"I initially found out about the Ladies' Lifestyle Fair from a contact at Orvia (formerly Business Venture Group) and was really keen to take on any opportunity to gain business experience and advice.
Corrine Crowley contacted me after I had been to see her regarding funding and advice for my new business 'Purely Pets', a new Pet Shop in the Longton area with a reptile specialism!
Although I have a lot of experience in public speaking, a formal presentation of a business was a brand new experience to me and so I was excited to see how my ideas would be received by experts.
The list of prizes for the winner were also brilliant and I was keen to do my best to have the opportunity to use the vouchers available to better myself and my business ideas.
The Dragon's Lair itself was the perfect balance of a formal business pitch but with friendly 'Dragons' who were there to help and guide, rather than say 'I'm Out!' like the TV Dragons!
I found that all the ideas presented in the Lair were very different and I do not envy the judges for having to decide upon a winner! I was of course nervous, but used my passion for my business and the chosen industry area to get across all the different aspects of what I want to achieve and I believe it was received well by all.
My plan for the immediate future is to make the utmost out of the prizes I won and the contacts I made at the Lifestyle Fair to have my business up and running within the next 4 to 6 weeks.
I have enrolled on a Pet Grooming Course so I am one step further to my 12 month goal of opening 'Purely Pampered' within the Purely Pets store and with my lease due to be complete within the next couple of weeks, I can look towards designing the interior of my shop and purchasing stock whilst applying for my pet shop license. I hope that Purely Pets will prove to be every success I have dreamt it to be!
Thank you once again for the opportunity in the Dragon's Lair. I never thought for a minute that I would win but am so grateful for all the advice that I now have access to!
