Go Your Own Way

BUSINESS: Virtya Creations

What is your business?

I operate as a sole trader under the name of Virtya Creation, making hand made jewellery for retail. All the jewellery pieces are made with silver or gold plated wire. I use semi-precious stones like opalite, moonstone and agate as well as crystals and glass. I take inspiration from simple forms such as winter, the sea, the moon, sunsets and clear blue skies that I can enjoy in Carrickfergus.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up doing what you are doing now.

I have always had a natural ability for crafts initially just as a past time. I always wanted to run my own business, but got caught up in daily life and kept putting off starting a business. However this changed when difficult life circumstances made me realise that, it was the right time to do what I really wanted to do. I got the support from my family and friends who loved my work and who gave me the encouragement to establish my own business.

Did you always want to run your own enterprise?

Yes, I did. My Father gave me a lot of inspiration that I draw on in my business today. My brother and I worked with him during our holidays from a very young age. He taught me all that he knew, about life and business, and gave me an insight in how to run a business. After my graduation in business management, I worked in a number of business sectors to gain practical expertise and further develop the skills acquired through university before setting up my own business last year.

What skills/qualifications do you require for the role?

Time management is a key skill required for running my business as I’m designing and creating jewellery as well as managing my business at the same time. I need to be well organised and balance my time in between these two areas. A creative flair is also needed as well as keeping up to date with the latest fashion trends and tastes of my potential customers.

Was it difficult for you to start your business during the recession, and how have you been affected?

The present recession is a major factor as I have had limited funds to invest in my business and this has proved difficult when getting my business up and running as I have had to manage my budget wisely. I have had to be proactive, and my goals and expectations are realistic given the present economic climate. These need to be continually reviewed in an ever changing market place.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when setting up and what support did you get?

My own lack of confidence in my knowledge and experience of business has been the biggest challenge I have had to face.  When I first came to Northern Ireland I recognised that there were differences in how you do business particularly with regards to law and regulations compared to my Latin American studies.  However, by attending the Go for it Programme I began to realise that the business principles are the same and this boosted my confidence and gave me the encouragement to start my own business as I knew how to go about it.  The seminars at Carrickfergus Enterprise provided a good opportunity for networking and meeting new people in a friendly environment and this has been a great help for business also.

What three tips could you offer those considering starting their own business?

In my experience it is essential that you have all the information regarding setting up a business and how to manage it, including any regulations and law that may apply. This includes knowing about the networks and support available. You also need a clear idea of the starting point, your potential and your business potential, where you want to be in the future, and the way you want your business to work. Finally planning your business, not only financially but how you can get there. You need to design a scheme of activities, in which you answer basic questions like what to do first, next steps to follow, what it is need to be done and how can be done, where you can get whatever is needed in each area at each stage of your business.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Once I have become established in the market place I would like to grow my customer base and open a web store as I believe the internet is a fantastic way to buy especially in today’s busy world and will become even more important in the future.

What do you get up to in your free time?

I love to read and to write, I enjoy watching movies either at home with my family or at the cinema. I love to spend time with my niece and I like photography, yoga, walking by the seaside and smelling the fresh air coming from the open sea. I also enjoy listening to music and cooking for my family and I. Travelling is one of my favourite activities and I really enjoy it when I’m fortunate to get the opportunity to do so.

If you could swap places with anyone who would it be and why?

I admire many people, starting with my grandfather who took the opportunity to start a new life in another country, and grow a business from nothing. He was always ready to laugh no matter what and gave so much to his family and friends. My father, who from a very young age chose to walk life his own way always with a generous spirit. I admire those who after a tough experience still go on believing in themselves and their capabilities. We are all on a journey, I like where I am at this stage in my life but believe that life experiences give us the great opportunity to mature and continually develop.