Eily Livingstone, owner of Paths Through Change

What first drew you to starting your business?

I had never intended to start a business and was employed almost continually for 20 years. I have been a member of the same WIBN group since around 2013. When I was furloughed and then made redundant at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, I was inspired by all the business owners from WIBN that I had watched flourish - and decided to go out on my own.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

I can take my ideas from the first seed of an idea to a fully-formed, branded and marketed product within a week.

What's your advice to other women going into business?

Take up every free/discounted offer from your WIBN group that is available. In my first couple of months, I got free support with my business branding, personal branding, logo and website, marketing, business planning and accountancy/tax advice. There has been even more generous support (through WIBN) since.

What is your top tip for success?

Align your professional and personal interests. If you are passionate and personally invested in the services/products you provide, the marketing will come easily and the ongoing information-gathering/training will be a pleasure.

Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?

I was a chorister at Southwark Cathedral and a Choral Scholar at Cambridge University.