Getbusy
Getbusy is an online retail outlet specialising in women’s streetwear and lifestyle goods. The website also features as a community for active women worldwide in areas such as skateboarding, BMX, surfing, snowboarding and roller derby.
The business has been set up by Emma Ledger, aged 25 from Scawsby. After working as a Store Manager and Buyer for a streetwear shop she noticed the lack of women’s products available to purchase in the shops and online and the lack of women attending tradeshows and buying events. Following a lot of in depth research, Emma could not find anyone who currently specialised in this type of business and so this is where and why she decided to start her own business, she took the plunge in April 2011!
Emma had no previous experience of working for herself or running a business so her first port of call was to contact Business Doncaster for business help and support.
Business Doncaster supported Emma by enrolling her on a start-up business workshop where she learnt the basics of being in business and met other likeminded people who were also in the throws of becoming self employed. She also benefited from mentoring support from the Doncaster 100 initiative.
Emma said: “Business Doncaster were absolutely amazing and so supportive. Without their help I really don’t think I would have had the courage, knowledge or confidence to go ahead with my business idea.”
“It doesn’t matter how young you are, whether you are male or female, how educated you are or what experience you have, if you have a good business idea, use the support available and make your dream happen!” she added.
We asked Emma about her experiences of starting her business:
Who / what was your inspiration for starting in business?
I was inspired to set up my own business after working in the streetwear and active lifestyle industry. I realised the lack of women involved and also the lack of choice by stockists. I wanted to support the masses of young women who may be considering skateboarding, surfing, breakdancing or any active and positive approach to life and also provide a one stop shop for clothes catering for all types of women.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
I never thought I could set up my own business as I’ve never had a particularly well paid job, savings or anything, I literally set things up from scratch and without the help from Business Doncaster and Donbac I never would have thought it was possible. Finance was always the thing that scared me so I wrote the idea off from the start. It is still very scary but through attending the free workshops and taking advantage of the mentoring scheme you can ensure you make safe and informed steps, reduce the risks and manage things properly.
What do you like most about being your own boss?
It’s so great to have something you’re passionate about become your day job. I get to work with great, inspiring people and get to travel up and down the country and even further afield to trade events. If you put the extra effort in because you believe in your work, then you will be rewarded in the success of your venture, this is what is much more rewarding for me.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Contact Business Doncaster and attend one of the start-up meetings and don’t be worried or lack confidence in your idea. The groups are so welcoming and chilled out and you will soon discover how easy it can be putting your first foot forward into realising your business dream. I honestly did not realise the opportunities available and what was possible.
Future plans, where do you see yourself and your business this time next year?
I would hope to be at a point where the word of my business had truly spread and people were aware to come to Getbusy for their lifestyle goods and their outfits. Also for support, hints and tips, links to organisations and events in their region and maybe even find friends and contacts to start getting busy!
For more information on Getbusy, please visit www.getbusystore.com or email emma.ledger@gmail.com
