Business – Tia

Tia completed two distance learning courses, “Creating a Business Start-up” and “Business Administration”, through North Notts College. One year later, her mobile dog grooming business is booming. In this case study, we will explore Tia’s journey from student to successful business owner.

When did your passion for business begin?

“My passion started during the COVID pandemic, following a setback when I lost my two part-time jobs. However, during this time, I pursued my level 3 animal management qualification, which ignited my interest in the industry. The turning point was when I had the opportunity to train and teach at my local dog groomers, where I had previously done work experience. Following that, the job centre referred me to the Prince’s Trust, and that’s when my business journey truly began.”

What motivated you to start your own business?

 “After securing a loan with the help of the Prince’s Trust to purchase a van for my mobile dog grooming venture, I recognised the need to expand my knowledge in business operations. Therefore, I enrolled in a couple of online courses through North Notts College, recommended by my mum. These courses allow you to study at your own pace. However, I managed to complete them in just a few months and found the content really interesting. This combination of financial support and self-improvement drove me to pursue my business dream.”

Why did you want to pursue a career in this industry?

“My decision to enter the pet grooming industry was influenced by the unique opportunity it presented. My local mobile dog groomer, who had been serving the community for years, had recently closed down. Meanwhile, the demand for dog grooming services increased significantly during the COVID pandemic, creating a gap in the market. Recognising this opportunity, I decided to enter the industry, offering mobile grooming services to dog owners in my area.”

How have we supported you through your course?

“To be fair, the mentor I had was really good. If I had any final questions or anything, she was only ever an email away and was really quick at replying. The enrolment process was straightforward, and I appreciated the personal touch of receiving a phone call. The course materials were comprehensive yet easy to understand, organised into three or four units. Additionally, I received physical booklets containing useful information, which I found valuable for reference, especially in aspects like tax and business management.”

Has the knowledge learned been useful for starting your business?

“Absolutely, the knowledge gained from my courses has been instrumental in launching and running my business successfully. From handling taxes and insurance to managing expenses and tracking cash flow, I learned essential skills. I even delved into areas like marketing in the Creating A Business Start-up course, which inspired me to develop my own website after learning about the thriving digital sector. The courses covered a wide range of topics, addressing aspects I hadn’t previously considered, making them extremely helpful in preparing me for entrepreneurship.”

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

“For anyone contemplating starting their own business, my advice is simple: be prepared to put in the hard work and take calculated risks. When I sought a significant loan to purchase my van, there were people who doubted my ability to succeed. However, taking that leap of faith was crucial. Today, my business is thriving, and I continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing online courses. Don’t hesitate to seize opportunities and keep pushing your boundaries for growth.” 

Where would you like to be in the next five years?

“Looking ahead, my goal for the next five years is to expand my business further. I’m currently exploring the possibility of acquiring another van, which would allow me to broaden my service radius. Ultimately, I aim to transform my business into a multi-van operation. I aspire to create a home-based administrative centre to oversee the entire fleet. This strategic expansion will be the key to my future success.”

Find out more about the distance learning courses we have on offer.