Date: 29 July 2009
The future is looking bright for Lissa Dobson.
She has made it through to the top 100 in the Barclays Business
Finals with her successful promotional printing business. But what
makes her story so special are the struggles she had from being
homeless, making a life on the streets, and battling drug
addiction. Becoming a successful entrepreneur seemed a long way
away.
Lissa had had a troubled childhood that left
her struggling through early adulthood. She became unemployed and
subsequently was unable to pay the rent on her home. With no one to
turn to, Lissa found herself living on the streets in Coventry and
seeking solace in drugs.
Lissa’s health quickly began to deteriorate
and with no prospects of employment, found herself living on
benefits.
A dependency on drugs soon led to a change in
personality and behaviour. Lissa often found herself in court for
small petty crimes ended in a ‘CRASBO’ – like an ASBO but a double
punishment meaning that the offender is likely to re-offend. This
was the wake up call that Lissa needed to bring her life back on
track.
Lissa sought counselling to talk through her
disturbances. From there she went on to college to improve her
education which steered her towards business and wanting to run her
own company. And through sheer determination, Lissa started her
business, Mugz4U offering a personalised printing service on a
variety of promotional materials.
But then a spell in hospital in 2007 battling
an eating disorder meant that her business was put on hold whilst
recovering. Back at square one, Lissa found herself back on
benefits and wondering what the future would hold.
Then a referral from her local Jobcentre Plus
advisor at the beginning of this year introduced Lisa to a
government funded return to work programme called Pathways to Work
which in Coventry is delivered by Working Links. This programme
helps people move off health related benefits and into sustainable
employment.
Lissa was introduced to consultant Helen
Cousins and after a chat about future prospects, concluded
that restarting her original business idea seemed worthwhile.
Helen accessed funding and referred Lissa to
additional business support services to ensure that she had the
expert support that she needed to make a go of her business once
again. And this advice paid off business once again is booming.
This led Lissa to her application to the Barclays Business
Entrepreneur of the year. Helen helped her with the application
form and at present Lissa has made it through to the top 100
finalists and is waiting to hear if she is through to the top 25. A
remarkable achievement from someone living on the streets,
wondering what the future would hold.
Lissa comments, “I wanted to tell my story as
an inspiration to others. I felt that my life had hit rock bottom
which led to the turning point in my life. I have been offered some
invaluable support along the way which has led me to where I am
today. I realise now that there are people out there that will
listen and can offer all the support needed to make a fresh
start”.