In a new small business column in association with Waltham Forest Business Network, Jo Sealy interviews a freelance photographer
Leyton-based photographer Jon Holloway
Jon Holloway runs a photography business in Leyton specialising in portrait and public relations work but also documentary, brand, interiors, lighting, retouching, and tuition.
Asked where the idea for his business came from, Jon says: “I have always wanted to do a job that I love. After going to art school it was a logical progression to do something that I was both good at and could see a clear career trajectory in front of me.”
But even with a clear idea, starting up in business is not always easy. “During my photographic education I was introduced to assisting, where I learnt more technical skills than I could have at any institution. I guess you could say that it was my apprenticeship.
“I went on to develop a career as a photographer’s assistant alongside trying to carve out my own place as a photographer in my own right.”
What is Jon’s biggest achievement in business? “There have been so many, and I hope many more to come. I have been lucky enough to take portraits of a few stars such as Jim Broadbent and Ricky Gervais.
“My job also takes me to weird and wonderful places. From quarries and canyons to achieve basements, and the bowels of ships. I love to learn and explore and am lucky enough to have a job that takes me on unless journeys.”
Differentiating yourself from the competition is a key to success in business. How has Jon managed it? “I always like to put my own stamp on what I do. In portraits it’s usually about my relationship with who I’m photographing, putting them at ease or getting to know them. It’s a connection, not just an excuse to show off how good you are at lighting.”
Looking ahead, Jon says he was wants to make more connections and work with more local companies, in what he hopes is a mutually beneficial relationship. “Many individuals and businesses could use my skill set and I enjoy working in new and interesting ways. I’m just looking for opportunities to do what I do best – create.”

For more information about Jon Holloway Photography:
Visit dyslexicphotographer.com
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

In her column focused on small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy interviews a community-minded coffee shop owner
Afshan Ahmed runs Oh My Coffee in Old Church Road, Chingford
Afshan Ahmed runs an independent, family friendly, ‘foodie’ coffee shop and larder based in Chingford that specialises in fresh, innovative foods, homemade cakes and locally-sourced gifts and food products.
I asked what the drive was to start up her business, Oh My Coffee; Afshan said: “I had an idea to create a place that was family friendly, where children could develop their social skills in an environment that felt welcoming.
“When I started up, I found lots of information online, and through asking lots of questions. I felt the bank and tax offices were helpful. I am a great believer in planning, planning, planning.
“It’s not been without its challenges though – building our fantastic team of staff has taken time.”
The businesswoman and mum says that her biggest achievements have been growing the business every year and not staying static. The coffee shop has won awards for good service and prides itself on its sense of community, which includes offering book and craft clubs. The recent opportunity to expand into next-door premises was a calculated risk which has proved to be a turning point for the future of the business.
“In 12 months’ time, I would love to see all our plans coming into fruition. We are working to increase our own range in the larder, which stocks lots of great locally-produced products, and bring added interest to the high street. Watch this space!”
Afshan is passionate about having a vibrant high street with diverse shopping opportunities. She says: “We do not consider rivals or competition, we see other shops as adding something different to the high street which is in turn great for us, almost like partners. A diverse shopping area is great for all local businesses.”
What advice would she give to those thinking of starting a business? “My advice to budding entrepreneurs would be to see every hurdle as an opportunity, and keep positive.
“The most satisfying part of running my own business is I love what I do. Every day is different, from business planning to making handmade chocolates. I love the flexibility it gives me. I am a great believer in ‘you reap what you sow’.”

