Podcast series gives insights into setting up as a publisher – despite the challenges!
Using your own experience to help others is always inspiring and that’s just what Fay’s Studio founder Fay Martin is doing with her latest series of podcasts.
The three episodes are available now, as the artist and publisher shares an insight into her own journey of setting up her business while living with the two auto-immune diseases that had caused her to lose her job and have a complete crisis of confidence.
“The response so far has been great,” Lichfield-based Fay told PG Buzz, “whether they’re a publisher, designer, start-up entrepreneur, retailer or anyone battling chronic illness, listeners hopefully find this relatable.
“I realised that I have such a love for podcasts, it’s a lovely way to connect with people that you can’t reach in person, especially when you have an illness so the podcast will cover so many topics.”
Fay set up Fay’s Studio back in 2009 when she was unemployed after having to leave her job as a visual merchandiser due to the extreme tiredness and stomach pain from her conditions, similar to Chron’s disease.
Many failed attempts to find work began to knock her confidence: “I got so many rejections and after a while I started to feel worthless. It was depressing that, despite having a good degree in illustration, I couldn’t even get a simple day job.”
Thanks to her local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, she was put in touch with Business Link which suggested enrolling on The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme, which offers mentoring and financial support to young people who want to set up their own businesses.
Practical support from one of the charity’s mentors and funding to cover start-up costs meant she could turn her dream of working for herself into reality, using her illustration skills to set up as a card publisher, able to work at her own pace and better manage her illness.
The podcasts cover launching a business from scratch, reflecting on health issues and milestones, pivotal moments, juggling multiple jobs, confidence in business and starting small, understanding your product and market position, agents, environmental sustainability and local sourcing, managing cashflow and celebrating wins, finding help and support for youth in work, and the Prince’s Trust Business Enterprise scheme.
Fay added: “Listeners can follow my journey one step at a time through the blood, sweat and tears of being an entrepreneur whilst dealing with the challenges of living with two chronic auto-immune diseases.
“Join in the ups and downs of a solopreneur, and get lots of tips and tricks on how to evolve and pivot your business in an ever-changing and challenging retail landscape.”
