When I was 23, I was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukaemia which meant I spend one year in hospital and another two being in and out of hospital. Having this experience at such a young age made me really value my life, and realise that health and fulfilment motivated me a lot more than just financial gain.

While, like most people I had various full-time jobs in my twenties, I never really settled and starting to test out various self-employed ‘opportunities, ranging from setting up a magazine, running a cleaning company and organising promotions all on a self-employed basis. After having a child I decided I needed to settle down and worked for a few years in waste and recycling which I enjoyed. Just after I had a second child I met someone through a friend who was involved in carpets and together we saw an opportunity to set up a socially-based organisation around carpets and recycling- The Big Idea!

Greenstream Flooring was set up in 2009, and it has gone from just a ‘good idea’ to being a multi- award-winning enterprise, employing nine staff in two warehouses providing flooring and recycling services across South Wales and in London.

Success Factors: Determination and belief in the fact your idea will work; having the right people around you in your personal and professional life; understanding that running a business involves sacrifice