To find out more about Oh My Coffee:
Visit ohmyltd.com
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

​Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets a florist with a passion for fairness
Mary Robertson with daughter Anna, after who her business Anna’s Fab Fair Flowers is named
When Chingford-based Mary Robertson followed her daughter into taking up a floristry course it opened up a whole new family business venture.
Before her daughter Anna was born, Mary used to run a Fairtrade shop based on the importance of ethics in business. Contemplating what her daughter Anna would do when she completed college, she dreamed up the idea of ‘Anna’s Fab Fair Flowers’ and the business started trading last spring.
The florist sells flowers from the Chingford site of local food producer Organiclea, ensuring the flowers are both local and organic.
Mary says: “We sell cut flowers as bouquets tied with Fairtrade ribbon or in a selection of Fairtrade, upcycled or vintage containers. These can be bought at cost-price or returned each week at no cost.
“There’s a Saturday stall outside the Hornbeam at Baker’s Arms and there’s the option of local deliveries too.
“My daughter Anna has learning difficulties and suffers from epilepsy – she’s very unlikely to get a conventional job but I’m hoping that this little family business will suit her really well.
“Anna is a very special young lady. Many people with learning difficulties struggle in all sorts of ways, including getting a job. Anna’s Fab Fair Flowers aims to buck that trend.”
Mary has experienced a few challenges with running the business, one of which includes keeping the flowers protected from the elements at her stall on a Saturday. However, there have been some great achievements too – her Christmas wreaths proved to be hot sellers over the festive season.
Mary feels that her Fairtrade instincts are what makes her different from the competition.
“There are lots of lovely flowers for sale and many lovely people selling them too but sadly that’s not the whole story. Many of the flowers for sale come from overseas and there can be problems both in terms of working conditions and environmental issues, including air miles.
“Anna’s Fab Fair Flowers are local and organically grown. I try to ensure that every aspect of the business is ethical.”
Mary and Anna are focused on building their customer base to provide fresh cut flowers to the Waltham Forest community.
“We love being involved in an initiative that’s both fun and worthwhile; having scope to adapt it to meet my family’s needs,” says Mary. “If I was to give any advice to new entrepreneurs it would be to find a niche in the market where you can make a difference, work hard and follow your dreams! Sustainability and ethics need to be our future so make sure you’re on the right side.”

For more information about Anna’s Fab Fair Flowers:
Visit bit.ly/2oU94tS
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

In her column highlighting local small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets a spatial designer
Carlo Viscione at work (credit Katharine Peachey for The Modern House)
A spatial designer brings together unique skills; expertise from various fields such as space planning, materials, fixtures and fittings, lighting, detailing and construction.
Made With Volume, founded by spatial designer Carlo Viscione, works with spaces for residential properties, boutique retail spaces, public experiences and installations.
The firm works on the intersection of design and architecture, offering a full range of services ranging from feasibility studies, planning application and building regulation drawings, to full construction drawings and 3D visualisations.
Carlo’s background is in designing space for retail and leisure, however he has always had a passion for architecture and unusual properties. He tells me: “Designing commercial spaces can be very interesting as well but for me, designing for people is very rewarding. People’s homes are inherently personal and yet they rely on professionals who will help and guide them to realise the full potential of their property.”
Since starting his company two years ago this month, Carlo has been fortunate to be able to share the highs and lows of business with a strong network of architecture and design friends, sharing experiences, ideas and moral support.
“They have been tremendously supportive in helping us achieve one of the company’s biggest achievements so far – the refurbishment of a science lab into a private residence. It was a major challenge but completely worth it!”
The conversion of the school laboratory in Trumpington Road, Leytonstone, was awarded a commendation at this year’s Waltham Forest Design Awards for ‘most creative building re-use’ and has also been shortlisted in the London Construction Awards and Real Homes Transformation Awards.
Carlo continued: “Finding new business and clients who are willing to embrace design as a process and opportunity to create outstanding spaces together can be challenging.
“Making spaces feel homely yet look contemporary, light and minimal is very hard work! It involves a lot of design thinking and collaboration with manufacturers and contractors, and each project is approached differently; clients often need to be ready for that.”
Made With Volume is also getting involved in community projects and does pro-bono work for local charities and community groups.
“Starting my own business and having projects in the borough that I live has been great. There have been so many lessons learned. It’s very rewarding seeing a project through from concept to completion and how we helped people live and work better.”
What advice would Carlo give to other entrepreneurs? “Never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something or when you’re wrong. Be honest to yourself and your clients.”

