“I am an artist that suffers from too many ideas!” says Jayne in explanation of her inspiration for this business and her strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Originally a fine art printmaker graduating from Cheltenham Art College, Jayne enrolled on a Masters Degree course at Falmouth College in 2006 where she specialised in designing and making contemporary follies (beautiful organic-looking shelters for gardens www.folly-smith.com). Following a turbulent journey to launch her Folly business, Jayne was confronted with too many barriers beyond her control to make it a viable long-term business so she started exploring other alternatives.
“While studying for an NVQ in line management, I began to develop the bird feeder idea as part of the course. Following a presentation on the product my peers were asking when I could put it into production – they loved it!” This timely boost to Jayne’s entrepreneurial spirit was proceeded by a particularly tough time in her day job. Jayne had the incentive she needed and handed in her notice in order to spend more time on the ‘Flock-Follies’ business, and launch her exciting new product.
“I felt that existing bird-feeder products looked more like prisons than bird restaurants, and that it was time to ring the changes in the bird feeder market. I joined the Outset Cornwall programme in the New Year to help fill in the gaps in my knowledge of running and developing a business, and found great support within the group.”
Jayne describes her product as a fun, functional bird feeder which she plans to develop as her flagship product within a quirky, yet functional product portfolio. The Outset Cornwall team are delighted to continue supporting Jayne through this exciting time, and are thrilled that she has been successful in her funding bid to allow her to manufacture her first 200 units.
“The Outset Cornwall programme has been most beneficial in terms of support and feedback from the other delegates, with the presentation and feedback sessions being the most memorable.”
Jayne will be exhibiting her Flock Follies at the various County shows each year and set up an online retail presence for sales thereafter.
