From Investment banker to Nominated Best Wedding Activity provider in 4 months
Penny Gilbert worked in investment banking for 8 years. After the birth of her daughter, Penny returned back to work, but did not enjoy her career as much as she used to. Penny felt she was missing out on being there for her daughter. So when Lilia, her daughter was three and a half years, Penny decided she needed to make a change.
Penny researched a number of options from getting a different job, to setting up her own business and franchising options. The Creation Station was a franchise that jumped out at Penny. “I wouldn’t consider myself hugely creative - but I do love doing art and crafts my daughter and I’m a Brownie and Guide Guider in my spare time” stated Penny “The Creation Station franchise seemed a great way to gain a work-life balance, earn an income and achieve a rewarding career”
Penny attended a Discovery Event in Devon, where she saw an actual class and talked with other franchisees and the Founder Sarah Cressall. Penny said she had all her questions answered and it helped her to decide that this really could be the opportunity that would give her the work lifer balance that she wanted. “After discussing it with my husband, we decided it was the right opportunity for me” Penny added ”He did actually say I wasn’t getting any younger, so I should grab the opportunity to do what I really wanted to do, and not have any regrets!”
Penny has been running her business since March 2011. Penny has learnt new skills to help her start up her business and the marketing skills are beginning to pay off. “It’s been a huge learning curve and I have worked really hard, but it’s really rewarding to gain the benefit of my own hard work instead of working for others. I’ve had to put on an additional class in the Summer as they have all filled already and I have waiting lists now”
“I am really positive about the future. I’m excited about growing the business as it offers such a wide scope of opportunities. I also feel the support network is there for what I need and when I need it – not just the Head Office team but also the other franchise owners which is really great.”
Penny has also just been nominated for the ‘Most Entertaining Wedding Supplier’ not bad going for someone who, four months ago was an Investment banker.
Penny Gilbert inspires imagination with The Creation Station and is running classes, parties and events in and around Oxford.
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