For more information about Made With Volume:
Visit madewithvolume.com
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

In her latest column on local small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets a couple with a passion for events
Riley Ramone and Rebecca Breen
Ticketlab is an events ticketing website that provides a super-simple way to set up events and start selling or allocating tickets. It’s free to upload events and has lower booking fees than similar sites.
Established by Riley Ramone and Rebecca Breen (known as ‘Becs’) the idea came originally from a music-in-libraries project, Get it Loud in Libraries, which Becs had worked on at university. Several years later when the two met through work they realised that issues around offering tickets with existing providers and the high booking fees they charge, with few other alternatives, provided a business opportunity.
Ticketlab was launched in August 2012, with Riley building the initial development for the site over the course of a year, and Becs in charge of the content and user experience. The couple designed and built the site around their full-time jobs.
Riley says: “One of our biggest achievements so far has been to handle the tickets for a charity trophy match for the FA Women’s Premier League (FAWPL). With 3,000 tickets on sale across 19 different ticket types it was quite an undertaking to set up, but we had a custom ticket page live within 48 hours and the event went off without a hitch.”
Riley and Becs face competition from the bigger ticketing companies who are able to make themselves more visible online. However, a focus on making local connections with businesses which need their services has helped to grow Ticketlab’s fan base.
Becs explains: “We’re working hard to make Ticketlab synonymous with setting up an event in Waltham Forest. We’ve been working with local businesses in Waltham Forest to solve their ticketing needs, building custom functionality to solve their specific problems and compete with larger ticketing companies.
“A lot of small businesses don’t have enough confidence with the technical side of things to be comfortable setting up and managing events and tickets themselves, so we’re always on hand to help. It’s a level of customer service I don’t think exists on other ticketing sites.”
While there have been challenges of building the business over the past six years, Riley is clear that one of the best things has been to be able to move closer to quitting his day job. Within the next year the aim is for Ticketlab to be making enough money to fully support either Riley or Becs.
Riley says: “To other entrepreneurs who are looking to take the plunge into business, I would say; ensure you have an audience for your product or company. For us, seeing the events go ahead either in person or on social media, and knowing that something you’ve built has helped make that happen, is very rewarding!”

For more information about Ticketlab:
Visit ticketlab.co.uk
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets a creative financial adviser
Financial adviser Antony Smith, from Walthamstow
Two years ago Antony Smith was confronted with a dilemma. His employer was shutting up shop and he felt he had to make a decision – look for new job or do what he really wanted to do?
“At that point, I had to quickly decide on my next move, and decided to take the plunge and follow my heart,” explained Antony.
“So I set up my own company as an independent financial adviser, rather than join another. It was an exciting time. The business was up and running from August 2015 after receiving speedy compliances from the Financial Conduct Authority – and we were on our way.”
Antony’s new firm, Providus Financial Ltd, aims to help people make better financial decisions for the longer term. His team of financial professionals take a more creative view on finances, looking at the wider picture in terms of services such as mortgages, life insurance, pensions, investments, savings plans, wills, trusts, and power of attorneys.
“In terms of setting up and running the business I had great support from my family, my accountant, and from personal contacts made through networking. Former colleagues, trusted clients and suppliers also encouraged me.”
Antony is extremely proud that in its first year of trading Providus made a profit, which enabled him to move his team into their new office in Highams Park.
“Starting the company has been one of the best moves I’ve ever made. Despite the pressures of being the decision maker and juggling the needs of family, clients and employees, it’s given me the freedom and flexibility to manage my time and to be in full control of my personal future.
“In 12 months’ time I’d like the business to be self-managing, so that I can focus on more strategic decision making. If I was to give any advice to other new entrepreneurs I’d say go for it!
“Focus on what you are best at and where you get your best results. Employ other people who are better than you and delegate.”

