Leeds Catalyst

Upcoming Events at RISE & SHINE in October/November!

Dear All

Please find below details of business events in October/November at RISE/SHINE: 

THERE ARE LIMITED PLACES, SO PLEASE BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

October

24/10/08 ATL Drop In with Tina Boden 9.45 until 1pm at Rise

Have you got a business idea? Want to turn that idea possibly into reality? This is your chance to ask those all important questions!

November

23/11/08 Inside Your Brand and Beyond! With Samantha Blindell at Shine 1.45pm until 4.00pm

12/11/08 Introduction to Mindset with Vinesh Patel 10.00am until 12.00pm at Rise

Do you have the right business mindset? Learn the 'know how' with valuable advice and tips to ensure that your head is in the business game.

13/11/08 Sun, Sand and the Internet with Vibe Graphics 2.00pm until 4.00pm at Rise

Want to learn about how websites can help your company grow? Do you want to learn how to make your website profitable?

27/11/08 ATL Drop In with Tina Boden 9.45 until 1pm at Rise

Have you got a business idea? Want to turn that idea possibly into reality? This is your chance to ask those all important questions!

If you want any further information about any of the events that we are running then please do not hesitate in asking.

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These are our calendar events so far. I will keep you updated with any further events, seminars and workshops once they are confirmed.

To book on any of these then please just either contact myself 07718982547, Wendy Smith 07872694804 or Randolph Robinson 07894393835.

Even easier just email me, Chandra, with your full name, the name of your business if applicable and the list of the events, workshops, seminars you want to attend.

 In business for yourself but not by yourself!

Kindest Regards

Chandra, Wendy, Randolph and Sally

E-mail:[email protected]

Member Spotlight: Melanie Martin, Braid Da Bambino

Where do you live?
Harehills and Chapeltown

What is your business?
Braid Da Bambino - Baby hair braiding salon.  Targeting 18 months to 11 years old. 

How long have you been going?
We launch in November!

Why did you decide to start up?
Zara and I met at hospital, there are 2 hours difference between our children being born.  I was a frustrated employee, who worked in sales and had big targets. I wanted to look at doing something myself.  I spoke to Zara about my idea as I felt that I needed a business partner.  Zara had been ready to go to University to study social work,her pregnancy made her change her direction, so we teamed up.

How did you come up with the idea?
I have always been interested in hair, and started thinking of a way that I could make money that just wasn’t being done.  I thought about how hard it is to control not just afro hair, but hair in general.  There are enough hairdressers out there, and we wanted to create something that kids would want to go to because they would have fun being there.  Braid Da Bambino will have speakers outside playing Disney music with bubble machines.  The salon chairs are aeroplanes and hummers and barbie carts, specially ordered in from America.  We will have plasma’s playing Disney films and cd’s going round the mirrors.  We will have a creche area, somewhere that parents can gain peace of mind, knowing that they can leave their kids in safe hands whilst their hair is being done.  To keep the kids busy there will also be computers with games.  We will also have baby changing and feeding facilities.  There will be a children’s wall of fame, with the parent’s permission, a photo will go up on the wall.  Votes will go towards the best hairstyle of the week.  There will be loyalty cards for discounts, we have so many things, and we are only just starting, we are coming up with ideas all the time.

What are your challenges?
Finance.  Everything else is fine, it’s very difficult to get money for start up businesses.  We have had to be creative, cut back and pool our resources to make sure that we have enough money to go round to start up with the equipment that we need.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Go with your own gut feeling.  Keep your vision. 

What is your pet hate?
Dishonesty.