Creative Start Up - Interview with Frankie Snobel
The Creative Start up programme is coming to The Sheffield College after being a massive success in London. It’s a chance for all you budding entrepreneurs to get your big ideas out there and the opportunity to have one to one guidance with professionals. I spoke to Frankie Snobel who undertook the programme and now has a successful, growing business, Tipplesworth.
Where did your idea for Tipplesworth stem from?
I’m originally from Canada and was working in cocktail bars for eight years, and then travelled over to London to do journalism. I’ve always been enthusiastic and passionate about cocktail making and after receiving rubbish presents from friends at Christmas times, it gave me inspiration to start a cocktail travel case.
What skills do you feel you have gained from The Creative Start Up Programme?
I’ve learnt that even if you have an idea, the programme helps you to take things further and gives you the discipline that you need, especially what I needed at the time. They give you homework which ultimately makes you do the work, and the feedback they give you at each of the classes, for me, has changed my business. There is also an event at the end of the programme where you can meet investors, and it’s a chance for everyone to showcase their work, and talk to potential buyers, it’s a great experience.
What was the training like that you underwent throughout the programme?
It went both ways. It was however intense you made it and if you took it seriously and knew what you wanted out of the programme. Or vice versa, if it was just a hobby then it was not as intense. However, the workshops give you the freedom that most jobs don’t give; there were people there with families and other jobs whilst undertaking the programme too, so it is really flexible.
What advice would you give to people that maybe don’t have the confidence to apply?
I started off doing one of the meet up groups beforehand, and they really give you the confidence as you get to know people and hear their ideas. My idea started off as very wishy washy but I had a passion for it, and that’s the key. The programme builds your confidence and it makes you believe in yourself, so my advice would be to just go for it! The mentors really help you along.
How long has your business been going for?
I graduated in June 2013, so it has been going for over a year now. I had a massive order for my product really early on which proved difficult in the finance area for me. However, The Creative Start Up Programme helped me secure funding so without them I could not have done it.
What is it like being your own boss and having your own business?
I was on skype to my Dad the other day and he said to me “You have never looked so tired but so happy” and I think that’s true. The hours are insane but you get a huge adrenaline rush when you see the effects of your work. I work really hard and seeing the results of the product on the shelves, knowing that it was me who created it, is an amazing feeling.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
On a yacht in the Caribbean! I have ambitious plans and the business is growing. I want to produce for a mass market, at the moment I have secured my product for Harvey Nicholls, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason but I’m just taking one day at a time. I am essentially a one woman band at the moment!
Do you still keep in contact with the people you met on the programme?
Unfortunately we have lost touch that’s just because I have been working non-stop. On the programme I did make some really good friendships as they are going through the same things as you are, and everyone was different! Some had existing business, so it was great to share stories and to gain insight.
What are your overall opinions on the programme?
If it wasn’t for the programme I wouldn’t have a business today and it’s one of the most valuable things I have done. I can’t thank the teachers and mentors enough; they are top notch and only an email away. They support you within the classes and after hours too, they are always there for emergency advice late at night! I cannot thank them enough.
The Creative start up programme is in partnership with The Sheffield College and applications for this once in a lifetime opportunity are open now, head on to the website http://www.schoolforcreativestartups.com/ to apply! Sheffield needs your big ideas, so what are you waiting for?
http://www.tipplesworth.com/
