had to do, such as research, looking for the right premises, drafting a business plan and market research. Then I started having meetings with Rose from the Enterprise Team, who has been a great mentor.

4. Best bits about working for yourself?

   I love being my own boss. I enjoy doing what I do and just want to offer my services to anyone who needs them. Some people may think this is silly, but it’s like someone wearing a pair of jeans they love and tearing them, you might have been really devastated that you had to buy new ones. Now, I’m here to mend the ones you love.

5. What have been the biggest challenges so far?

   My biggest challenge is actually having my business open, and making it a success. Also, working day to day to live my dream and doing what I enjoy.

6. What would you have done differently if you could go back?

   If I could go back, I would’ve gone through with it when my Mum was alive. But when I spoke about it with her and we first sought advice, I do admit it scared the living day lights out of me and I ran!

7. How does it feel to be your own boss?

   I don’t see it as being my own boss. I see it as a job and something I changed in my life...a step forward.

8. A piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?

   My advice would be listening to whoever is offering you advice. It may only be a little thing, but it might also be the most important you will ever hear..

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