Member Spotlight

Say hello to Louise Bartholomew—an artist, crafter, and card maker stepping boldly into the world of small business. She’s also gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime on the upcoming India Trip.

Q1: What inspired you to start your business, and what keeps you motivated?

Since turning 40, I have been inspired to look into having my own business. A thought I have had since I was young. This has involved looking at what I enjoy doing and how that could be made into a business idea. I have thought about selling small craft products that I make and my bigger dream of hosting workshops in my local community. I stay motivated by continuing to do things, like making arts and crafts and attending workshops, in-person and online. I find doing these things helpful because I feel with every step taken my idea becomes clearer in my mind and my confidence greater.

Q2: Every journey has its challenges. What’s been your biggest hurdle, and how did you push through it?

I suppose my biggest hurdle has been my own belief and confidence in my ideas. I have pushed through this by continuing to work away and believe that all the small things I do are actually paving the way for the greater things that will come up. Working full time is still a constant hurdle I need to push through and finding time is difficult. I set a small time table each week to spend a few hours working on my idea, the time table definitely helps.

Q3: If you could share one piece of advice with women who are just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey, what would it be?

I feel I am just at the beginning of my own journey. However, I believe that we need to make that move, join that group and start talking to other people about our idea.

Q4: How has your Small Powerful Group and WEvolution supported you?

I feel the WEvolution community has been a great support. Having positive feedback and encouragement to try out ideas. I attended the Monday evening group and found that this regular little check-in was a real boost in me making the next steps in my head. Talking about ideas and bouncing ideas around with others cannot be underestimated.

Q5: What drew you to the India trip, and how did your fundraiser unfold?

Initially, I had no intention of applying for the India trip. However, it was like a light bulb moment! I felt it was exactly what I wanted and needed to do to move onwards on my journey. The invitation to fundraise was attractive to me as well because it gave me an excuse to attempt a ‘craft afternoon’ (My big dream). Luckily, I have amazing family and friends that supported me with this. It was a lot of hard work and orgainsing but I enjoyed every minute of it and hope to do something like this again in the future, using what I learned from my fundraiser going forward. 

Q6: How was your experience at the SPG Peer Gathering, and what was it like hosting a stall there? What did you learn from that experience?

I have been to two SPG Peer Gatherings and thoroughly enjoyed both. They have a very supportive and positive atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. They leave me feeling very uplifted with an “I can” attitude. This year some of us had an opportunity to host a small stall. It felt really nice to be able to showcase some of my arts and crafts and it was nice to see what others were offering at their stalls.

Follow Louise’s journey on Instagram at@louise.bartholomew.5. Let’s cheer her on as she turns her dreams into reality.