People often describe a state of limbo between Christmas and New Year, when they don’t know what day it is and every meal is made up from leftovers. But I enjoy the downtime this period offers to take the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and consider what the next year has in store.
Small business awards
2018 has given me a lot to feel proud about, so allow me a moment to blow my own trumpet! In February I was crowned ‘Queen of paracord dog collars’ by Aqua Design Group and became part of ‘The Royal Connection’. This was a great confidence boost and by summer I had made the decision to invest in Fur Babies full time. This was not an easy decision, having been with my employer for 14yrs it was a huge leap. And just when I was having a wobble, thinking ‘what have I done?’ along came another vote of confidence from Small Business Saturday!
Celebrating UK small businesses
Being chosen as one of the Small Biz 100 of 2018 couldn’t have come at a better time and there was no time for self doubt. Preparations had to be made to launch my new website, joining the Small Biz Sat UK tour bus in Bristol and a trip to the House of Lords to celebrate! I truly believe that small businesses can thrive when we support each other, so I was thrilled to network and collaborate with fellow UK small business owners who shared my values.
Being your own boss
Best of all, the decision to leave the office to be my own boss allowed me to finally get my own dog! For several years I had yearned for a dog but working hours meant this was not possible. Fur Babies had been both my creative outlet and means by which to indulge my love of dogs. In September Bosun the boxer joined the family and team Fur Babies as product tester, muse and model!
Meanwhile, over on Twitter, another award came as the year drew to an end! This time the #WOW award from Jacqueline Gold CBE, celebrating the achievements of female entrepreneurs made it a hat trick!
So what does 2019 hold? Well I have a few plans but I won’t reveal them here, you’ll have to watch this space! One New Years resolution I will share with you though, is to write more frequent blogs – you can hold me to account on that one in 12 months!
Until next time!
Julie & Bosun
