I run an NLP training and coaching business based in central Cardiff.

I set up my current business in 2009. Initially I offered one to one coaching – helping people become more confident and motivated by overcoming anxiety or specific fears, and then there came a time  when clients started asking me to teach them how to coach others. That’s when I added the training aspect to my business. It took a lot of work and reorganisation and over the last five years the training has become the main focus of my business.

I come from a family where everyone was self-employed or ran a business so when I was offered the opportunity to take over a small café aged 18, I jumped at the chance. Growing up I’d seen my grandad take on businesses he knew nothing about and learn the ropes quickly so I trusted that I could do the same.

There are always problems to solve and when it’s your own business, you’re the one who has to find the solutions. Finding the right premises was a particular challenge and renovating my offices was a huge project which took longer and cost more than expected but it’s been great to have my own base to work from for the past four years.

One of the things I really like is the challenge of bringing something new into my business. A few years ago I decided to get some professional videos made. This totally took me into new territory and I had to learn new skills in order the make the videos work as promotional material.

You never really know what will work until you give it your best shot and every now and then something works out much better than anticipated and you get the opportunity to take your business to a new level.

I think of a business as a living entity. You have to look after it and nourish it for it to grow. It’s so important to adapt to changing markets because nothing stays the same for long. You never really know what will work until you give it your best shot and every now and then something works out much better than anticipated and you get the opportunity to take your business to a new level. Businesses are built on relationships so it’s important to go the extra mile for your customers, by providing great service and making sure they get huge value for their purchase.