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TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS...

MEET COUNTRY LIVING’S TEAM OF EXPERTS • We asked the small-business gurus who helped us write this book what they would like to do for a living if they hadn’t pursued their current roles…

In the beginning… • There aren’t any entry requirements to starting your own venture – you are never too old, too young, too shy or too inexperienced. You are dressed in the right clothes, have the right qualifications and you do know enough – when the time is right for you, with hard work and confidence you can unleash your inner entrepreneur

Making the leap from hobby to small business • By choosing a venture that fits around your current commitments, your dream could soon become a reality

WOMAN OF THE CLOTH • Combining her life-long love of dressmaking and vintage style, a former City worker turned her talent for sewing and design into turnover, producing covetable collections from her home on the Isle of Wight

MARIANNE CHEUNG, HUBBA HUBBA VINTAGE

Becoming a fashion designer • There is renewed interest in original clothing – a growing number of people are turning their backs on cheap, disposable garments and choosing timeless, high-quality items made by artisans to last. Whether you’re creating your own designs or adapting vintage styles, here’s how to get started

TURN PHOTOS INTO ARTWORK

EARNING A CRUST • Jacqui Marsden explains how she left her admin job to tuck into a new role creating mouthwatering savoury pastries, in keeping with a strong family tradition

JACQUI MARSDEN, PENISTONE PIES

WORDS FROM THE WISE

Taking the first steps • When launching a start-up, the most important thing to do is take action: set your goals and plan your business – don’t let it stay in your head

KNEADING A NEW DIRECTION • A desire for more time with her family led Lucie Steel to launch her own breadmaking venture. Now, not only do her artisan loaves sell out but she takes pleasure in passing on her skills to others, too

LUCIE STEEL, BIRCH COTTAGE BREAD

Producing food • Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, with a turnover of £95.4bn and more than 6,000 enterprises – many are small companies with fewer than ten employees. With careful planning and a delicious product, a small slice of that pie could be yours

RUN CLASSES IN CRAFTING

IN FULL BLOOM • Harnessing her creativity after years working in the family business, one woman is flourishing in her new role outdoors

JENI CAIRNS, JUNIPER HOUSE GARDEN DESIGN

WORDS FROM THE WISE

Starting out on a shoestring • With more than three billion people using the internet, fledgling entrepreneurs can access a worldwide customer base for very little cost

GETTING INTO PRINT • It was only after years in a variety of different jobs that Alison Porter struck on the idea of using her country-themed illustrations to earn an income. Now her nostalgic designs decorate homes across the country

ALISON PORTER, COWPARSLEY AT HOME

WORDS FROM THE WISE

PREPARE ARTISAN FOOD

SHOP OF DELIGHTS • With virtually no budget, Hannah Burson opened an emporium in Hay-on-Wye, selling the vintage items she unearths at auctions and markets, and creating a hub where other local businesses can also thrive

HANNAH BURSON, THE OLD ELECTRIC SHOP

Setting up a shop • Buying online can never really replace shopping in store – the chance to see and feel the goods, the passion of the shopkeeper and the sensation of leaving with a unique item and a story to tell. With around 280,000 shops in the UK, the retail experience is very much alive and kicking

Creating the perfect working environment • Find a space and make it your own – no...