Lone parent
Claire Packer is back in employment for the first time in 19 years
after launching her own business.
Claire, 44, of Bere Alston, is taking a little
bit of the Devon countryside into homes across the UK and Europe
through her new business – The Wet Felting Company, based at Leg O’
Mutton, Yelverton.
Her slippers, rugs, jackets and other homewear
items are proving a big hit with people purchasing garments from as
far away as Spain.
Much of Claire’s innovative,
environmentally-friendly and made-to-measure products are made from
locally sourced wool.
Claire said: “I’ve really fulfilled an
ambition with my new company. Being my own boss is a great feeling.
Bringing up my children on my own, I didn’t have time to do
anything else but now I’ve got some time, this is a dream come
true.”
The idea came to fruition after Claire sought
the help of employment specialists Working Links in Plymouth where
self employment expert Neil Davey guided her through the
process.
She added: “Working Links really focused me on
what I wanted to achieve. I had all of these ideas in my head and I
didn’t really know what to do with them. Neil helped structure them
and with him, I devised a step-by-step plan to open up my own
business.
“Now I’ve got my own shop in Yelverton and
things are looking up. I was rushed off my feet at Christmas time
with everyone wanting to buy my items as presents.”
And Claire’s not stopping there – she has
plans for the future growth of her enterprise. She added:
“Hopefully the business will continue to grow and diversify and
ideally I’d like to open a few more shops in the area, but I’ll
take one step at a time.”
Neil Davey said: “Claire has a great natural
drive and the desire to be successful in the business and I fully
believe she will achieve the success she deserves for all the hard
work she has put in.”
Frances Brennan, Working Links’ Director for
the South West, said: “Claire isa real inspiration and her slippers
are wonderfully warm. Jobs in the creative industry are essential
for our rural economy and Claire has found a niche market.”
For more information about The Wet Felting
Company, visit www.wetfeltingcompany.org.uk.
To find out more about how Working Links can help lone parents in
the Plymouth area please contact us or call Freephone
0800 917 9262.