To find out more about Providus Financial Ltd:
Visit providusfinancial.co.uk
Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

In her latest column on small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy finds a designer with a lot to offer
Award-winning designer Celia James launched her own small business earlier this year
A distinguished career in the world of interior design has been turned into a flourishing personal design projects business.
When award-winning interior designer Celia James took stock of her 30 years’ design and build experience last year, the former director of the British Institute of Interior Design saw an opportunity to set up a brand new business: Pimp Your Home, offering small group workshop sessions from her studio in Leytonstone.
“So much has changed over the years in the industry,” says Celia. “The rise of the do-it-yourself interior designer, the desire to express individuality in our homes and cuts in adult education, have reduced many part-time courses in interior design, offering an opportunity.
“I decided that I wanted to use my experience and teaching skills to bring the basics of interior design to people who wished to create their own beautiful and functional spaces, so in January this year I took the leap and started the business.”
Celia runs the twice-monthly Saturday workshop sessions from a fully-equipped studio. It’s a place for students to focus their ideas, select colour schemes, experiment with room layouts, and choose from samples of fabrics and flooring materials with Celia on hand to share her knowledge and experience.
“Students learn to express their ideas professionally and in so doing reduce the risk of making big mistakes and wasting money,” says Celia.
“It was a great personal achievement to get my first bookings when I started in January. The number of students has grown steadily since then but it’s still a challenge to spread the word about Pimp Your Home. Like many creative people I find it hard to promote myself!”
As Celia’s business begins to take off she acknowledges that hard work, persistence, talent, and luck play their part, but it all can only work if you do something you enjoy.
“If you are passionate about what you do you most likely will be successful. One of the most satisfying things about running the business is seeing the students in the studio enjoying themselves, learning from me and each other, and I realise how much knowledge I have to share on so many levels. It makes sense of my working life.” 

For more information about Pimp Your Home:
​Visit pimpyourhome.london

Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?
Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk
Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets the Walthamstow woman making brides’ dreams come true
Steph Haire, founder of Stephanie Jacqueline Bridal
In a little corner of Walthamstow a brand new business has emerged providing unique, intricately hand-crafted accessories that would delight any blushing bride.
Steph Haire started her luxury bridal accessories business just a few months ago, but already her designs are gracefully adorning the gowns of brides this summer.
She says: “My designs are tailored to each bride and aim to encompass their individual style and complete their bridal look with bespoke, luxury decorative details.”
Steph studied costume design at the University of the Arts London, where she focussed her work around hand-embroidery and embellishment. She also worked as a bridal consultant and stylist while studying at university a role which helped her to spot a business opportunity.
“I always found myself frustrated with the limited options for accessories to go with a bride’s dress,” Steph explains. “Even the high-end pieces tended to be a little underwhelming. When my cousin got married, I realised I could put my hand-embellishment skills to good use and create something truly spectacular for his wife to wear with her beautiful dress.”
Despite only having started the business very recently, Steph feels that some of the best support she’s had so far has come from the encouragement of family and friends, giving her the courage to tackle the launch of a new website.
“It’s been a huge achievement! I created it completely from scratch, which was quite a challenge as I am more creative than technological. I’m so excited to use my new platform to showcase my designs and reach more lovely brides.”
While Steph has found it exciting to start the business, there have been a few challenges – confidence in herself and in her technical ability have been top of the list. Other areas outside of her comfort zone have included putting together financial plans and costing her creations. However, creating a viable business out of her talents has made all of the hard work worthwhile.
“I bring a personal and bespoke touch to each of my designs. I love to work one-on-one with my clients and incorporate their ideas to make something really special. So often wedding garments can have a mass produced look, I’ve been able to experiment with materials allowing me to create unique and quirky designs that offer a more cost-effective way to bring individual style to a bride’s wedding day.”
Steph is hoping in the next 12 months to expand her business into a studio that will function as a dual workspace and showroom so that she can offer more face-to- face consultations.
“Being able to make my brides so happy and contribute to the most special day of their lives is one of the most satisfying aspects of the starting the business. I”d say that if you’re thinking of starting a business don’t be scared – just go for it.
“You’ll never know until you try!”

For more information about Stephanie Jacqueline Bridal:
Visit stephaniejacqueline.co.uk