Alicia Banffy

What gave you the idea for amabadelo?

I had just graduated from university and was trying to create work for myself. As I had no experience in doing something like that it was great to find out that there was help available for people like me.

What was the first thing you did to try and make the idea happen?

First I received advice from Train 2000 who help women in business and they then referred me to the Princes Trust. Both organisations helped me in very different ways.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way?

The biggest challenge for me was the financial side of things in business. Maths was always my weakest area in school and I had, for example, never done a cashflow before. Amanda, my contact at the Prince’s Trust, really helped me to create a realistic cashflow for my business. My biggest reward is to be able to do the work I love to do and make a living of it at the same time.

Future plans for the idea?

My future plans are to continue doing what I do here in the north west, but to do more work Europe-wide.

Advice to anyone else who wants to make their idea happen?

Go for it and believe in yourself! Try to fulfil your dreams - you will do it and there is great help available!