BUSINESS
Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
JESS MARSHALL PROFILES THREE MORE SMALL BUSINESSES MAKING DREAMS A REALITY IN POST-LOCKDOWN KENT .
Snug Life
When Ben and Scarlett Gregory got married their dream of opening a furniture restoration business seemed like little more than a pipe dream . But fast forward three years , a couple of children and a global pandemic , the couple are now successfully running Snug Life . A small business brimming with colour , fun and innovation , offering customers restored , utterly unique pieces of beautifully renovated furniture . Born out of the depths of the pandemic , Snug Life became a way for the family to work on something they loved throughout the never ending hours of lockdown . But launching a business in the midst of so much uncertainty was never going to be an easy path , luckily Ben and Scarlett made a point of learning as they went , building their business on honesty , ingenuity and passion , and embracing every twist and turn that has come their way . When we asked the couple about their goals for Snug Life they excitedly told us about their plans to start educating the masses on furniture restoration ; ‘ We would love to have a bigger workshop in the near future , and potentially offer classes and tutorials .’ We then asked how others could emulate their success and dedication to their business , their advice ? ‘ Go for it !’
SnugLifeFurniture
Fizzy Flamingo
After a decade-long career in the banking industry , Natasha Abbott was made redundant while pregnant when the UK was hit by the pandemic . After the initial shock Natasha decided to take some time to reevaluate her life and her priorities with her new son on the way . Through some soul searching she decided to return to her previous life in the events industry , opening mobile prosecco , beer and cocktail van ; Fizzy Flamingo , with the aim to bring friends and family together after a year apart . Ever the savvy business woman , Natasha used the time during lockdowns to tirelessly research , educate herself on the industry and work on building the brand of Fizzy Flamingo so when the restrictions were finally lifted she was ready to hit the ground running ! When we asked her to teach us the ways of her thriving business she had this to say ; ‘ The main piece of advice I would give since launching my business is you do not have to do it alone . Talk to other business owners ; your competitors don ' t necessarily need to be your enemies !’
www . fizzyflamingo . com thefizzyteam thefizzyfamingo
Actively Alive
Actively Alive , established in 2015 , has evolved a lot over the years . Starting out as a personal training and group fitness business , founder Nicola Rowe has pushed her business to change and grow with her , and after embarking on a mindfulness transformation , her business followed in her footsteps . Slowly morphing into the Actively Alive that we know today , where you can go to not only transform your body but also educate and remold your mind with the holistic magic of yoga . Ever the forward planner , Nicola took to the internet the second whispers of a Covid-19 lockdown reached her ears , so by the time things went downhill she was well prepared , offering a structured online schedule , weekly classes and various workshops . Looking to the future Nicola is planning on adding 100 members to her wonderful Kentish studio where she can help them achieve ‘ peace , clarity & confidence in their life ’. When we asked her what she loves about running a small business Nicola explained ; ‘ It ’ s both creative and logical meaning I get to pour my heart into my work and also find the business side of it magic too .’
www . activelyalive . co . uk activelyaliveuk
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