Sharon Brew

After many years off work due to sickness and depression, Sharon Brew realised that being stuck at home was actually making things worse. With advice from the Enterprise Team and her local Job Centre, she cooked up the idea for a catering business. The Teapot, on Skelton High Street, is now seven months old and already hugely popular with the locals.

This is Sharon Brew’s story…

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

   I was on the sick for many years, classed as disabled, and it got to the point where I was convinced that nobody would employ me. When I decided to go back to work, I needed something that could fit around the odd day when I couldn’t make it in. I knew my staff would be able to keep things going, but I haven’t actually had a day off yet!

2. What was the deciding factor for you?

   I just wanted to work. Being stuck in the house was making me depressed, which was making me ill, so it made sense to go out there and try something new. It was a bit of a self-help thing.

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

   I told the local Job Centre I wanted to do something and they referred me to Pertemps, who then put me in touch with the enterprise team. When this café came up so close to where I live, it seemed like a sign. It has always closed within six months when people have had it before, but that just made it more of a challenge.

4. Best bits about working for yourself?

   Being your own boss and taking all the credit! It’s given me a new lease of life and it’s something to get up for in the morning. I really look forward to meeting the customers, who’re all brilliant.

5. What have been the biggest challenges so far?

   Getting the café cleaned and ready for new customers was the first thing we had to do. After that, it’s been getting the message out there that we’re a new business, offering great home-cooked food and baking in a clean and welcoming environment.

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

   I would have done it years ago!

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

   It helps to get you up in the morning as everything depends on you, but the rewards are there if you work at it. It’s also better than working for someone else.

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

   Think about what you’re doing and take things slowly. I knew what I wanted to achieve and costed every detail, literally right down to the carpet..

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