You've got to be in it to win it

Jessica runs Colorblind Cards and writes for Pride magazine. Earlier this year, she came third in the Evening Standard/O2 awards honouring the UK’s most inspirational entrepreneurs.

Her advice to young people with a bright idea is: “Take the plunge; you have to be in it to win it!”

Having decided she had ambitions in media, Jessica went back to college and achieved A Levels and a University degree. Knowing she needed work experience in the competitive media industry, she persuaded PR guru Max Clifford, Pride magazine, BBC London Radio and Choice FM to take her on. All while working part time in a shoe shop and raising a child under three!

By the time Jessica graduated, she had her own slots as a Saturday entertainment news reporter on BBC London Radio, on Choice FM and a full time job at Pride magazine, later becoming Press Consultant for Max Clifford.

She then left to set up her own business. Spotting a gap in the market she founded Colorblind Cards - the first British photographic card company providing modern and aspirational images reflecting the diversity of our multi-cultural society.

It has grown into a successful national brand, stocked in Clinton Cards and online card giant Moonpig.com. Colorblind cards has also developed partnerships with the PFA (Professional Football Association) and the ‘Kick it Out’ (Kick Racism out of Football) campaign to create special edition cards.

In 2007, Jessica picked up no less than six awards – including an Enterprising Young Brits award - for her company and as a result of this success, Colorblind cards has an expected turnover of £500,000 for 2008.

Jessica is certainly an entrepreneur to keep an eye on. In May 2008 Colorblind Cards launched at the New York stationary show and will be represented across the USA by one of America’s leading greeting cards distributors.