insideKENT Magazine Issue 96 - March 2020 | Page 167

KENT WOMEN in Business CONT. Victoria Hammond // Victoria Hammond Interiors Winner 2019 Kent Women in Business Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ I am the owner and director of Victoria Hammond Interiors. My mother ran a curtain making business and I grew up from a young age watching her and helping her sew. I graduated in 1992 with a degree in textiles and have since worked in the industry. I have over 20 years professional experience. In 2002 I completed a diploma in curtain making and soft furnishings and immediately started my business at the age of 27. In 2009 I set up a training school, Victoria Hammond Academy, teaching people (mainly women) how to make and design professional curtains, blinds, soft furnishings, lampshades, and interior design, with a strong emphasis on setting up a curtain making business. The tutors at the academy are renowned and specialists in their industry. We also work with private clients providing a curtain making, soft furnishing and interior design service. At Victoria Hammond Academy we have trained over 500 people from all over the UK and the world to set up professional creative businesses. We are leading in our field and wish to ensure we remain to do so. I feel a huge sense of achievement and pride in myself and my business, in the students I have trained over the years who now run successful businesses, and in seeing the end finish on services/products I have provided. I am also a single mother to a 6 year old boy. My advice is to be flexible and diverse, work hard and be willing to take risks to move the business forward. Treat both suppliers and clients with respect and as you wish to be treated yourself. www.victoriahammond.com victoriahammondinteriors 167