Case studies: Fabric Creations

Fabric Creations
Shona McGregor
277 Clarkston Road
Glasgow
G44 3DT

Tel: 0141 637 3883

Background

Glasgow businesswoman Shona McGregor had been working in the printing industry when she took the opportunity to turn her hobby into a profitable business.

Shona explained:

“I had been a printer for over 11 years and following a house move I learned how to make curtains. Soon I was in demand and I was making curtains for my family and friends. I really enjoyed making these items and, having progressed as far as I could in printing, I decided that I would start my own soft furnishings business.

“I set up full-time two years ago, firstly, working from home but now I have opened a shop on the Southside. I have expanded the business into interior design and now employ one full-time and one part-time sewing outworker in addition to a joiner and a painter and decorator.

Help from Women Into Business

“I have had a lot of help from Women Into Business. It’s good to have someone else outside your business to speak to. The networking programme has been great for meeting people and it really helps to share experiences. You quickly realise you are in the same boat as other women starting up.

“I think it is important to have support from all angles and not just rely on one source. I’m really fortunate in that I have had loads of support from my friends and family - in fact, my part-time employee is my Mum. Some of my friends are also in business, so I tend to use them as a sounding board for new ideas and plans.

“Some aspects of the business were really challenging, like how to promote the business and book keeping. Although I just wanted to get on with the job but there were other things needing addressed. I attended some courses from Business Gateway programme, which guided me through a range of topics including marketing.”

Savings

Shona continues:

“I did find it quite difficult to manage my cashflow at the beginning. I was used to a monthly salary coming in and suddenly I could be earning nothing one week and various payments would come in the next. My advice to anyone starting out in business would be to try to have some savings in the bank to fall back on as things won’t necessarily work out as you initially intend.”

Plans for the future

Shona’s plans don’t stop with interiors, she adds:

“I love gardening and have designed gardens for several friends so I am looking at the possibility of expanding into landscape gardening.”

Jim O’Connor, manager of Business Gateway Glasgow, added:

“Fabric Creations is a great example of an organisation which has benefited from a range of Gateway services. Shona has demonstrated what can be achieved by taking an initial idea and developing that into a successful, thriving business. We wish her all the best with her future plans.”