A well-loved Star Wars character’s words helped Sylvan Frith to follow her dreams when she returned to Cornwall following the end of her contract as a bid writer and marketing executive for a language company in London.
Sylvan had hoped to land the “perfect job” in the county but it soon became apparent to the graduate in Modern Languages that this might prove a little more difficult than she anticipated and the inkling of self-employment began to grow in her mind.
“I had always dreamed of running my own business and after a couple of unsuccessful job interviews it became clear that now was the time to give it a go as I had time on my hands. Seeing the sheer volume of applicants for a relatively small number of appropriate jobs in the county spurred me on along with one of my favourite quotes by, erm, Star Wars character, Yoda, who says in his infinite green, whiskered wisdom, “There is only do or do not do, there is no try”.”
An internet search led Sylvan to Outset Cornwall’s website where she discovered its help was just what she was looking for.
“It sounded brilliant,” she said, ”so I filled out the booking form immediately.”
She cites the fact that the programme is free to eligible participants as a big motivating factor as she had very little money to invest at that stage and expected the in-depth assistance on offer to be worthy of a large price tag.
At first Sylvan thought about starting a language service of her own but after working through the Outset Cornwall programme she realised her heart wasn’t in it and decided to follow her dreams.
“I chose to go down the more risky path of doing something more creative based on a longtime hobby of mine, perfume-making. This is how Esscentual Fragrances was born. I can honestly say the decision to follow my instincts rather than the ‘sensible’ option has been the best choice. When you are passionate about what you do, people can tell and success seems to follow. Most importantly you need to take action.”
Not having run her own business before Sylvan discovered there was a lot to learn, and says she still is learning, but having the support of a group of like-minded people was invaluable and helped keep her motivated and positive.
“It was great to hear everyone’s successes as it bolsters your belief that being your own boss is not just a pipe dream but a workable alternative.”
She believes her optimistic and enthusiastic outlook and ability to never give up is crucial for any entrepreneur as by refining tactics and trying new ideas you can gain success.
“I love experimenting and it’s wonderful when experiments work and something beautiful is created. This makes me very happy and it’s why I enjoy making bespoke perfumes so much. It’s so important to find what you love and then do it.”
Her self-belief is to be admired as it has spurred her on through frustrating setbacks and Sylvan rates setting achievable goals to help big challenges feel more like small steps worked for her, helping her feel as though she was getting somewhere, “however slowly”.
Her long-term goal is to develop Esscentual Fragrances into the perfume house of Cornwall to rival those of France but initially she is offering a bespoke ‘design your own perfume’ service for men and women.
Customers will complete a fragrance personality questionnaire, which will pinpoint preferred aromas, such as apple blossom, along with favoured commercial fragrances and the completion of a ‘mood board’ to determine the finest essential and fragrance oils that will then be blended to create a signature scent.
She is now concentrating on promoting her company across Cornwall and through specific online gift retailers in the run up to Christmas 2011 but also plans to be distributing her own natural perfume range via luxury boutique stores in the UK.
She added: “I have invested in an essential oil distillery, which is a lot of fun and looks like it belongs to a mad scientist but will allow me to make some of the more popular fragrance oils right here in Cornwall. One day I hope to be so busy I can train up more people to help me create gorgeous perfumes.”
Having now found her “perfect job” with the help of Outset Cornwall Sylvan would be the first to recommend the course.
She smiled and said: “Outset Cornwall has been fantastic. The advisors are so encouraging and knowledgeable. Giving a business presentation is one of my most memorable parts, I was so nervous but there is such a supportive atmosphere I soon forgot to be. I specifically found the way the course had been structured to be very helpful and the fact that we tackled subjects such as business plans, sales and marketing and financial planning head on to be a huge benefit.”
Sylvan’s business will also have a its ‘own label’ perfume range and more information on this and her bespoke service can be found at www.esscentualfragrance.co.uk
